[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 7, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1122-1145]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-29629]



[[Page 1121]]

Vol. 79

Tuesday,

No. 4

January 7, 2014

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 4 / Tuesday, January 7, 2014 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 1122]]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary

13 CFR Ch. III

15 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, and 
XI

19 CFR Ch. III

37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V

48 CFR Ch. 13

50 CFR Chs. II, III, IV, and VI


Fall 2013 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866, entitled 
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
as amended, the Department of Commerce (Commerce), in the spring and 
fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of 
regulations under development or review over the next 12 months. 
Rulemaking actions are grouped according to prerulemaking, proposed 
rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed 
since the spring 2013 agenda. The purpose of the agenda is to provide 
information to the public on regulations that are currently under 
review, being proposed, or issued by Commerce. The agenda is intended 
to facilitate comments and views by interested members of the public.
    Commerce's fall 2013 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October 
1, 2013, through September 30, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Specific: For additional information about specific regulatory 
actions listed in the agenda, contact the individual identified as the 
contact person.
    General: Comments or inquiries of a general nature about the agenda 
should be directed to Asha Mathew, Chief Counsel for Regulation, Office 
of the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, telephone: 202-482-3151.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Commerce hereby publishes its fall 2013 
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions pursuant 
to Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 
601 et seq. Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to publish an 
agenda of those regulations that are under consideration pursuant to 
this order. By memorandum of August 7, 2013, the Office of Management 
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and 
publication of the fall 2013 Unified Agenda. The Regulatory Flexibility 
Act requires agencies to publish, in the spring and fall of each year, 
a regulatory flexibility agenda that contains a brief description of 
the subject of any rule likely to have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities, and a list that identifies 
those entries that have been selected for periodic review under section 
610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    In this edition of Commerce's regulatory agenda, a list of the most 
important significant regulatory actions and a Statement of Regulatory 
Priorities are included in the Regulatory Plan, which appears in both 
the online Unified Agenda and in part II of the issue of the Federal 
Register that includes the Unified Agenda.
    In addition, beginning with the fall 2007 edition, the Internet 
became the basic means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The 
complete Unified Agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov, in a 
format that offers users a greatly enhanced ability to obtain 
information from the Agenda database.
    Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the 
regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, Commerce's printed agenda entries include only:
    (1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, 
in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are 
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities; and
    (2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under 
section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain 
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda 
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in 
the Unified Agenda published on the Internet. In addition, for fall 
editions of the Agenda, Commerce's entire Regulatory Plan will continue 
to be printed in the Federal Register.
    Within Commerce, the Office of the Secretary and various operating 
units may issue regulations. These operating units, the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Industry 
and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office, issue the greatest 
share of Commerce's regulations.A large number of regulatory actions 
reported in the Agenda deal with fishery management programs of NOAA's 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). To avoid repetition of 
programs and definitions, as well as to provide some understanding of 
the technical and institutional elements of NMFS' programs, an 
``Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries'' is 
provided below.

Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries

    The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) (the Act) governs the management of fisheries 
within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States (EEZ). The EEZ 
refers to those waters from the outer edge of the State boundaries, 
generally 3 nautical miles, to a distance of 200 nautical miles. 
Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) are to be prepared for fisheries that 
require conservation and management measures. Regulations implementing 
these FMPs regulate domestic fishing and foreign fishing where 
permitted. Foreign fishing may be conducted in a fishery in which there 
is no FMP only if a preliminary fishery management plan has been issued 
to govern that foreign fishing. Under the Act, eight Regional Fishery 
Management Councils (Councils) prepare FMPs or amendments to FMPs for 
fisheries within their respective areas. In the development of such 
plans or amendments and their implementing regulations, the Councils 
are required by law to conduct public hearings on the draft plans and 
to consider the use of alternative means of regulating.
    The Council process for developing FMPs and amendments makes it 
difficult for NMFS to determine the significance and timing of some 
regulatory actions under consideration by the Councils at the time the 
semiannual regulatory agenda is published.
    Commerce's fall 2013 regulatory agenda follows.

Cameron F. Kerry,
General Counsel.


[[Page 1123]]



          International Trade Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
181.......................  Modification of Regulation         0625-AA94
                             Regarding the Extension
                             of Time Limits.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
182.......................  Fishery Management Plan            0648-AS65
                             for Regulating Offshore
                             Marine Aquaculture in the
                             Gulf of Mexico.
183.......................  Marine Mammal Protection           0648-AW22
                             Act Stranding Regulation
                             Revisions.
184.......................  Addendum IV to the                 0648-AY41
                             Weakfish Interstate
                             Management Plan--Bycatch
                             Trip Limit.
185.......................  Implement the 2010 Shark           0648-BB02
                             Conservation Act
                             Provisions and Other
                             Regulations in the
                             Atlantic Smoothhound
                             Shark Fishery.
186.......................  Generic Amendment to               0648-BC12
                             Several Fishery
                             Management Plans in the
                             Gulf of Mexico and South
                             Atlantic Regions to
                             Modify Federally-
                             Permitted Seafood Dealer
                             Reporting Requirements.
187.......................  Amendment 43 to the FMP            0648-BC34
                             for BSAI King and Tanner
                             Crabs and Amendment 103
                             to the FMP for Groundfish
                             of the BSAI.
188.......................  Amendment 3 to the Spiny           0648-BC77
                             Dogfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
189.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BC84
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program Trailing Action:
                             Rule to Modify Chafing
                             Gear Regulations for
                             Midwater Trawl Gear Used
                             in the Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery.
190.......................  Inner Limit of the                 0648-BC92
                             Exclusive Economic Zone
                             under the Magnuson-
                             Stevens Fishery
                             Conservation and
                             Management Act.
191.......................  Fisheries Off West Coast           0648-BC95
                             States; West Coast Salmon
                             Fisheries; Amendment 18;
                             Essential Fish Habitat
                             Descriptions for Pacific
                             Salmon.
192.......................  Vessel Monitoring Systems;         0648-BD02
                             Specification of
                             Requirements for Mobile
                             Transmitting Unit Type
                             Approval.
193.......................  Joint for-Hire Generic             0648-BD21
                             Reporting Amendment for
                             the South Atlantic and
                             Gulf of Mexico.
194.......................  Amendment 5b to the Highly         0648-BD22
                             Migratory Species Fishery
                             Management Plan.
195.......................  Amendment 105 Bering Sea           0648-BD23
                             Flatfish Harvest
                             Specifications
                             Flexibility.
196.......................  Amendment 39 to the                0648-BD25
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
197.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BD30
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program Trailing Actions:
                             Permitting Requirements
                             for Observer and Catch
                             Monitor Providers.
198.......................  Modifications to the               0648-BD37
                             Pacific Coast Groundfish
                             Trawl Rockfish
                             Conservation Area
                             Boundaries.
199.......................  Southern New England               0648-BD45
                             Effort Controls to
                             Address Lobster Stock
                             Rebuilding Measures.
200.......................  Western Pacific Pelagic            0648-BD46
                             Fisheries; Territorial
                             Longline Catch and Effort
                             Limits and Assignments.
201.......................  Amendment 97 to the                0648-BD48
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Gulf of Alaska to
                             Establish Chinook Salmon
                             Prohibited Species Catch
                             Limits for the Non-
                             pollock Trawl Fisheries.
202.......................  Framework Adjustment 8 to          0648-BD50
                             the Atlantic Mackerel,
                             Squid and Butterfish
                             Fishery Management Plan.
203.......................  Management Measures for            0648-BD52
                             Fishing Years 2014-2016
                             Tropical Tunas in the
                             Eastern Pacific Ocean.
204.......................  Implementation of the              0648-BD53
                             Inter-American Tropical
                             Tuna Commission
                             Resolution for the
                             Conservation of Whale
                             Sharks and the Collection
                             and Analyses of Data on
                             Fish Aggregating Devices.
205.......................  Implementation of the              0648-BD54
                             Inter-American Tropical
                             Tuna Commission
                             Resolution to Establish a
                             Vessel Monitoring System
                             Program in the Eastern
                             Pacific Ocean.
206.......................  Implementation of the              0648-BD55
                             Inter-American Tropical
                             Tuna Commission
                             Resolution to Adopt
                             Conservation and
                             Management Measures for
                             Pacific Bluefin Tuna in
                             the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
207.......................  Framework Adjustment 8 to          0648-BD56
                             the Monkfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
208.......................  South Atlantic Coastal             0648-BD58
                             Migratory Pelagics
                             Framework Action 2013
                             (Section 610 Review).
209.......................  Implementation of a                0648-BD59
                             Program for
                             Transshipments by Large
                             Scale Fishing Vessels in
                             the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
210.......................  Amendment 45 to the                0648-BD61
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Bering Sea and
                             Aleutian Islands King and
                             Tanner Crab Freezer
                             Longline Catcher/
                             Processor Pacific Cod
                             Sideboard Removal.
211.......................  Change to Fishing Season           0648-BD63
                             Start Date; Pacific
                             Sardine Fishery; Coastal
                             Pelagic Species Fishery
                             Management Plan.
212.......................  Information Collection             0648-BD64
                             Program for Atlantic
                             Surfclam and Ocean Quahog
                             Fisheries.
213.......................  2014 Specifications and            0648-BD65
                             Management Measures for
                             the Atlantic Mackerel,
                             Squid and Butterfish
                             Fishery Management Plan.
214.......................  Modifications to                   0648-BD66
                             Identification Markings
                             on Fishing Gear Marker
                             Buoys.
215.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-AY54
                             Habitat for the North
                             Atlantic Right Whale.
216.......................  Amendment and Updates to           0648-BB37
                             the Bottlenose Dolphin
                             Take Reduction Plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
217.......................  American Lobster Fishery;          0648-AT31
                             Fishing Effort Control
                             Measures to Complement
                             Interstate Lobster
                             Management
                             Recommendations by the
                             Atlantic States Marine
                             Fisheries Commission.
218.......................  Amendment 14 to the                0648-AY26
                             Atlantic Mackerel, Squid,
                             and Butterfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
219.......................  Amendment 5 to the                 0648-AY47
                             Atlantic Herring Fishery
                             Management Plan.
220.......................  Fisheries off West Coast           0648-BB17
                             States; Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery; Trawl
                             Rationalization Program;
                             Cost Recovery Program.

