[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 111 (Thursday, June 9, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37262-37278]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12900]



[[Page 37261]]

Vol. 81

Thursday,

No. 111

June 9, 2016

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 111 / Thursday, June 9, 2016 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 37262]]


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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 2016 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 2015 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 2016 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period April 1, 
2016, through March 31, 2017.

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 2016 
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 19, 2016, the Office of 
Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the 
preparation and publication of the spring 2016 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. Among 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. For 
fisheries that require conservation and management measures, eight 
Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) prepare Fishery 
Management Plans (FMPs) for the fisheries within their respective 
areas. 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. In the 
development of FMPs, or amendments to FMPs, 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 2016 regulatory agenda follows.

Kelly Welsh,
General Counsel.

  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
29........................  Amendment 5b to the Highly         0648-BD22
                             Migratory Species Fishery
                             Management Plan.

[[Page 37263]]

 
30........................  Implementation of a                0648-BD59
                             Program for
                             Transshipments by Large
                             Scale Fishing Vessels in
                             the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
31........................  Regulatory Amendment 16 to         0648-BD78
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Snapper-
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
32........................  Omnibus Acceptable                 0648-BE65
                             Biological Catch
                             Framework Adjustment.
33........................  Modification of the                0648-BE77
                             Temperature-Dependent
                             Component of the Pacific
                             Sardine Harvest Guideline
                             Control Rule To
                             Incorporate New
                             Scientific Information.
34........................  Reductions in Fishing              0648-BF01
                             Capacity for Lobster
                             Management Areas 2 and 3.
35........................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BF12
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program; Widow Rockfish
                             Reallocation in the
                             Individual Fishing Quota
                             Fishery.
36........................  Amendment 18 to the                0648-BF26
                             Northeast Multispecies
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             (Section 610 Review).
37........................  Allow the Use of Longline          0648-BF42
                             Pot Gear in the Gulf of
                             Alaska Sablefish
                             Individual Fishing Quota
                             Fishery.
38........................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BF49
                             Species; Atlantic
                             Blacknose Shark
                             Commercial Retention
                             Limit.
39........................  Amendment 113 to the FMP           0648-BF54
                             for Groundfish of the
                             BSAI Management Area To
                             Establish a Catcher
                             Vessel Fishing Period and
                             Shoreside Processing
                             Delivery Requirements for
                             Aleutian Islands Pacific
                             Cod.
40........................  Regulatory Amendment 25 to         0648-BF61
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Snapper-
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
41........................  Specification of                   0648-BF64
                             Management Measures for
                             Atlantic Herring for the
                             2016-2018 Fishing Years.
42........................  Amendment 19 to the                0648-BF72
                             Atlantic Sea Scallop
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             (FMP).
43........................  Amendment 17A to the               0648-BF77
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Shrimp Fishery of
                             the Gulf of Mexico, U.S.
                             Waters.
44........................  Framework Amendment 1 to           0648-BF81
                             the Dolphin and Wahoo
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             of the Atlantic.
45........................  Omnibus Essential Fish             0648-BF82
                             Habitat Amendment 2.
46........................  Amendment 103 to the               0648-BF84
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Gulf of Alaska to
                             Reapportion Chinook
                             Salmon Prohibited Catch
                             in the Gulf of Alaska
                             Trawl Fisheries.
47........................  Framework Adjustment 3 to          0648-BF87
                             the Northeast Skate
                             Complex Fishery
                             Management Plan.
48........................  2016-2018 Spiny Dogfish            0648-BF88
                             Fishery Specifications.
49........................  2016 Summer Flounder,              0648-BF89
                             Scup, and Black Sea Bass
                             Recreational Harvest
                             Measures (Section 610
                             Review).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
50........................  Amendment 7 to the 2006            0648-BC09
                             Consolidated Highly
                             Migratory Species Fishery
                             Management Plan.
51........................  Amendment 39 to the                0648-BD25
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
52........................  Amendment 28 to the                0648-BD68
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico (Section 610
                             Review).
53........................  Amendment 35 to the                0648-BE70
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
54........................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BE90
                             Fishing Capacity
                             Reduction Loan Refinance
                             (Section 610 Review).
55........................  Amendment 109 to the               0648-BF05
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             BSAI To Facilitate
                             Development of Groundfish
                             Fisheries for Small
                             Vessels in the Western
                             Alaska Community
                             Development Quota Program.
56........................  Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries         0648-BF09
                             Conservation and
                             Management Act; Seafood
                             Import Monitoring Program.
57........................  Process for Divestiture of         0648-BF11
                             Excess Quota Shares
                             (Section 610 Review).
58........................  Implementation of Salmon           0648-BF25
                             Bycatch Management
                             Measures for the Bering
                             Sea Pollock Fishery.
59........................  Cost Recovery Authorized           0648-BF35
                             Payment Methods.
60........................  Amendment 102 to the               0648-BF36
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Gulf of Alaska.
61........................  2016-2018 Specifications           0648-BF53
                             and Management Measures
                             for the Atlantic
                             Mackerel, Squid, and
                             Butterfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
62........................  Framework Adjustment 27 to         0648-BF59
                             the Atlantic Sea Scallop
                             Fishery Management Plan.
63........................  Revisions to the Pacific           0648-BF60
                             Halibut Catch Sharing
                             Plan, Codified
                             Regulations, and Annual
                             Management Measures for
                             2016 and Beyond.
64........................  Framework Action To Modify         0648-BF70
                             the Gag Minimum Size
                             Limits, Recreational
                             Season, and Black Grouper
                             Minimum Size Limits in
                             the Gulf of Mexico
                             (Section 610 Review).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
65........................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD32
                             Management Plan for
                             Puerto Rico.
66........................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD33
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Croix.
67........................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD34
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Thomas/St. John.
68........................  Designate Critical Habitat         0648-BC45
                             for the Hawaiian Insular
                             False Killer Whale
                             Distinct Population
                             Segment.
69........................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC56
                             Habitat for the Arctic
                             Ringed Seal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 37264]]


