[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 9 (Friday, January 12, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1832-1848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-28208]



[[Page 1831]]

Vol. 83

Friday,

No. 9

January 12, 2018

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 1832]]


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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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period November 
1, 2017, through October 31, 2018.

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, Regulation, and 
Oversight, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, 
telephone: 202-482-3151.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Commerce hereby publishes its fall 2017 
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions pursuant 
to Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 
601 et seq. Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to publish an 
agenda of those regulations that are under consideration pursuant to 
this order. By memorandum of August 18, 2017, the Office of Management 
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and 
publication of the fall 2017 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.
    In this edition of Commerce's regulatory agenda, a list of the most 
important significant regulatory and deregulatory 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 2017 regulatory agenda follows.

 Peter B. Davidson,
General Counsel.

[[Page 1833]]



         International Trade Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.......................  Covered Merchandise                0625-AB10
                             Referrals From the
                             Customs Service.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
159.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD32
                             Management Plan for
                             Puerto Rico.
160.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD33
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Croix.
161.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD34
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Thomas/St. John.
162.......................  International Fisheries;           0648-BF41
                             Western and Central
                             Pacific Fisheries for
                             Highly Migratory Species;
                             Treatment of U.S. Purse
                             Seine Fishing With
                             Respect to U.S.
                             Territories.
163.......................  Omnibus Essential Fish             0648-BF82
                             Habitat Amendment 2.
164.......................  Framework Adjustment 2 to          0648-BF85
                             the Tilefish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
165.......................  International Fisheries;           0648-BG04
                             South Pacific Tuna
                             Fisheries; Implementation
                             of Amendments to the
                             South Pacific Tuna Treaty.
166.......................  Voting Criteria for a              0648-BG36
                             Referendum on a Gulf of
                             Mexico Reef Fish Catch
                             Share Program for For-
                             Hire Vessels With
                             Landings Histories.
167.......................  Fisheries off West Coast           0648-BG40
                             States; Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery;
                             Authorization of an
                             Oregon Recreational
                             Fishery for Midwater
                             Groundfish Species.
168.......................  Commerce Trusted Trader            0648-BG51
                             Program (Reg Plan Seq No.
                             12).
169.......................  International Fisheries;           0648-BG66
                             Fishing Limits in Purse
                             Seine Fisheries for 2017,
                             Transshipment
                             Prohibition, and
                             Requirements to Safeguard
                             Fishery Observers.
170.......................  Rule to Implement the For-         0648-BG75
                             Hire Reporting Amendments.
171.......................  Amendment 41 to the                0648-BG77
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper-Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
172.......................  Amendment 36A to the               0648-BG83
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
173.......................  Rule to Modify the Number          0648-BG92
                             of Unrigged Hooks Carried
                             Onboard Bottom Longline
                             Vessels in the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
174.......................  Allow Halibut Individual           0648-BG94
                             Fishing Quota Leasing to
                             Community Development
                             Quota Groups.
175.......................  Nontrawl Lead Level 2              0648-BG96
                             Observers.
176.......................  Rule to Modify Mutton              0648-BG99
                             Snapper and Gag
                             Management Measures in
                             the Gulf of Mexico.
177.......................  Amendment 116 to the               0648-BH02
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Bering Sea and Aleutian
                             Islands Management Area.
178.......................  Amendment 47 to the                0648-BH07
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Reef Fish Resources
                             of the Gulf of Mexico.
179.......................  Management Measures for            0648-BH13
                             Tropical Tunas in the
                             Eastern Pacific Ocean.
180.......................  Rule to Modify Greater             0648-BH14
                             Amberjack Allowable
                             Harvest and Rebuilding
                             Plan in the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
181.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BH17
                             Species; Individual
                             Bluefin Quota Program;
                             Quarterly Accountability.
182.......................  Designate Critical Habitat         0648-BC45
                             for the Hawaiian Insular
                             False Killer Whale
                             Distinct Population
                             Segment.
183.......................  Amendment and Updates to           0648-BF90
                             the Pelagic Longline Take
                             Reduction Plan.
184.......................  Endangered and Threatened          0648-BG26
                             Species; Designation of
                             Critical Habitat for
                             Threatened Caribbean and
                             Indo-Pacific Reef-
                             Building Corals (Reg Plan
                             Seq No. 11).
185.......................  Regulatory Amendment to            0648-BG57
                             Authorize a Recreational
                             Quota Entity.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
186.......................  Modification of the                0648-BE77
                             Temperature-Dependent
                             Component of the Pacific
                             Sardine Harvest Guideline
                             Control Rule to
                             Incorporate New
                             Scientific Information.
187.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BE90
                             Fishing Capacity
                             Reduction Loan Refinance.
188.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BF12
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program; Widow Rockfish
                             Reallocation in the
                             Individual Fishing Quota
                             Fishery.
189.......................  Regulatory Amendment to            0648-BF52
                             the Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery
                             Management Plan to
                             Implement an Electronic
                             Monitoring Program for
                             the Pacific Whiting
                             Fishery.
190.......................  Blueline Tilefish                  0648-BF86
                             Amendment to the Golden
                             Tilefish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
191.......................  Magnuson-Stevens Act               0648-BG17
                             Provisions; Fisheries off
                             West Coast States;
                             Pacific Coast Groundfish
                             Fishery; Specifications
                             and Management Measures
                             and Fishery Management
                             Plan Amendment 27.
192.......................  Amendment 46 to the                0648-BG87
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Reef Fish Resources
                             of the Gulf of Mexico to
                             Establish a Gray
                             Triggerfish Rebuilding
                             Plan.
193.......................  International Fisheries;           0648-BG93
                             Western and Central
                             Pacific Fisheries for
                             Highly Migratory Species;
                             Fishing Limits in Purse
                             Seine Fisheries for 2017.
194.......................  Regulation to Reduce               0648-BG45
                             Incidental Bycatch and
                             Mortality of Sea Turtles
                             in the Southeastern U.S.
                             Shrimp Fisheries.
195.......................  Wisconsin-Lake Michigan            0648-BG01
                             National Marine Sanctuary
                             Designation.
196.......................  Mallows Bay-Potomac River          0648-BG02
                             National Marine Sanctuary
                             Designation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 1834]]


