[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 245 (Monday, December 22, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76682-76705]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28929]



[[Page 76681]]

Vol. 79

Monday,

No. 245

December 22, 2014

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 76682]]


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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 2014 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 2014 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 2014 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October 
1, 2014, through September 30, 2015.

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 2014 
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 25, 2014, the Office of Management 
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and 
publication of the fall 2014 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 2014 regulatory agenda follows.

 Kelly R. Welsh,
General Counsel.

[[Page 76683]]



     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Prerule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                   Title              Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
185.......................  Inner Limit of the                 0648-BC92
                             Exclusive Economic Zone
                             under the Magnuson-
                             Stevens Fishery
                             Conservation and
                             Management Act.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                   Title              Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
186.......................  Requirements for                   0648-AY15
                             Importation of Fish and
                             Fish Product under the
                             U.S. Marine Mammal
                             Protection Act (Reg Plan
                             Seq No. 33).
187.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BA17
                             Species; Future of the
                             Atlantic Shark Fishery.
188.......................  Amendment 22 to the                0648-BA53
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
189.......................  Fisheries Off West Coast           0648-BC95
                             States; West Coast
                             Salmon Fisheries;
                             Amendment 18; Essential
                             Fish Habitat
                             Descriptions for Pacific
                             Salmon.
190.......................  Amendment 5b to the                0648-BD22
                             Highly Migratory Species
                             Fishery Management Plan.
191.......................  Amendment 39 to the                0648-BD25
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
192.......................  Implementation of a                0648-BD59
                             Program for
                             Transshipments by Large
                             Scale Fishing Vessels in
                             the Eastern Pacific
                             Ocean.
193.......................  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.
194.......................  Red Snapper                        0648-BD68
                             Allocation_Amendment 28
                             to the Fishery
                             Management Plan for the
                             Reef Fish Resources of
                             the Gulf of Mexico
                             (Section 610 Review).
195.......................  Amendment 7 to the FMP             0648-BD76
                             for the Dolphin Wahoo
                             Fishery of the Atlantic
                             and Amendment 33 to the
                             FMP for the Snapper-
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic.
196.......................  Regulatory Amendment 16            0648-BD78
                             to the Fishery
                             Management Plan for the
                             Snapper-Grouper Fishery
                             of the South Atlantic
                             Region.
197.......................  Amendment 20B to the               0648-BD86
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Coastal
                             Migratory Pelagic
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico and Atlantic
                             Region.
198.......................  Modify the Fisheries               0648-BE15
                             Financing Program to
                             allow the Financing of
                             New Replacement Fishing
                             Vessel Construction in
                             Limited Access Fisheries.
199.......................  Comprehensive Amendment            0648-BE28
                             to the U.S. Caribbean
                             Fishery Management
                             Plans: Annual Catch
                             Limit Control Rule.
200.......................  Abrir La Sierra Bank,              0648-BE32
                             Bajo de Sico, and
                             Tourmaline Bank
                             Consistency Amendment.
201.......................  Regulatory Amendment to            0648-BE41
                             Change the Definition of
                             Sport Fishing Guide
                             Services for Pacific
                             Halibut in International
                             Pacific Halibut
                             Commission Area 2C and
                             Area 3A.
202.......................  Framework Action to                0648-BE44
                             Revise Recreational
                             Accountability Measures
                             for Red Snapper.
203.......................  Rule for Amendment 16 to           0648-BE46
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Shrimp
                             Fishery of the Gulf of
                             Mexico, U.S. Waters.
204.......................  Amendment 40 to the                0648-BE47
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
205.......................  2015 Specifications and            0648-BE49
                             Management Measures for
                             the Atlantic Mackerel,
                             Squid, and Butterfish
                             Fisheries.
206.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-AY54
                             Habitat for the North
                             Atlantic Right Whale
                             (Reg Plan Seq No. 34).
207.......................  Revision of Hawaiian Monk          0648-BA81
                             Seal Critical Habitat
                             (Reg Plan Seq No. 35).
208.......................  Designate Critical                 0648-BC45
                             Habitat for the Hawaiian
                             Insular False Killer
                             Whale Distinct
                             Population Segment.
209.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC56
                             Habitat for the Arctic
                             Ringed Seal.
210.......................  Revisions to Hawaiian              0648-BD97
                             Islands Humpback Whale
                             National Marine
                             Sanctuary Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                   Title              Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
211.......................  Fishery Management Plan            0648-AS65
                             for Regulating Offshore
                             Marine Aquaculture in
                             the Gulf of Mexico (Reg
                             Plan Seq No. 37).
212.......................  Addendum IV to the                 0648-AY41
                             Weakfish Interstate
                             Management Plan_Bycatch
                             Trip Limit.
213.......................  Implement the 2010 Shark           0648-BB02
                             Conservation Act
                             Provisions and Other
                             Regulations in the
                             Atlantic Smoothhound
                             Shark Fishery.
214.......................  Amendment 7 to the 2006            0648-BC09
                             Consolidated Highly
                             Migratory Species
                             Fishery Management Plan.
215.......................  Amendment 43 to the FMP            0648-BC34
                             for BSAI King and Tanner
                             Crabs and Amendment 103
                             to the FMP for
                             Groundfish of the BSAI.
216.......................  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.
217.......................  Codifying the Initial              0648-BD02
                             Vessel Monitoring System
                             Type-Approval Process
                             and Requirements, and
                             the Recertification and
                             Revocation Processes.
218.......................  Regulatory Amendment 14            0648-BD07
                             to the Fishery
                             Management Plan for the
                             Snapper-Grouper Fishery
                             of the South Atlantic
                             Region.
219.......................  Amendment 105 Bering Sea           0648-BD23
                             Flatfish Harvest
                             Specifications
                             Flexibility.

