[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 23, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79681-79684]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32265]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

15 CFR Part 922

[Docket No. 150821762-5762-01]
RIN 0648-BF13


Boundary Expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary; 
Correction and Expansion of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, 
Regulatory Changes, and Sanctuary Name Change; Correction

AGENCY: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean 
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Final rule; correcting amendment.

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SUMMARY: NOAA originally published final rules expanding the boundaries 
of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) and National Marine 
Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS), and specifying new boundary 
coordinates for those sanctuaries, on September 5, 2014, and July 26, 
2012, respectively. Upon adding the new boundaries for both sanctuaries 
to NOAA nautical charts, NOAA noticed that some of the coordinates did 
not match the description of the boundaries in the respective final 
rules. This action corrects those errors in the coordinates, and 
updates the format of the tables of coordinates for NMSAS. This action 
also makes corrections to the boundary description for the Swains 
Island unit of NMSAS and makes a correction to the use of the term 
``mean high high water''. This correcting amendment will ensure proper 
mapping and enforcement of TBNMS and NMSAS. This action makes

[[Page 79682]]

no substantive change to the regulations and does not expand or 
otherwise alter the size or geographic boundaries of the sanctuaries.

DATES: Effective December 23, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Helene Scalliet, phone: (301) 713-3125 
x281, or email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Need for Correction

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

    On September 5, 2014, NOAA issued final regulations expanding the 
boundary of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) (79 FR 
52960). At that time, NOAA published incorrect coordinates for Point 7 
in the description of the new boundary for TBNMS, which inadvertently 
placed the point a few hundred feet into Canadian waters. NOAA does not 
have the authority to include any foreign waters into a national marine 
sanctuary, and did not intend to do so. This error was discovered when 
NOAA began to revise the nautical charts corresponding to that area. 
The new coordinates for Point 7 now correspond with the textual 
description of the boundary in the preamble and the regulations for 
TBNMS at 15 CFR 922.190. This change corrects the coordinates for Point 
7 in appendix A to subpart R of 15 CFR part 922. This is a technical 
change and makes no substantive change to the regulations.

National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

    On July 26, 2012, NOAA issued final regulations expanding the 
boundary of National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS) (77 FR 
43942), with three technical errors in the boundary descriptions. This 
correcting amendment addresses the three technical errors, and also 
updates the format of the tables of coordinates for NMSAS, as follows:
    1. In the NMSAS regulations describing the boundary of the 
sanctuary (15 CFR 922.101), the description of the boundaries of the 
various units that comprise NMSAS used the term ``mean high high 
water.'' However, the correct term should have been ``mean higher high 
water line''. This term is defined by NOAA as ``the average of the 
higher high water height of each tidal day observed over the National 
Tidal Datum Epoch. For stations with shorter series, comparison of 
simultaneous observations with a control tide station is made in order 
to derive the equivalent datum of the National Tidal Datum Epoch,'' as 
described online at http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/datum_options.html. There is no such term as ``mean high high water'' 
in the list of definitions of various tidal datums commonly used by 
NOAA. Accordingly, this rule replaces the phrase used in the 
regulation, ``mean high high water,'' with the correct phrase, ``mean 
higher high water.'' This change corrects an error and does not make a 
substantive change to the location or scope of the sanctuary boundary.
    2. For two of the five units that comprise NMSAS, an error was made 
in the tables of coordinates in the appendix to subpart J. The textual 
descriptions of the boundary for Zone B of the Aunu'u Unit (Sec.  
922.101(c)(2)) and for the Muli[amacr]va Unit (Sec.  922.101(e)) state 
that the last point is identical to the first point. However, in the 
tables of coordinates the longitude for the last points referenced in 
the textual descriptions--Point 6 in Table 2 and Point 9 in Table 4--
are incorrect. As a result, the points in the tables of coordinates in 
the appendix do not match the textual descriptions in Sec.  
922.101(c)(2) and (e). To correct these errors in the tables, NOAA is 
inserting the correct coordinates. Specifically, NOAA is replacing the 
figure ``170.551 W'' with ``-170.496'' for Point 6 in Table 2, and 
replacing the figure ``169.12'' with ``-169.012'' for Point 9 in Table 
4. These are technical corrections and do not make substantive changes 
to the regulations.
    3. NOAA found that the textual description of the boundary for the 
Swains Island Unit (15 CFR 922.101(d)) was unclear in describing the 
two discrete excluded areas in the Swains Island Unit. Therefore, NOAA 
is correcting that description to ensure that the sanctuary boundary is 
clearly described. In doing so, NOAA is using a different method of 
laying out the coordinates, which resulted in a larger number of 
boundary coordinates in Table 3 in the appendix for subpart J, and a 
need for a new textual description of the boundaries. The new textual 
description and new coordinates do not change the location or size of 
the unit or of the two discrete excluded areas. This is a technical 
correction, as the area included in the sanctuary remains the same as 
the one promulgated in the 2012 final rule.
    4. Lastly, NOAA is also revising the format of all of the tables of 
coordinates in the appendix to subpart J in order to update and conform 
them to the latest standards for presenting boundary coordinates for 
national marine sanctuaries. Previously, latitude coordinates were 
listed followed by ``S'' for ``south'', and longitude coordinates were 
listed followed by ``W'' for ``west''. Under the new standard, latitude 
coordinates are preceded by ``-'' for ``south'', and longitude 
coordinates are preceded by ``-'' for ``west''. These revisions to the 
format of the tables are consistent with NOAA's current efforts to 
standardize the format for coordinates across the National Marine 
Sanctuary System. The revisions would lessen confusion arising from the 
current use of different standards across the various sites and make 
the geographic coordinates easier for navigators to write, plot, and 
read. This is a technical correction, as the shape, size, and location 
of each of the units of NMSAS described in the tables are not changed 
by these revisions and remain the same as when they were promulgated in 
the 2012 final rule.
    Accordingly, NOAA is publishing this correcting amendment without 
notice and comment. This rule amends: Appendix A to subpart R for 
TBNMS; Tables 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the appendix to subpart J for NMSAS; 
and 15 CFR 922.101.