[[Page 1124]]

 
221.......................  Amendment 89 to the Gulf           0648-BB76
                             of Alaska Groundfish
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             Area Closures for
                             Chionoecetes bairdi Crab
                             Protection in Gulf of
                             Alaska Groundfish
                             Fisheries.
222.......................  Amendment to the Vessel            0648-BB78
                             Ownership Requirements of
                             the Individual Fishing
                             Quota Program for Fixed-
                             Gear Pacific Halibut and
                             Sablefish Fisheries In
                             and Off of Alaska.
223.......................  Georges Bank Yellowtail            0648-BC33
                             Flounder Emergency Action
                             to Provide a Partial
                             Exemption from
                             Accountability Measures
                             to the Atlantic Scallop
                             Fishery.
224.......................  Amendment 95 to the                0648-BC39
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Gulf of Alaska.
225.......................  Modification to the Hired          0648-BC62
                             Skipper Regulations for
                             Management of the
                             Individual Fishing Quota
                             Program for the Fixed-
                             Gear Commercial Fisheries
                             for Pacific Halibut and
                             Sablefish in Waters of
                             Alaska.
226.......................  2013 Monkfish Emergency            0648-BC79
                             Action.
227.......................  Allowing Northeast                 0648-BD09
                             Multispecies Sector
                             Vessels Access to Year
                             Round Closed Areas.
228.......................  Amendment 2 to the Fishery         0648-BD15
                             Management Plan for the
                             Queen Conch Resources of
                             Puerto Rico and the USVI:
                             Compatibility of Trip and
                             Bag Limits in the
                             Management Area of St.
                             Croix, USVI.
229.......................  Framework Adjustment 2 to          0648-BD17
                             the Atlantic Herring
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             and Management Measures
                             for Atlantic Herring for
                             the 2013-2015 Fishing
                             Years.
230.......................  Modification of Vessel             0648-BD24
                             Monitoring System
                             Requirements for Atlantic
                             Highly Migratory Species
                             Fisheries.
231.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BD31
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program; Second Program
                             Improvement and
                             Enhancement Rule.
232.......................  Framework Action to                0648-BD39
                             Increase Quotas for the
                             Red Snapper Component of
                             the Reef Fish Fishery and
                             Establish a Second
                             Recreational Season.
233.......................  Revision of Hawaiian Monk          0648-BA81
                             Seal Critical Habitat.
234.......................  Removal of the Sunset              0648-BB20
                             Provision of the Final
                             Rule Implementing Vessel
                             Speed Restrictions to
                             Reduce the Threat of Ship
                             Collisions With North
                             Atlantic Right Whales.
235.......................  Endangered and Threatened          0648-BB30
                             Species: Designation of
                             Critical Habitat for
                             Threatened Lower Columbia
                             River Coho Salmon and
                             Puget Sound Steelhead.
236.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC76
                             Habitat for the Distinct
                             Population Segments of
                             Yelloweye Rockfish,
                             Canary Rockfish, and
                             Bocaccio.
237.......................  Amending the Atlantic              0648-BC90
                             Large Whale Take
                             Reduction Plan.
238.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BD27
                             Habitat for the Northwest
                             Atlantic Ocean Loggerhead
                             Sea Turtle DPS and the
                             Determination Regarding
                             Critical Habitat for the
                             North Pacific Ocean
                             Loggerhead DPS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
239.......................  Magnuson-Stevens Fishery           0648-AV53
                             Conservation and
                             Management
                             Reauthorization Act
                             (MSRA) Environmental
                             Review Procedure.
240.......................  Amendment 6 to the                 0648-BA50
                             Monkfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
241.......................  Amendment 22 to the                0648-BA53
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
242.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD32
                             Management Plan for
                             Puerto Rico.
243.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD33
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Croix.
244.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD34
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Thomas/St. John.
245.......................  Marine Mammal Protection           0648-AV82
                             Act Permit Regulation
                             Revisions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
246.......................  Amendment 18B to the               0648-BB58
                             Snapper Grouper Fishery
                             Management Plan of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
247.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BC01
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program Reconsideration
                             of Allocation of Whiting
                             (Raw 2).
248.......................  Amendment 4 to the Fishery         0648-BC20
                             Management Plan for the
                             Reef Fish Fishery of
                             Puerto Rico and the U.S.
                             Virgin Islands:
                             Parrotfish Size Limits.
249.......................  Amendment 42 to the                0648-BC25
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Bering Sea/Aleutian
                             Islands King and Tanner
                             Crabs.
250.......................  Framework Adjustment 48 to         0648-BC27
                             the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fishery
                             Management Plan.
251.......................  Magnuson-Stevens Act               0648-BC35
                             Provisions; Fisheries off
                             West Coast States;
                             Pacific Coast Groundfish
                             Fishery; Specifications
                             and Management Measures
                             and FMP Amendment 21-1.
252.......................  Management Measures for            0648-BC44
                             Pacific Bluefin Tuna in
                             the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
253.......................  Regulatory Amendment to            0648-BC50
                             Implement an Exempted
                             Fishery for the Spiny
                             Dogfish Fishery off Cape
                             Cod, MA.
254.......................  Pacific Halibut Fisheries;         0648-BC75
                             Catch Sharing Plan for
                             Washington, Oregon, and
                             California.
255.......................  2013-2015 Spiny Dogfish            0648-BC85
                             Fishery Specifications.
256.......................  International Fisheries;           0648-BC87
                             Western and Central
                             Pacific Fisheries for
                             Highly Migratory Species;
                             Fishing Restrictions in
                             Purse Seine Fisheries for
                             2013 and 2014.
257.......................  Pacific Coast Whiting              0648-BC93
                             Fishery Allocations for
                             2013.
258.......................  Emergency Rule to                  0648-BD00
                             Establish Recreational
                             Closure Authority
                             Specific to Federal
                             Waters off Individual
                             States for the Red
                             Snapper Component of the
                             Reef Fish Fishery.

[[Page 1125]]

 
259.......................  Regulatory Amendment 18 to         0648-BD04
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Snapper
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
260.......................  2013 Summer Flounder,              0648-BD13
                             Scup, and Black Sea Bass
                             Recreational Harvest
                             Measures and Increase to
                             the 2013 and 2014 Black
                             Sea Bass Specifications.
261.......................  Framework Adjustment 24 to         0648-BC81
                             the Atlantic Sea Scallop
                             FMP and Framework
                             Adjustment 49 to the
                             Northeast Multispecies
                             Fishery Management Plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

International Trade Administration (ITA)

Final Rule Stage

181. Modification of Regulation Regarding the Extension of Time Limits

    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 1202 note; 19 U.S.C. 1303 
note; 19 U.S.C. et seq.; 19 U.S.C. 3538
    Abstract: Requesting comment on a proposed modification to 19 CFR 
351.302, which concerns the extension of time limits for submissions in 
antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   01/16/13  78 FR 3367
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles Vannatta, Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, International Trade Administration, 1401 Constitution Ave 
NW., Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202 482-4036, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0625-AA94

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

182. Fishery Management Plan for Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture 
in the Gulf of Mexico

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of this fishery management plan is to develop 
a regional permitting process for regulating and promoting 
environmentally sound and economically sustainable aquaculture in the 
Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone. This fishery management plan 
consists of ten actions, each with an associated range of management 
alternatives, which would facilitate the permitting of an estimated 5 
to 20 offshore aquaculture operations in the Gulf of Mexico over the 
next 10 years, with an estimated annual production of up to 64 million 
pounds. By establishing a regional permitting process for aquaculture, 
the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will be positioned to 
achieve their primary goal of increasing maximum sustainable yield and 
optimum yield of Federal fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico by 
supplementing harvest of wild caught species with cultured product. 
This rulemaking would outline a regulatory permitting process for 
aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico, including: (1) Required permits; (2) 
duration of permits; (3) species allowed; (4) designation of sites for 
aquaculture; (5) reporting requirements; and (6) regulations to aid in 
enforcement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   06/04/09  74 FR 26829
NOA comment period end..............   08/03/09  .......................
NPRM................................   12/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AS65

183. Marine Mammal Protection Act Stranding Regulation Revisions

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1379; 16 U.S.C. 1382; 16 U.S.C. 1421
    Abstract: NMFS intends to clarify the requirements and procedures 
for responding to stranded marine mammals and for determining the 
disposition of rehabilitated marine mammals, which includes the 
procedures for the placement of non-releasable animals and for 
authorizing the retention of releasable rehabilitated marine mammals 
for scientific research, enhancement, or public display.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   01/31/08  73 FR 5786
ANPRM Comment Period Extended.......   03/28/08  73 FR 16617
NPRM................................   07/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-AW22

184. Addendum IV to the Weakfish Interstate Management Plan--Bycatch 
Trip Limit

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5101
    Abstract: This action would modify management restrictions in the 
Federal weakfish fishery in a manner consistent with the Atlantic 
States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Plan. The proposed change 
would decrease the incidental catch allowance for weakfish in the 
exclusive economic zone in non-directed fisheries using smaller mesh 
sizes, from 150 pounds to no more than 100 pounds per day or trip, 
whichever is longer in duration. In addition, it would impose a one 
fish possession limit on recreational fishers.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/12/10  75 FR 26703
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/11/10  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Re-opened.......   06/16/10  75 FR 34092
Comment Period End..................   06/30/10  .......................
Proposed Rule.......................   04/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 1126]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2234, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY41

185. Implement the 2010 Shark Conservation Act Provisions and Other 
Regulations in the Atlantic Smoothhound Shark Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This proposed rule considers implementing the provisions 
of the 2010 Shark Conservation Act and other regulations in the 
Atlantic Smoothhound Fishery (which includes smooth dogfish and the 
Florida smoothhound). Specifically, this action would: (1) Modify 
regulations for smooth dogfish as needed to be consistent with the 
Shark Conservation Act; (2) consider other management measures, as 
needed, including the Terms and Conditions of the Endangered Species 
Act Smoothhound Biological Opinion; and, (3) consider revising the 
current smoothhound shark quota based on updated catch data.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2234, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB02

186. Generic Amendment to Several Fishery Management Plans in the Gulf 
of Mexico and South Atlantic Regions To Modify Federally-Permitted 
Seafood Dealer Reporting Requirements

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: To better ensure commercial landings of managed fish 
stocks do not exceed annual catch limits, improvements are needed to 
the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness of data 
submitted by federally-permitted seafood dealers. The purpose of the 
generic amendment is to change the current reporting requirements for 
those dealers who purchase fish managed under several of the Gulf of 
Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council fishery management 
plans. Changes are proposed to the current six dealer permits to 
increase the species that must be reported. Changes are also proposed 
to the method and frequency of dealer reporting. This action will aid 
in achieving the optimum yield from each fishery while reducing (1) 
undue socioeconomic harm to dealers and fishermen and (2) 
administrative burdens to fishery agencies
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Action               Date                 FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM......................   11/00/13  .................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC12

187. Amendment 43 to the FMP for BSAI King and Tanner Crabs and 
Amendment 103 to the FMP for Groundfish of the BSAI

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: This rule would implement both Amendment 43 to the 
Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner 
Crabs and Amendment 103 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish 
of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area. Amendment 43 
revises the current rebuilding plan for Pribilof Islands blue king crab 
(blue king crab) and Amendment 103 implements groundfish fishing 
restrictions. A no-trawl Pribilof Islands Habitat Conservation Zone 
(Zone) was established in 1995 and the directed fishery for blue king 
crab has been closed since 1999. A rebuilding plan was implemented in 
2003; however, blue king crab remains overfished and the current 
rebuilding plan has not achieved adequate progress towards rebuilding 
the stock by 2014. The rule would close the Zone to all Pacific cod pot 
fishing in addition to the current trawl prohibition. This measure 
would help support blue king crab rebuilding and prevent exceeding the 
overfishing limit of blue king crab by minimizing to the extent 
practical blue king crab bycatch in the groundfish fisheries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC34