[[Page 76684]]

 
220.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BD30
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program Trailing
                             Actions: Permitting
                             Requirements for
                             Observer and Catch
                             Monitor Providers.
221.......................  International Fisheries;           0648-BD44
                             Western and Central
                             Pacific Fisheries for
                             Highly Migratory
                             Species; Fishing
                             Restrictions regarding
                             the Oceanic Whitetip
                             Shark, the Whale Shark,
                             and the Silky Shark.
222.......................  Southern New England               0648-BD45
                             Effort Controls to
                             Address Lobster Stock
                             Rebuilding Measures.
223.......................  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.
224.......................  Implementation of the              0648-BD54
                             Inter-American Tropical
                             Tuna Commission
                             Resolution to Establish
                             a Vessel Monitoring
                             System Program in the
                             Eastern Pacific Ocean.
225.......................  South Atlantic Coastal             0648-BD58
                             Migratory Pelagics
                             Framework Action 2013
                             (Section 610 Review).
226.......................  Information Collection             0648-BD64
                             Program for Atlantic
                             Surfclam and Ocean
                             Quahog Fisheries.
227.......................  Amendment 96 to the                0648-BD74
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Gulf of Alaska to revise
                             the Community Quota
                             Entity Program.
228.......................  Amendment 8 to the                 0648-BD81
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Coral, Coral Reefs,
                             and Live/Hard Bottom
                             Habitats of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
229.......................  Temporary Rule Through             0648-BD87
                             Emergency Action to
                             Revise Annual Catch
                             Limits and
                             Accountability Measures
                             for Blueline Tilefish
                             and the Deep-Water
                             Complex in the South
                             Atlantic Region.
230.......................  Amendment 100 to the FMP           0648-BD98
                             for Groundfish of the
                             BSAI Management Area and
                             Amendment 91 to the FMP
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Gulf of Alaska to add
                             Grenadiers to the
                             Ecosystem Component
                             Category.
231.......................  Implementation of a Gulf           0648-BE09
                             of Alaska Trawl Fishery
                             Economic Data Collection
                             Program.
232.......................  Amendment and Updates to           0648-BB37
                             the Bottlenose Dolphin
                             Take Reduction Plan.
233.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC76
                             Habitat for the Distinct
                             Population Segments of
                             Yelloweye Rockfish,
                             Canary Rockfish, and
                             Bocaccio.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                   Title              Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
234.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD32
                             Management Plan for
                             Puerto Rico.
235.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD33
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Croix.
236.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD34
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Thomas/St. John.
237.......................  Marine Mammal Protection           0648-AV82
                             Act Permit Regulation
                             Revisions.
238.......................  Endangered and Threatened          0648-BB30
                             Species: Designation of
                             Critical Habitat for
                             Threatened Lower
                             Columbia River Coho
                             Salmon and Puget Sound
                             Steelhead.
239.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC55
                             Habitat for the Beringia
                             Distinct Population
                             Segment of the Bearded
                             Seal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                   Title              Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
240.......................  American Lobster Fishery;          0648-AT31
                             Fishing Effort Control
                             Measures to Complement
                             Interstate Lobster
                             Management
                             Recommendations by the
                             Atlantic States Marine
                             Fisheries Commission.
241.......................  Magnuson-Stevens Fishery           0648-AV53
                             Conservation and
                             Management
                             Reauthorization Act
                             (MSRA) Environmental
                             Review Procedure.
242.......................  Amendment 6 to the                 0648-BA50
                             Monkfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
243.......................  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.
244.......................  Georges Bank Yellowtail            0648-BC33
                             Flounder Emergency
                             Action to Provide a
                             Partial Exemption from
                             Accountability Measures
                             to the Atlantic Scallop
                             Fishery.
245.......................  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.
246.......................  Amendment 3 to the Spiny           0648-BC77
                             Dogfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
247.......................  Amendment 5 to the                 0648-BD08
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Dolphin Wahoo
                             Fishery of the Atlantic.
248.......................  Allowing Northeast                 0648-BD09
                             Multispecies Sector
                             Vessels Access to Year
                             Round Closed Areas.
249.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BD31
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program; Second Program
                             Improvement and
                             Enhancement Rule.
250.......................  Modifications to the               0648-BD37
                             Pacific Coast Groundfish
                             Trawl Rockfish
                             Conservation Area
                             Boundaries.
251.......................  Framework Adjustment 8 to          0648-BD50
                             the Atlantic Mackerel,
                             Squid and Butterfish
                             Fishery Management Plan.
252.......................  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.
253.......................  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.
254.......................  Framework Adjustment 8 to          0648-BD56
                             the Monkfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
255.......................  2014 Specifications and            0648-BD65
                             Management Measures for
                             the Atlantic Mackerel,
                             Squid, and Butterfish
                             Fisheries.
256.......................  Modifications to                   0648-BD66
                             Identification Markings
                             on Fishing Gear Marker
                             Buoys.

[[Page 76685]]

 
257.......................  Pacific Coast Whiting              0648-BD75
                             Fishery for 2014.
258.......................  Pacific Halibut                    0648-BD82
                             Fisheries; Catch Sharing
                             Plan.
259.......................  Amendment 20A to the               0648-BD83
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Coastal
                             Migratory Pelagic
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico and Atlantic
                             Region.
260.......................  Framework Adjustment 51            0648-BD88
                             to the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fishery
                             Management Plan.
261.......................  Framework Adjustment 2 to          0648-BD99
                             the Northeast Skate
                             Complex Fishery
                             Management Plan.
262.......................  Framework Adjustment 25            0648-BE07
                             to the Atlantic Sea
                             Scallop Fishery
                             Management Plan.
263.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BE14
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program; Correction to
                             the 2014 Shorebased
                             Trawl Allocation Table.
264.......................  2014 Summer Flounder,              0648-BE16
                             Scup, and Black Sea Bass
                             Recreational Harvest
                             Measures.
265.......................  2014-2015 Spiny Dogfish            0648-BE17
                             Specifications.
266.......................  Amending the Atlantic              0648-BC90
                             Large Whale Take
                             Reduction Plan.
267.......................  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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Prerule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

185. 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. National Marine Fisheries Service (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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC92

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

186. Requirements for Importation of Fish and Fish Product Under the 
U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 33 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-AY15

187. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Future of the Atlantic Shark 
Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service is considering 
adjusting the regulations governing the U.S. Atlantic shark fishery to 
address current fishery issues and to identify specific shark fishery 
goals for the future. This action will discuss potential changes to the 
quota and/or permit structure that are currently in place for the 
Atlantic shark fishery, and various catch share programs such as 
limited access privilege programs, individual fishing quotas, and 
sectors for the Atlantic shark fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   09/20/10  75 FR 57235
ANPRM Comment Period End............   01/14/11  .......................
Notice..............................   05/27/14  79 FR 30064
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA17

188. 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:

[[Page 76686]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Action               Date                 FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent..........   01/03/11  76 FR 101
Notice of Intent Comment     02/14/11  .................................
 Period End.
NPRM......................   09/00/15  .................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA53

189. 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 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   06/16/14  79 FR 34272
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BC95

190. 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 and incidental shark fisheries 
including, among other things, gear modifications, time/area closures, 
permitting, shark identification requirements, and reporting 
requirements. NMFS determined that 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 decided to move 
forward with Draft Amendment 5's management measures for scalloped 
hammerhead, sandbar, blacknose and Gulf of Mexico blacktip sharks in a 
final rule and final amendment that will now be 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................................   05/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD22

191. 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
Next State Undetermined.............   01/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

192. 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 implement the Inter-American Tropical 
Tuna Commission program to monitor transshipments by large-scale tuna 
fishing vessels, and 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 to an authorized carrier 
vessel with an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission observer onboard 
and an operational vessel monitoring system; and require a 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 and pole-and-
line vessels, nor to vessels that transship fresh fish at sea. The 
frequency of transshipments in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is uncertain, 
but only a few transshipments are expected annually. A similar rule was 
adopted in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and NMFS calculated 
that an average of twenty-four at-sea transshipments of fish caught by 
longline gear there have occurred annually from 1993 through 2009. 
Transshipments in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are likely to be much less 
than twenty-four per year. This rule is necessary for the United States 
to satisfy its international obligations under the 1949 Convention for 
the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna, to which it is a 
Contracting Party.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 76687]]

    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BD59

193. 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 
participant in these Gulf of Alaska 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 of 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................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

194. Red Snapper Allocation--Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management 
Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Section 610 
Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The current allocation of red snapper between the 
commercial and recreational sectors is 51:49 percent, respectively. The 
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) is considering a 
change in the allocation with the aim of increasing the net benefits 
from red snapper fishing and increasing the stability of the red 
snapper component of the reef fish fishery, particularly for the 
recreational sector which has experienced shorter and shorter seasons. 
The Council initially considered options that increased the commercial 
sectors allocation above the current 51 percent. However, after 
considering the economic analyses conducted by the Southeast Fisheries 
Science Center and the loss of fishing opportunities by the 
recreational sector, the Council concluded that such a reallocation 
would not meet the purpose and need of this action. Therefore, the 
Council has limited the options under consideration to those that would 
increase the recreational sectors allocation above 49 percent.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD68

195. Amendment 7 to the FMP for the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery of the 
Atlantic and Amendment 33 to the FMP for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of 
the South Atlantic

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The intent of this amendment is to make regulations for 
dolphin and wahoo consistent with those existing regulations for 
snapper-grouper species. Amendment 7 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery 
Management Plan would allow fishermen to bring fillets of dolphin and 
wahoo from the Bahamas into the U.S. exclusive economic zone, as 
regulations already allow fillets of snapper-grouper species to be 
brought from the Bahamas into the U.S. exclusive economic zone. This 
rule would allow fishermen to bring fillets of dolphin and wahoo into 
the U.S. exclusive economic zone that were lawfully harvested in 
Bahamian waters, provided valid Bahamian fishing and cruising permits 
are on board the vessel, and the vessel is in transit through the 
Atlantic exclusive economic zone.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD76

196. Regulatory Amendment 16 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: Regulatory Amendment 16 contains an action to address the 
prohibition on the use of black sea bass pots annually from November 1 
through April 30 that was implemented through Regulatory Amendment 19. 
The prohibition was a precautionary measure to prevent interactions 
between black sea bass pot gear and whales listed under the Endangered 
Species Act during large whale migrations and the right whale calving 
season off the southeastern coast. The South Atlantic Fishery 
Management Council, through Regulatory Amendment 16, is considering 
removal of the closure, changing the length of the closure, and 
changing the area of the closure. The goal is to minimize adverse 
socio-economic impacts to black sea bass pot endorsement holders while 
maintaining protection for Endangered Species Act-listed whales in the 
South Atlantic region.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD78

[[Page 76688]]

197.  Amendment 20B to the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic 
Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would adjust trip limits and fishing seasons 
for zones and subzones of the Gulf migratory group king mackerel. It 
would also allow transit of vessels with king mackerel on board through 
areas closed to king mackerel fishing, and would divide the annual 
catch limit for Atlantic migratory group king and Spanish mackerel into 
zones. Futhermore, the action addresses the results of the most recent 
stock assessment for cobia, and divides the annual catch limit into 
zones. The need for the proposed action is to achieve optimum yield 
while ensuring regulations are fair and equitable, and fishery 
resources are utilized efficiently.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD86

198.  Modify the Fisheries Financing Program to Allow the 
Financing of New Replacement Fishing Vessel Construction in Limited 
Access Fisheries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 4101; 46 U.S.C. 53701
    Abstract: This rulemaking will propose to amend the Fisheries 
Finance Program's regulations to allow the financing of new vessel 
construction and rehabilitation of existing vessels in limited access 
fisheries. This rule is intended to implement the authority provided by 
Congress, as well as additional lending authority of $41 million in 
2014, to support efforts to recapitalize the fishing fleets in limited 
access fisheries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   06/30/14  79 FR 36699
NPRM................................   02/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Rivelli, Acting Director, Office of 
Management and Budget, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 327-8795.
    RIN: 0648-BE15

