[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 117 (Thursday, June 18, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34988-35007]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14504]



[[Page 34987]]

Vol. 80

Thursday,

No. 117

June 18, 2015

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Unified Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 117 / Thursday, June 18, 2015 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 34988]]


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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


Spring 2015 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

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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 fall 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 spring 2015 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period April 1, 
2015, through March 31, 2016.

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 spring 2015 
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 February 23, 2015, the Office of 
Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the 
preparation and publication of the spring 2015 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 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.
    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 spring 2015 regulatory agenda follows.

Kelly Welsh,
General Counsel.

[[Page 34989]]



  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
28........................  Amendment 22 to the                0648-BA53
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
29........................  Fisheries Off West Coast           0648-BC95
                             States; West Coast Salmon
                             Fisheries; Amendment 18;
                             Essential Fish Habitat
                             Descriptions for Pacific
                             Salmon.
30........................  Amendment 5b to the Highly         0648-BD22
                             Migratory Species Fishery
                             Management Plan.
31........................  Amendment 39 to the                0648-BD25
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
32........................  Implementation of a                0648-BD59
                             Program for
                             Transshipments by Large
                             Scale Fishing Vessels in
                             the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
33........................  Red Snapper Allocation--           0648-BD68
                             Amendment 28 to the
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico (Section 610
                             Review).
34........................  Amendment 7 to the FMP for         0648-BD76
                             the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery
                             of the Atlantic and
                             Amendment 33 to the FMP
                             for the Snapper-Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic.
35........................  Regulatory Amendment 16 to         0648-BD78
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Snapper-
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
36........................  2015-2016 Pacific Coast            0648-BE27
                             Groundfish Harvest
                             Specifications and
                             Management Measures and
                             Amendment 24 to the
                             Pacific Coast Groundfish
                             FMP.
37........................  Generic Accountability             0648-BE38
                             Measure and Dolphin
                             Allocation Amendment for
                             the South Atlantic Region.
38........................  Omnibus Acceptable                 0648-BE65
                             Biological Catch
                             Framework Adjustment.
39........................  Amendment 35 to the                0648-BE70
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
40........................  Modification of the                0648-BE77
                             Temperature-Dependent
                             Component of the Pacific
                             Sardine Harvest Guideline
                             Control Rule to
                             Incorporate new
                             Scientific Information.
41........................  Modification of the Daily          0648-BE78
                             Bag Limits and to
                             Establish At-sea Fillet
                             Requirements for the U.S.
                             West Coast Recreational
                             Pacific Bluefin Tuna
                             Fishery.
42........................  2015-2016 Atlantic Bluefin         0648-BE81
                             Tuna Quotas.
43........................  Revision of Skate Maximum          0648-BE85
                             Retainable Amounts in the
                             Gulf of Alaska Groundfish
                             Fishery.
44........................  2015 Summer Flounder,              0648-BE89
                             Scup, and Black Sea Bass
                             Recreational Harvest
                             Measures.
45........................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BE90
                             Fishing Capacity
                             Reduction Loan Refinance
                             (Section 610 Review).
46........................  Amendment 44 to the                0648-BE98
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Bering Sea/Aleutian
                             Islands King and Tanner
                             Crabs to Modify Right of
                             First Refusal Provisions
                             of the Crab
                             Rationalization Program.
47........................  Revisions to Hawaiian              0648-BD97
                             Islands Humpback Whale
                             National Marine Sanctuary
                             Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
48........................  Fishery Management Plan            0648-AS65
                             for Regulating Offshore
                             Marine Aquaculture in the
                             Gulf of Mexico.
49........................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BA17
                             Species; Future of the
                             Atlantic Shark Fishery.
50........................  Implement the 2010 Shark           0648-BB02
                             Conservation Act
                             Provisions and Other
                             Regulations in the
                             Atlantic Smoothhound
                             Shark Fishery.
51........................  Amendment 7 to the 2006            0648-BC09
                             Consolidated Highly
                             Migratory Species Fishery
                             Management Plan.
52........................  Amendment 43 to the FMP            0648-BC34
                             for BSAI King and Tanner
                             Crabs and Amendment 103
                             to the FMP for Groundfish
                             of the BSAI.
53........................  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.
54........................  Codifying the Initial              0648-BD02
                             Vessel Monitoring System
                             Type-approval Process and
                             Requirements, and the
                             Recertification and
                             Revocation Processes.
55........................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BD30
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program Trailing Actions:
                             Permitting Requirements
                             for Observer and Catch
                             Monitor Providers.
56........................  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.
57........................  Implementation of the              0648-BD54
                             Inter-American Tropical
                             Tuna Commission
                             Resolution to Establish a
                             Vessel Monitoring System
                             Program in the Eastern
                             Pacific Ocean.
58........................  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.
59........................  Information Collection             0648-BD64
                             Program for Atlantic
                             Surfclam and Ocean Quahog
                             Fisheries.
60........................  Amendment 8 to the Fishery         0648-BD81
                             Management Plan for
                             Coral, Coral Reefs, and
                             Live/Hard Bottom Habitats
                             of the South Atlantic
                             Region.
61........................  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.
62........................  Implementation of a Gulf           0648-BE09
                             of Alaska Trawl Fishery
                             Economic Data Collection
                             Program.
63........................  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.
64........................  Framework Action to Revise         0648-BE44
                             Recreational
                             Accountability Measures
                             for Red Snapper.
65........................  Amendment 16 to the                0648-BE46
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Shrimp Fishery of
                             the Gulf of Mexico, U.S.
                             Waters.
66........................  Amendment 40 to the                0648-BE47
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
67........................  2015-2017 Specifications           0648-BE49
                             and Management Measures
                             for the Atlantic
                             Mackerel, Squid, and
                             Butterfish Fisheries.