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
197.......................  Amendment 39 to the                0648-BD25
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
198.......................  Implementation of a                0648-BD59
                             Program for
                             Transshipments by Large
                             Scale Fishing Vessels in
                             the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
199.......................  Reducing Disturbances to           0648-AU02
                             Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
                             From Human Interactions.
200.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC56
                             Habitat for the Arctic
                             Ringed Seal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
201.......................  Amendment 18 to the                0648-BF26
                             Northeast Multispecies
                             Fishery Management Plan.
202.......................  Amendment 26 to the                0648-BG03
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Coastal Migratory
                             Pelagic Resources of the
                             Gulf of Mexico and South
                             Atlantic.
203.......................  Amendment 43 to the                0648-BG18
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico.
204.......................  Protected Species Hard             0648-BG23
                             Caps for the California/
                             Oregon Large-Mesh Drift
                             Gillnet Fishery.
205.......................  Amendment 37 to the                0648-BG33
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper-Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
206.......................  Unmanaged Forage Fish              0648-BG42
                             Omnibus Amendment.
207.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish;          0648-BG47
                             Establish an Interim 2017
                             Pacific Coast Tribal
                             Pacific Whiting
                             Allocation.
208.......................  Fishing Year 2017                  0648-BG52
                             Recreational Fishing
                             Measures for Gulf of
                             Maine Cod and Haddock.
209.......................  Framework Adjustment 56 to         0648-BG53
                             the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fishery
                             Management Plan.
210.......................  Amendment 114 for                  0648-BG54
                             Groundfish of the Bering
                             Sea/Aleutian Islands
                             Management Area and
                             Amendment 104 for
                             Groundfish of the Gulf of
                             Alaska; Electronic
                             Monitoring.
211.......................  Revisions to the Pacific           0648-BG61
                             Halibut Catch Sharing
                             Plan, Codified
                             Regulations, and Annual
                             Management Measures for
                             2017 and Beyond.
212.......................  International Fisheries;           0648-BG67
                             Pacific Tuna Fisheries;
                             Fishing Restriction on
                             Tropical Tuna in the
                             Eastern Pacific Ocean.
213.......................  2017 Summer Flounder and           0648-BG68
                             Scup Recreational Harvest
                             Measures.
214.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BF28
                             Habitat for the Gulf of
                             Maine, New York Bight,
                             Chesapeake Bay, Carolina,
                             and South Atlantic
                             Distinct Population
                             Segments of Atlantic
                             Sturgeon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