199.  Comprehensive Amendment to the U.S. Caribbean Fishery 
Management Plans: Annual Catch Limit Control Rule

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of this comprehensive amendment is to 
establish a control rule to modify the buffer reduction that is applied 
to the overfishing limit or to the acceptable biological catch (if 
specified) to derive an annual catch limit in response to changes in 
the overfishing status of any U.S. Caribbean fishery management unit. 
The annual catch limit control rule would apply a specific buffer 
reduction based on the current status of the fishery management unit as 
determined by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The proposed rule 
implementing this action would apply a 15% buffer reduction to the 
overfishing limit or to the acceptable biological catch for units 
determined to be subject to overfishing, and a 10% buffer reduction to 
the overfishing limit or the acceptable biological catch for units 
determined not to be subject to overfishing in a specific year. 
Specific units would be exempted from the application of the control 
rule and buffer reductions established for those units in the 2010 and 
2011 Caribbean annual catch limit Amendments would continue to be 
applied. Establishing this control rule would provide for a new and 
straightforward process that would allow for annual catch limit 
revisions based on overfishing status.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE28

200.  Abrir La Sierra Bank, Bajo De Sico, and Tourmaline Bank 
Consistency Amendment

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The regulatory amendment would establish consistent 
regulations among three management areas off the west coast of Puerto 
Rico (Abrir la Sierra Bank, Bajo de Sico, Tourmaline Bank). Regulations 
differ among these areas within federal waters, as well as between 
state and federal boundaries for the two areas (Tourmaline Bank and 
Bajo de Sico) that cross the two jurisdictions. The purpose of this 
amendment is to establish consistent federal regulations across the 
three areas, while ensuring adequate protection of spawning 
aggregations of reef fish and the benthic habitat supporting those 
aggregations, which also serves as residential, recruitment, and 
foraging habitat for a variety of species. The proposed action would: 
Modify the length of the seasonal closures; modify reef fish, spiny 
lobster, and highly migratory species fishing regulations; modify 
anchoring restrictions; and modify spearfishing prohibitions within the 
management areas.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE32

201.  Regulatory Amendment To Change the Definition of Sport 
Fishing Guide Services for Pacific Halibut in International Pacific 
Halibut Commission Area 2C and Area 3A

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations that would revise Federal 
regulatory text regarding sport fishing guide services for Pacific 
halibut in International Pacific Halibut Commission Regulatory Areas 2C 
(Southeast Alaska) and 3A (Central Gulf of Alaska) to remove the 
requirement that a charter vessel guide be on board the same vessel as 
a charter vessel angler to provide sport fishing guide services. The 
proposed action would clarify that all sport fishing in which anglers 
receive assistance from a compensated guide will be managed under 
charter fishery regulations and all harvest will accrue toward charter 
allocations. This action would align Federal regulations with State of 
Alaska regulations. If approved, the definition of ``sport fishing 
guide services'' would

[[Page 76689]]

be revised and a definition for ``compensation'' would be added to 
Federal regulations. Additional minor changes to the regulatory text 
pertaining to the charter halibut fishery would be required to maintain 
consistency in the regulations with these new definitions. This action 
is necessary to achieve the halibut fishery management goals of the 
North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE41

202.  Framework Action To Revise Recreational Accountability 
Measures for Red Snapper

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: To address the court ruling in Guindon v. Pritzker, (Mar. 
26, 2014), the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council developed this 
framework action that evaluates two accountability measures for the 
recreational red snapper sector. The first recreational accountability 
measure action would establish an annual catch target that is lower 
than the quota/annual catch limit and set the recreational season 
length based on the annual catch target. Currently, the season length 
is set based on the quota/annual catch limit. The second recreational 
accountability measure action would establish an overage adjustment to 
mitigate the effects of any overage by reducing the quota/annual catch 
limit in the following year.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE44

203.  Rule for Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for 
the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Waters

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to change the annual catch 
limit and select an accountability measure for royal red shrimp. On 
January 30, 2012, NOAA Fisheries implemented regulations developed 
through a generic annual catch limit and accountability measure 
amendment to multiple fishery management plans, including the Shrimp 
fishery management plan. However, the ``no action'' alternatives and 
discussions were incorrect in stating that there were currently no 
management restrictions or accountability measures for that species 
although a quota and in-season quota closure were in the regulations. 
Now, the quota and in-season closure are in conflict with the 
subsequently established annual catch limit and accountability measure. 
The rule would remove the quota and in-season closure, and increase the 
annual catch limit. The current accountability measure, which requires 
in-season monitoring and closure the year following an annual catch 
limit overage, will remain in effect.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE46

204.  Amendment 40 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: This proposed rule would define distinct private angling 
and federal for-hire components of the recreational red snapper fishery 
and allocate red snapper resources between the components of the 
recreational sector to increase stability for the for-hire component; 
provide a basis for increased flexibility in future management of the 
recreational sector; and minimize the chance for recreational quota 
overruns which could jeopardize the rebuilding of the red snapper 
stock. More specifically this action would define the components of the 
recreational sector and establish the baseline allocation how the 
allocation would be adjusted if membership in the federal for-hire 
component is voluntary and recreational season closure provisions for 
each component.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE47

205.  2015 Specifications and Management Measures for the 
Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This proposed rule would establish catch levels and 
associated management measures for the 2015-2017 fishing years for 
species managed under the Atlantic Mackerel Squid and Butterfish 
Fishery Management Plan. More specifically this action would: renew 
status quo quotas on longfin and Illex squids for an additional 3 
years; lower the cap on river herring and shad catch in the mackerel 
fishery; increase the cap on river herring and shad catch in the 
mackerel fishery once the mackerel fishery catches more than 10000 mt 
tons; lower the Atlantic mackerel quota; substantially increase the 
butterfish quota; and simplify the controls on butterfish daily trip 
limits.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE49

[[Page 76690]]

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

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 34 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-AY54

207. Revision of Hawaiian Monk Seal Critical Habitat

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 35 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-BA81