[[Page 34990]]

 
68........................  Framework Adjustment 26 to         0648-BE68
                             the Atlantic Sea Scallop
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             (Section 610 Review).
69........................  Designation of Critical            0648-AY54
                             Habitat for the North
                             Atlantic Right Whale.
70........................  Revision of Hawaiian Monk          0648-BA81
                             Seal Critical Habitat.
71........................  Endangered and Threatened          0648-BB30
                             Species: Designation of
                             Critical Habitat for
                             Threatened Lower Columbia
                             River Coho Salmon and
                             Puget Sound Steelhead.
72........................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC56
                             Habitat for the Arctic
                             Ringed Seal.
73........................  2015 Annual Determination          0648-BE35
                             to Implement the Sea
                             Turtle Observer
                             Requirement.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
74........................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD32
                             Management Plan for
                             Puerto Rico.
75........................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD33
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Croix.
76........................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD34
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Thomas/St. John.
77........................  Designate Critical Habitat         0648-BC45
                             for the Hawaiian Insular
                             False Killer Whale
                             Distinct Population
                             Segment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
78........................  Inner Limit of the                 0648-BC92
                             Exclusive Economic Zone
                             under the Magnuson-
                             Stevens Fishery
                             Conservation and
                             Management Act.
79........................  Regulatory Amendment 14 to         0648-BD07
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Snapper-
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
80........................  Amendment 105 Bering Sea           0648-BD23
                             Flatfish Harvest
                             Specifications
                             Flexibility.
81........................  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.
82........................  Southern New England               0648-BD45
                             Effort Controls to
                             Address Lobster Stock
                             Rebuilding Measures.
83........................  South Atlantic Coastal             0648-BD58
                             Migratory Pelagics
                             Framework Action 2013
                             (Completion of a Section
                             610 Review).
84........................  Amendment 96 to the                0648-BD74
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Gulf of Alaska to revise
                             the Community Quota
                             Entity Program.
85........................  Amendment 20B to the               0648-BD86
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Coastal Migratory
                             Pelagic Resources of the
                             Gulf of Mexico and
                             Atlantic Region.
86........................  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.
87........................  Framework Adjustment 3 to          0648-BE01
                             the Atlantic Herring
                             Fishery Management Plan.
88........................  Steller Sea Lion                   0648-BE06
                             Protection Measures for
                             the Bering Sea and
                             Aleutian Islands
                             Groundfish Fisheries off
                             Alaska.
89........................  Implement 2015-2017                0648-BE37
                             Tilefish Specifications.
90........................  Marine Mammal Protection           0648-AV82
                             Act Permit Regulation
                             Revisions.
91........................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC55
                             Habitat for the Beringia
                             Distinct Population
                             Segment of the Bearded
                             Seal.
92........................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC76
                             Habitat for the Distinct
                             Population Segments of
                             Yelloweye Rockfish,
                             Canary Rockfish, and
                             Bocaccio.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

28. 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: Amendment 22 is being developed to closely control annual 
harvest levels of snapper-grouper species with very low recreational 
annual catch limits through a recreational tag program. Participants in 
the tag program would be issued tags through a process implemented by 
the National Marine Fisheries Service. Tags issued to individuals or 
entities would allow the tag holder to harvest a set number of fish 
from federal waters in the South Atlantic Region. A tag program for 
species with small annual catch limits would help constrain harvest at 
or below the annual catch limits while ensuring fairness and 
equitability among fishery participants.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent....................   01/03/11  76 FR 101
Notice of Intent Comment Period End.   02/14/11
NPRM................................   02/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