International Trade Administration (ITA)

Proposed Rule Stage

158. Covered Merchandise Referrals From the Customs Service

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-125, sec. 421
    Abstract: The Department of Commerce (the Department) is proposing 
to amend its regulations to set forth procedures to address covered 
merchandise referrals from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP or 
the Customs Service).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Emily Beline, Department of Commerce, International 
Trade Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 
20230, Phone: 202 482-1096, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0625-AB10

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

159. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for Puerto Rico

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would implement a comprehensive Puerto Rico 
Fishery Management Plan. The 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:

[[Page 1835]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD32

160. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Croix

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would implement a comprehensive St. Croix 
Fishery Management Plan. The Plan would incorporate, and modify as 
needed, Federal fisheries management measures presently included in 
each of the existing species-based U.S. Caribbean Fishery Management 
Plans (Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral, and Queen Conch Fishery 
Management Plans) as those measures pertain to St. Croix exclusive 
economic zone waters. The goal of this action is to create a Fishery 
Management Plan tailored to the specific fishery management needs of 
St. Croix. If approved, this new St. Croix Fishery Management Plan, in 
conjunction with similar comprehensive Fishery Management Plans being 
developed for Puerto Rico and St. Thomas/St. John, will replace the 
Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral and Queen Conch Fishery Management 
Plans presently governing the commercial and recreational harvest in 
U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone waters.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD33

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

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would implement a comprehensive St. Thomas/St. 
John Fishery Management Plan. The Plan would incorporate, and modify as 
needed, Federal fisheries management measures presently included in 
each of the existing species-based U.S. Caribbean Fishery Management 
Plans (Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral, and Queen Conch Fishery 
Management Plans) as those measures pertain to St. Thomas/St. John 
exclusive economic zone waters. The goal of this action is to create a 
Fishery Management Plan tailored to the specific fishery management 
needs of St. Thomas/St. John. If approved, this new St. Thomas/St. John 
Fishery Management Plan, in conjunction with similar comprehensive 
Fishery Management Plans being developed for St. Croix and Puerto Rico, 
will replace the Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral and Queen Conch 
Fishery Management Plans presently governing the commercial and 
recreational harvest in U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone waters.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BD34

162. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for 
Highly Migratory Species; Treatment of U.S. Purse Seine Fishing With 
Respect to U.S. Territories

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would establish rules and/or procedures to 
address the treatment of U.S.-flagged purse seine vessels and their 
fishing activities in regulations issued by the National Marine 
Fisheries Service that implement decisions of the Commission for the 
Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the 
Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Commission), of which the United 
States is a member. Under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries 
Convention Implementation Act, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
exercises broad discretion when determining how it implements 
Commission decisions, such as purse seine fishing restrictions. The 
National Marine Fisheries Service intends to examine the potential 
impacts of the domestic implementation of Commission decisions, such as 
purse seine fishing restrictions, on the economies of the U.S. 
territories that participate in the Commission, and examine the 
connectivity between the activities of U.S.-flagged purse seine fishing 
vessels and the economies of the territories. Based on that and other 
information, the National Marine Fisheries Service might propose 
regulations that mitigate adverse economic impacts of purse seine 
fishing restrictions on the U.S. territories and/or that, in the 
context of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly 
Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean 
(Convention), recognize that one or more of the U.S. territories have 
their own purse seine fisheries that are distinct from the purse seine 
fishery of the United States and that are consequently subject to 
special provisions of the Convention and of Commission decisions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   10/23/15  80 FR 64382
ANPRM Comment Period End............   11/23/15  .......................
NPRM................................   05/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific 
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, 
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BF41

163. Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The New England Fishery Management Council voted to issue 
this updated 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

[[Page 1836]]

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

    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

164. Framework Adjustment 2 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has developed 
a framework adjustment to its Tilefish Fishery Management Plan, which 
would modify management measures for the tilefish fishery to improve 
the management of the species. The proposed measures would: eliminate 
the current call-in reporting requirement; prohibit a vessel from 
fishing for more than one Individual Fishing Quota allocation at the 
same time; require tilefish to be landed with the head attached; 
clarify what fishing gears are allowed in the recreational fishery; and 
make an administrative change to how assumed discards are accounted for 
in the specifications setting process.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF85

165. International Fisheries; South Pacific Tuna Fisheries; 
Implementation of Amendments to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 973 et seq.
    Abstract: Under authority of the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988, 
this rule would implement recent amendments to the Treaty on Fisheries 
between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the 
Government of the United States of America (also known as the South 
Pacific Tuna Treaty). The rule would include modification to the 
procedures used to request licenses for U.S. vessels in the western and 
central Pacific Ocean purse seine fishery, including changing the 
annual licensing period from June-to-June to the calendar year, and 
modifications to existing reporting requirements for purse seine 
vessels fishing in the western and central Pacific Ocean.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific 
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, 
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG04

166. Voting Criteria for a Referendum on a Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish 
Catch Share Program for For-Hire Vessels With Landings Histories

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 42 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish 
Resources in the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 42) proposes to establish a 
catch share program for up to five species of reef fish for headboats 
with landings history in the Southeast Region Headboat Survey. This 
rule would inform the public of the procedures, schedule, and 
eligibility requirements that NOAA Fisheries would use in conducting 
the referendum that is required before the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council (Council) can submit Amendment 42 for Secretarial 
review.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG36

167. Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 
Authorization of an Oregon Recreational Fishery for Midwater Groundfish 
Species

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would authorize the use of midwater long-leader 
gear for recreational fishing in waters seaward of a line approximating 
40 fathoms (73 m) off the coast of Oregon. Midwater long-leader gear 
would be allowed for both charter and private vessels seaward of the 40 
fathom seasonal depth closure and monitored with the existing Oregon 
Ocean Recreational Boat Sampling program. The season would be limited 
and occur between the months of April and September, months currently 
subject to depth restrictions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG40

168. Commerce Trusted Trader Program

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 12 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-BG51

[[Page 1837]]

169. International Fisheries; Fishing Limits in Purse Seine Fisheries 
for 2017, Transshipment Prohibition, and Requirements To Safeguard 
Fishery Observers

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would establish a limit on fishing effort by 
U.S. purse seine fishing vessels in 2017; prohibit U.S. vessels used to 
fish for highly migratory species from transshipping catch in a 
particular area of high seas and remove certain reporting requirements 
applicable to such vessels in that area; and establish requirements to 
enhance the safety of fishery observers on highly migratory species 
fishing vessels. This rule would be issued under the authority of the 
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act, 
and pursuant to decisions made by the Commission for the Conservation 
and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and 
Central Pacific Ocean. This action is necessary for the United States 
to satisfy its obligations under the Convention on the Conservation and 
Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central 
Pacific Ocean, to which it is a Contracting Party.
    Timetable:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific 
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, 
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG66

170. Rule To Implement the For-Hire Reporting Amendments

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule proposes to implement Amendment 39 for the 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, Amendment 9 for 
the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, and Amendment 27 to the 
Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic 
Regions (For-Hire Reporting Amendments). The For-Hire Reporting 
Amendments rule proposes mandatory weekly electronic reporting for 
charter vessel operators with a Federal for-hire permit in the snapper-
grouper, dolphin wahoo, or coastal migratory pelagics fisheries; 
reduces the time allowed for headboat operators to complete their 
electronic reports; and requires location reporting by charter vessels 
with the same level of detail currently required for headboat vessels.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG75