Classification

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Impact
    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of the meaning of Executive Order 12866.
B. Administrative Procedure Act
    The Assistant Administrator of NOS finds good cause pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to waive the notice and comment requirements of the 
Administrative Procedure Act because this amendment is technical in 
nature, having no substantive impact. This rule corrects errors in the 
description of sanctuary boundaries for two national marine sanctuaries 
in rules previously submitted to notice and comment review. The 
substance of the underlying regulations remains unchanged. Therefore, 
providing notice and opportunity for public comment under the 
Administrative Procedure Act would serve no useful purpose. The 
clarification provided by this correction will also enable NOAA to 
fully implement its statutory responsibilities under the NMSA to 
protect resources of a national marine sanctuary. It would be contrary 
to the public interest to delay implementation of the technical 
corrections because they will reduce any confusion that may exist 
regarding the exact coordinates. For the reasons above, the Assistant 
Administrator also finds good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)

[[Page 79683]]

to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness and make this rule effective 
immediately upon publication.
C. National Environmental Policy Act
    This correcting amendment contains only non-substantive, technical 
corrections to national marine sanctuary regulations. NOAA previously 
conducted environmental analyses under NEPA as part of the rulemaking 
process leading to the regulations being corrected by this action. 
Since this correcting amendment is technical in nature, and will not 
have a significant effect on the human environment, NOAA has determined 
that the requirements for an environmental analysis under NEPA do not 
apply to this action.

    Dated: December 17, 2015.
W. Russell Callender,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone 
Management.

List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 922

    Administrative practice and procedure, Coastal zone, Education, 
Environmental protection, Fishing gear, Marine resources, Natural 
resources, Penalties, Recreation and recreation areas, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Research, Wildlife.

    Accordingly, for the reasons set out in the preamble, 15 CFR part 
922 is corrected by making the following correcting amendments:

PART 922--NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY PROGRAM REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 922 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.


0
2. In Sec.  922.101:
0
a. Amend paragraphs (a), (b), (c)(1) and (2), and (f) by removing the 
words ``mean high high water line'' and adding in their place ``mean 
higher high water line'' wherever they appear; and
0
b. Revise paragraph (d).
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  922.101  Boundary.

* * * * *
    (d) Swains Island Unit. The Swains Island Unit boundary is defined 
by the coordinates in Table 3 and the following textual description. 
The seaward boundary of the Swains Island Unit approximates the three 
nautical mile territorial sea boundary from the mean higher high water 
line (shoreline) of the island. The seaward boundary begins south of 
the island at Point 1 and continues initially to the west in sequential 
order clockwise around the island to Point 33. The landward boundary of 
the Swains Island Unit is the mean higher high water line and begins on 
the northern shoreline of the island and follows the shoreline 
counterclockwise initially to the west until it intersects the line 
segment between Point 34 and 35. From this intersection the boundary 
continues offshore to the northwest to Point 35 and then to Point 36 
and Point 37. From Point 37 the boundary continues east-northeast 
towards Point 38 until it intersects the shoreline. From this 
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline southeast around the 
southernmost part of the island and then to the northeast until it 
intersects the line segment between Point 39 and Point 40. From this 
intersection the boundary continues offshore to the southeast to Point 
40 and then to the northeast to Point 41. From Point 41 the boundary 
continues to the northwest towards Point 42 until it intersects the 
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline 
initially to the northeast around the island counterclockwise and then 
to the northwest back to where it began on the northern shoreline.
* * * * *

0
3. Revise appendix to subpart J of part 922 to read as follows:

Appendix to Subpart J of Part 922--American Samoa National Marine 
Sanctuary Boundary Coordinates

    [Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected 
(Geographic) and based on the North American Datum of 1983.]