[[Page 34991]]

29. 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 implements Amendment 18 to the Pacific Coast 
Salmon Fishery Management Plan. This amendment addressed 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................................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    .Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator, West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Building 1, Seattle, WA 
98115, Phone: 206 526-6150, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC95

30. 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 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................................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

31. 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 Stage Undetermined.............   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

32. 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 the Pacific 
Transshipment Declaration Form, which must be used to report 
transshipments in the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission 
Convention Area. The rule is neither applicable to troll 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 the National 
Marine Fisheries Service 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................................   10/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Building 1, Seattle, WA 
98115, Phone: 206 526-6150, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD59

33. 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.

[[Page 34992]]

    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 recreational component of the reef fish fishery. The rule will 
consider options that would increase the recreational sector's 
allocation above 49 percent.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

34. 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 purpose of Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan 
for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic is to allow fishermen 
to bring dolphin and wahoo fillets from The Commonwealth of The Bahamas 
into the U.S. Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ). Regulations at 50 CFR 
622.186 (b) currently allow fillets of snapper grouper species from The 
Bahamas to be brought into the U.S. EEZ. Additionally, regulations 
would be updated for snapper grouper species and dolphin and wahoo to 
require all fillets to have the skin intact; and consider an exemption 
from bag limits for dolphin and wahoo in the U.S. EEZ. The need for 
this action is to increase economic and social benefits to fishermen by 
removing unnecessary restrictions and implementing regulations for 
dolphin and wahoo that are consistent with snapper grouper species.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

35. 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................................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

36. 2015-2016 Pacific Coast Groundfish Harvest Specifications and 
Management Measures and Amendment 24 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish 
FMP

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The action set biennial allowable harvest levels for 
Pacific Coast groundfish, as well as management measures for commercial 
and recreational fisheries that are designed to achieve those harvest 
levels. For the 2015-2016 biennium, the Council recommended changes in 
rebuilding parameters for one overfished species, cowcod. As such, the 
rebuilding plan was revised and affected the Annual Catch Limit value 
for this species for the two-year period and beyond. The rule adjusts 
the harvest specifications including Overfishing Limits, the Acceptable 
Biological Catches, and Annual Catch Limits, as well as the management 
measures to achieve those specifications. Finally, the rule implements 
Amendment 24, which modifies the procedures in the Fishery Management 
Plan so that in the absence of explicit Council action, harvest 
specification values, based on default harvest control rules, for one 
or more stocks may be implemented by the National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Building 1, Seattle, WA 
98115, Phone: 206 526-6150, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE27

37. Generic Accountability Measure and Dolphin Allocation Amendment for 
the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The action would include amendment 34 to the Fishery 
Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic 
Region, amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Golden Crab 
Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, and amendment 8 to the Fishery 
Management Plan for the Dolphin-Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic. 
Currently, there are inconsistent accountability measures for federally 
managed species in the South Atlantic, except for inseason closures of 
the commercial sector when a commercial annual catch limit is met or 
projected to be met. Therefore, amendment 34 and amendment 9 would 
propose modifications to accountability measures for snapper-grouper 
species and golden crab to create a more consistent regulatory 
environment while ensuring overfishing does not occur. Amendment 8 
would consider alternatives to modify sector allocations for dolphin. 
The current method for

[[Page 34993]]

determining allocations is based on a time series of data from 1999-
2008. Dolphin landings data starting from 1986 are available, and the 
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is re-examining the sector 
allocations based on this expanded times series of data.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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-BE38

38.  Omnibus Acceptable Biological Catch Framework Adjustment

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would make two administrative adjustments to 
the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Council) Omnibus Annual 
Catch Limit Amendment: 1) adjust the Councils risk policy so that the 
Scientific and Statistical Committee may apply an average probability 
of overfishing when recommending multi-year Acceptable Biological 
Catches; and 2) make all of the Councils fishery management plans 
consistent in allowing new status determination criteria (overfishing 
definitions, etc.) to be accepted as the best available scientific 
information.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930, Phone: 978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE65