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
70........................  Fishery Management Plan            0648-AS65
                             for Regulating Offshore
                             Marine Aquaculture in the
                             Gulf of Mexico.
71........................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BA17
                             Species; Future of the
                             Atlantic Shark Fishery.
72........................  Implement the 2010 Shark           0648-BB02
                             Conservation Act
                             Provisions and Other
                             Regulations in the
                             Atlantic Smoothhound
                             Shark Fishery.
73........................  Implementation of the              0648-BD54
                             Inter-American Tropical
                             Tuna Commission
                             Resolution To Establish a
                             Vessel Monitoring System
                             Program in the Eastern
                             Pacific Ocean.
74........................  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.
75........................  Amendment 8 to the Fishery         0648-BD81
                             Management Plan for
                             Coral, Coral Reefs, and
                             Live/Hard Bottom Habitats
                             of the South Atlantic
                             Region.
76........................  Cost Recovery from                 0648-BE05
                             Amendment 80, CDQ
                             Groundfish and Halibut,
                             American Fisheries Act
                             and Aleutian Islands
                             Pollock, and the Freezer
                             Longline Coalition
                             Pacific Cod Fisheries
                             Management Programs.
77........................  Generic Accountability             0648-BE38
                             Measure and Dolphin
                             Allocation Amendment for
                             the South Atlantic Region.
78........................  International Fisheries;           0648-BE84
                             Western and Central
                             Pacific Fisheries for
                             Highly Migratory Species;
                             Fishing Effort and Catch
                             Limits and other
                             Restrictions and
                             Requirements.
79........................  Revision of Skate Maximum          0648-BE85
                             Retainable Amounts in the
                             Gulf of Alaska Groundfish
                             Fishery.
80........................  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.
81........................  Framework Amendment 3 to           0648-BF14
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Coastal
                             Migratory Pelagic
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico and Atlantic
                             Region.
82........................  Framework Amendment to the         0648-BF21
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico to Modify Greater
                             Amberjack Allowable
                             Harvest and Management
                             Measures.
83........................  Framework Amendment to the         0648-BF33
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico for Red Snapper
                             Commercial Quota
                             Retention for 2016.
84........................  Designation of Critical            0648-AY54
                             Habitat for the North
                             Atlantic Right Whale.
85........................  Endangered and Threatened          0648-BB30
                             Species: Designation of
                             Critical Habitat for
                             Threatened Lower Columbia
                             River Coho Salmon and
                             Puget Sound Steelhead.
86........................  Revisions to Hawaiian              0648-BD97
                             Islands Humpback Whale
                             National Marine Sanctuary
                             Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
87........................  Trademark Fee Adjustment..         0651-AD08
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage
National Marine Fisheries Service

29. 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 the latest 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 considers 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................................   10/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

30. 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

[[Page 37265]]

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. 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................................   10/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

31. 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................................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD78

32. 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 Council's (Council) Omnibus Annual 
Catch Limit Amendment: (1) Adjust the Council's 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 Council's 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................................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

33. 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, the 
National Marine Fisheries Service (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 also will revise the upper temperature 
limit to allow for additional sardine harvest where prior guidelines 
set catch unnecessarily low.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

34. Reductions in Fishing Capacity for Lobster Management Areas 2 and 3

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.
    Abstract: This action proposes several reductions in fishing 
capacity for Lobster Management Areas 2 and 3. The proposed measures 
include: Caps on the number of traps that can be actively fished; caps 
on the number of traps associated with a permit (i.e., allowing trap 
banking); and caps on the number of traps or permits issued to a given 
owner. This action is intended to assist in rebuilding the Southern New 
England lobster stock.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF01

35. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program; Widow 
Rockfish Reallocation in the Individual Fishing Quota Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: In January 2011, NMFS implemented the groundfish trawl 
rationalization program (a catch share program) for the Pacific coast 
groundfish limited entry trawl fishery. The program was implemented 
through Amendments 20 and 21 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan and the corresponding implementing regulations. 
Amendment

[[Page 37266]]

20 established the trawl rationalization program, which includes an 
Individual Fishing Quota program for limited entry trawl participants, 
and Amendment 21 established fixed allocations for limited entry trawl 
participants. During implementation of the trawl individual fishing 
quota program, widow rockfish was overfished and the initial 
allocations were based on its overfished status and management as a 
non-target species. NMFS declared the widow rockfish rebuilt in 2011 
and, accordingly, the Pacific Fishery Management Council has now 
recommended actions to manage the increased abundance of widow 
rockfish. The action would reallocate individual fishing quota widow 
rockfish quota share to facilitate directed harvest and would lift the 
moratorium on widow rockfish quota share trading.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BF12

