[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 247 (Friday, December 23, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 94713-94727]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29856]



[[Page 94713]]

Vol. 81

Friday,

No. 247

December 23, 2016

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 247 / Friday, December 23, 2016 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 94714]]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary

13 CFR Ch. III

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

19 CFR Ch. III

37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V

48 CFR Ch. 13

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


Fall 2016 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866, entitled 
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
as amended, the Department of Commerce (Commerce), in the spring and 
fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of 
regulations under development or review over the next 12 months. 
Rulemaking actions are grouped according to prerulemaking, proposed 
rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed 
since the spring 2016 agenda. The purpose of the agenda is to provide 
information to the public on regulations that are currently under 
review, being proposed, or issued by Commerce. The agenda is intended 
to facilitate comments and views by interested members of the public.
    Commerce's fall 2016 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period November 
1, 2016, through October 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 fall 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 July 27, 2016, the Office of Management 
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and 
publication of the fall 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 this edition of Commerce's regulatory agenda, a list of the most 
important significant regulatory actions and a Statement of Regulatory 
Priorities are included in the Regulatory Plan, which appears in both 
the online Unified Agenda and in part II of the issue of the Federal 
Register that includes the Unified Agenda.
    In addition, beginning with the fall 2007 edition, the Internet 
became the basic means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The 
complete Unified Agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov, in a 
format that offers users a greatly enhanced ability to obtain 
information from the Agenda database.
    Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the 
regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, Commerce's printed agenda entries include only:
    (1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, 
in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are 
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities; and
    (2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under 
section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain 
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda 
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in 
the Unified Agenda published on the Internet. In addition, for fall 
editions of the Agenda, Commerce's entire Regulatory Plan will continue 
to be printed in the Federal Register.
    Within Commerce, the Office of the Secretary and various operating 
units may issue regulations. 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 fall 2016 regulatory agenda follows.

Kelly R. Welsh,
General Counsel.

[[Page 94715]]



                 Bureau of the Census--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
192.......................  Foreign Trade Regulations          0607-AA55
                             (15 CFR 30):
                             Clarification on Filing
                             Requirements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
193.......................  Amendment 5b to the Highly         0648-BD22
                             Migratory Species Fishery
                             Management Plan.
194.......................  Implementation of a                0648-BD59
                             Program for
                             Transshipments by Large
                             Scale Fishing Vessels in
                             the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
195.......................  Omnibus Acceptable                 0648-BE65
                             Biological Catch
                             Framework Adjustment.
196.......................  Modification of the                0648-BE77
                             Temperature-Dependent
                             Component of the Pacific
                             Sardine Harvest Guideline
                             Control Rule to
                             Incorporate New
                             Scientific Information.
197.......................  Amendment 18 to the                0648-BF26
                             Northeast Multispecies
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             (Section 610 Review).
198.......................  Omnibus Essential Fish             0648-BF82
                             Habitat Amendment 2.
199.......................  Amendment 43 to the                0648-BG18
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
200.......................  Amendment 45 to the                0648-BG19
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
201.......................  Protected Species Hard             0648-BG23
                             Caps for the California/
                             Oregon Large-Mesh Drift
                             Gillnet Fishery.
202.......................  Mallows Bay-Potomac                0648-BG02
                             National Marine Sanctuary
                             Designation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
203.......................  Amendment 39 to the                0648-BD25
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
204.......................  Regulatory Amendment 16 to         0648-BD78
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Snapper-
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
205.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BE90
                             Fishing Capacity
                             Reduction Loan Refinance
                             (Section 610 Review).
206.......................  Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries         0648-BF09
                             Conservation and
                             Management Act; Seafood
                             Import Monitoring Program
                             (Reg Plan Seq No. 16).
207.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BF12
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program; Widow Rockfish
                             Reallocation in the
                             Individual Fishing Quota
                             Fishery.
208.......................  Allow the Use of Longline          0648-BF42
                             Pot Gear in the Gulf of
                             Alaska Sablefish
                             Individual Fishing Quota
                             Fishery.
209.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BF49
                             Species; Atlantic
                             Blacknose Shark
                             Commercial Retention
                             Limit.
210.......................  Amendment 113 to the FMP           0648-BF54
                             for Groundfish of the
                             BSAI to Establish a
                             Catcher Vessel Fishing
                             Period and Shoreside
                             Processing Delivery
                             Requirements for Aleutian
                             Islands Pacific Cod.
211.......................  Specification of                   0648-BF64
                             Management Measures for
                             Atlantic Herring for the
                             2016-2018 Fishing Years.
212.......................  Amendment 19 to the                0648-BF72
                             Atlantic Sea Scallop
                             Fishery Management Plan.
213.......................  Observer Coverage                  0648-BF80
                             Requirements for Catcher
                             Vessels Using Trawl Gear
                             in the Bering Sea and
                             Aleutian Islands
                             Management Area.
214.......................  Framework Amendment 1 to           0648-BF81
                             the Dolphin and Wahoo
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             of the Atlantic.
215.......................  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.
216.......................  Framework Action to Adjust         0648-BG12
                             the Red Grouper Allowable
                             Harvest in the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
217.......................  Reducing Disturbances to           0648-AU02
                             Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
                             From Human Interactions.
218.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BF28
                             Habitat for the Gulf of
                             Maine, New York Bight,
                             and Chesapeake Bay
                             Distinct Population
                             Segments of Atlantic
                             Sturgeon (Reg Plan Seq
                             No. 17).
219.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BF32
                             Habitat for the Carolina
                             and South Atlantic
                             Distinct Population
                             Segments of Atlantic
                             Sturgeon (Reg Plan Seq
                             No. 18).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
220.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD32
                             Management Plan for
                             Puerto Rico.
221.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD33
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Croix.
222.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD34
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Thomas/St. John.
223.......................  Reductions in Fishing              0648-BF01
                             Capacity for Lobster
                             Management Areas 2 and 3.
224.......................  Designate Critical Habitat         0648-BC45
                             for the Hawaiian Insular
                             False Killer Whale
                             Distinct Population
                             Segment.
225.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC56
                             Habitat for the Arctic
                             Ringed Seal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 94716]]