208. Designate Critical Habitat for the Hawaiian Insular False Killer 
Whale Distinct Population Segment

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533
    Abstract: The proposed action, if approved, would designate 
critical habitat for the Hawaiian insular false killer whale distinct 
population segment, pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA). Proposed critical habitat would only be designated in the main 
Hawaiian Islands as the Hawaiian insular false killer whales range is 
restricted from nearshore out to 140 km from the main Hawaiian Islands. 
Impacts from the designation stem mainly from Federal agencies 
requirement to consult with National Marine Fisheries Service, under 
section 7 of the ESA, to insure that any action they carry out, permit 
(authorize), or fund will not result in the destruction or adverse 
modification of critical habitat of a listed species.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC45

209. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Arctic Ringed Seal

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a 
final rule to list the Arctic ringed seal as a threatened species under 
the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in December 2012. The ESA requires 
designation of critical habitat at the time a species is listed as 
threatened or endangered, or within one year of listing if critical 
habitat is not then determinable. This rulemaking would designate 
critical habitat for the Arctic ringed seal. The proposed critical 
habitat designation would be in the northern Bering, Chukchi, and 
Beaufort seas within the current range of the species.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC56

NOS/ONMS

210. Revisions to Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine 
Sanctuary Regulations

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.
    Abstract: In 2010, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) 
initiated a review of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National 
Marine Sanctuary management plan, to evaluate substantive progress 
toward implementing the goals for the sanctuary, and to make revisions 
to its management plan and regulations as necessary to fulfill the 
purposes and policies of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) and 
the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act (HINMSA; Title II, 
Subtitle C, Pub. L. 102587). ONMS intends to publish a proposed rule 
and draft EIS that proposes to expand the scope of the sanctuary to 
ecosystem based management rather than concentrating on only humpback 
whales. In addition, possible boundary expansion will be discussed.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   07/14/10  75 FR 40759
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Edward Lindelof, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-3137, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD97

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Final Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

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

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 37 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-AS65

212. 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  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY41

213. 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 rule considers implementing the provisions of the 
2010 Shark Conservation Act and other regulations in the Atlantic 
Smoothhound Fishery (which includes

[[Page 76691]]

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................................   08/07/14  79 FR 46217
Final Action........................   06/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB02

214. Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species 
Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 7 focuses on bluefin tuna fishery management 
issues consistent with the need to end overfishing and rebuild the 
stock. Measures in draft Amendment 7 address several of the long-
standing challenges facing the fishery and will analyze, among other 
things, revisiting quota allocations; reducing and accounting for dead 
discards; adding or modifying time/area closures or gear-restricted 
areas; and improving the reporting and monitoring of dead discards and 
landings in all categories.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   04/23/12  77 FR 24161
Notice..............................   06/08/12  77 FR 34025
NPRM................................   08/21/13  78 FR 52032
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   09/18/13  78 FR 57340
Public Hearing......................   11/05/13  78 FR 66327
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   12/11/13  78 FR 75327
Public Hearing......................   12/26/13  78 FR 78322
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC09

215. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   08/21/14  79 FR 49463
NPRM................................   08/29/14  79 FR 51520
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/29/14  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC34

216. 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 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................................   03/19/14  79 FR 15296
NPRM Correction Notice..............   04/04/14  79 FR 18876
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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].
    William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West Coast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BC84

217. Codifying the Initial Vessel Monitoring System Type-Approval 
Process and Requirements, and the Recertification and Revocation 
Processes

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: All vessels participating in a National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration Vessel Monitoring System program are 
required to acquire a National Marine Fisheries Service-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

[[Page 76692]]

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................................   09/09/14  79 FR 53386
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD02

218. Regulatory Amendment 14 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 purpose of Regulatory Amendment 14 is to enhance 
socioeconomic benefits to fishermen and fishing communities that 
utilize the snapper-grouper fishery. Specifically, this rulemaking 
modifies the fishing year for greater amberjack, increases the minimum 
size limit for hogfish, modify the fishing year for black sea bass, 
changes the commercial fishing season for vermilion snapper, modifies 
the aggregate grouper bag limit, and revises the accountability 
measures for gag and vermilion snapper. Modifying the accountability 
measures for gag and vermilion snapper would enhance consistency and 
accuracy in the approach taken when the annual catch limit is met or 
projected to be met for these species.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   04/17/13  78 FR 22846
Notice..............................   08/02/13  78 FR 46925
NPRM................................   04/27/14  79 FR 22936
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD07

219. Amendment 105 Bering Sea Flatfish Harvest Specifications 
Flexibility

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action intends 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, 
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 allowable 
biological catch 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   06/13/14  79 FR 33889
NPRM................................   06/30/14  79 FR 36702
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

220. 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................................   02/19/14  79 FR 9591
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BD30

221. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for 
Highly Migratory Species; Fishing Restrictions Regarding the Oceanic 
Whitetip Shark, the Whale Shark, and the Silky Shark

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
    Abstract: The rule would establish regulations under authority of 
the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act 
to implement decisions of the Commission for the Conservation and 
Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central 
Pacific Ocean on fishing restrictions regarding the oceanic whitetip 
shark and the whale shark. The regulations would apply to owners and 
operators of U.S. fishing vessels used for commercial fishing for 
highly migratory species in the area of

[[Page 76693]]

application of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of 
Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean 
(Convention). The regulations for oceanic whitetip sharks would 
prohibit the retention, transshipment, storage, or landing of oceanic 
whitetip sharks and would require the release of any oceanic whitetip 
shark as soon as possible after it is caught. The regulations for whale 
sharks would prohibit setting a purse seine on a whale shark and would 
specify certain measures to be taken and reporting requirements in the 
event a whale shark is encircled in a purse seine net. This action is 
necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations under the 
Convention, to which it is a Contracting Party.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/22/14  79 FR 49745
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD44

222. Southern New England Effort Controls to Address Lobster Stock 
Rebuilding Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS is considering to make 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................................   07/25/14  79 FR 43379
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

223. 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 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   06/05/14  79 FR 32525
NPRM................................   06/25/14  79 FR 35971
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD48

224. 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 Commissions 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................................   02/06/14  79 FR 7152
Correction..........................   02/25/14  79 FR 10465
Final Action........................   03/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 76694]]