36. Amendment 18 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan 
(Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 18 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan would make necessary minor administrative adjustments 
to several groundfish sectors, as well as minor adjustments to fishing 
activity designed to protect fishery resources while maximizing 
flexibility and efficiency. Specifically, it would include the 
following management measures: Creating an accumulation limit for 
either the holdings of Potential Sector Contribution or of Northeast 
multispecies permits; creating a sub-annual catch limit that Handgear A 
permits could enroll in and other measures pertaining to fishing with 
Handgear A permits; adjusting what fishery data are considered 
confidential, specifically the price of annual catch entitlement 
transferred within a sector or leased between sectors; establishing an 
inshore/offshore boundary within the Gulf of Maine with associated 
measures, including creation of a Gulf of Maine cod sub-annual catch 
limit, adjusting the Gulf of Maine Gear Restricted Area boundary to 
align with the inshore/offshore boundary, and creating declaration time 
periods for fishing in the inshore or offshore areas; and establishing 
a Redfish Exemption Area, in which vessels could fish with a smaller 
mesh net than the standard mesh size, targeting redfish.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF26

37.  Allow The Use of Longline Pot Gear in the Gulf of Alaska 
Sablefish Individual Fishing Quota Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would amend Federal regulations to allow 
fishermen to use longline pot gear to harvest sablefish in the Gulf of 
Alaska Individual Fishing Quota fishery. Hook-and-line gear is 
currently the only authorized gear type in the sablefish Individual 
Fishing Quota fishery. The action would authorize Individual Fishing 
Quota fishermen to use either longline pot gear or hook-and-line gear 
in the sablefish Individual Fishing Quota fishery. Some fishermen would 
like to use longline pot gear because it is less prone to whale 
interactions than hook-and-line gear. Whales can remove sablefish from 
hook-and-line gear, which reduces fishing efficiency and increases 
costs for sablefish Individual Fishing Quota fishermen because the 
whale interactions damage hook-and-line gear and reduce sablefish catch 
rates. However, whales cannot remove sablefish from longline pot gear, 
and the action to authorize longline pot gear in the sablefish 
Individual Fishing Quota fishery is intended to reduce fishery 
interactions with whales and reduce the negative impacts of whale 
interactions on the sablefish Individual Fishing Quota fleet. The 
action would establish management measures to minimize conflicts 
between hook-and-line and longline pot gear on the fishing grounds and 
to prevent significant consolidation of sablefish Individual Fishing 
Quota onto fewer vessels.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF42

38.  Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Blacknose 
Shark Commercial Retention Limit

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would evaluate the management measures for 
blacknose sharks in the Atlantic region. It would consider, among other 
things, a range of commercial management measures in both directed and 
incidental shark fisheries including, but not limited to, retention 
limits. In addition, this action would address commercial retention 
limits to help prevent early closures of the non-blacknose small 
coastal shark management group and fully utilize the quota.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF49

39.  Amendment 113 to the FMP for Groundfish of the BSAI 
Management Area to Establish a Catcher Vessel Fishing Period and 
Shoreside Processing Delivery Requirements for Aleutian Islands Pacific 
Cod

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would restrict participation in the Aleutian 
Islands Pacific cod fishery. This action is necessary to provide 
stability to catcher vessels that participate in the Aleutian Islands 
Pacific cod fishery and the

[[Page 37267]]

shoreside processors to which they deliver, and to the communities in 
which these processors are located. Specifically, this rule would 
establish catch limits for Pacific cod in the Aleutian Islands and the 
Bering Sea. The revised allocation is intended to provide catcher 
vessels with a sufficient opportunity to harvest Pacific cod in an 
inshore fishery by restricting participation in the fisheries by 
catcher processors that can harvest significantly larger volumes of 
Pacific cod further offshore. This rule may include provisions to 
relieve the restrictions on catcher processor participation if catcher 
vessels would not be able to harvest the allocation or Aleutian Islands 
shoreside processors would not be able to process catcher vessel 
harvests of Pacific cod.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF54

40.  Regulatory Amendment 25 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: This rule proposes management changes recommended by the 
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to blueline tilefish, 
yellowtail snapper, and black sea bass in the South Atlantic Region. 
This rule would increase the annual catch limit and optimum yield for 
blueline tilefish based on a new acceptable biological catch 
recommendation from the South Atlantic Council's Scientific and 
Statistical Committee. This action also proposes an increase to the 
current commercial trip limit and changing the recreational bag limit 
for blueline tilefish. Currently, the fishing year for yellowtail 
snapper is based on the calendar year. This rule proposes a summer/
early fall start date of the fishing year to protect the yellowtail 
snapper stock during the spawning season and provide economic benefits 
for commercial fishermen. Lastly, this rule proposes an increase to the 
black sea bass recreational bag limit to increase the chance the 
recreational annual catch limit will be landed and ensure that optimum 
yield is being achieved.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF61