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
226.......................  Requirements for                   0648-AY15
                             Importation of Fish and
                             Fish Products Under the
                             U.S. Marine Mammal
                             Protection Act.
227.......................  Amendment 7 to the 2006            0648-BC09
                             Consolidated Highly
                             Migratory Species Fishery
                             Management Plan.
228.......................  Amendment 28 to the                0648-BD68
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
229.......................  Amendment 35 to the                0648-BE70
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
230.......................  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.
231.......................  Process for Divestiture of         0648-BF11
                             Excess Quota Shares.
232.......................  Implementation of Salmon           0648-BF25
                             Bycatch Management
                             Measures for the Bering
                             Sea Pollock Fishery.
233.......................  Cost Recovery Authorized           0648-BF35
                             Payment Methods.
234.......................  Amendment 102 to the               0648-BF36
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Gulf of Alaska.
235.......................  2016-2018 Specifications           0648-BF53
                             and Management Measures
                             for the Atlantic
                             Mackerel, Squid, and
                             Butterfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
236.......................  Framework Adjustment 27 to         0648-BF59
                             the Atlantic Sea Scallop
                             Fishery Management Plan.
237.......................  Revisions to the Pacific           0648-BF60
                             Halibut Catch Sharing
                             Plan, Codified
                             Regulations, and Annual
                             Management Measures for
                             2016 and Beyond.
238.......................  Regulatory Amendment 25 to         0648-BF61
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Snapper-
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
239.......................  Amendment 17A to the               0648-BF77
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Shrimp Fishery of
                             the Gulf of Mexico, U.S.
                             Waters.
240.......................  Framework Adjustment 3 to          0648-BF87
                             the Northeast Skate
                             Complex Fishery
                             Management Plan.
241.......................  2016-2018 Spiny Dogfish            0648-BF88
                             Fishery Specifications.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
242.......................  Setting and Adjusting              0651-AD02
                             Patent Fees During Fiscal
                             Year 2017.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Bureau of the Census (CENSUS)