39.  Amendment 35 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: Amendment 35 would consider removing black snapper, dog 
snapper, mahogany snapper, and schoolmaster from the Fishery Management 
Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region 
because these species have extremely low commercial landings in state 
and Federal waters. Almost all harvest (recreational and commercial) 
occurs in South Florida, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 
Commission has agreed that if the four species are removed from the 
Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South 
Atlantic Region they will extend state regulations for those species 
into Federal waters. Additionally, the South Atlantic Fishery 
Management Council (Council) desires consistent regulations for 
snapper-grouper species caught primarily in South Florida. Removing the 
four subject species would establish a consistent regulatory 
environment in Federal and state waters off southern Florida where they 
are most frequently encountered. Amendment 35 would also clarify, in 
accordance with the Council's intent, regulations governing use of 
golden tilefish longline endorsements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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-BE70

40.  Modification of the Temperature-Dependent Component of the 
Pacific Sardine Harvest Guideline Control Rule To Incorporate New 
Scientific Information

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Pursuant to a recommendation of the Pacific Fishery 
Management Council (Council) under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS is 
proposing to use a new temperature index to calculate the temperature 
parameter of the Pacific sardine harvest guideline control rule under 
the Fishery Management Plan. The harvest guideline control rule, in 
conjunction with the overfishing limit and acceptable biological catch 
control rules, is used to set annual harvest levels for Pacific 
sardine. The temperature parameter is calculated annually. NMFS 
determined that a new temperature index is more statistically sound and 
this action will adopt that index. This action will also revise the 
upper temperature limit to allow for additional sardine harvest where 
prior guidelines set catch unnecessarily low.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Building 1, Seattle, WA 
98115, Phone: 206 526-6150, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE77

41.  Modification of the Daily Bag Limits and To Establish At-
Sea Fillet Requirements for the U.S. West Coast Recreational Pacific 
Bluefin Tuna Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would implement regulations recommended by 
the Pacific Fishery Management Council that would impose a two-fish 
daily bag limit, with a maximum multi-day possession limit of six fish, 
for recreational harvest of north Pacific bluefin tuna. The daily bag 
and possession limits would apply to U.S. anglers fishing in the 
exclusive economic zone of the U.S. West Coast and/or in Mexicos waters 
and returning to U.S. ports. The rule is expected to reduce mortality 
on north Pacific bluefin tuna and contribute to the recovery of the 
stock, which is overfished and subject to overfishing.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Building 1, Seattle, WA 
98115, Phone: 206 526-6150, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE78

42.  2015-2016 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quotas

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.

[[Page 34994]]

    Abstract: This rule would increase the Atlantic bluefin tuna base 
quotas and subquotas, implementing the U.S. annual Atlantic Bluefin 
Tuna quota recommended for 2015 and 2016 by the International 
Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and allocating that 
quota among the domestic fishing categories.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE81

43.  Revision of Skate Maximum Retainable Amounts in the Gulf 
of Alaska Groundfish Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This proposed rule would reduce the maximum retainable 
amount of incidentally caught skates in directed fisheries for 
groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska to 5 percent, which would allow a 
vessel to retain skates in an amount up to 5 percent of the weight of 
the target groundfish species onboard the vessel. The skate maximum 
retainable amount is intended to limit harvest of skates to the 
intrinsic rate of incidental catch of skates in Gulf of Alaska 
groundfish fisheries and to provide a disincentive for vessels to 
target skates. Skate harvests have increased in recent years and have 
exceeded the acceptable biological catch in some areas. The proposed 
action is necessary to enhance conservation and management of skates by 
decreasing the incentive for vessels to target skates and to slow the 
harvest rate of skates.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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-BE85

44.  2015 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 
Recreational Harvest Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would propose management measures such as 
recreational possession limits, minimum fish sizes, and seasonal 
closures to achieve recreational harvest limits for the 2015 summer 
flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. The 
recreational harvest limits for these species have been established in 
a separate rulemaking. This rule proposes the management measures the 
Council has recommended to help ensure recreational harvest is 
constrained to those harvest limits.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930, Phone: 978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE89

45.  Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishing Capacity Reduction Loan 
Refinance (Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS plans to issue proposed regulations to refinance the 
voluntary fishing capacity reduction loan program implemented in 2004 
in the Pacific Coast groundfish Federal limited-entry trawl, Washington 
coastal Dungeness crab, and California pink shrimp fisheries 
(collectively known as the refinanced reduction fisheries). The 
refinance loan of up to $30 million will establish a new industry fee 
system for future landings of the refinanced reduction fisheries. Upon 
publishing a final rule and receipt of an appropriation, NMFS will 
conduct three referenda to refinance the existing debt obligation in 
each of the refinanced reduction fisheries. If a referendum in one, 
two, or all three of the fisheries is successful, that fisherys current 
loan will be repaid in full and a new loan in the amount of the 
principal and interest balance as of the date of funding will be 
issued. The terms were prescribed in the 2015 National Defense 
Authorization Act and include a 45-year term to maturity, interest 
charged at a current Treasury interest rate, and a maximum repayment 
fee of 3% of ex-vessel value.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/15  .......................
Final Action........................   08/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Brian Pawlak, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8621, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE90