41.  Specification of Management Measures for Atlantic Herring 
for the 2016-2018 Fishing Years

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The Atlantic herring fishery specifications are annual 
catch amounts for the 2016-2018 fishing years, January-December. These 
specifications are required by regulation to be set for 3 years. If 
implemented, these specifications will change the current catch limit 
levels and will continue to prevent overfishing of the herring resource 
and achieve optimum yield. The catch limits established in these 
specifications set a constant catch amount available to the industry 
that provides a stable allowable catch for 3-year business planning 
purposes. In addition, the specifications add catch that was not caught 
under last year's catch limit for one management area and reduce catch 
that exceeded the catch limits set in other management areas. Finally, 
the specifications set annual gear-specific and area-specific catch 
caps for river herring and shad, consistent with Framework Adjustment 3 
to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF64

42.  Amendment 19 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 19 would incorporate a specifications process 
into the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan and change the 
start of the fishing year. Developing specifications to set annual or 
biennial allocations will allow for a more efficient process for 
setting annual allocations than currently possible through framework 
adjustments. By adjusting the start of the scallop fishing year, NMFS 
would be able to implement simple specifications actions at the start 
of the fishing year on a more consistent basis.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF72

43.  Amendment 17A 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 implement the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council's decision to extend the Council-imposed moratorium 
on new federal commercial shrimp permits for 10 years. The moratorium 
began in 2006 and will expire in 2016 if no action is taken. This 
action is necessary to protect federally managed Gulf of Mexico shrimp 
stocks while promoting catch efficiency, economic efficiency and 
stability.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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].

[[Page 37268]]

    RIN: 0648-BF77

44.  Framework Amendment 1 to the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery 
Management Plan of the Atlantic

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Dolphin Wahoo 1 would establish a commercial trip limit 
after a specified percentage of the commercial sector annual catch 
limit has been reached and would continue until the end of the fishing 
year or until the entire commercial annual catch limit is met, 
whichever comes first.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF81

45.  Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking would update the essential fish habitat 
and habitat areas of particular concern designation for all of the New 
England Fishery Management Council's managed species. This rule will 
also propose revisions to the system of habitat management areas, 
update groundfish seasonal spawning closures, and establish Dedicated 
Habitat Research Areas.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF82

46.  Amendment 103 to the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska To Reapportion Chinook Salmon 
Prohibited Catch in the Gulf of Alaska Trawl Fisheries

    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. 08-199
    Abstract: This action would allow NMFS to reapportion unused 
Chinook salmon prohibited species catch within and between trawl 
sectors in the Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries to reduce the 
potential for early fishery closures. Amendments 93 and 97 to the 
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska and 
implementing regulations established Chinook salmon prohibited species 
catch limits for pollock and non-pollock trawl fisheries. If a sector 
reaches a prohibited species catch limit, the fishery is closed for the 
remainder of the fishing year currently, the fishery management plan 
and regulations do not allow NMFS to reapportion unused Chinook salmon 
prohibited species catch among trawl sectors. Specifically, this action 
would: Allow NMFS to reapportion remaining Chinook salmon prohibited 
species catch among trawl catcher vessel sectors and from the trawl 
catcher/processor sector to trawl catcher vessel sectors based on 
criteria established for inseason reapportionments and within specified 
limits; increase management flexibility without exceeding the current 
overall 32,500 Chinook salmon prohibited species catch limit or 
negating the current prohibited species catch limits under Amendments 
93 and 97; and increase the likelihood that groundfish resources are 
more fully harvested, and minimize the adverse socioeconomic impacts of 
the fishery closures on harvesters, processors, and communities.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF84

47.  Framework Adjustment 3 to the Northeast Skate Complex 
Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action, developed by the New England Fishery 
Management Council, includes skate fishery specifications for the 2016-
2017 fishing years, and a new seasonal quota allocation in the skate 
wing fishery. In summary, the Council proposes: An annual catch limit 
for skate of 31,081 metric tons, an overall total allowable landings of 
12,590 metric tons, status quo possession limits for the skate wing and 
bait fisheries, the addition of a seasonal quota allocation, and NMFS 
authority to close the fishery in-season if the seasonal quota is 
reached.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF87

48.  2016-2018 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Specifications

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The proposed action includes spiny dogfish fishery 
specifications for the 2016-2018 fishing years, as recommended by the 
Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils. In summary, 
the Councils propose: spiny dogfish annual catch limits of 51.9 million 
lb for 2016, 50.7 million lb for 2017, and 49.8 million lb for 2018 
(decreases from 62.3 million lb in 2015); coastwide commercial quotas 
of 40.4 million lb for 2016, 39.1 million lb for 2017, and 38.2 million 
lb for 2018 (decreases from 50.6 million lb in 2015); and spiny dogfish 
trip limits of 5,000 lb (status quo).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF88

[[Page 37269]]

49.  2016 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 
Recreational Harvest Measures (Section 610 Review)

    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 2016 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. This rule will also propose 
modifications to the commercial scup incidental possession limits to 
more closely align with the current conditions of the fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF89

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Final Rule Stage
National Marine Fisheries Service

50. 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 longstanding 
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  .......................
Notice..............................   05/07/15  80 FR 26196
Final Action--Next Stage               12/00/16  .......................
 Undetermined.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

51. 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.............   12/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD25

52. Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS proposed to implement management measures as 
requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council in Amendment 
28 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the 
Gulf of Mexico. The Council voted to reallocate the Gulf of Mexico 
(Gulf) 2016 and 2017 red snapper stock annual catch limit between the 
commercial and recreational sectors from 51:49 percent to 48.5:51.5 
percent, respectively. As a result of the revised sector allocations 
proposed in Amendment 28, this rule would revise the red snapper 
commercial and recreational quotas (which are equivalent to the annual 
catch limits) and the recreational annual catch targets. This rule 
would also set the Federal charter vessel/headboat and private angling 
component quotas and annual catch targets based on the revised 
recreational sectors annual catch limit and annual catch target.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   12/24/15  80 FR 80310
NPRM................................   01/25/16  81 FR 4010
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/10/16  .......................
Final Action........................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD68

53. 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

[[Page 37270]]

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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   02/05/16  81 FR 6222
NPRM................................   03/04/16  81 FR 11502
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/04/16  .......................
Final Action........................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE70

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.; 5 
U.S.C. 561 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued 
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 
hereafter as the refinanced reduction fisheries). The refinance loan of 
up to $30 million could 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 would 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 fishery's 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 percent of ex-
vessel value.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/07/15  80 FR 46941
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/08/15  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

55. Amendment 109 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the 
Bsai To Facilitate Development of Groundfish Fisheries for Small 
Vessels in the Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would amend the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and 
revise regulations governing the groundfish and halibut fisheries 
managed under the Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program in 
order to support increased participation in the groundfish Community 
Development Quota fisheries (primarily Pacific cod) by catcher vessels 
less than or equal to 46 feet (14.0 m) length overall using hook-and-
line gear. This action is necessary to promote the goals of the 
Community Development Quota Program, to increase participation by 
residents of Community Development Quota communities in the Bering Sea 
and Aleutian Islands Management Area groundfish and halibut fisheries, 
and to support economic development in western Alaska. This action 
would benefit the six Community Development Quota groups and the 
operators of the small catcher vessels that the Community Development 
Quota groups authorize to fish on their behalf by reducing the costs of 
participating in the groundfish and halibut Community Development Quota 
fisheries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   01/21/16  81 FR 3374
NPRM................................   02/08/16  81 FR 6489
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/09/16  .......................
Final Action........................   07/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF05

56. Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act; Seafood 
Import Monitoring Program

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1857
    Abstract: On March 15, 2015, the Presidential Task Force on 
Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing and Seafood 
Fraud (Task Force), co-chaired by the Departments of Commerce and 
State, published its action plan to implement Task Force 
recommendations for a comprehensive framework of integrated programs to 
combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and seafood fraud. 
The plan identifies actions that will strengthen enforcement, create 
and expand partnerships with state and local governments, industry, and 
non-governmental organizations, and create a traceability program to 
track seafood from harvest to entry into U.S. commerce, including the 
use of existing traceability mechanisms. As part of that plan, NMFS 
proposes regulatory changes to improve the administration of the MSA 
prohibition on the entry into interstate or foreign commerce of any 
fish taken in violation of any foreign law or regulation. The rule 
includes adjustments to permitting and reporting requirements to 
provide for traceability of seafood products offered for entry into the 
U.S. supply chain, and to ensure that these products were lawfully 
acquired and are properly labeled. Requirements for an international 
trade permit and reporting on the origin of certain imported or 
exported fishery products were previously established by regulations 
applicable to a number of specified fishery products. This rulemaking 
would extend those existing permitting and reporting requirements to

[[Page 37271]]

additional fish species and seafood products.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/05/16  81 FR 6210
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/05/16  .......................
Final Action........................   08/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John Henderschedt, Director, Office for 
International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, Department of Commerce, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West 
Highway, Room 10362, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8314, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BF09

57. Process for Divestiture of Excess Quota Shares (Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: In January 2011, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
implemented the groundfish trawl rationalization program (a catch share 
program) for the Pacific coast groundfish limited entry trawl fishery. 
The program was implemented through Amendments 20 and 21 to the Pacific 
Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan and the corresponding 
implementing regulations. Amendment 20 established the trawl 
rationalization program, which includes an Individual Fishing Quota 
program for limited entry trawl participants, and Amendment 21 
established fixed allocations for limited entry trawl participants, 
with limits on how much quota each participant can accumulate. Under 
current regulations, quota share owners must divest quota shareholdings 
that exceed individual accumulation limits by November 30, 2015. This 
action makes minor procedural modifications to the program regulations 
to clarify how divestiture of excess quota share could occur.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/02/15  80 FR 53088
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/02/15
Final Rule Effective................   11/04/15
Final Rule..........................   11/10/15  80 FR 69138
Final Action........................   10/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF11

58. Implementation of Salmon Bycatch Management Measures for the Bering 
Sea Pollock Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Regulatory Amendment 110 would make substantive changes 
to the management of salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery 
to minimize salmon bycatch in the pollock fishery to the extent 
practicable. Currently, Chinook and chum salmon bycatch are managed 
under two different programs, which have led to inefficiencies and do 
not allow the pollock fishery the flexibility to modify their harvest 
patterns and practices to effectively minimize both Chinook and chum 
salmon bycatch. This regulation would make salmon bycatch management 
more effective, comprehensive, and efficient by increasing flexibility 
to respond to changing conditions and providing greater incentives to 
reduce bycatch of both salmon species. This regulation would provide 
the flexibility to harvest pollock in times and places that best 
achieve salmon avoidance and to adapt to changing conditions quickly.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   01/08/16  81 FR 897
NPRM................................   02/03/16  81 FR 5681
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/04/16
Final Action........................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF25