Final Rule Stage

192. Foreign Trade Regulations (15 CFR 30): Clarification on Filing 
Requirements

    Legal Authority: 13 U.S.C. 301
    Abstract: The Census Bureau is proposing to amend its regulations 
to reflect new export reporting requirements related to the 
implementation of the International Trade Data System (ITDS), in 
accordance with the Executive Order 13659, Streamlining the Export/
Import Process for American Businesses. The ITDS was established by the 
Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006. The 
proposed changes also include the addition of a new data element in the 
Automated Export System (AES), the original Internal Transaction Number 
(ITN) field. Lastly, the Census Bureau proposes to make changes to the 
Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) to provide clarity on existing 
reporting requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/09/16  81 FR 12423
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/09/16
Final Rule..........................   12/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dale Kelly, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the 
Census, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Room 6K1285, Suitland, MD 20233, Phone: 
301 763-6937, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0607-AA55

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

193. 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. The National Marine Fisheries Service determined dusky 
sharks are still overfished and still experiencing overfishing. The 
National Marine Fisheries Service 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. The National Marine 
Fisheries Service 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

[[Page 94717]]

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................................   11/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would implement the Inter-American Tropical 
Tuna Commission program to monitor transshipments by large-scale tuna 
fishing vessels, and would govern transshipments by U.S. large-scale 
tuna fishing vessels and carrier, or receiving, vessels. The rule would 
establish: Criteria for transshipping in port; criteria for 
transshipping at sea by longline vessels to an authorized carrier 
vessel with an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission observer onboard 
and an operational vessel monitoring system; and require the Pacific 
Transshipment Declaration Form, which must be used to report 
transshipments in the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission 
Convention Area. 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................................  11/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

195. 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................................   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-BE65

196. 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 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. The National Marine Fisheries Service 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................................   11/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

197. 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................................   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

[[Page 94718]]

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9287, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BF26

198. Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The New England Fishery Management Council voted to issue 
this update rulemaking that would revise the essential fish habitat and 
habitat areas of particular concern designation based on recent 
groundfish data. This rule would update groundfish seasonal spawning 
closures and identify Habitat Research Areas. The proposed revisions 
include adding a habitat management area in the eastern Gulf of Maine 
and modifying the existing habitat management areas in the central and 
western Gulf of Maine, while maintaining additional protections for 
large-mesh groundfish, including cod. In addition, the amendment would 
allow for the potential for development of a scallop access area within 
Georges Bank. A habitat management area would be established on Georges 
Shoal, with allowances for the clam dredge fishery. In Southern New 
England, a habitat management area in the Great South Channel would 
replace the current habitat protections further west. These revisions 
are intended to comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Act requirement to 
minimize to the extent practicable the adverse effects of fishing on 
essential fish habitat.
    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

199.  Amendment 43 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: Based on a recent stock assessment and per the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, action is needed to 
adjust management measures for the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) hogfish stock 
to prevent overfishing and achieve optimum yield. Consistent with the 
stock assessment, this action would redefine the geographic range of 
the Gulf hogfish stock, set the status determination criteria, and set 
the annual catch limits. This action would also revise the hogfish 
minimum size limit to reduce the likelihood of a season closure due to 
the annual catch limit being reached and remove the provision in the 
regulations that exempts hogfish from the prohibition on the use of 
powerheads to take Gulf reef fish in the Gulf stressed area.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BG18

200.  Amendment 45 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 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is working 
to develop and implement separate federal for-hire and private angling 
components for red snapper management measures to better prevent 
overfishing while achieving the optimum yield. Amendment 40 defined the 
components, allocated the recreational red snapper quota between the 
components, and established a three-year sunset provision for the 
components. The purpose of this action is to extend the sector 
separation sunset provision established in Amendment 40 for five 
additional years to allow completion of component-focused management 
strategies.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   08/25/16  81 FR 58466
NPRM................................   11/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG19