46.  Amendment 44 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering 
Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs To Modify Right of First 
Refusal Provisions of the Crab Rationalization Program

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1862 et seq.; Pub. L. 109-241; Pub. L. 
109-479
    Abstract: This rule would amend the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
Crab Rationalization Program through two actions. The first action 
would modify right of first refusal provisions that provide eligible 
crab community entities with the opportunity to purchase processor 
quota shares and other associated assets proposed for sale. The first 
action would extend the amount of time allowed for eligible crab 
community entities to exercise and perform a right of first refusal 
contract; remove or modify provisions that allow the right of first 
refusal to lapse under specific conditions; provide flexibility for 
eligible crab community entities and processor quota shareholders to 
apply a right of first refusal only to mutually-agreed upon assets; and 
revise reporting requirements for pending transfers of processor quota 
share. The second action would amend regulations to separate the 
combined individual fishing quota/individual processor quota 
application into two applications, and revise reporting requirements 
for crab cooperatives. The actions are intended to benefit eligible 
crab communities by enhancing opportunities to retain community 
historical processing interests in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
crab fisheries, and improve the administration of the Crab 
Rationalization Program. The first action would affect about 21 
processor quota share holders. The rule would require all persons 
holding processor quota share to provide a new annual notification to 
NOAA Fisheries Service

[[Page 34995]]

regarding the status of right of first refusal for all processor quota 
share holdings. The second action would make minor administrative 
regulatory amendments to clarify permit application procedures and 
reporting requirements for individual fishing quota holders and 
individual processor quota share holders. These amendments would not 
implement additional regulatory requirements for affected participants.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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-BE98

NOS/ONMS

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.; Pub. L. 102-587
    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................................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   06/04/09  74 FR 26829
NPRM................................   08/28/14  79 FR 26829
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   11/13/14  79 FR 67411
Final Action........................   11/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

49. 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 consider 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................................   01/20/15  80 FR 2648
Notice..............................   03/09/15  80 FR 12394
Final Action........................   09/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    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

50. 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 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

[[Page 34996]]

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........................   10/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

51. 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 focused on bluefin tuna fishery management 
issues consistent with the need to end overfishing and rebuild the 
stock. Measures in Amendment 7 addressed several of the long-standing 
challenges facing the fishery and analyzed, 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 Rule..........................   12/02/14  79 FR 71509
Notice of Public Webinars...........   12/16/14  79 FR 74652
Final Rule..........................   12/30/14  79 FR 78310
Final Rule..........................   02/04/15  80 FR 5991
Final Rule Effective................   02/04/15  .......................
Final Action-Next Stage Undetermined   08/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC09

52. 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 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule implements both Amendment 43 to the Fishery 
Management Plan for the 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 
revised the current rebuilding plan for Pribilof Islands blue king crab 
(blue king crab) and Amendment 103 implemented 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 closed the Zone to all Pacific cod pot 
fishing in addition to the current trawl prohibition. This measure will 
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........................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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

53. 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 modified 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........................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Building 1, Seattle, WA 
98115, Phone: 206 526-6150, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC84

54. 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 the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration's Vessel Monitoring System program are 
required to use a National Marine Fisheries Service-approved 
transmitting unit. This rule will codify into regulations the unit 
type-approval standards, requirements, and procedures for vendors to 
maintain approval for their products and services. The rule also 
codifies requirements for agency approval, subsequent assessments, a 
renewal process, and procedures for revoking a unit's approval if the 
vendor fails to comply with the performance requirements. The current 
national process regarding unit type-approval requirements for 
evaluating performance and improving or revoking unit type approvals is 
not codified. Therefore, the purpose of this

[[Page 34997]]

rule is to codify the approval process, improve the enforceability of 
the approval requirements, and better ensure all unit type approvals 
remain in compliance and are consistent with the requirements. To 
eliminate the possibility of duplicating, overlapping, or conflicting 
Federal regulations, this rule would revise the Greater Atlantic 
Region's regulations to match those in this rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/09/14  79 FR 53386
Final Rule..........................   12/24/14  79 FR 77399
Final Action........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD02

55. 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.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/19/14  79 FR 9591
Final Action........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Building 1, Seattle, WA 
98115, Phone: 206 526-6150, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD30

56. 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 limits 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. This action would limit the annual Chinook salmon 
prohibited species catch in the non-pollock trawl fisheries to 7,500 
salmon each year. 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 also may 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........................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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

57. 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. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 951 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 National Marine Fisheries Service 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........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Building 1, Seattle, WA 
98115, Phone: 206 526-6150, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD54

58. 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.