59.  Cost Recovery Authorized Payment Methods

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1862; 16 U.S.C. 773; Pub. L. 108-447; 
Pub. L. 109-241; Pub. L. 109-479; Pub. L. 111-281
    Abstract: This rule would amend authorized payment methods in 
existing cost recovery fee programs for the halibut, sablefish, and 
crab catch share programs. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act authorizes and requires the collection of cost 
recovery fees for fishery management programs that issue a permit 
allocating exclusive harvest privileges. Cost recovery fees recover the 
actual costs directly related to the management, data collection, and 
enforcement of the programs. Permit holders are required to submit cost 
recovery fee payments to NMFS annually. NMFS undertook a security 
review of the cost recovery fee payment process and developed the rule 
to improve security procedures for protecting sensitive financial 
information and to reduce costs associated with administering the cost 
recovery programs. The proposed rule eliminated manual processing of 
credit card information and required use of the Federal government's 
online payment system, pay.gov, for permit holders paying by credit 
card. The proposed rule also eliminated payments by paper check or 
money order and require the use of pay.gov beginning in 2020. The rule 
is expected to reduce the administrative costs of processing fee 
payments, and this reduction in costs would reduce the total amount of 
cost recovery fees collected from participants in the halibut, 
sablefish, and crab catch share programs.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/31/15  80 FR 81798
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/01/16
Final Action........................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF35

60.  Amendment 102 to the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would modify the basis for NMFS to place small 
catcher/processors in partial coverage in the North Pacific Groundfish 
and Halibut Observer Program (Observer Program). Under this action, 
NMFS would classify a catcher/processor as small and eligible for 
partial coverage for one year based on whether the catcher/processor 
had an average weekly production less than a specified threshold. This 
action would decrease the cost of observer coverage

[[Page 37272]]

for catcher/processors that process small amounts of groundfish 
relative to the rest of the fleet. Approximately nine vessels could be 
affected by this action and we expect all newly qualified vessels would 
choose to participate in partial coverage for the upcoming fishing 
year.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   12/17/15  80 FR 78705
NPRM................................   12/29/15  80 FR 81262
Correction..........................   01/22/16  81 FR 3775
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/28/16
Final Action........................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF36

61.  2016-2018 Specifications and Management Measures for the 
Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action establishes catch levels and associated 
management measures for the 2016-2018 fishing years for species managed 
under the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management 
Plan. The proposed rule: Lowered the Atlantic mackerel quota by 56 
percent to 9,177 metric tons (mt) for the next three years; lowered the 
cap on river herring and shad catch in the mackerel fishery from 89 mt 
to 82 mt for the next three years; increased the trigger for when 3-
inch mesh is required for longfin squid-butterfish moratorium permits 
holders from 2,500 lb to 5,000 lb; clarified that 5-inch (square or 
diamond) or greater strengtheners may be used outside the 3-inch mesh 
to avoid breaking nets during large hauls; and suspended the pre-trip 
notification system requirement for longfin squid-butterfish moratorium 
permit holders.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/22/16  81 FR 3768
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/22/16
Final Action........................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF53

62.  Framework Adjustment 27 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop 
Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of Framework 27 is to set management measures 
for the scallop fishery for the 2016 fishing year, including the annual 
catch limits and annual catch targets for the limited access and 
limited access general category fleets, as well as days-at-sea 
allocations and sea scallop access area trip allocations. Allocations 
in the proposed rule were similar to or slightly higher than previous 
years. In addition, Framework 27 would implement additional measures to 
protect small scallops for future harvest.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/24/16  81 FR 9151
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/25/16
Final Action........................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF59

63.  Revisions to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan, 
Codified Regulations, and Annual Management Measures for 2016 and 
Beyond

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: This action is NMFS annual rulemaking regarding halibut 
fishing on the U.S. West Coast, implementing the Pacific Halibut Catch 
Sharing Plan (Plan). The Plan governs the allocation of the annual 
halibut quota for the West Coast fisheries, which is set by the 
International Pacific Halibut Commission and approved by NOAA 
Fisheries. For 2016 and beyond, the Pacific Fishery Management Council 
has recommended several minor changes to the portion of the Plan 
covering sport fishery seasons and retention rules; and modifications 
to the processes for implementing inseason actions and sport fishery 
closures.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/19/16  81 FR 8466
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/10/16
Final Action........................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF60

64.  Framework Action To Modify the Gag Minimum Size Limits, 
Recreational Season, and Black Grouper Minimum Size Limits in the Gulf 
of Mexico (Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The proposed framework action modified the recreational 
minimum size limit for gag and black grouper from 22 inches total 
length (inches) to 24 inches. Additionally, the proposed action 
modified the gag recreational fishing season from July 1 through 
December 2, to June 1 through December 31. The intent is to extend the 
recreational fishing season.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/03/16  81 FR 11166
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/04/16
Final Action........................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF70


[[Page 37273]]



DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Long-Term Actions
National Marine Fisheries Service

65. 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................................   09/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

66. 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................................   09/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This comprehensive St. Thomas/St. John Fishery Management 
Plan will incorporate, and modify as needed, federal fisheries 
management measures presently included in each of the existing species-
based U.S. Caribbean Fishery Management Plans (Spiny Lobster, Reef 
Fish, Coral, and Queen Conch Fishery Management Plans) as those 
measures pertain to St. Thomas/St. John exclusive economic zone waters. 
The goal of this action is to create a Fishery Management Plan tailored 
to the specific fishery management needs of St. Thomas/St. John. If 
approved, this new St. Thomas/St. John Fishery Management Plan, in 
conjunction with similar comprehensive Fishery Management Plans being 
developed for 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................................   09/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: This action 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.
    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