    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BD54

225. 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................................   03/19/14  79 FR 15293
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD58

226. 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................................   08/07/14  79 FR 46233
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD64

227. Amendment 96 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the 
Gulf of Alaska to Revise the Community Quota Entity Program

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 96 to the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska would modify the halibut and sablefish 
Individual Fishing Quota Program regulations for management of 
community quota entities in the Gulf of Alaska. The action revises the 
Individual Fishing Quota Program by removing a restriction on community 
quota entities holdings of quota share. Removing this restriction 
provides community quota entities access to more affordable quota 
shares, which could enhance the ability of the community quota entities 
community to realize economic benefits from additional community 
resident participation in the halibut and sablefish fisheries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   07/25/14  79 FR 43377
NPRM................................   08/07/14  79 FR 46237
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD74

228. Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coral, Coral Reefs, 
and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Coral Amendment 8 would modify the boundaries of the 
Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern, the Stetson-Miami 
Terrace Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern, and the Cape Lookout 
Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern to protect deepwater coral 
ecosystems. The amendment also proposes to implement a transit 
provision through the Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern 
for fishing vessels with rock shrimp onboard.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   05/20/14  79 FR 28880
NPRM................................   06/03/14  79 FR 31907
Correction..........................   07/01/14  79 FR 37269
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD81

229. Temporary Rule Through Emergency Action To Revise Annual Catch 
Limits and Accountability Measures for Blueline Tilefish and the Deep-
Water Complex in the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: In October 2013, NMFS determined the blueline tilefish 
stock in the South Atlantic is experiencing overfishing and is 
overfished. As mandated by Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act, NMFS and the Council must prepare and implement a plan 
amendment and

[[Page 76695]]

regulations to end overfishing immediately and rebuild the stock by 
December 6, 2015. The Council and NMFS, through actions in a future 
amendment, plan to implement a rebuilding plan and management actions 
to end overfishing and rebuild the blueline tilefish stock. In the 
interim, NMFS will publish an emergency rule to implement temporary 
annual catch limits and accountability measures for blueline tilefish, 
and modify the current annual catch limits and accountability measures 
for the deep-water complex. The goal of this action is to minimize 
future adverse biological effects to the blueline tilefish stock, and 
the socio-economic effects to fishermen and fishing communities that 
utilize the blueline tilefish, while a permanent rulemaking designed to 
end overfishing and rebuild the stock is developed.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emergency Rule......................   04/17/14  79 FR 21636
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD87

230. Amendment 100 to the FMP for Groundfish of the BSAI Management 
Area and Amendment 91 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska 
To add Grenadiers to the Ecosystem Component Category

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendments 100 and 91 would amend the Fishery Management 
Plan to add grenadiers to the ecosystem component category. Grenadiers 
are caught incidentally in the groundfish fisheries, and adding them to 
the Fishery Management Plans would recognize their role in the 
ecosystem. NMFS would also implement regulations for federally-
permitted groundfish fishermen to improve reporting of grenadiers, 
limit retention, and prevent directed fishing for grenadiers. This 
action is necessary to limit the groundfish fisheries impact on 
grenadiers. Federally-permitted groundfish fishermen would be affected 
by the proposed rule, however, the anticipated impacts are considered 
to be de minimis according the economic analysis prepared for this 
action.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   05/05/14  79 FR 25558
NPRM................................   05/14/14  79 FR 27557
Final Action........................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD98

231.  Implementation of a Gulf of Alaska Trawl Fishery Economic 
Data Collection Program

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; Pub. L. 108-199
    Abstract: NMFS proposes to implement the Trawl Economic Data Report 
Program to evaluate the economic effects of current and future 
groundfish and prohibited species catch management measures for the 
Gulf of Alaska trawl fisheries under the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. This data collection program is 
necessary to provide the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and 
other analysts with baseline information on affected harvesters, crew, 
processors, and communities in the Gulf of Alaska that could be used to 
assess the impacts of major changes in the groundfish management 
regime, including catch share programs for prohibited species catch 
species and target species. The data collected for this program would 
be submitted by vessel owners and leaseholders of Gulf of Alaska trawl 
vessels, processors receiving deliveries from those trawl vessels, and 
Amendment 80 catcher/processors. The type of data collected may 
include, but would not be limited to labor information, revenues 
received, capital and operational expenses, and other operational or 
financial data.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/11/14  79 FR 46758
Final Action........................   12/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE09

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 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................................   04/17/14  79 FR 21695
Final Action........................   12/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB37

[[Page 76696]]

233. 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........................   12/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Long-Term Actions

National Marine Fisheries Service

234. 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................................   12/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Phone: 727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-
5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD32

235. 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 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................................   12/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Phone: 727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-
5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD33

236. 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................................   12/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Phone: 727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-
5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD34

237. 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.

[[Page 76697]]

    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................................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

238. 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 to 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........................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-BB30

239. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Beringia Distinct 
Population Segment of the Bearded Seal

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a 
final rule to list the Beringia Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of 
the bearded seal as a threatened species under the Endangered Species 
Act (ESA) in December 2012. The ESA requires designation of critical 
habitat at the time a species is listed as threatened or endangered, or 
within one year of listing if critical habitat is not then 
determinable. This rulemaking would designate critical habitat for the 
Beringia DPS of the bearded seal. The proposed critical habitat 
designation would be in the northern Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas 
within the current range of the species.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Phone: 301 713-2322.
    RIN: 0648-BC55

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Completed Actions

240. 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. 
National Marine Fisheries Service 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
Notice of Public Meeting...........     05/03/10  75 FR 23245
NPRM...............................     06/12/13  78 FR 35217
Final Action.......................     04/07/14  79 FR 19015
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

241. 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 National Marine 
Fisheries Service procedures for complying with National Environmental 
Protection Act in the context of fishery management actions developed 
pursuant to MSRA.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date             FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM...............................     05/14/08  73 FR 27998
Withdrawal of Proposed Rule........     07/14/14  79 FR 40703
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Steve Leathery, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-2239, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AV53