[[Page 34998]]

    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 six 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 nine 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   02/02/15  80 FR 5499
NPRM................................   02/12/15  80 FR 7817
Final Action........................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service 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
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   10/02/14  79 FR 59472
Final Action........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, 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

60. 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........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

61. 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 amended the Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plans to add grenadiers to the ecosystem component category. 
Grenadiers are caught incidentally in the groundfish fisheries and 
adding them to the Fishery Management Plans recognizes their role in 
the ecosystem. The National Marine Fisheries Service also implemented 
regulations for federally-permitted groundfish fishermen to improve 
reporting of grenadiers, limit retention, and prevent directed fishing 
for grenadiers. This action was necessary to limit the groundfish 
fisheries impact on grenadiers.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   05/05/14  79 FR 25558
NPRM................................   05/14/14  79 FR 27557
Final Action........................   03/05/15  80 FR 11897
Final Action Effective..............   04/06/15
Next Action Undetermined............   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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

62. 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. 3631 et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 773 et seq.; Pub. L. 108199
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service implemented 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 was 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, which may include labor information, revenues received, 
capital and operational expenses, and other operational or financial 
data for this program will be submitted by vessel owners and 
leaseholders of Gulf of

[[Page 34999]]

Alaska trawl vessels, processors receiving deliveries from those trawl 
vessels, and Amendment 80 catcher/processors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/11/14  79 FR 46758
Final Action........................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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

63. 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: The National Marine Fisheries Service 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 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 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................................   12/03/14  79 FR 71729
Final Action........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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

64. 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, the 
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council developed this framework 
action that would establish two accountability measures for the 
recreational red snapper sector. The first recreational accountability 
measure action established 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. Previously, the season length was set 
based on the quota/annual catch limit. The second recreational 
accountability measure action was to 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................................   11/21/14  79 FR 69418
Final Action........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

65. 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: This rule would change the annual catch limit and select 
an accountability measure for royal red shrimp. On January 30, 2012, 
the National Marine Fisheries Service implemented regulations developed 
through a generic annual catch limit and accountability measure 
amendment to multiple fishery management plans, including the Shrimp 
Fishery Management Plan. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   12/24/14  79 FR 77425
NPRM................................   01/26/15  80 FR 3937
Final Action........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

66. 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 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   01/16/15  80 FR 2379
NPRM................................   01/23/15  80 FR 3541
Final Action........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone:

[[Page 35000]]

727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE47

67. 2015-2017 Specifications and Management Measures for the Atlantic 
Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This 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 three 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 10,000 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................................   11/14/14  79 FR 68202
Final Action........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, 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

68.  Framework Adjustment 26 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop 
Fishery Management Plan (Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would set scallop fishery management measures 
for the 2015 fishing year, including the annual catch limits and annual 
catch targets for the limited access and limited access general 
category fleets. In addition, it would adjust the State Waters 
Exemption Program, allow for vessel monitoring system declaration 
changes for when vessels return home with product on board; implement a 
proactive accountability measure to protect flatfish; align two gear 
measures designed to protect sea turtles; and implement other measures 
to improve the management of the scallop fishery. Furthermore, aligning 
the gear designed to protect sea turtles involves modifying regulations 
to threatened marine species at 50 CFR part 223, so this action will be 
a joint action with the Endangered Species Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/17/15  80 FR 13806
Final Action........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930, Phone: 978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE68

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to 
revise the critical habitat designation for the North Atlantic right 
whale. This proposal would result in a significant expansion of 
critical habitat in the northeast feeding area (Gulf of Maine-Georges 
Bank region) and the southeast calving area (Florida to North Carolina) 
compared to what was designated in 1994 for right whales. NMFS has 
contacted the Departments of the Navy, Air Force, and Army, as well as 
the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security requesting 
information related to potential national security impacts related to 
critical habitat designation. Based on information provided, we have 
concluded that there will be no national security impacts associated 
with the designation of critical habitat.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/20/15  80 FR 9313
Final Action........................   02/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, 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: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-AY54