188. Amendment 3 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The action would make four modifications to the 
management measures in the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan. These 
include allowing up to 3 percent of the annual quota to be set aside 
for research purposes (research set-aside), updating the essential fish 
habitat definitions for spiny dogfish, allowing the previous year's 
management measures to be carried over into the subsequent year in the 
case of rulemaking delays, and removing the seasonal allocation of the 
commercial quota. The action is needed to improve the efficiency of the 
Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan, and help reduce misalignment of 
regulations with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's 
Interstate Fishery Management Plan for spiny dogfish.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC77

189. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program Trailing 
Action: Rule To Modify Chafing Gear Regulations for Midwater Trawl Gear 
Used in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would modify the existing chafing gear 
regulations for midwater trawl gear, and includes housekeeping measures 
to clarify which

[[Page 1127]]

vessels can use midwater trawl gear and where midwater trawl gear can 
be used. This action includes regulations that affect all trawl sectors 
(Shorebased Individual Fishing Quota Program, Mothership Cooperative 
Program, Catcher/Processor Cooperative Program, and tribal fishery) 
managed under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator, 
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 48115-0070, Phone: 206 526-6150, Fax: 206 526-6426, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC84

190. Inner Limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone Under the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would define the term ``inner limit of the 
exclusive economic zone'' under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (MSA). The MSA establishes sovereign 
rights and exclusive management authority over fishery resources of the 
U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The inner limit of the Exclusive Economic 
Zone is described as a line coterminous with the seaward boundary of 
each of the coastal states. NMFS, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and 
state partners, enforce Federal fishery regulations on the basis of the 
3 nautical mile line as it is represented on NOAA charts. The use of 3 
nautical mile line has caused confusion when NOAA charts are updated 
because the baseline for establishing this line is ambulatory. NMFS 
proposes to clarify/correct this by defining this seaward boundary line 
to be a line established pursuant to the Submerged Lands Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2234, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC92

191. Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 
Amendment 18; Essential Fish Habitat Descriptions for Pacific Salmon

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The proposed action would implement Amendment 18 to the 
Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan. The purpose of the 
amendment is to address revisions to the Pacific coast salmon essential 
fish habitat provisions under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator, 
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 48115-0070, Phone: 206 526-6150, Fax: 206 526-6426, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC95

192. Vessel Monitoring Systems; Specification of Requirements for 
Mobile Transmitting Unit Type Approval

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: All vessels participating in a NOAA Vessel Monitoring 
System program are required to acquire a NMFS-approved mobile 
transmitting unit to comply with the Vessel Monitoring System 
requirements. Previously, this action was only taken through the 
publication of a notice in the Federal Register. However, this rule 
will establish the type-approval standards, specifications, and 
procedures that vendors may reference to maintain type-approval for 
their products and/or services. This action will establish type-
approval standards for the initial approval, subsequent assessments, 
and the procedures for rescinding the type-approval if the vendor fails 
to comply with the performance standards. This action is necessary to 
ensure Vessel Monitoring System vendors continue to meet minimum 
performance standards over the long term.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2234, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD02

193. Joint For-Hire Generic Reporting Amendment for the South Atlantic 
and Gulf of Mexico

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would require headboat vessel operators to 
submit electronic fishing records (via computer or internet) rather 
than paper logbooks for the South Atlantic snapper-grouper, dolphin 
wahoo, and coastal migratory pelagics fisheries. It also gives NMFS the 
flexibility to modify the reporting frequency, via notice, if this 
becomes necessary in the future. Electronic reporting will allow for 
more timely data collection which would help with tracking recreational 
annual catch limits and preventing annual catch limits overages.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD21

194. Amendment 5B to the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management 
Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking would propose management measures for 
dusky sharks based on a recent stock assessment, taking into 
consideration comments received on the proposed rule and Amendment 5 to 
the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan. 
This rulemaking could consider a range of commercial and recreational 
management measures in both directed

[[Page 1128]]

and incidental shark fisheries including, among other things, gear 
modifications, time/area closures, permitting, shark identification 
requirements, and reporting requirements. NMFS determined dusky sharks 
are still overfished and still experiencing overfishing and originally 
proposed management measures to end overfishing and rebuild dusky 
sharks in a proposed rule for Draft Amendment 5 to the 2006 
Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan. 
That proposed rule also contained management measures for scalloped 
hammerhead, sandbar, blacknose and Gulf of Mexico blacktip sharks. NMFS 
issued management measures for scalloped hammerhead, sandbar, blacknose 
and Gulf of Mexico blacktip sharks in a final rule and final amendment 
referred to as ``Amendment 5a'' to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic 
Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan. Dusky shark 
management measures will be addressed in this separate, but related, 
action and will be referred to as ``Amendment 5b.''
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2234, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD22

195.  Amendment 105 Bering Sea Flatfish Harvest Specifications 
Flexibility

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This proposed action is intended to provide additional 
harvest opportunities to participants in Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands (BSAI) flatfish fisheries while (1) maintaining catch below the 
annual catch limits for these species and (2) ensuring that the maximum 
optimum yield for BSAI groundfish fisheries will not be exceeded. 
Specifically, Amendment 105 to the BSAI Fishery Management Plan would 
establish a process for Amendment 80 cooperatives and Western Alaska 
Community Development Quota groups to exchange harvest quota from one 
of the three flatfish species for an equivalent amount of quota of 
another species. In no case could the amount of fish exchanged exceed 
the annual catch limit, commonly known as the allowable biological 
catch (ABC), of that species. This action would modify the annual 
harvest specification process to allow the North Pacific Fishery 
Management Council (Council) to establish the maximum amount of harvest 
quota that can be exchanged for each of the three flatfish species. 
This process would allow the Council to establish a buffer below the 
ABC to account for management or socioeconomic considerations. Each 
participant could only exchange harvest quota up to three times per 
year. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of 
the BSAI Fishery Management Plan, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable laws.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD23

196.  Amendment 39 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef 
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of this action is to facilitate management of 
the recreational red snapper component in the reef fish fishery by 
reorganizing the Federal fishery management strategy to better account 
for biological, social, and economic differences among the regions of 
the Gulf of Mexico. Regional management would enable regions and their 
associated communities to specify the optimal management parameters 
that best meet the needs of their local constituents thereby addressing 
regional socio-economic concerns.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   05/13/13  78 FR 27956
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD25

197.  Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program 
Trailing Actions: Permitting Requirements for Observer and Catch 
Monitor Providers

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would modify regulations pertaining to 
certified catch monitors and observers required under the Pacific Coast 
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. The action specifies permitting 
requirements for business entities interested in providing certified 
observers and catch monitor services, as well as addresses numerous 
housekeeping measures and updates observer provider and vessel 
responsibilities relative to observer safety such that the regulations 
are consistent with the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 
2012. This action affects individuals serving as certified catch 
monitors and observers, business entities that provide certified catch 
monitors and observers, vessels that are required to carry certified 
observers, and shore-based business entities that are required to 
employ the services of certified catch monitors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator, 
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 48115-0070, Phone: 206 526-6150, Fax: 206 526-6426, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD30

198.  Modifications to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl 
Rockfish Conservation Area Boundaries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would implement recommendations from the 
Pacific Fishery Management Council to liberalize trawl Rockfish 
Conservation Area boundaries for participants in the Pacific Coast 
groundfish shorebased individual fishing quota program, beginning 
November 1, 2013 through the end of 2014. Different trawl Rockfish 
Conservation Area variations have been

[[Page 1129]]

in place since 2002-2003 and are typically adjusted through routine 
inseason actions to keep overfished fish species within acceptable 
catch limits or harvest guidelines. This rule proposes to modify the 
trawl Rockfish Conservation Area boundaries in order to increase access 
to target species. This rule would increase fishermen's access to their 
target species allocations, while allowing the individual 
accountability inherent in the individual fishing quota program to 
reduce bycatch. This action would also increase the flexibility and 
efficiency for individual fishing quota program participants and 
maintain the full catch accounting requirements of the individual 
fishing quota program.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator, 
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 48115-0070, Phone: 206 526-6150, Fax: 206 526-6426, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD37

199.  Southern New England Effort Controls To Address Lobster 
Stock Rebuilding Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS announces that the Agency is considering, and 
seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal American lobster 
regulations intended to assist in rebuilding the Southern New England 
lobster stock. The proposed measures include trap reductions in Lobster 
Management Areas 2 and 3, a minimum carapace size increase for Lobster 
Management Area 3, mandatory v-notching of egg-bearing female lobster 
in Lobster Management Areas 2, 4, and 5, and seasonal closures in 
Lobster Management Areas 4, 5, and 6. These actions are recommended for 
Federal implementation by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries 
Commission (Commission). The proposed stock rebuilding measures were 
recommended by the Commission in consultation with some, but not all, 
Federal lobster permit holders through associated industry 
participation on the Commissions Lobster Conservation Management Teams. 
While this action could limit fishing effort and landings by Federal 
lobster permit holders in Southern New England, the proposed measures 
are consistent with those already implemented by the affected states.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   08/20/13  78 FR 51131
NPRM................................   01/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD45

200.  Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Territorial Longline 
Catch and Effort Limits and Assignments

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriation Act 
of 2012, as extended through the end of 2013 by section 110 of the 
Consolidated and Further Appropriations Act of 2013, directed the 
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council to amend its fishery 
ecosystem plan for pelagic fisheries to authorize U.S. Participating 
Territories of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission 
(American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam) to use, assign, 
allocate, and manage their catch and effort limits for highly migratory 
fish stocks through arrangements with U.S. vessels permitted under the 
plan. The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council has therefore 
recommended establishing a process for assigning territorial catch or 
effort limit to U.S. vessels that meet specific criteria. Based on the 
Council's recommendations, NMFS would describe the terms, conditions, 
and process for U.S. vessels to enter into a fishing arrangement with a 
territory. Under the proposed amendment, and as part of the 
specification for the first year, NMFS would specify an annual longline 
catch limit for bigeye tuna of 2,000 mt for each territory. Each 
territory would be allowed to enter into fishing arrangements to 
transfer up to 1,000 mt of that limit, per year, to eligible U.S. 
vessels.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator for the 
Pacific Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, 
Honolulu, HI 96814, Phone: 808 944-2281.
    RIN: 0648-BD46

201.  Amendment 97 to the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska to Establish Chinook Salmon Prohibited 
Species Catch Limits for the Non-Pollock Trawl Fisheries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would limit Chinook salmon prohibited species 
catch in the Western and Central Gulf of Alaska non-pollock trawl 
fisheries. Chinook salmon is a fully utilized species in Alaska coastal 
subsistence, recreational, and commercial fisheries. In recent years 
the returns of Chinook salmon to some Alaska river systems have been 
below the biological escapement goals established by the State of 
Alaska. This action is necessary to minimize the catch of Chinook 
salmon to the extent practicable in the Gulf of Alaska non-pollock 
trawl fisheries. The proposed rule would establish a 7,500 Chinook 
salmon prohibited species annual limit that would be seasonally 
apportioned among fishing vessel sectors. If a sector reached its 
Chinook salmon prohibited species limit, further directed fishing for 
groundfish by vessels in that sector and season would be prohibited. 
Vessel operators would be required to retain salmon until the number of 
salmon has been determined by the vessel or plant observer and the 
observers data collection has been completed. About 70 vessels could be 
affected by this action. This action could reduce revenues from the 
fisheries, if the Chinook salmon prohibited species limit is reached 
before the groundfish quota is harvested. The action may also increase 
costs if vessel operators move fishing operations or take other actions 
to lower their catch of Chinook salmon.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801,Phone: 907 586-
7221,Fax: 907 586-7465,Email: [email protected].