201.  Protected Species Hard Caps for the California/Oregon 
Large-Mesh Drift Gillnet Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service intends to 
establish two-year rolling hard caps (i.e., limits) on the numbers of 
certain marine mammals and sea turtles observed killed or injured in 
the California/Oregon large-mesh drift gillnet fishery. The caps would 
be established for five marine mammal species and four sea turtle 
species. When any of the caps are reached or exceeded, the fishery 
would close for the rest of the fishing season and possibly through the 
following season. This measure was recommended by the Pacific Fishery 
Management Council in September 2015.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BG23

NOS/ONMS

202.  Mallows Bay-Potomac National Marine Sanctuary Designation

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.
    Abstract: On September 16, 2014, pursuant to section 304 of the 
National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) and the Sanctuary Nomination 
Process (79 FR 33851), a coalition of community groups submitted a 
nomination asking NOAA to designate Mallows Bay-Potomac River as a 
national marine sanctuary. The Mallows Bay area of the tidal Potomac 
River being considered for designation as a national marine sanctuary 
is an area 40 miles south of Washington, DC, off the Nanjemoy Peninsula 
of Charles County, MD. The designation of a national marine sanctuary 
would focus on conserving the collection of maritime heritage resources 
(shipwrecks) in the area as well as expand the opportunities for public 
access, recreation, tourism, research, and education. NOAA

[[Page 94719]]

completed its review of the nomination in accordance with the Sanctuary 
Nomination Process and on January 12, 2015, added the area to the 
inventory of nominations that are eligible for designation. On October 
7, 2015, NOAA issued a notice of intent to begin the designation 
process and asked for public comment on making this area a national 
marine sanctuary. Designation under the NMSA would allow NOAA to 
supplement and complement work by the State of Maryland and other 
federal agencies to protect this collection of nationally significant 
shipwrecks.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Annie Sawabini, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 240 533-0658.
    RIN: 0648-BG02

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Final Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

203. 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.............   02/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

204. 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 contained 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, removed 
the closure, changed the length of the closure, and changed the area of 
the closure. The goal was to minimize adverse socio-economic impacts to 
black sea bass pot endorsement holders while maintaining protection for 
Endangered Species Act-listed whales in the South Atlantic region.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/11/16  81 FR 53109
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/12/16  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

205. 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 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, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
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

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

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 16 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-BF09

207. 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, 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

[[Page 94720]]

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. The National Marine Fisheries Service 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................................   06/29/16  81 FR 42295
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/29/16  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

208. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   08/08/16  81 FR 52394
NPRM................................   08/19/16  81 FR 55408
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/19/16  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

209. 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................................   08/03/16  81 FR 51165
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/20/16  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

210. Amendment 113 to the FMP for Groundfish of the BSAI 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 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   07/19/16  81 FR 46883
NPRM................................   08/01/16  81 FR 50444
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/31/16  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

211. 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

[[Page 94721]]

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................................   06/21/16  81 FR 40253
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/21/16  .......................
Final Action........................   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-BF64

212. Amendment 19 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan

    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, the 
National Marine Fisheries Service 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   07/20/16  81 FR 47152
NPRM................................   08/16/16  81 FR 54533
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/15/16  .......................
Final Action........................   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-BF72

213. Observer Coverage Requirements for Catcher Vessels Using Trawl 
Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would allow the owner of a catcher vessel in 
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area trawl limited 
access fisheries to annually choose to have the vessel placed in the 
full observer coverage category for all fishing in the Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands Management Area in the upcoming year. Under current 
regulations for the North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Observer 
Program, catcher vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
Management Area trawl limited access fisheries are assigned to the 
partial observer coverage category. Vessels in the partial observer 
coverage category must carry an observer on selected fishing trips, 
whereas vessels in the full observer coverage category must carry an 
observer for all of their fishing activity. Owners of trawl catcher 
vessels have requested to be allowed to voluntarily choose full 
coverage to obtain observer data from all of their fishing trips to 
better manage their halibut prohibited species catch.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/07/16  81 FR 44251
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/08/16  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF80

214. 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................................   06/30/16  81 FR 42625
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/01/16  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

215. 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 the National Marine Fisheries 
Service 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 the National Marine 
Fisheries Service 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

[[Page 94722]]