70. Revision of Hawaiian Monk Seal Critical Habitat

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is 
developing a rule to designate critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk 
seal in the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. In response to a 
2008 petition from the Center for Biological Diversity, Kahea, and the 
Ocean Conservancy to revise Hawaiian monk seal critical habitat, NMFS 
published a proposed rule in June 2011 to revise Hawaiian monk seal 
critical habitat by adding critical habitat in the main Hawaiian 
Islands and extending critical habitat in the Northwestern Hawaiian 
Islands. Proposed critical habitat includes both marine and terrestrial 
habitats (e.g., foraging areas to 500 meter depth, pupping beaches, 
etc.). To address public comments on the proposed rule, NOAA Fisheries 
is augmenting its prior economic analysis to better describe the 
anticipated costs of the designation. NOAA Fisheries is analyzing new 
tracking data to assess monk seal habitat use in the main Hawaiian 
Islands. That may lead to some reduction in foraging area critical 
habitat for the main Hawaiian Islands to better reflect where preferred 
foraging features may be found.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/02/11  76 FR 32026
Notice of Public Meetings...........   07/14/11  76 FR 41446
Other...............................   06/25/12  77 FR 37867
Final Action........................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, 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: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-BA81

71. 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 et seq.
    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 areas 
proposed for designation include freshwater and estuarine habitat in 
Oregon and Washington.
    Timetable:

[[Page 35001]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/14/13  78 FR 2725
Final Action........................   09/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, 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: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-BB30

72. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Arctic Ringed Seal

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service 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................................   12/03/14  79 FR 71714
Proposed Rule.......................   12/09/14  79 FR 73010
Notice of public hearings...........   01/13/15  80 FR 1618
Comment Period Extended.............   02/02/15  80 FR 5498
Final Action........................   12/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, 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: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-BC56

73. 2015 Annual Determination To Implement the Sea Turtle Observer 
Requirement

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: Through the Annual Determination, the National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS) identifies U.S. fisheries operating in the 
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean that will be required 
to take observers upon NMFS request, pursuant to its authority under 
the Endangered Species Act. The purpose of observing identified 
fisheries is to learn more about sea turtle interactions in a given 
fishery, evaluate existing measures to prevent or reduce prohibited sea 
turtle takes, and to determine whether additional measures to implement 
the prohibition against sea turtle takes may be necessary. Fisheries 
identified in the 2015 Annual Determination will remain on the Annual 
Determination for a five-year period and are required to carry 
observers upon NMFS request until December 31, 2019.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/22/14  79 FR 63066
Final Action........................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, 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: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-BE35

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Long-Term Actions

National Marine Fisheries Service

74. 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 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

75. 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 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

76. 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

[[Page 35002]]

(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 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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    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. Proposed critical habitat would 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.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Phone: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-BC45

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Completed Actions

78. 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. The 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 
(or 9 nautical miles in the case of Texas and the west coast of 
Florida) as it is represented on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA) charts. The use of a 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   03/09/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC92

79. 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 was to enhance 
socioeconomic benefits to fishermen and fishing communities that 
utilize the snapper-grouper fishery. Specifically, this rulemaking 
modified the fishing year for greater amberjack, increased the minimum 
size limit for hogfish, modified the fishing year for black sea bass, 
changed the commercial fishing season for vermilion snapper, modified 
the aggregate grouper bag limit, and revised the accountability 
measures for gag and vermilion snapper. Modifying the accountability 
measures for gag and vermilion snapper enhances 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........................   11/07/14  79 FR 66316
Final Action Effective..............   12/08/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

80. Amendment 105 Bering Sea Flatfish Harvest Specifications 
Flexibility

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action was published with the intent 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 established 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 modified 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 allows the Council to establish a buffer below the 
allowable biological catch to account for

[[Page 35003]]

management or socioeconomic considerations. Each participant can only 
exchange harvest quota up to three times per year.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   06/13/14  79 FR 33889
NPRM................................   06/30/14  79 FR 36702
Final Action........................   09/23/14  79 FR 56671
Final Action Effective..............   10/23/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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

81. 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: This rule established 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 applied to owners and 
operators of U.S. fishing vessels used for commercial fishing for 
highly migratory species in the area of 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 prohibited 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 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 was 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........................   02/19/15  80 FR 8807
Final Action Effective..............   03/23/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific 
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI 
96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD44

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service has made revisions 
to Federal American lobster regulations intended to assist in 
rebuilding the Southern New England lobster stock. The measures 
included 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 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 implemented 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........................   01/15/15  80 FR 2028
Final Action Effective..............   05/01/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, 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