242. 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 Fishery 
Management Plan 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action_Notice of Intent to        11/30/10  75 FR 74005
 Prepare an EIS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA50

[[Page 76698]]

243. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................     12/19/13  78 FR 76807
NPRM...............................     01/02/14  79 FR 81
NPRM Comment Period End............     02/03/14  ......................
Final Action.......................     04/09/14  79 FR 19490
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    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

244. 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
Withdrawal of Proposed Rule.........   03/24/14  79 FR 15932
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

245. 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: This action would 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. 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........................   07/28/14  79 FR 43679
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

246. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   03/26/14  79 FR 16775
NPRM................................   04/10/14  79 FR 19861
Final Action........................   07/14/14  79 FR 41141
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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:

[[Page 76699]]

978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC77

247. Amendment 5 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin Wahoo 
Fishery of the Atlantic

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 5 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan 
includes revisions to the acceptable biological catches, annual catch 
limits, recreational annual catch targets, and accountability measures 
for dolphin and wahoo; modifications to the framework procedure; and 
modifications to the sector allocations and trip limits for dolphin. 
The revisions incorporate updates to the recreational data as per the 
Marine Recreational Information Program, as well as revisions to 
commercial and for-hire landings. The revisions are necessary to avoid 
triggering accountability measures for dolphin and wahoo based on 
recreational data under the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics 
Survey system. National Marine Fisheries Service no longer uses the 
Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey system, and now 
estimates recreational landings using the Marine Recreational 
Information Program. Additionally, this amendment would modify the 
framework procedure for dolphin and wahoo; modify sector allocations 
and adjust trip limits for dolphin.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   02/28/14  79 FR 11383
NPRM................................   03/14/14  79 FR 14466
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/14/14  .......................
Final Action........................   06/09/14  79 FR 32878
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD08

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action allows 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. This rule 
allows fishing access for Northeast multispecies sectors to two 
portions of the Southern New England Nantucket Lightship Closed Area 
for the remainder of the 2013 fishing year, under specified conditions. 
The intent of this rule is to allow sector vessels increased 
opportunities to harvest non-groundfish stocks such as monkfish, 
dogfish, and skates, while minimizing impacts to overfished groundfish 
stock such as Georges Bank cod and yellowtail flounder.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/11/13  78 FR 41772
Interim Final Rule..................   12/16/13  78 FR 76077
Final Action........................   04/21/14  79 FR 22043
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action implements 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 Rule..........................   11/15/13  78 FR 68764
Correcting Amendment................   03/05/14  79 FR 12412
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BD31

250. 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 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................................   09/13/13  78 FR 56641
Final Rule..........................   04/17/14  79 FR 21639
Correcting Amendment................   05/13/14  79 FR 27196
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BD37

251. 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

[[Page 76700]]

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 would allow 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................................   01/31/14  79 FR 5364
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/03/14  .......................
Final Action........................   04/02/14  79 FR 18478
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

252. 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 would 
require 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 
logsheets, or other domestic reporting procedures.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/13/14  79 FR 33851
Final Action........................   09/18/14  79 FR 56017
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BD53

253. 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................................   01/10/14  79 FR 1810
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/10/14  .......................
Final Action........................   05/16/14  79 FR 28448
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BD55

254. 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................................   05/27/14  79 FR 30056
Final Action........................   07/18/14  79 FR 41918
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

255. 2014 Specifications and Management Measures for the Atlantic 
Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries

    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

[[Page 76701]]

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................................   01/10/14  79 FR 1813
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/10/14  .......................
Final Action........................   04/04/14  79 FR 18834
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD65

256. Modifications to Identification Markings on Fishing Gear Marker 
Buoys

    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 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. Current 
regulations 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, and will reduce costs to vessel owners by reducing 
the labor and materials needed to mark buoys.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/03/14  79 FR 381
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/03/14  .......................
Final Action........................   04/03/14  79 FR 18655
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD66

257. Pacific Coast Whiting Fishery for 2014

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The rule would be issued consistent with a regulatory 
framework that was established in 1996 to routinely implement the 
Washington coastal Indian tribes treaty rights to harvest Pacific Coast 
groundfish. The rule would establish a Pacific whiting tribal 
allocation for 2014. The final rule for Pacific whiting in 2014 will 
include the tribal allocation as well as final allocations to the non-
tribal sector.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/28/14  79 FR 11385
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/31/14  .......................
Final Action........................   05/13/14  79 FR 27198
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BD75

258. Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan

    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. For 2014 and beyond, the Council has recommended minor 
changes to the portion of the Plan covering the allocations and sport 
fisheries. For the Washington north coast subarea sport fishery the 
recommended changes clarify the season structure and remove the 
provisions for a nearshore fishery. For the Columbia River subarea 
sport fishery the recommended changes revise the days of the week the 
fishery is open and modify the subarea allocation to provide for a new 
nearshore fishery within the subarea. For the Oregon central coast 
subarea sport fishery the changes include modifying the nearshore 
fishery. For the South of Humbug Mountain subarea, the recommended 
changes include breaking the subarea into separate subareas for 
Southern Oregon and California, and allocating catch to these subareas 
from existing allocations. These recommended changes to the Plan are 
implemented through the annual regulations. The annual regulations will 
also include the 2014 halibut quota for the West Coast fisheries as 
recommended by the International Pacific Halibut Commission.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/06/14  79 FR 7156
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/21/14  .......................
Final Rule..........................   03/12/14  79 FR 13906
Final Action_Correcting Amendment...   04/04/14  79 FR 18827
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BD82

259. Amendment 20A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal 
Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 20A would prohibit the sale of king and Spanish 
mackerel caught under the bag limit in the Gulf of Mexico and South 
Atlantic regions except under limited circumstances. For the Gulf of 
Mexico, the amendment would prohibit the sale of king and Spanish 
mackerel caught under the bag limit unless those fish are either caught 
on a for-hire trip and the vessel has both a for-hire and commercial 
vessel permit, or the fish are caught as part of a state-permitted 
tournament and the proceeds from the sale are donated to charity. For 
the South Atlantic region, the amendment