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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   05/26/16  81 FR 33456
NPRM................................   06/16/16  81 FR 39237
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/18/16  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

216.  Framework Action To Adjust the Red Grouper Allowable 
Harvest in the Gulf of Mexico

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This Framework Action would adjust the red grouper 
allowable harvest in the Gulf of Mexico, consistent with the results of 
a 2015 stock assessment. The commercial annual catch limit and annual 
catch target would be adjusted from 6.03 million pounds gutted weight 
and 5.72 million pounds gutted weight, to 8.19 million pounds gutted 
weight, and 7.78 million pounds gutted weight, respectively. The 
recreational annual catch limit and annual catch target would be 
adjusted from 1.9 million pounds gutted weight and 1.73 million pounds 
gutted weight, to 2.58 million pounds gutted weight, and 2.37 million 
pounds gutted weight, respectively. These increases in the annual catch 
limits and annual catch targets will provide more quota to the 
commercial fisherman and are expected to extend the recreational 
fishing season, which has been closed in-season in recent years, 
through the end of the year.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/26/16  81 FR 48728
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/25/16  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG12

217. Reducing Disturbances to Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins From Human 
Interactions

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would implement regulatory measures under the 
Marine Mammal Protection Act to protect Hawaiian spinner dolphins that 
are resting in protected bays from take due to close approach 
interactions with humans.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   12/12/05  70 FR 73426
ANPRM Comment Period End............   01/11/06  .......................
NPRM................................   08/24/16  81 FR 57854
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/23/16  .......................
Final Action........................   01/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AU02

218. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Gulf of Maine, New York 
Bight, and Chesapeake Bay Distinct Population Segments of Atlantic 
Sturgeon

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 17 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-BF28

219. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Carolina and South 
Atlantic Distinct Population Segments of Atlantic Sturgeon

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 18 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-BF32

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Long-Term Actions

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

National Marine Fisheries Service

220. 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................................   04/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

221. 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

[[Page 94723]]

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................................   04/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

222. 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................................   04/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

223. 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................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Phone: 978 281-9287, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BF01

224. 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................................   11/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

225. 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

226. Requirements for Importation of Fish and Fish Products Under the 
U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1371 et seq.
    Abstract: With this action, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
developed procedures to implement the provisions of section 101(a)(2) 
of the Marine Mammal Protection Act for imports of fish and fish 
products. Those provisions require the Secretary of the Treasury to ban 
imports of fish and fish products from fisheries with bycatch of marine 
mammals in excess of U.S. standards. The provisions further require the 
Secretary of Commerce to insist on reasonable proof from exporting 
nations of the effects on marine mammals of bycatch incidental to 
fisheries that harvest the fish and fish products to be imported.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   04/30/10  75 FR 22731
Reopening ANPRM Comment Period......   07/01/10  75 FR 38070
NPRM................................   08/11/15  80 FR 48171
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/09/15  .......................
Final Action........................   08/15/16  81 FR 54389
Final Action Effective..............   01/01/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-

[[Page 94724]]

8314, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY15

227. 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  .......................
Final Action--Notice................   05/07/15  80 FR 26196
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

228. Amendment 28 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 National Marine Fisheries Service implemented 
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 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 finalized in Amendment 28, this rule revised the red 
snapper commercial and recreational quotas (which are equivalent to the 
annual catch limits) and the recreational annual catch targets. This 
rule also set the Federal charter vessel/headboat and private angling 
component quotas and annual catch targets based on the revised 
recreational sector's 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........................   04/28/16  81 FR 25575
Final Action Effective..............   05/31/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

229. 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 removed black snapper, dog snapper, mahogany 
snapper, and schoolmaster from the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region because these 
species have extremely low commercial landings in state and Federal 
waters. Almost all harvest (recreational and commercial) occurs in 
South Florida, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 
Commission agreed that if the four species were 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 established a consistent regulatory environment in 
Federal and state waters off southern Florida where they are most 
frequently encountered. Amendment 35 also clarified--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........................   05/23/16  81 FR 32249
Final Action Effective..............   06/22/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BE70

230. 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 amended the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and 
revised 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 was 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 
benefited 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