83. South Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagics Framework Action 2013 
(Completion of a Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Prior to the publication of this action, in the South 
Atlantic the transfer of harvested fish at sea was prohibited for any 
species under a commercial trip limit, and only two gillnets were 
allowed on a federally permitted Spanish mackerel vessel. In some 
instances the trip limit may have been exceeded with just one gillnet 
set, and the excess fish had to be discarded. Most of those discarded 
fish caught in gillnet gear die due to trauma caused during capture. 
This Framework Action allows 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 modified the commercial trip 
limits for Atlantic king mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone. 
The previous system of trip limits could 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 were 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........................   11/19/14  79 FR 68802
Final Action Effective..............   12/19/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

[[Page 35004]]

84. 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 modified the halibut and sablefish 
Individual Fishing Quota Program regulations for management of 
community quota entities in the Gulf of Alaska. The action revised 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........................   11/07/14  79 FR 66324
Final Action Effective..............   12/08/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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

85. 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 adjusted trip limits and fishing seasons for 
zones and subzones of the Gulf migratory group king mackerel. It also 
allows transit of vessels with king mackerel on board through areas 
closed to king mackerel fishing and divides the annual catch limit for 
Atlantic migratory group king and Spanish mackerel into zones. 
Furthermore, the action addressed the results of the most recent stock 
assessment for cobia and divides the annual catch limit into zones. The 
action was needed to achieve optimum yield while ensuring regulations 
are fair and equitable and fishery resources are utilized efficiently.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   10/17/14  79 FR 62410
NPRM................................   10/31/14  79 FR 64728
Final Rule..........................   01/27/15  80 FR 4216
Final Action--Correction Notice.....   02/25/15  80 FR 10007
Final Action Effective..............   03/01/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

86. 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, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) determined the blueline tilefish stock in the South Atlantic was 
experiencing overfishing and is overfished. As mandated by Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, NMFS and the Council 
prepared and implemented a plan amendment and 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 published 
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 was 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........................   10/10/14  79 FR 61262
Final Action Effective..............   10/10/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, 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

87. Framework Adjustment 3 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management 
Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The goal of Framework Adjustment 3 to the Atlantic 
Herring Fishery Management Plan (Framework 3) was to establish a 
process for setting and specifying river herring (alewife and blueback) 
and shad (American and hickory) catch caps for the herring fishery to 
provide an incentive for herring vessels to continue to avoid river 
herring and shad and reduce river herring and shad catch to the extent 
practicable; enhance coordination with the Mid-Atlantic Council to 
address overlapping fisheries; and promote flexibility to adjust the 
catch cap(s) in the future as more information becomes available.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/13/14  79 FR 33879
Final Action........................   12/04/14  79 FR 71960
Final Action Effective..............   12/04/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930, Phone: 978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE01

88. Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures for the Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands Groundfish Fisheries Off Alaska

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule revised the Atka mackerel, Pacific cod, and 
pollock fisheries in the Aleutian Islands subarea to ensure that the 
Alaska groundfish

[[Page 35005]]

fisheries are not likely to cause jeopardy of extinction or adverse 
modification or destruction of designated critical habitat for the 
endangered western distinct population segment of Steller sea lions. 
This rule revised fishery closures, season dates, and harvest 
restrictions, and included a 3-nautical mile closure to groundfish 
fishing around Kanaga Island/Ship Rock rookery. This action is designed 
to minimize the economic impact of fishery management measures. This 
rulemaking will increase industry access to the fishery resources from 
the status quo while continuing to protect the Steller sea lion 
population.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/01/14  79 FR 37485
Final Action........................   11/25/14  79 FR 70285
Final Action Effective..............   12/26/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional 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-BE06

89. Implement 2015-2017 Tilefish Specifications

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service implemented 
specifications for the tilefish fishery for fishing years 2015-2017. 
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council recommended commercial 
quotas of 796 mt for fishing year 2015 and 856 mt for fishing years 
2016 and 2017. The 2015 quota represents a 12 percent reduction from 
the commercial quota that has been used in this fishery from 2001-2014. 
While the fishery is not experiencing overfishing and was recently 
declared rebuilt, the reduction in the commercial quota is the result 
of an improved stock assessment and the Council's conservative risk 
policy in setting the acceptable biological catch limit.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/03/14  79 FR 52293
Final Action........................   10/29/14  79 FR 64330
Final Action Effective..............   11/01/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930, Phone: 978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE37

90. Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Regulation Revisions

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

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

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, 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: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-AV82

91. 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 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   03/10/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, 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: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-BC55

92. 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 designated 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.

[[Page 35006]]

    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/06/13  78 FR 47635
Final Rule..........................   11/13/14  79 FR 68041
Final Action Effective..............   02/11/15  80 FR 7977
Final Action--Correcting Amendment..   02/13/15  80 FR 7977
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, 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: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-BC76

[FR Doc. 2015-14504 Filed 6-17-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P