69. 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 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........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Completed Actions

70. 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 was to 
develop a regional permitting process for regulating and promoting

[[Page 37274]]

environmentally sound and economically sustainable aquaculture in the 
Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone. This fishery management plan 
consisted of ten actions, each with an associated range of management 
alternatives, which will 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 maximum 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 outlined 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........................   01/13/16  81 FR 1761
Final Action Effective..............   02/12/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AS65

71. 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 adjusted the 
regulations governing the U.S. Atlantic shark fishery to address 
current fishery issues and identify specific shark fishery goals for 
the future. This action considered 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........................   08/18/15  80 FR 50073
Final Action Effective..............   08/18/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA17

72. 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 implemented Amendment 9 to the Atlantic shark 
and smoothhound shark fisheries and the measures in Amendment 3 and the 
2011 Highly Migratory Species trawl rule in the Atlantic smoothhound 
shark fishery. The rule fully implemented smoothhound shark quota 
measures as well as the Savings Clause of the Shark Conservation Act. 
The Shark Conservation Act included a provision that allows, under 
specific conditions, smooth dogfish sharks to be landed without fins 
attached (versus the Shark Conservation Act as a whole that requires 
sharks to be landed with fins naturally attached). The final rule 
balanced this statutory provision that provides operating flexibility 
for smooth dogfish fisherman with the need to ensure effective shark 
conservation and management. The rule also made changes to the shark 
gillnet vessel monitoring system requirement to aid the industry by 
limiting the scope of vessel monitoring systems.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/07/14  79 FR 46217
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/14/14
Final Action........................   11/24/15  80 FR 73128
Final Rule..........................   12/18/15  80 FR 78969
Final Action Effective..............   03/15/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

73. 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 implemented the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 
Commission's Resolution intended to require owners and operators of 
tuna-fishing vessels to have installed, activate, carry and operate 
vessel monitoring system units (also known as mobile transmitting 
units). This regulation applies 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 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 applies to commercial vessels only and not 
recreational or charter vessels.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/06/14  79 FR 7152
Correction..........................   02/25/14  79 FR 10465
Proposed Rule.......................   05/19/15  80 FR 28572
Comment Period End..................   06/18/15
Final Action........................   10/07/15  80 FR 60533
Final Action Effective..............   01/01/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator, West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric

[[Page 37275]]

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Building 1, Seattle, WA 
98115, Phone: 206 526-6150, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD54

74. 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: Dolphin Wahoo Amendment 7 and Snapper-Grouper Amendment 
33 allows recreational fishermen to bring dolphin and wahoo fillets 
from The Bahamas into the U.S. waters and updated regulations that 
currently allow recreational fishermen to bring snapper-grouper fillets 
from the Bahamas into U.S. waters.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   09/17/15  80 FR 55819
NPRM................................   10/07/15  80 FR 60601
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/06/15  .......................
Final Action........................   12/28/15  80 FR 80686
Final Action Effective..............   01/27/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD76

75. 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 modified 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 implemented 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 Rule..........................   07/17/15  80 FR 42423
Final Rule Correction...............   08/04/15  80 FR 46205
Final Rule Effective................   08/17/15  .......................
Final Rule Correction...............   10/07/15  80 FR 60565
Final Rule Effective................   10/07/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

76. Cost Recovery From Amendment 80, CDQ Groundfish and Halibut, 
American Fisheries Act and Aleutian Islands Pollock, and the Freezer 
Longline Coalition Pacific Cod Fisheries Management Programs

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; Pub. L. 109-241; Pub. L. 
109-479
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service implemented a 
limited access permit program cost recovery fee for Amendment 80, 
Western Alaska Community Development Quota groundfish and halibut, 
American Fisheries Act and Aleutian Islands Pollock, and the Pacific 
Cod Freezer Longline Coalition fisheries management programs in the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. The purpose of this action was to 
comply with Section 304(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which 
authorizes and requires the National Marine Fisheries Service to 
collect fees for limited access permit programs and the Western Alaska 
Community Development Quota program.The fees collected will be used to 
recover the actual costs directly related to the management, data 
collection, and enforcement of these programs that are incurred by the 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/07/15  80 FR 935
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/06/15  .......................
Final Action........................   01/05/16  81 FR 150
Final Action Effective..............   02/04/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE05

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 34 and Amendment 9 established 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 modified sector allocations for 
dolphin.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   07/15/15  80 FR 41472
NPRM................................   09/29/15  80 FR 58448
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/29/15  .......................
Final Action........................   01/22/16  81 FR 3731
Final Action Effective..............   02/22/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE38

78. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for 
Highly Migratory Species; Fishing Effort and Catch Limits and Other 
Restrictions and Requirements

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule established a framework under which the 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) could specify limits on 
fishing effort and catches, as well as spatial and temporal 
restrictions on particular fishing activities, in U.S. fisheries for 
highly migratory fish species in the western and central Pacific Ocean. 
NMFS will issue the specifications as needed to implement conservation 
and management measures adopted by the Commission for the Conservation 
and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and 
Central Pacific Ocean. The rule also requires that U.S. fishing vessels 
of a certain size obtain International Maritime Organizational numbers, 
and prohibits U.S. longline fishing vessels from using