[[Page 1130]]

    RIN: 0648-BD48

202.  Framework Adjustment 8 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid 
and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Framework 8 announces several changes to facilitate the 
operation of the butterfish discard cap on the longfin squid fishery. 
The alternatives proposed in Framework 8 would allocate the butterfish 
discard cap among the trimesters in the same percentages used for the 
trimester allocations for longfin squid. In addition, Framework 8 
proposes allowing NMFS to transfer, in either direction, a certain 
amount of unused quota between the butterfish landing allocation and 
the discard cap on the longfin squid fishery. This would occur near the 
end of the year in order to optimally utilize the butterfish that is 
available for fishing each year.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930,Phone: 
978 281-9287,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD50

203.  Management Measures for Fishing Years 2014-2016 Tropical 
Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule implements the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 
Commissions Resolution on a Multiannual Program for the Conservation of 
Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean during 2014-2016 (C-13-01). This 
resolution requires that the United States restrict the catch of bigeye 
tuna in the longline fishery and the effort in the purse seine fishery 
in the eastern Pacific Ocean in each of the years 2014, 2015, and 2016 
to prevent overfishing of bigeye and yellowfin tuna. Overall, the 
expected impacts on bigeye tuna and other living marine resources from 
this action are expected to be beneficial, because they would implement 
a landings limit on bigeye tuna and purse seine closure periods where 
they currently do not exist. This action is likely to have negligible 
economic impacts because: (i) the longline fishery based out of Hawaii 
operates primarily outside the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission 
Convention Area, (ii) based on historical data, NMFS predicts the 500-
mt quota on bigeye tuna is not likely to be reached; and (iii) as for 
the purse seine closure, currently only five U.S. vessels of class 4 or 
greater fish in the Convention Area, all of which are capable of 
fishing outside of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission 
Convention Area.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802,Phone: 562 980-4040,Fax: 562 980-4047,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD52

204.  Implementation of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 
Commission Resolution for the Conservation of Whale Sharks and the 
Collection and Analyses of Data on Fish Aggregating Devices

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 961 et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would implement the Inter-American Tropical 
Tuna Commissions Resolution intended to conserve whale sharks and 
collect information on fish aggregating devices. This action requires 
that by July 1, 2014, owners and operators of purse seine vessels in 
the eastern Pacific Ocean would be prohibited from setting a purse 
seine on a school of tuna associated with a live whale shark, if the 
shark is sighted prior to the beginning of the set. If a whale shark is 
encircled in the purse seine net the master of the vessel would be 
required to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure its 
safe release and report the details of the incident to the Inter-
American Tropical Tuna Commission and NMFS. By January 1, 2015, owners 
and operators of purse seine vessels operating in the Inter-American 
Tropical Tuna Commission Convention area when fishing on fish 
aggregating devices would be required to collect and report the fish 
aggregating devices location and type. The data may be collected 
through a dedicated logbook, modifications to existing regional log 
sheets, or other domestic reporting procedures.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802,Phone: 562 980-4040,Fax: 562 980-4047,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD53

205.  Implementation of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 
Commission Resolution To Establish a Vessel Monitoring System Program 
in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would implement the Inter-American Tropical 
Tuna Commission's Resolution intended to require owners and operators 
of tuna-fishing vessels to have installed, activate, carry and operate 
vessel monitoring system units (also known as mobile transmitting 
units). This regulation would apply to owners and operators of tuna-
fishing vessels 24 meters or more in length operating in the eastern 
Pacific Ocean. The vessel monitoring system units would have to be 
type-approved and authorize the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission 
and NMFS to receive and relay transmissions (also called position 
reports) from the vessel monitoring system unit. Vessel monitoring 
systems may enhance the safety of some vessels by allowing the vessels 
location to be tracked, which could assist in rescue efforts. This 
regulation would apply to commercial vessels and would not apply to 
recreational or charter vessels. This rule would apply to approximately 
seventy-four vessels, however, roughly thirty-eight of these vessels 
are already subject to vessel monitoring system requirements under the 
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. Due to the relatively 
small number of vessels affected, this rule is not expected to garner 
public opposition or congressional interest.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 1131]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802,Phone: 562 980-4040,Fax: 562 980-4047,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD54

206.  Implementation of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 
Commission Resolution To Adopt Conservation and Management Measures for 
Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This action proposes regulations adopted by the Inter-
American Tropical Tuna Commission that would place a limit on 
commercial harvests of Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific 
Ocean in 2014. The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission resolution 
imposes an international aggregate catch limit of 5,000 metric tons for 
commercial fleets in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and, as in past years, 
the Resolution allows a minimum of 500 metric tons for nations such as 
the United States that have historically fished Pacific bluefin tuna in 
the Eastern Pacific Ocean but do not harvest large amounts. The rule is 
expected to have a beneficial impact on Pacific bluefin tuna and other 
living marine resources since it would extend catch limits currently 
set to expire December 31, 2013. This rule is likely to have negligible 
economic impacts because the U.S. fleets that catch Pacific bluefin 
tuna have not caught more than 500 metric tons of bluefin in more than 
a decade.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802,Phone: 562 980-4040,Fax: 562 980-4047,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD55

207.  Framework Adjustment 8 to the Monkfish Fishery Management 
Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Framework Adjustment 8 would specify acceptable 
biological catch amounts and annual catch limits for the monkfish 
fishery during fishing years 2014-2016 based on an updated stock 
assessment completed in April 2013. This action would also set monkfish 
days-at-sea allocations and trip limits for both the Northern and 
Southern Fishery Management Areas to achieve recommended annual catch 
targets. In addition, this action would allow vessels issued a limited 
access monkfish Category H permit to fish throughout the Southern 
Fishery Management Area. Both the directed and incidental monkfish 
fisheries would be affected by this action. Specifically, Category H 
vessels would be provided with greater flexibility to fish for monkfish 
in a broader geographical area. Since the fishery has not fully 
harvested available quotas in recent years, it is not expected that 
potential increases or decreases in catch allowances are likely to have 
a substantial economic effect.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930,Phone: 
978 281-9287,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD56

208.  South Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagics Framework 
Action 2013 (Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Currently in the South Atlantic, transfer of harvested 
fish at sea is prohibited for any species under a commercial trip 
limit, and only two gillnets are allowed on a federally permitted 
Spanish mackerel vessel. In some instances the trip limit may be 
exceeded with just one gillnet set, and the excess fish must be 
discarded. Most discarded fish caught in gillnet gear die due to trauma 
caused during capture. The Framework Action would allow a portion of a 
gillnet and its contents to be transferred from a vessel that has met 
the Spanish mackerel trip limit to another vessel that has not yet 
reached the trip limit. Allowing transfer at sea for federally 
permitted Spanish mackerel vessels using gillnet gear is intended to 
reduce dead discards and minimize waste when catch in one net exceeds 
the trip limit for the vessel. Additionally, the Framework Action would 
modify the commercial trip limits for Atlantic king mackerel in the 
Florida east coast subzone. The current system of trip limits may 
increase the rate of harvest causing the commercial sector to close 
before Lent, the most lucrative part of the fishing season. Therefore, 
the trip limit modifications that would be implemented through the 
Framework Action are expected to help minimize lost opportunities to 
fish and optimize profitability in the king mackerel sector of the 
coastal migratory pelagics fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701,Phone: 
727 824-5305,Fax: 727 824-5308,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD58

209.  Implementation of a Program for Transshipments by Large 
Scale Fishing Vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would establish the Inter-American Tropical 
Tuna Commission program to monitor transshipments by large-scale tuna 
fishing vessels. This rule would govern transshipments by U.S. large-
scale tuna fishing vessels and carrier, or receiving, vessels. The rule 
would establish: Criteria for transshipping in port; criteria for 
transshipping at sea by longline vessels, only to an authorized carrier 
vessel with an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission observer onboard 
and an operational vessel monitoring system; and the Pacific 
Transshipment Declaration Form, which must be used to report 
transshipments in the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission 
Convention Area. The rule is neither applicable to troll or pole-and-
line vessels, nor to vessels that transship fresh fish at sea. Very few 
transshipments occur annually and occurrence in the Eastern Pacific 
Ocean is uncertain. The vessels which may transship are from the 
Western and Central Pacific Ocean fleet, which cross into the Eastern 
Pacific Ocean. A similar rule was adopted in the Western and Central 
Pacific Ocean and NMFS

[[Page 1132]]

calculated that an average of twenty-four at-sea transshipments of fish 
caught by longline gear in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean have 
occurred annually from 1993 through 2009; only four in 2011. Although 
it is unknown how many may occur in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, it is 
likely much less than twenty-four.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802,Phone: 562 980-4040,Fax: 562 980-4047,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD59

210.  Amendment 45 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering 
Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Freezer Longline Catcher/
Processor Pacific Cod Sideboard Removal

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would establish conditions for the removal of 
Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod catch limits, known as sideboards, which 
apply to some catcher/processor vessels using hook-and-line gear, also 
known as freezer longliners. The newly reorganized sideboard limits 
have effectively eliminated the ability of these stakeholders to 
participate in these GOA fisheries. The rule would remove the Gulf of 
Alaska Pacific cod sideboards from 6 freezer longline vessels if owners 
of vessels endorsed to catch and process Pacific cod in the Western 
Gulf of Alaska, Central Gulf of Alaska, or both (a total of 9 vessels) 
agree to removal the sideboards, within one year from the effective 
date of a final rule. If an agreement is not reached by the deadline 
the sideboarded vessels would not be able to participate in the Gulf of 
Alaska fisheries. The requirement for an agreement is intended to 
promote cooperation among all affected parties prior to the removal of 
sideboards.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801,Phone: 907 586-
7221,Fax: 907 586-7465,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD61

211.  Change to Fishing Season Start Date; Pacific Sardine 
Fishery; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would implement regulations to change the 
date of the start of the Pacific sardine fishery from January 1 to July 
1. Each year NMFS implements regulations that set the annual quota for 
the Pacific sardine fishing season that begins January 1 ends December 
31 and that is divided into three seasonal allocation periods based on 
set percentages in the Fishery Management Plan. These annual quotas are 
based in large part on the results of annual stock assessments that 
provide biomass estimates from which the quota is calculated. This 
action changes the annual Pacific sardine fishing season so that it 
begins July 1 and ends June 30 of the following year and would allow 
the completion of the research and science that is used for the annual 
stock assessments. No changes to the annual allocation structure would 
be made, as the percentages associated with each seasonal allocation 
would remain the same, as would the current quota roll-over provisions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802,Phone: 562 980-4040,Fax: 562 980-4047,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD63

212.  Information Collection Program for Atlantic Surfclam and 
Ocean Quahog Fisheries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS is implementing this information collection program 
at the request of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council 
(Council). This program will collect additional information about the 
individuals who hold and/or control Individual Transferable Quota in 
the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. This information will 
be used by the Council in the consideration and development of 
excessive shares cap(s) in these Individual Transferable Quota 
fisheries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930,Phone: 
978 281-9287,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD64