[[Page 76702]]

would prohibit the sale of king and Spanish mackerel caught under the 
bag limit unless the fish are caught as part of a state-permitted 
tournament and the proceeds from the sale are donated to charity. In 
addition, the amendment would remove the income qualification 
requirement for king and Spanish mackerel commercial permits. This 
action would not affect the number of king mackerel permits, which are 
limited access, but could increase the number of Spanish mackerel 
permits, which are open access.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   03/03/14  79 FR 11748
NPRM................................   03/19/14  79 FR 15284
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/05/14  .......................
Final Action........................   06/16/14  79 FR 34246
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD83

260. Framework Adjustment 51 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would implement the annual measures included 
in Framework Adjustment 51 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan (Framework 51). Framework 51 would set specifications 
for white hake for fishing years 2014 through 2016, as well as fishing 
year 2014 shared U.S./Canada quotas for Georges Bank yellowtail 
flounder and Eastern Georges Bank cod and haddock. The specifications 
for white hake are 10 percent higher than 2013, and are based on the 
2013 stock assessment. The U.S. quota for Georges Bank yellowtail 
flounder is proposed to increase by 53 percent compared to 2013, and 
the Eastern Georges Bank cod and haddock quotas are proposed to 
increase by 60 percent, and more than 150 percent, respectively. These 
quotas are based on the 2013 joint U.S./Canada assessment for these 
stocks. The quotas for all other species were set last year in 
Framework 50.Framework 51 would also revise the rebuilding program for 
Gulf of Maine cod and American plaice. Both programs are proposed to be 
10 years to ensure stocks rebuild in a timely manner, while allowing 
the fishery to continue. Other management measures included in 
Framework 51 are accountability measures for the small-mesh fishery for 
Georges Bank yellowtail flounder, modification to the U.S./Canada Area 
management measures, and consideration of a prohibition on possession 
of yellowtail flounder by the scallop fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/17/14  79 FR 14951
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/01/14  .......................
Final Action........................   04/22/14  79 FR 22421
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD88

261. Framework Adjustment 2 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery 
Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action includes skate fishery specifications for the 
2014-2015 fishing years, and modifications to skate reporting 
requirements for vessels and dealers. This action would establish: an 
annual catch limit for the skate complex of 35,479 mt (a decrease from 
50,435 mt in 2013); an overall total allowable landings of 16,385 mt (a 
decrease from 23,365 mt in 2013); status quo possession limits for the 
skate wing and bait fisheries; and changes to skate vessel and dealer 
reporting requirements to improve species-specific landings data, 
including removal of ``unclassified skate'' reporting options.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/19/14  79 FR 29154
Final Action........................   08/29/14  79 FR 51504
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD99

262.  Framework Adjustment 25 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop 
Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of Framework 25 is to set management measures 
for the scallop fishery for the 2014 fishing year, including the annual 
catch limits and annual catch targets 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, 
Framework 25 will also include an adjustment to the fishing mortality 
limit in scallop fishery open areas (those fished under days at sea) in 
order to allow more harvest from open areas while not exceeding 
overfishing limits for the fishery; considers allowing pounds that went 
unharvested in Closed Area I in 2012 and 2013 to be landed in a future 
year; develops Southern windowpane flounder Accountability Measures; 
and provides Full-Time vessels the option to exchange their allocated 
Delmarva Access Area trip for five days-at-sea.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/09/14  79 FR 26690
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/27/14  .......................
Final Action........................   06/16/14  79 FR 34251
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE07

263.  Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program; 
Correction to the 2014 Shorebased Trawl Allocation Table

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action contains one correction to the Biennial 
Specifications and Management Measures regulations that published in 
the Federal Register on January 3, 2013. This notice corrects 2014 
shorebased trawl allocations for several species of groundfish in the 
shorebased trawl allocation table that were inadvertently misreported 
in the Biennial Specifications and Management Measures final rule. This 
will result in a very minor increase in quota pounds (the number of 
pounds of fish this particular sector is allowed to catch) for several 
species. Historically, this sector has not caught the full quota

[[Page 76703]]

of those species, so there is not likely to be an economic impact due 
to this correction. The following species will be affected: English 
sole, Lingcod N. of 40'10[deg] N latitude (OR & WA), Lingcod S. of 
40'10[deg] N latitude (CA), Minor Slope Rockfish North 40[deg]10' N. 
lat., Other Flatfish, Pacific cod, Shortspine Thornyhead, and 
Yellowtail rockfish.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Correcting Amendment................   05/16/14  79 FR 28455
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Phone: 206 526-6150.
    RIN: 0648-BE14

264.  2014 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 
Recreational Harvest Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking would propose management measures to 
achieve recreational harvest limits for the 2014 summer flounder, scup, 
and black sea bass recreational fisheries. Recreational management 
measures include recreational possession limits, minimum fish sizes, 
and seasonal closures.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/09/14  79 FR 26685
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/27/14  .......................
Final Action........................   07/07/14  79 FR 38259
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE16

265.  2014-2015 Spiny Dogfish Specifications

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The proposed action includes spiny dogfish fishery 
specifications for the 2014-2015 fishing years, as recommended by the 
Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils. In summary, 
the Councils proposes Spiny dogfish annual catch limits of 60.695 
million lb for 2014, and 62.413 million lb for 2015 (increases from 
54.295 million lb in 2013); coastwide commercial quotas of 49.037 
million lb for 2014, and 50.612 million lb for 2015 (increases from 
40.842 million lb in 2013); and two alternatives for spiny dogfish trip 
limits: 4,000 lb (status quo) or unlimited possession for 2014 and 
2015.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/13/14  79 FR 27274
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/12/14  .......................
Final Action........................   08/08/14  79 FR 46376
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE17

266. Amending the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (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........................   06/27/14  79 FR 36585
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

267. 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 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:

[[Page 76704]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               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
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   09/30/13  78 FR 59907
Public Hearing......................   11/04/13  78 FR 65959
Final Action........................   07/10/14  79 FR 39855
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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
[FR Doc. 2014-28929 Filed 12-19-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P