[[Page 94725]]

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........................   05/04/16  81 FR 26738
Final Action Effective..............   06/03/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

231. Process for Divestiture of Excess Quota Shares

    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 
previous regulations, quota share owners had to divest quota 
shareholdings that exceeded individual accumulation limits by November 
30, 2015. This action made 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 Action Effective..............   11/04/15  .......................
Final Action........................   11/09/15  80 FR 69138
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

232. 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 made 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 made 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 provided 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........................   06/10/16  81 FR 37534
Final Action Effective..............   07/11/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

233. Cost Recovery Authorized Payment Methods

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1862; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; Pub. L. 
108-447; Pub. L. 109-241; Pub. L. 109-479; Pub. L. 111-281
    Abstract: This rule amended 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 the National Marine Fisheries Service 
annually. The National Marine Fisheries Service 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 final 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 final rule also eliminated payments by paper check or money 
order and required 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........................   04/22/16  81 FR 23645
Final Action Effective..............   05/23/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

234. 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 modified the basis for the National Marine 
Fisheries Service to place small catcher/processors in partial coverage 
in the North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Observer Program (Observer 
Program). Under this action, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
classified a catcher/

[[Page 94726]]

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 decreased the cost of 
observer coverage for catcher/processors that process small amounts of 
groundfish relative to the rest of the fleet. Approximately nine 
vessels could have been affected by this action and we expected 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........................   03/29/16  81 FR 17403
Final Action Effective..............   03/29/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

235. 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 established 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 final 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........................   04/26/16  81 FR 24504
Final Action Effective..............   05/26/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

236. 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 was 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 
were similar to or slightly higher than previous years. In addition, 
Framework 27 implemented 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........................   05/04/16  81 FR 26727
Final Action Effective..............   05/04/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

237. 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 was the National Marine Fisheries Service's 
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 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........................   04/01/16  81 FR 18789
Final Action Effective..............   04/01/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

238. 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 finalized 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 increased 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 finalized an increase to the 
current commercial trip limit and changed the recreational bag limit 
for blueline tilefish. The fishing year for yellowtail snapper was 
previously based on the calendar year. This rule implemented 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 implemented an increase to 
the black sea bass recreational bag limit to increase the chance the 
recreational annual catch limit will be landed and

[[Page 94727]]

ensure that optimum yield is being achieved.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/01/16  81 FR 34944
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/16/16  .......................
Final Action........................   07/13/16  81 FR 45245
Final Action Effective..............   08/12/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF61

239. 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 implemented 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 would have expired in 2016 if no action was taken. 
This action was necessary to protect federally managed Gulf of Mexico 
shrimp stocks while promoting catch efficiency, economic efficiency and 
stability.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   04/05/16  81 FR 19547
NPRM................................   04/14/16  81 FR 22042
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/16/16  .......................
Final Action........................   07/22/16  81 FR 47733
Final Action Effective..............   07/22/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF77

240. 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 the 
National Marine Fisheries Service authority to close the fishery in-
season if the seasonal quota is reached.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/06/16  81 FR 36251
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/21/16  .......................
Final Rule..........................   08/17/16  81 FR 54744
Final Rule Effective................   09/02/16  .......................
Final Action........................   09/02/16  81 FR 60635
Final Action Effective..............   09/02/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF87

241. 2016-2018 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Specifications

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This 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 
implemented: 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................................   06/22/16  81 FR 40650
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/07/16  .......................
Final Action........................   08/15/16  81 FR 53958
Final Action Effective..............   08/15/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Proposed Rule Stage

242. Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2017

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 112-29
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) 
takes this action to set and adjust Patent 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, reduce the current patent application 
backlog, decrease patent pendency, improve quality, and upgrade the 
Office's business information technology capability and infrastructure.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/04/16  81 FR 68150
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/02/16  .......................
Final Rule..........................   04/00/17  .......................
Final Rule Effective................   06/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Brendan Hourigan, Director, Office of Planning and 
Budget, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 
1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, Phone: 571 272-8966, Fax: 571 273-
8966, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AD02
[FR Doc. 2016-29856 Filed 12-22-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P