213.  2014 Specifications and Management Measures for the 
Atlantic Mackerel, Squid and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action establishes catch levels and associated 
management measures for the 2014 fishing year for species managed under 
the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. 
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council reaffirmed the 3-year catch 
level recommendations for Illex squid and longfin squid (2012-2014), 
and for Atlantic mackerel (2013-2015), so no changes are proposed for 
catch levels for those species.
    The proposed action would:
     Increase the butterfish ABC by 8 percent and the 
butterfish landings limit by 24 percent compared to 2013;
     Set a 236 mt cap on river herring and shad catch in the 
mackerel fishery;
     Raise the post-closure possession limit for longfin squid 
to 10,000 lb for vessels targeting Illex squid; and
     Change the butterfish Phase 3 trip limit to 600 lb (from 
500 lb) for longfin squid/butterfish moratorium permit holders to make 
it consistent with the incidental butterfish trip limit.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930,Phone: 
978

[[Page 1133]]

281-9287,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD65

214.  Modifications to Identification Markings on Fishing Gear 
Marker Buoys

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This proposed rule would eliminate the requirement that 
buoys marking the location of commercial fishing gear be marked with 
the vessel's name, in addition to a vessel identification number. 
Regulations in 50 CFR part 679 require buoy markings to make it 
possible to identify the vessel from which the gear was deployed. 
Experience shows that it is not necessary to mark buoys with both the 
vessel's name and Federal fisheries permit number. While one vessel may 
share the same name as another vessel, vessel identification numbers 
are exclusive and unique to the recipient vessel. The purpose of this 
action is to reduce regulatory burdens by eliminating the requirement 
to mark buoys with the vessel's name. The proposed action will reduce 
costs to vessel owners by reducing the labor and materials needed to 
mark buoys.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802,Phone: 907 586-7221,Fax: 907 586-7249,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD66

215. Designation of Critical Habitat for the North Atlantic Right Whale

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1543
    Abstract: NMFS proposes to designate critical habitat for the North 
Atlantic right whale. This proposal would result in an expansion of 
critical habitat in the northeast feeding area (Gulf of Maine-Georges 
Bank region) and the southeast calving area (Florida to North Carolina) 
compared to what was designated in 1994 for right whales.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-AY54

216. Amendment and Updates to the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction 
Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U S C1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would amend regulations under the Bottlenose 
Dolphin Take Reduction Plan (Plan) to reduce bottlenose dolphin serious 
injuries and mortalities incidental to the Virginia Pound net fishery. 
The Plan recommends the year-round use of modified leaders for offshore 
pound nets within parts of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia coastal 
waters. Regulations for Virginia Pound Nets are currently implemented 
under the Endangered Species Act for sea turtle conservation. The Plan 
recommended similar regulations to those currently enacted under the 
Endangered Species Act; however, the regulations under the Plan will 
offer greater conservation benefits to both bottlenose dolphins and sea 
turtles. Because the regulations may affect current sea turtle 
regulations, a joint-rulemaking will be conducted under both the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act to amend: (1) The Plan 
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, proposing Virginia pound net 
requirements; and (2) current Federal sea turtle regulations for 
Virginia pound nets under the Endangered Species Act to ensure 
consistency between regulations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-BB37

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Final Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

217. American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures To 
Complement Interstate Lobster Management Recommendations by the 
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.
    Abstract: The action would limit future access in the Lobster 
Conservation Management Area (Area) 2 and Outer Cape Area lobster trap 
fishery based on historic participation criteria, and implement a 
transferable trap program in Area 2, Area 3, and the Outer Cape Area as 
recommended by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. NMFS 
proposes to use the same historic participation data and qualification 
criteria used by State agencies to qualify State lobstermen fishing in 
the State waters of the subject management areas.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   05/10/05  70 FR 24495
ANPRM Comment Period End............   06/09/05  .......................
Notice of Public Meeting............   05/03/10  75 FR 23245
NPRM................................   06/12/13  78 FR 35217
Final Action........................   12/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AT31

218. Amendment 14 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 
Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of Amendment 14 is primarily to minimize 
river herring and shad bycatch in the Atlantic mackerel fishery and 
implement an effective program for monitoring river herring and shad 
bycatch in the Mackerel, Squid and Butterfish fisheries. This action 
proposes measures to expand reporting requirements for permit holders; 
increase at-sea observer coverage; and establish a mortality cap on 
river herring and shad in the

[[Page 1134]]

mackerel fishery. This action is being taken because there is concern 
about the status of river herring and shad stocks throughout their 
range, and a push to reduce all sources of stock mortality, including 
fishing mortality.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent....................   06/09/10  75 FR 32745
Notice of Availability..............   08/12/13  78 FR 48852
NPRM................................   08/29/13  78 FR 53404
Final Action........................   12/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY26

219. Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: The purpose of Amendment 5 is to minimize bycatch in the 
Atlantic herring fishery and improve the collection of real time catch 
data. Amendment 5 would increase observer coverage, improve at-sea 
sampling, include measures to reduce net slippage, and include measures 
to address bycatch. This action is being taken to more accurately 
characterize Atlantic herring landings, minimize and monitor bycatch of 
river herring in the Atlantic herring fishery, and to improve 
monitoring of Atlantic herring fishing activity in groundfish closed 
areas.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Notice of Intent.......   12/28/09  74 FR 68576
Notice of Availability..............   04/22/13  78 FR 23733
NPRM................................   06/03/13  78 FR 33020
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY47

220. Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 
Trawl Rationalization Program; Cost Recovery Program

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would implement cost recovery for the Pacific 
Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program. Following final action 
on Amendment 20 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan 
by the Pacific Fishery Management Council, NMFS implemented the trawl 
rationalization program on January 11, 2011. In accordance with the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Secretary 
of Commerce is required to collect a fee to recover the actual costs 
directly related to the management, data collection, and enforcement of 
any limited access privilege program (LAPP), which includes the trawl 
rationalization program. The fee will not exceed 3 percent of the ex-
vessel value of the fish harvested under the LAPP.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/01/13  78 FR 7371
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator, 
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 48115-0070, Phone: 206 526-6150, Fax: 206 526-6426, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB17

221. Amendment 89 to the Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fishery Management 
Plan Area Closures for Chionoecetes Bairdi Crab Protection in Gulf of 
Alaska Groundfish Fisheries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1540; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 
3631 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; Pub. L. 105-277; Pub. L. 106-31
    Abstract: This action would close a portion of Marmot Bay, 
northeast of Kodiak Island, to the use of pot and trawl gear (with the 
exception of pelagic gear used to target pollock) in groundfish 
fisheries year-round and require additional observer coverage (100 
percent for trawl vessels and 30 percent for pot vessels) in two areas 
east of Kodiak Island--the Chiniak Gully and State of Alaska 
Statistical Area 525702. These additional observer coverage 
requirements are expected to be rescinded with the implementation of 
the restructured Observer Program. This action is necessary to protect 
stocks of Tanner crab near Kodiak Islands from the effects of using 
non-pelagic trawl and pot gear used to target groundfish in Marmot Bay 
and to provide improved estimates of the incidental catch of Tanner 
crab in two areas east of Kodiak Island by vessels using non-pelagic 
trawl and pot gear and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the 
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. The 
intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the fishery 
resources in the Gulf of Alaska.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   06/03/13  78 FR 33040
Proposed Rule.......................   06/17/13  78 FR 36150
Final Action........................   04/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB76

222. Amendment to the Vessel Ownership Requirements of the Individual 
Fishing Quota Program for Fixed-Gear Pacific Halibut and Sablefish 
Fisheries In and Off of Alaska

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 773 et seq.; Pub. L. 108-447
    Abstract: This action proposes a regulatory amendment to the vessel 
ownership requirements of the Individual Fishing Quota Program for 
fixed-gear Pacific halibut and sablefish fisheries in and off of 
Alaska. This action proposes to require initial recipients of certain 
classes of quota share to have held a minimum of 20 percent ownership 
interest in the vessel for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the 
submission of an application to hire a master for the purposes of 
fishing an Individual Fishing Quota permit. This proposed action also 
would temporarily exempt from the 12-month ownership requirement an 
initial recipient whose vessel has been totally lost, as by sinking or 
fire, or so damaged that the vessel would require at least 60 days of 
shipyard time to be repaired. This action is necessary to maintain a 
predominantly owner-operated fishery.
    Timetable:

[[Page 1135]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/31/12  77 FR 65843
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB78

223. Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder Emergency Action To Provide a 
Partial Exemption From Accountability Measures to the Atlantic Scallop 
Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action, requested by the New England Fishery 
Management Council, exempts the Atlantic sea scallop fishery from any 
accountability measure for catch of Georges Bank yellowtail flounder 
exceeding the revised sub-annual catch limit of 156.9 mt up to the 
initial sub-annual catch limit level of 307.5 mt. By exempting the 
scallop fleet from accountability measures at the lower revised 156.9 
mt sub-ACL, but maintaining accountability at the 307.5 mt level 
initially set for the fishing year, there remains a need for the 
scallop fleet to mitigate yellowtail flounder catch but to do so within 
the context of the initial level established for the fishing year. This 
specific accountability measure is not needed to comply with Magnuson 
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requirements because 
there is an accountability measure at the fishery level that remains 
unchanged by this proposed action. Any overage of the fishery level ACL 
is repaid pound-for-pound in a subsequent fishing year.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/01/12  77 FR 59883
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/31/12  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC33

224. Amendment 95 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the 
Gulf of Alaska

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action implements Amendment 95 to the Fishery 
Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. This action 
modifies halibut prohibited species catch management in the Gulf of 
Alaska to (1) establish the Gulf of Alaska halibut prohibited species 
catch limits in Federal regulation; (2) reduce the Gulf of Alaska 
halibut prohibited species catch limits for the trawl, hook and line 
catcher/processor and catcher vessel sectors, and the hook and line 
demersal shelf rockfish fishery in the Southeast Outside District; and 
(3) allow two additional options for vessels to better maintain 
groundfish harvest while achieving the halibut prohibited species catch 
reduction of this action.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   08/29/13  78 FR 53419
NPRM................................   08/29/13  78 FR 53419
Final Action........................   12/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC39

225. Modification to the Hired Skipper Regulations for Management of 
the Individual Fishing Quota Program for the Fixed-Gear Commercial 
Fisheries for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Waters of Alaska

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS proposes to amend the hired master regulations of 
the Individual Fishing Quota Program for the fixed-gear commercial 
Pacific halibut and sablefish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands management area and the Gulf of Alaska. The Individual Fishing 
Quota Program allows initial recipients of catcher vessel halibut and 
sablefish quota share to hire a vessel master to harvest Individual 
Fishing Quota derived from the quota share. When a hired master fishes 
an initial recipients Individual Fishing Quota, the initial recipient 
is exempt from being onboard the vessel. If approved, this action would 
remove the owner-onboard exemption to hire a master to harvest 
Individual Fishing Quota derived from quota share that an initial 
recipient received by transfer after February 12, 2010. Between 
February 12, 2010 and the effective date of this action, initial 
recipient quota share transferred into a quota share block of the same 
category would retain the hired master privilege. After the effective 
date of this action, no hired master privilege would be retained on 
initial recipient quota share consolidated with quota share of the same 
category. This action is necessary to maintain a predominantly owner-
operated fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/26/13  78 FR 24707
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC62