[[Page 37276]]

shark lines, which are used in some fisheries to target sharks. This 
action was necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations 
under the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly 
Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, to 
which it is a Contracting Party.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/23/15  80 FR 43694
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/07/15  .......................
Final Action........................   10/01/15  80 FR 59037
Final Action Effective..............   11/30/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific 
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, 
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE84

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule reduced the maximum retainable amount of 
incidentally caught skates in directed fisheries for groundfish in the 
Gulf of Alaska to 5 percent, which allows 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. This action was 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................................   07/10/15  80 FR 39734
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/10/15  .......................
Final Action........................   12/28/15  80 FR 80695
Final Action Effective..............   01/27/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

80. 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. 1801 et seq.; Pub. L. 109-241; Pub. L. 
109-479
    Abstract: This rule amended the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
Crab Rationalization Program through two actions intended to benefit 
eligible crab communities by enhancing opportunities to retain 
community historical processing interests in the Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands crab fisheries. The action modified the 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 affects about 21 processor 
quota shareholders. The rule requires all persons holding processor 
quota share to provide annual notification to NMFS regarding the status 
of the right of first refusal for all processor quota share holdings. 
The second action amends regulations to separate the combined 
individual fishing quota/individual processor quota application into 
two applications, and revised reporting requirements for crab 
cooperatives.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/22/15  80 FR 63950
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/23/15  .......................
Final Action........................   01/13/16  81 FR 1557
Final Action Effective..............   02/12/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

81. Framework Amendment 3 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 modified trip limits, accountability measures, 
electronic reporting requirements, and gillnet permit requirements for 
commercial king mackerel landed by gillnet in the Gulf of Mexico. This 
action was necessary to increase efficiency, stability, and 
accountability, and to reduce the potential for regulatory discards in 
the commercial king mackerel gillnet component of the fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/07/15  80 FR 60605
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/06/15  .......................
Final Action........................   12/17/15  80 FR 78670
Final Action Effective..............   01/19/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF14

82. Framework Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef 
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico To Modify Greater Amberjack 
Allowable Harvest and Management Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The intent of this action is to end overfishing and 
rebuild the Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack stock. A 2014 stock 
assessment indicated the Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack stock remains 
overfished and is undergoing overfishing. Allowable harvest was reduced 
and will remain constant until changed based on new scientific 
information. To better constrain catches to the allowable harvest 
levels, the recreational minimum size limit was increased from 30 
inches fork length to 34 inches fork length, and the commercial trip 
limit was reduced from 1,923 pounds gutted weight to 1,500 pounds 
gutted weight.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/17/15  80 FR 55821
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/19/15  .......................

[[Page 37277]]

 
Final Action........................   12/02/15  80 FR 75432
Final Action Effective..............   01/04/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF21

83. Framework Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef 
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico for Red Snapper Commercial Quota 
Retention for 2016

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Pursuant to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 
Council's request, this rule provided authority to withhold 4.9 percent 
of the 2016 red snapper commercial annual catch limit prior to 
distribution to the Individual Fishing Quota Program, in anticipation 
that this percentage may be reallocated to the recreational sector.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/19/15  80 FR 63190
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/03/15  .......................
Final Action........................   11/27/15  80 FR 73999
Final Action Effective..............   12/28/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF33

84. 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 revised the 
critical habitat designation for the North Atlantic right whale. This 
designation resulted in an expansion of critical habitat in the 
northeast feeding area (Gulf of Maine-Georges Bank region) and the 
southeast calving area (Florida to North Carolina) compared to what was 
designated in 1994 for right whales.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/20/15  80 FR 9313
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/21/15  .......................
Final Action........................   01/27/16  81 FR 4837
Final Action Effective..............   02/26/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

85. 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 designated critical habitat for lower 
Columbia River coho salmon and Puget Sound steelhead, currently listed 
as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The areas 
designated include freshwater and estuarine habitat in Oregon and 
Washington.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/14/13  78 FR 2725
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/15/13  .......................
Final Action........................   02/24/16  81 FR 9251
Final Action Effective..............   03/25/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB30

86. 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................................   03/26/15  80 FR 16223
Notice..............................   04/29/15  80 FR 23742
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/19/15  .......................
Withdrawn...........................   03/14/16  81 FR 13303
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: 240 533-0641, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD97

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Proposed Rule Stage

87.  Trademark Fee Adjustment

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1113; 15 U.S.C. 1123; 35 U.S.C. 2; 
Section 10 of AIA Pub. L. 112-29
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) 
takes this action to set and adjust Trademark fee amounts to provide 
the Office with a sufficient amount of aggregate revenue to recover its 
aggregate cost of operations while helping the Office maintain a 
sustainable funding model, ensure integrity of the Trademark register, 
promote efficiency of processes, and incentivize electronic 
communications.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/16  .......................
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/16  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
Final Action Effective..............   01/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 37278]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Chicoski, Administrator for Trademark 
Policy and Procedure, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark 
Office, Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 
22313, Phone: 571 272-8943, Fax: 571 273-8943, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AD08

[FR Doc. 2016-12900 Filed 6-8-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-12-P