(a) Fagatele Bay

    No coordinates are needed in addition to those described in 
Sec.  922.101(a).

(b) Fagalua/Fogama'a

    No coordinates are needed in addition to those described in 
Sec.  922.101(b).

(c) Aunu'u (Zones A, B)

    The Aunu'u Unit is comprised of two adjacent zones, described in 
Sec.  922.101(c), for which the point coordinates are provided in 
following tables 1 and 2.

            Table 1--Coordinates for the Aunu'u Unit, Zone A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Latitude          Longitude
              Point ID                     (south)           (west)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................................  -14.286           -170.577
2...................................  -14.304           -170.577
3...................................  -14.302           -170.566
4...................................  -14.286           -170.533
5...................................  -14.286           -170.546
6...................................  -14.286           -170.562
7...................................  -14.286           -170.577
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Table 2--Coordinates for the Aunu'u Unit, Zone B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Latitude          Longitude
              Point ID                     (south)           (west)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................................  -14.270           -170.496
2...................................  -14.286           -170.496
3...................................  -14.286           -170.546
4...................................  -14.280           -170.550
5...................................  -14.270           -170.550
6...................................  -14.270           -170.496
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Swains Island

    The Swains Island Unit boundary is defined by the coordinates 
provided in Table 3 and the textual description in Sec.  922.101(d).

             Table 3--Coordinates for the Swains Island Unit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Latitude          Longitude
              Point ID                     (south)           (west)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................................  -11.11457         -171.06870
2...................................  -11.11565         -171.07980
3...................................  -11.11422         -171.09248
4...................................  -11.11005         -171.10445
5...................................  -11.10388         -171.11445
6...................................  -11.09533         -171.12392
7...................................  -11.08375         -171.13272
8...................................  -11.07268         -171.13775
9...................................  -11.06112         -171.14042
10..................................  -11.04880         -171.14067
11..................................  -11.03618         -171.13800
12..................................  -11.02673         -171.13367
13..................................  -11.01853         -171.12773
14..................................  -11.01010         -171.11828
15..................................  -11.00402         -171.10710
16..................................  -11.00083         -171.09728
17..................................  -10.99817         -171.08305
18..................................  -10.99783         -171.06825
19..................................  -10.99983         -171.05732
20..................................  -11.00373         -171.04790
21..................................  -11.00955         -171.03862
22..................................  -11.01752         -171.02985
23..................................  -11.02703         -171.02290
24..................................  -11.03763         -171.01805
25..................................  -11.04812         -171.01558
26..................................  -11.05860         -171.01527
27..................................  -11.06860         -171.01695
28..................................  -11.07957         -171.02133
29..................................  -11.08850         -171.02727
30..................................  -11.09637         -171.03502
31..................................  -11.10637         -171.04840
32..................................  -11.11122         -171.05753
33..................................  -11.11457         -171.06870
34..................................  -11.05188         -171.08921
35..................................  -11.04856         -171.09269
36..................................  -11.05487         -171.09445
37..................................  -11.06024         -171.09283
38..................................  -11.05848         -171.08824
39..................................  -11.06369         -171.07618
40..................................  -11.06741         -171.07364
41..................................  -11.06217         -171.06622
42..................................  -11.05836         -171.06879
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(e) Muli[amacr]va

    The Muli[amacr]va Unit boundary is defined by the coordinates 
provided in Table 4 and the textual description in Sec.  922.101(e).

[[Page 79684]]



             Table 4--Coordinates for the Muli[amacr]va Unit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Latitude          Longitude
              Point ID                     (south)           (west)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................................  -15.387           -169.012
2...................................  -14.271           -169.012
3...................................  -14.271           -169.121
4...................................  -14.150           -169.121
5...................................  -14.150           -169.012
6...................................  -13.698           -169.012
7...................................  -13.698           -167.283
8...................................  -15.387           -167.283
9...................................  -15.387           -169.012
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) Ta'u Unit
    The Ta'u Unit boundary is defined by the coordinates provided in 
Table 5 and the textual description in Sec.  922.101(f).

                 Table 5--Coordinates for the Ta'u Unit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Latitude
              Point ID                    (south)      Longitude  (west)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................................  -14.24889        -169.503056
2...................................  -14.273056       -169.488056
3...................................  -14.277222       -169.488056
4...................................  -14.261111       -169.429167
5...................................  -14.293889       -169.429167
6...................................  -14.293889       -169.519722
7...................................  -14.24889        -169.519722
8...................................  -14.24889        -169.503056
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix A to Subpart R of Part 922 [Amended]

0
4. In appendix A to subpart R of part 922, amend the table by removing 
the figure ``-83.584432'' for the longitude of Point 7 and adding in 
its place ``-83.586892''.
[FR Doc. 2015-32265 Filed 12-22-15; 8:45 am]
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