226. 2013 Monkfish Emergency Action

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: At its November 2012 meeting, the New England Fishery 
Management Council (Council) requested that the Secretary of Commerce 
implement this Emergency action to eliminate monkfish possession limits 
in the Northern Fishery Management Area during fishing year 2013 due to 
the substantially reduced groundfish catch limits. This action 
eliminated monkfish possession limits for the vessels that have been 
issued both a limited access monkfish permit and a Northeast 
multispecies (groundfish) permit and are simultaneously using both a 
monkfish and a groundfish day-at-sea in the Northern Fishery Management 
Area (Management Area). By eliminating the possession limits in these 
specific cases, this action increased monkfish possession limits for 
the directed monkfish fishery in the NFMA. It is expected that this 
action allows some of the directed fishing vessels to land more 
monkfish per trip, which would result in an increase in revenue for 
such vessels.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/25/13  78 FR 12708

[[Page 1136]]

 
Interim Final Rule..................   04/30/13  78 FR 25214
Extension of Interim Measures.......   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC79

227. Allowing Northeast Multispecies Sector Vessels Access to Year 
Round Closed Areas

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action, if approved, would allow Northeast 
Multispecies vessels enrolled in a sector to fish in any of three year-
round closed areas on Georges Bank during select times of the 2013 
fishing year. The three areas under consideration include portions of 
the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area I, Closed Area I, and Closed Area 
II. All gear types would be permitted to fish in the Nantucket 
Lightship Closed Area year-round. Trawl vessels fishing with selective 
gear and vessels using hooks would be permitted to fish in Closed Areas 
I and II for portion of the fishing year. This action is being proposed 
to increase access to underharvest groundfish stocks while reducing 
potential impacts on groundfish stocks that are considered overfished 
or subject to overfishing.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/11/13  78 FR 41772
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD09

228. Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Queen Conch 
Resources of Puerto Rico and The USVI: Compatibility of Trip and Bag 
Limits in the Management Area of St. Croix, USVI

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This regulatory amendment addresses the current 
incompatibility between certain Federal and USVI regulations related to 
the harvest of queen conch. Fishing and possessing queen conch in the 
exclusive economic zone is only allowed in the area of Lang Bank, to 
the east of St. Croix, USVI. However, current regulations regarding 
commercial trip limits and recreational bag limits for the harvest of 
queen conch in Federal waters are not compatible with USVI regulations. 
The USVI has expressed interest in having Federal regulations modified 
to make them compatible with the territorial limits to facilitate 
enforcement efforts, enhance compliance by fishers, and allow for more 
efficient management of queen conch resources in the U.S. Caribbean. In 
this regulatory amendment, the Caribbean Fishery Management Council 
chose to modify the commercial trip limit but leave the recreational 
bag limit unchanged. Thus, the rule would change the commercial trip 
limit from 150 queen conch per licensed commercial fisher per day to 
200 queen conch per vessel per day regardless of the number of licensed 
commercial fishers onboard.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/07/13  78 FR 34310
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD15

229. Framework Adjustment 2 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management 
Plan and Management Measures for Atlantic Herring for the 2013-2015 
Fishing Years

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Framework 2 would allow the Council to use the 
specifications process to split annual catch limits (ACLs) seasonally 
(by month) for the Atlantic herring management areas. This will 
increase operational flexibility within the herring fishery by allowing 
for more precise tailoring of the catch limits for each management 
area. Framework 2 also proposes a policy for authorizing annual 
carryover of unharvested herring ACLs under specific conditions. This 
will provide increased opportunity to fish for unused herring ACL 
amounts from the previous year. Combined, these measures provide a 
greater opportunity to adjust for specific stock conditions. The 
Atlantic herring fishery specifications are annual catch amounts (for 
the 2013-2015 fishing years, January-December). These specifications 
are routine and are set for a duration of three years. If implemented, 
these specifications will retain or increase the current catch limit 
levels and will continue to prevent overfishing of the herring resource 
and achieve optimum yield. Further, these catch limits established in 
these specifications set a constant catch amount available to the 
industry that provides a stable allowable catch for 3-year business 
planning purposes.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/02/13  78 FR 46897
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD17

230.  Modification of Vessel Monitoring System Requirements for 
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fisheries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS is preparing a rule that considers modifying the 
current requirements concerning the use of Electronic Mobile 
Transmitting Unit (E-MTU) Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) units in 
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fisheries. The rule considers 
modifying the requirements for providing hail-in/hail-out declarations 
depending on whether the vessel is fishing for HMS. The rule also 
considers modifying when the VMS unit must be on and activated. The 
revised regulations would provide additional flexibility for vessel 
operators while continuing to provide the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement (NOAA OLE) with 
enhanced communication with HMS vessels at sea, improve enforcement 
capabilities of current regulations, and provide a secondary safety 
capability. This action is not significant under the

[[Page 1137]]

meaning of Executive Order 12866 since it is unlikely to make major 
changes to current management measures, is below the economic threshold 
of impact, and has no novel or legal policy associated with it.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/29/13  78 FR 53397
Final Action........................   01/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2234, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD24

231.  Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program; 
Second Program Improvement and Enhancement Rule

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action will implement trailing actions for the 
Pacific coast groundfish trawl rationalization program in order to 
further improve and refine the program. Since implementation of the 
program in January 2011, the Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(Council) and NMFS have developed numerous trailing actions to the 
program. This action includes multiple components that either implement 
original provisions of the program, or increase flexibility or 
efficiency, or address minor revisions/clarifications. Implementation 
of Quota share transfer regulations is also included in this action. 
The other components of this action are intended to increase 
flexibility and efficiency for participants and the Agency, and to make 
minor clarifications to the program regulations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/19/13  78 FR 43125
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator, 
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 48115-0070, Phone: 206 526-6150, Fax: 206 526-6426, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD31

232.  Framework Action To Increase Quotas for the Red Snapper 
Component of the Reef Fish Fishery and Establish a Second Recreational 
Season

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would set the 2013 quotas for commercial and 
recreational harvest of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico and open a 
second season for recreational fishing. A stock assessment was 
completed in April 2013. The Scientific and Statistical Committee 
reviewed the assessment in May 2013, and determined the catch could be 
increased. The Council will consider a range of alternatives that 
increase the total quota from 8.46 million pounds to 10.0-12.1 million 
pounds at a special meeting on July 17, 2013. The commercial and 
recreational sector quotas would be based on the current 51 percent 
commercial and 49 percent recreational allocation. The red snapper 
commercial sector is managed under an individual fishing quota program. 
The increase to the commercial quota will be distributed to individual 
fishing quota shareholders on or shortly after the effective date of 
the final rule. The increase to the recreational quota will allow 
additional days to be added to the red snapper recreational fishing 
season. The timing of the fishing season does not allow this rule to be 
in place before the closure date of June 28 currently set for the 2013 
fishing season; therefore, a second season is proposed for Fall 2013. 
The duration of this second season would be determined based on the 
quota and the opening date.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/14/13  78 FR 49440
Final Action........................   11/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701,Phone: 
727 824-5305,Fax: 727 824-5308,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD39

233. Revision of Hawaiian Monk Seal Critical Habitat

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533
    Abstract: NOAA Fisheries is developing a final rule to designate 
critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal in the main and 
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. In response to a 2008 petition from the 
Center for Biological Diversity, Kahea, and the Ocean Conservancy to 
revise Hawaiian monk seal critical habitat, NOAA Fisheries published a 
proposed rule in June 2011 to revise Hawaiian monk seal critical 
habitat by adding critical habitat in the main Hawaiian Islands and 
extending critical habitat in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. 
Proposed critical habitat includes both marine and terrestrial habitats 
(e.g., foraging areas to 500 meter depth, pupping beaches, etc.). To 
address public comments on the proposed rule, NOAA Fisheries is 
augmenting its prior economic analysis to better describe the 
anticipated costs of the designation. NOAA Fisheries is analyzing new 
tracking data to assess monk seal habitat use in the main Hawaiian 
Islands. That may lead to some reduction in foraging area critical 
habitat for the main Hawaiian Islands to better reflect where preferred 
foraging features may be found.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/02/11  76 FR 32026
Notice of Public Meetings...........   07/14/11  76 FR 41446
Other...............................   06/25/12  77 FR 37867
Final Action........................   03/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910,Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-BA81

234. Removal of the Sunset Provision of the Final Rule Implementing 
Vessel Speed Restrictions To Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions With 
North Atlantic Right Whales

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: In 2008 NMFS promulgated a regulation designed to reduce 
the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to endangered North 
Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with ships. The rule 
implemented speed restrictions of no more than 10 knots applying to all 
vessels 65 ft long or greater in certain locations and times of the 
year along the east coast of the United States. In view of 
uncertainties regarding the manner in which ships and whales interact 
and the burdens imposed on vessel operators, the rule included a sunset 
clause under which

[[Page 1138]]

the rule would expire on December 9, 2013. NMFS has proposed removing 
the sunset provision with the current provisions remaining in place, 
and has sought comment on eliminating or reinstating the sunset 
provision, studies and metrics that might be used to evaluate the 
existing rule, and future modifications that should be considered. 
Based on an evaluation of recent information, NMFS estimated economic 
impacts to be considerably less than was originally thought.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/06/13  78 FR 34024
Final Action........................   11/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910,Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-BB20

235. Endangered and Threatened Species: Designation of Critical Habitat 
for Threatened Lower Columbia River Coho Salmon and Puget Sound 
Steelhead

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544
    Abstract: This action will designate critical habitat for lower 
Columbia River coho salmon and Puget Sound steelhead, currently listed 
as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The specific 
areas proposed for designation in for lower Columbia River coho include 
approximately 2,288 mi (3,681 km) of freshwater and estuarine habitat 
in Oregon and Washington. The specific areas proposed for designation 
for Puget Sound steelhead include approximately 1,880 mi (3,026 km) of 
freshwater and estuarine habitat in Puget Sound, Washington.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/14/13  78 FR 2725
Final Action........................   01/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910,Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-BB30

236. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Distinct Population 
Segments of Yelloweye Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, and Bocaccio

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: This action proposes to designate critical habitat under 
the Endangered Species Act for three Distinct Population Segments of 
rockfish in the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin: (1) the threatened Distinct 
Population Segments of yelloweye rockfish; (2) the threatened Distinct 
Population Segments of canary rockfish; and (3) the endangered Distinct 
Population Segments of bocaccio. The proposed specific areas for canary 
rockfish and bocaccio comprise approximately 505 hectares (1,249 acres) 
of marine habitat in Puget Sound. The proposed areas for yelloweye 
rockfish comprise approximately of 245 hectares (606 acres) of marine 
habitat in Puget Sound.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/06/13  78 FR 47635
Final Action........................   08/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910,Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-BC76

237. Amending the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS is proposes to amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take 
Reduction Plan. These changes are designed to address ongoing right, 
humpback, and fin whale entanglements resulting in serious injury or 
mortality. In 2009, the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (Team) 
agreed on a schedule to develop conservation measures for reducing the 
risk of serious injury and mortality of large whales that become 
entangled in vertical lines. In an August 2012 American Lobster 
Biological Opinion, NMFS committed to publishing a proposed rule to 
address vertical line entanglements in 2013 and to publish a final rule 
by April 2014. Unlike the broad-scale management approach taken to 
address entanglement risks associated with groundlines (rope between 
trap/pots), the approach for the vertical line rulemaking will focus on 
reducing the risk of vertical line entanglements in finer-scale high 
impact areas. Using fishing gear characterization data and whale 
sightings per unit effort data, NMFS developed a model to determine the 
co-occurrence of fishing gear density and whale density to serve as a 
guide in the identification of these high risk areas. Potential 
measures include: expanding the gear marking scheme to require larger 
and more frequent marks along the buoy line; increasing the number of 
traps per trawl based on area fished and miles fished from shore in the 
northeast; establishing several closures in the northeast for trap/pot 
fisheries; modifying weak link and breaking strength requirements of 
buoy lines; and requiring the use of one buoy line with one trap in the 
southeast.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/16/13  78 FR 42653
Notice..............................   07/24/13  78 FR 44536
Final Action........................   06/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910,Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-BC90

238.  Designation of Critical Habitat for the Northwest 
Atlantic Ocean Loggerhead Sea Turtle DPS and the Determination 
Regarding Critical Habitat for the North Pacific Ocean Loggerhead DPS

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would designate critical habitat for the 
Loggerhead sea turtle pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
as amended. The loggerhead sea turtle was originally listed worldwide 
as a threatened species on July 28, 1978. No critical habitat was 
designated for the loggerhead at that time. On September 22, 2011, NMFS 
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service jointly published a final rule 
revising the loggerheads listing from a single worldwide threatened 
species to nine Distinct Population Segments. The two Distinct 
Population Segments occurring in U.S. jurisdiction are the Northwest 
Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment (range defined as north of 
the equator, south of 60 N. lat., and west of 40 W. long.) and the 
North Pacific

[[Page 1139]]

Ocean Distinct Population Segments (range defined as north of the 
equator and south of 60 N. lat.). For the 2011 final listing rule, NMFS 
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found designation of critical 
habitat to be not determinable. This action will satisfy the provisions 
under the Endangered Species Act requiring critical habitat to be 
designated for these Distinct Population Segments.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/18/13  78 FR 43006
Proposed Rule Correction............   08/01/13  78 FR 46563
Notice..............................   08/21/13  78 FR 51705
Final Action........................   07/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910,Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-BD27

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Long-Term Actions

National Marine Fisheries Service

239. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Reauthorization Act (MSRA) Environmental Review Procedure

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule revises and updates the NMFS procedures for 
complying with NEPA in the context of fishery management actions 
developed pursuant to MSRA.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/14/08  73 FR 27998
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/13/08
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Steve Leathery,Phone: 301 713-2239,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AV53

240. Amendment 6 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of Amendment 6 to the Monkfish FMP is to 
consider developing a catch share management program for this fishery. 
This would very likely also involve the development of a referendum for 
such a program, as required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS..   11/30/10  75 FR 74005
NPRM................................   01/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard,Phone: 978 281-9287,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA50

241. Amendment 22 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper 
Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The red snapper stock in the South Atlantic was assessed 
through the Southeast, Data, Assessment, and Review process in 2008 and 
2010. The assessments indicate that the stock is experiencing 
overfishing and is overfished. As a result of the 2008 assessment, 
fishing for red snapper has been prohibited in Federal waters off the 
south Atlantic States since January 4, 2010. In Amendment 22, the 
National Marine Fisheries Service and the South Atlantic Fishery 
Management Council are considering alternatives to change the current 
harvest restrictions on red snapper as the stock increases in biomass. 
Examples of measures under consideration include the implementation of 
red snapper trip limits, bag limits, a catch share program, tag 
program, temporal and spatial closures including those to protect 
spawning stocks, and gear prohibitions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent....................   01/03/11  76 FR 101
Notice of Intent Comment Period End.   02/14/11
NPRM................................   11/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree,Phone: 727 824-5305,Fax: 727 824-
5308,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA53

242.  Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for Puerto Rico

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This comprehensive Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan 
will incorporate, and modify as needed, Federal fisheries management 
measures presently included in each of the existing species-based U.S. 
Caribbean Fishery Management Plans (Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral, 
and Queen Conch Fishery Management Plans) as those measures pertain to 
Puerto Rico exclusive economic zone waters. The goal of this action is 
to create a Fishery Management Plan tailored to the specific fishery 
management needs of Puerto Rico. If approved, this new Puerto Rico 
Fishery Management Plan, in conjunction with similar comprehensive 
Fishery Management Plans being developed for each of St. Croix and St. 
Thomas/St. John, will replace the Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral and 
Queen Conch Fishery Management Plans presently governing the commercial 
and recreational harvest in U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone 
waters.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701,Phone: 
727 824-5305,Fax: 727 824-5308,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD32

243.  Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Croix

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This comprehensive St. Croix Fishery Management Plan will 
incorporate, and modify as needed, Federal fisheries management 
measures presently included in each of the existing species-based U.S. 
Caribbean Fishery Management Plans (Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral, 
and Queen Conch Fishery Management Plans) as those measures pertain to 
St. Croix exclusive economic zone waters. The goal of this action is to 
create a Fishery Management Plan tailored to the specific fishery 
management needs of St. Croix. If approved, this new St. Croix Fishery 
Management Plan, in conjunction with similar comprehensive

[[Page 1140]]

Fishery Management Plans being developed for each of Puerto Rico and 
St. Thomas/St. John, will replace the Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral 
and Queen Conch Fishery Management Plans presently governing the 
commercial and recreational harvest in U.S. Caribbean exclusive 
economic zone waters.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD33

244.  Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Thomas/St. 
John

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This comprehensive St. Thomas/St. John Fishery Management 
Plan will incorporate, and modify as needed, Federal fisheries 
management measures presently included in each of the existing species-
based U.S. Caribbean Fishery Management Plans (Spiny Lobster, Reef 
Fish, Coral, and Queen Conch Fishery Management Plans) as those 
measures pertain to St. Thomas/St. John exclusive economic zone waters. 
The goal of this action is to create a Fishery Management Plan tailored 
to the specific fishery management needs of St. Thomas/St. John. If 
approved, this new St. Thomas/St. John Fishery Management Plan, in 
conjunction with similar comprehensive Fishery Management Plans being 
developed for each of St. Croix and Puerto Rico, will replace the Spiny 
Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral and Queen Conch Fishery Management Plans 
presently governing the commercial and recreational harvest in U.S. 
Caribbean exclusive economic zone waters.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD34

245. Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Regulation Revisions

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1374
    Abstract: This action would consider revisions to the implementing 
regulations governing the issuance of permits for activities under 
Section 104 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The intent of this 
action would be to streamline and update (using plain language) the 
general permitting information and the specific requirements for the 
four categories of permits: scientific research (including the General 
Authorization); enhancement; educational and commercial photography; 
and public display. The revisions would also simplify procedures for 
collection, possession, and transfer of marine mammals parts collected 
before the effective date of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and also 
clarify reporting requirements for public display facilities holding 
marine mammals.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   09/13/07  72 FR 52339
ANPRM Comment Period Extended.......   10/15/07  72 FR 58279
ANPRM Comment Period End............   11/13/07  72 FR 52339
ANPRM Comment Period End............   12/13/07  72 FR 58279
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-AV82

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Completed Actions

246. Amendent 18B to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan of the 
South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The South Atlantic Council intends to limit participation 
in the golden tilefish component of the snapper-grouper fishery. This 
amendment proposes to establish a longline endorsement program for 
golden tilefish, establish golden tilefish allocations for the hook and 
line and longline sectors, and modify golden tilefish trip limits.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   10/26/12  77 FR 65356
NPRM................................   12/19/12  77 FR 75093
Final Action........................   04/23/13  78 FR 23858
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB58

247. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program 
Reconsideration of Allocation of Whiting (RAW 2)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: On February 21, 2012, Judge Henderson issued the remedy 
order in Pacific Dawn, LLC v. Bryson, No. C10-4829 TEH (N.D. Cal.). The 
Order remands the regulations addressing the initial allocation of 
whiting for the shorebased individual fishing quota (IFQ) fishery and 
the at-sea mothership fishery of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl 
Rationalization Program (program) for further consideration consistent 
with the courts December 22, 2011 summary judgment ruling, the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), and all 
other governing law. Further, the Order requires that the National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implement revised regulations before 
the 2013 Pacific whiting fishing season begins on April 1, 2013. This 
action implements revised regulations, as appropriate, including a 
reallocation of whiting and potentially some related species. This 
action may include a Paperwork Reduction Act package to clear 
application forms, and any other necessary documentation.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   04/04/12  77 FR 20337
Proposed Rule.......................   01/02/13  78 FR 72
Final Action........................   03/28/13  78 FR 18879
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator, 
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Building

[[Page 1141]]

1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 48115-0070, Phone: 206 526-
6150, Fax: 206 526-6426, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC01

248. Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish 
Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: Parrotfish Size 
Limits

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This amendment implemented size limits for parrotfish 
harvest in the U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone. Size limits are 
intended to allow juvenile parrotfish to mature into reproductively 
active females, and to have a chance to spawn prior to harvest. 
Reproductively active females are a necessary component of a healthy, 
sustainable population.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/11/13  78 FR 15338
Final Action........................   07/30/13  78 FR 45894
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC20

249. Amendment 42 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/
Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS implemented regulations for Amendment 42 to the 
Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner 
Crabs (FMP). Amendment 42 revised the annual economic data reports 
currently required from catcher vessels, catcher/processors, shoreside 
processors, and stationary floating crab processors participating in 
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program. The 
economic data reports include cost, revenue, ownership, and employment 
data in order to study the economic impacts of the Crab Rationalization 
Program on harvesters, processors, and affected communities. Amendment 
42 eliminated redundant reporting requirements, standardized reporting 
across respondents, and reduced costs associated with the data 
collection.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   03/12/13  78 FR 15677
NPRM................................   03/21/13  78 FR 17341
Final Action........................   06/17/13  78 FR 36122
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected]
    RIN: 0648-BC25

250. Framework Adjustment 48 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The action implemented Framework Adjustment 48 to the 
Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. Framework 48 set 
specifications for groundfish stocks for fishing years 2013 through 
2015. This action also adopted the total allowable catches for the 
U.S./Canada Management Area consistent with the U.S./Canada Resource 
Understanding. The Georges Bank yellowtail flounder quota was 
substantially reduced through this action, potentially limiting fishing 
for more valuable species and resulting in economic losses for the 
groundfish and scallop industries. Quotas for Gulf of Maine and Georges 
Bank cod were also substantially reduced. This action also included 
measures to allow fishing in areas that have been previously closed. 
This action was necessary to end overfishing and continue rebuilding of 
certain groundfish stocks and improve the profitability of the 
groundfish fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent....................   06/21/12  77 FR 37387
NPRM................................   03/25/13  78 FR 18187
Interim Final Rule..................   05/03/13  78 FR 26117
Correcting Amendment................   06/10/13  78 FR 34587
Final Rule..........................   08/29/13  78 FR 53363
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC27

251. Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States: 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Specifications and Management 
Measures and FMP Amendment 21-1

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Every other year, the Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(Council) makes recommendations to set biennial allowable harvest 
levels for Pacific Coast groundfish, and recommends management measures 
for commercial and recreational fisheries that are designed to achieve 
those harvest levels.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/14/12  77 FR 67974
Final Rule..........................   01/03/13  78 FR 579
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator, 
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 48115-0070, Phone: 206 526-6150, Fax: 206 526-6426, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC35

252. Management Measures for Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern 
Pacific Ocean

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951-961 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule restricts U.S. commercial fishing in the 
eastern Pacific Ocean for 2012 and 2013 by preventing further 
commercial retention of bluefin tuna after (1) the commercial catch of 
bluefin tuna by the international fleet reaches 10,000 metric tons; (2) 
the commercial catch of bluefin tuna by the international fleet reaches 
5,600 metric tons during the year 2012. Notwithstanding these 
restrictions, the United States commercial fishery may catch up to 500 
metric tons of pacific bluefin tuna in 2012 and 2013. This regulation 
was issued under the authority of the Tuna Conventions Act, as amended 
to implement recommendations of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 
Commission (IATTC). At the annual IATTC meeting in June 2012, the IATTC 
adopted Resolution C-12-09, Conservation and Management Measure for 
Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This rulemaking ensures that 
the United States is satisfying its obligations as a party to the IATTC 
Convention. It is not anticipated that as a result of implementing 
Resolution C-12-09 that there would be any economic effect, or very 
limited economic effect. No

[[Page 1142]]

commercial vessels specialize in harvesting Pacific Bluefin. Pacific 
Bluefin is caught commercially by small coastal purse seine vessels 
operating in the Southern California Bight with limited additional 
landings by the drift gillnet fleet that targets swordfish. The Pacific 
bluefin commercial catch limitations are not expected to result in a 
closure of the United States fishery because catches from recent years 
have not reached the 500 metric ton limit. The last time the United 
States exceeded 500 metric tons was in 1998.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/12/12  77 FR 73969
Final Action........................   06/04/13  78 FR 33240
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802,Phone: 562 980-4040,Fax: 562 980-4047,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC44

253. Regulatory Amendment To Implement an Exempted Fishery for the 
Spiny Dogfish Fishery Off Cape Cod, MA

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action established an exempted fishery because it 
has been determined that the directed fishery for spiny dogfish does 
not catch more than a small amount of groundfish. Implementing this 
action allows vessels to target spiny dogfish without having to use 
their declared days-at-sea or sector groundfish trips affected. This 
action exempts the groundfish sectors from having a groundfish discard 
rate applied to these trips, which means the sectors would not use 
their groundfish allocations as fast. Specifically, this rule created 
an exempted fishery for vessels using gillnet and longline gear from 
June through December and handline gear from June through August in an 
area off Cape Cod, MA where less than five percent of their catch is 
groundfish.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/19/12  77 FR 64305
Interim Final Rule..................   05/07/13  78 FR 26518
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930,Phone: 
978 281-9287,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC50

254. Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan for Washington, 
Oregon, and California

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: Each year, the Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(Council) reviews and receives public comment on its Pacific Halibut 
Catch Sharing Plan (Plan) to determine whether revisions are needed to 
achieve management objectives for any of the West Coast halibut 
fisheries. As recommended by the Council, for 2013 and beyond, this 
action implements minor changes to the portion of the Plan covering the 
sport fisheries and the salmon troll commercial fishery that 
incidentally catches halibut. For the Columbia River subarea sport 
fishery the changes increase the early season percentage, decrease the 
late season percentage, and decrease the days of the week. This change 
was recommended to more fully attain this subarea's quota. This action 
eliminates the summer all depth season and transferring the summer 
quota to the spring and nearshore fisheries, for the Oregon Central 
coast subarea, which may be triggered by a U.S. West Coast TAC of 
700,000 lbs. Additionally in this area for the nearshore fishery, there 
will be a reduction to the number of open days from seven to three. 
Finally, the start date for halibut retention in the salmon troll 
fishery will be changed from May 1 to April 1 each year.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/11/13  78 FR 9660
Final Rule..........................   03/15/13  78 FR 16423
Correcting Amendment................   05/08/13  78 FR 26708
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator, 
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 48115-0070,Phone: 206 526-6150,Fax: 206 526-6426,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC75

255. 2013-2015 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Specifications

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action implements the specifications for the spiny 
dogfish fishery for fishing years 2013-2015. Each year would include 
annual catch limits and commercial fishery quotas that represent 
increases from fishing year 2012 levels. The action also increases the 
spiny dogfish possession limit from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds per trip. The 
New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils jointly 
recommended the Annual catch limits and commercial quotas for FYs 2013-
2015.2013: ACL = 54.295 million lb; commercial quota = 40.842 million 
lb (+14 percent from 2012)2014: ACL = 55.277 million lb; commercial 
quota = 41.784 million lb (+17 percent from 2012)2015: ACL = 55.063 
million lb; commercial quota = 41.578 million lb (+16 percent from 
2012).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/12/13  78 FR 15674
Final Action........................   05/03/13  78 FR 25862
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930,Phone: 
978 281-9287,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC85

256. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for 
Highly Migratory Species; Fishing Restrictions in Purse Seine Fisheries 
for 2013 and 2014

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule establishes requirements for U.S. purse seine 
vessels pursuant to a decision made by the Western and Central Pacific 
Fisheries Commission, which is intended to reduce or otherwise control 
the fishing mortality rates on three stocks of tuna (Bigeye, Yellowfin, 
and Skipjack Tuna). Member States of the Commission, including the 
United States, are obligated to establish specific requirements in 
their fisheries for highly migratory fish stocks in the western and 
central Pacific Ocean. Pursuant to the Western and Central Pacific 
Fisheries Convention Implementation Act, 16 U.S.C. 6901, et seq., the 
Secretary of Commerce is authorized to implement regulations to carry 
out the obligations of the United States under the Western and Central 
Pacific Fisheries Convention (Convention), including the implementation 
of Commission

[[Page 1143]]

decisions such as CMM 2012-01. This rule implements the requirements 
for U.S. purse seine vessels. The rule includes limits for calendar 
years 2013 and 2014 on U.S. purse seine fishing effort on the high seas 
and in the U.S. exclusive economic zone in the Convention Area. It sets 
controls on the use of fish aggregating devices by U.S. purse seine 
vessels during 2013 and 2014, including periods during which purse 
seine fishing may not be done on schools aggregated in association with 
fish aggregating devices. Finally, this action implements a 
requirement, if necessary, for U.S. purse seine vessels to carry 
observers on all fishing trips in the Convention Area.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/07/13  78 FR 14755
Correction..........................   03/25/13  78 FR 17919
Final Action........................   05/23/13  78 FR 30773
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator for the 
Pacific Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, 
Honolulu, HI 96814,Phone: 808 944-2281.
    RIN: 0648-BC87

257. Pacific Coast Whiting Fishery Allocations for 2013

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule is a routine action which is issued consistent 
with a regulatory framework that was established in 1996 to implement 
the Washington coastal treaty Indian tribes rights to harvest Pacific 
Coast groundfish. The proposed rule established a formula for 
determining the Pacific whiting tribal allocation for 2013. The final 
rule for Pacific whiting in 2013 included the tribal allocation as well 
as final allocations to the non-tribal sector.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/05/13  78 FR 14259
Final Action........................   05/07/13  78 FR 26526
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator, 
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 48115-0070,Phone: 206 526-6150,Fax: 206 526-6426,Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC93

258. Emergency Rule To Establish Recreational Closure Authority 
Specific to Federal Waters Off Individual States for the Red Snapper 
Component of the Reef Fish Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Prior to the June 1 opening each year, NMFS determines 
the recreational red snapper fishing season length based on landings 
projections, which evaluate catch rates and the average weight of red 
snapper landed in previous years. Those projections also account for 
any excess fish that will be harvested in waters of States that adopt 
inconsistent regulations. This means that the recreational season in 
the entire Gulf of Mexico EEZ has been shortened to account for harvest 
occurring in State waters when Federal waters are closed. To reduce the 
impact of inconsistent State regulations on all Gulf Coast states and 
provide for a more equitable allocation of red snapper harvest, the 
Council requested that NMFS implement an emergency rule that provides 
the authority to shorten the federal season only off those States that 
adopt inconsistent regulations. The Federal seasons off those States 
would be shortened by the amount needed to correct for the additional 
harvest that would occur as a result of their regulations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   03/25/13  78 FR 17882
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701,Phone: 
727 824-5305,Fax: 727 824-5308,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD00

259. Regulatory Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Stock assessment updates for vermilion snapper and red 
porgy were completed in 2012, and suggest the annual catch limit (ACL) 
for both species could be modified based upon advice from the South 
Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (South Atlantic Council) 
Scientific and Statistical Committee. The stock assessment updates 
indicate vermilion snapper is no longer undergoing overfishing and is 
not overfished, and red porgy is not undergoing overfishing but is 
still overfished. Based on the outcome of the stock assessment updates 
the Council recommended modifying the commercial and recreational ACLs 
for red porgy and vermilion snapper.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/08/13  78 FR 26740
Final Action........................   08/06/13  78 FR 47574
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701,Phone: 
727 824-5305,Fax: 727 824-5308,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD04

260. 2013 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational 
Harvest Measures and Increase to the 2013 and 2014 Black Sea Bass 
Specifications

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking implements management measures to achieve 
recreational harvest limits for the 2013 summer flounder, scup, and 
black sea bass recreational fisheries. Recreational management measures 
include recreational possession limits, minimum fish sizes. The Mid-
Atlantic Fishery Management Council's recommended recreational 
management measures intend to achieve the recreational harvest limits 
which were established consistent with the Scientific and Statistical 
Committee's recommendations. This rulemaking also increases the catch 
limits for the 2013 and 2014 black sea bass fishery, consistent with a 
revised recommendation from the Scientific and Statistical Committee.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/29/13  78 FR 25052
Final Action........................   06/21/13  78 FR 37475
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930,Phone: 
978

[[Page 1144]]

281-9287,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD13

261. Framework Adjustment 24 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP and 
Framework Adjustment 49 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Framework 24 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP set 
management measures for the scallop fishery for the 2013 fishing year, 
including the annual catch limits for the limited access and limited 
access general category fleets, as well as days-at-sea allocations and 
sea scallop access area trip allocations. In addition, it adjusts the 
Georges Bank scallop access area closure schedule, refines the 
management of yellowtail flounder accountability measures in the 
scallop fishery, makes adjustments to the industry-funded observer 
program, and provides more flexibility in the management of the 
individual fishing quota program. Because Framework 24 includes an 
alternative to modify the Georges Bank scallop access area seasonal 
restrictions, this action is also a joint framework with the Northeast 
Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (Framework 49).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/15/13  78 FR 16573
Final Rule..........................   05/09/13  78 FR 27088
Correction..........................   07/18/13  78 FR 42890
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930;Phone: 
978 281-9287,Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC81

[FR Doc. 2013-29629 Filed 1-6-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P