171. Amendment 41 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-
Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 41. This 
amendment would update biological benchmarks, modify allowable fishing 
levels, and revise management measures for mutton snapper based on the 
latest stock assessment. Revisions to management measures include 
designation of ``spawning months,'' during which stricter regulations 
may apply, as well as modifications to the minimum size limit, 
recreational bag limit, and commercial trip limit.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   09/26/17  82 FR 44756
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG77

172.  Amendment 36A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef 
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action implements Amendment 36A to the Fishery 
Management Plan for reef fish resources in the Gulf of Mexico by 
considering modifications to improve compliance and increase management 
flexibility in the red snapper and grouper-tilefish commercial 
individual fishing quota programs in the Gulf of Mexico. In accordance 
with Amendment 36A, this action proposes to improve compliance with the 
individual fishing quota program by requiring all commercial reef fish 
permit holders to hail-in at least 3 hours, but no more than 24 hours, 
in advance of landing. It also proposes to address non-activated 
individual fishing quota accounts and provide the regional 
administrator with authority to retain annual allocation if a quota 
reduction is expected to occur.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG83

173.  Rule To Modify the Number of Unrigged Hooks Carried 
Onboard Bottom Longline Vessels in the Gulf of Mexico

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would modify the number of hooks a bottom 
longline vessel could carry on board in the Gulf of Mexico. Amendment 
31 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources in the Gulf 
of Mexico, originally implemented in February 2010, limited the number 
of hooks a bottom longline vessel could carry to 1,000 hooks of which 
no more than 750 could be fished or rigged to fish at any one time. 
Industry representatives have indicated that hook loss due to shark 
bites has increased over time observer data has also shown an increase 
in the number of hooks lost per trip since 2010. As recommended 
recently by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management

[[Page 1838]]

Council, this rule would remove the cap on the number of hooks per 
vessel while retaining the limit of 750 hooks that could be fished or 
rigged to fish.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG92

174.  Allow Halibut Individual Fishing Quota Leasing to 
Community Development Quota Groups

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would allow Western Alaska Community 
Development Quota groups to lease halibut individual fishing quota in 
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands in years of low halibut catch 
limits. The Community Development Quota Program is an economic 
development program that provides eligible western Alaska villages with 
the opportunity to participate and invest in fisheries. The Community 
Development Quota Program receives annual allocations of total 
allowable catches for a variety of commercially valuable species. In 
recent years, low halibut catch limits have hindered most Community 
Development Quota groups' ability to create a viable halibut fishing 
opportunity for their residents. This proposed rule would authorize 
Community Development Quota groups to obtain additional halibut quota 
from commercial fishery participants to provide Community Development 
Quota community residents more fishing opportunities in years when the 
halibut Community Development Quota allocation may not be large enough 
to present a viable fishery for participants. This proposed rule is 
intended to alleviate the adverse economic, social, and cultural 
impacts of decreasing available halibut resource on Western Alaskan 
communities.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG94

175.  Nontrawl Lead Level 2 Observers

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would modify regulations pertaining to the 
nontrawl lead level 2 observer deployment endorsement and require 
vessels to participate in a pre-cruise meeting when necessary. An 
observer deployed on a catcher/processor that participates in the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands hook-and-line Pacific cod fishery or on 
a catcher/processor using pot gear to harvest groundfish in the Western 
Alaska Community Development Quota fisheries is required to have a 
nontrawl lead level 2 deployment endorsement. Since 2014, vessel owners 
and observer provider firms have reported an ongoing shortage of 
nontrawl lead level 2 endorsed observers that has delayed fishing trips 
and increased operational costs. This action would increase the pool of 
observers that could obtain the nontrawl lead level 2 endorsement by 
allowing sampling experience on trawl catcher/processors to count 
toward the minimum experience necessary to obtain a nontrawl lead level 
2 deployment endorsement. The action would benefit the owners and 
operators of catcher/processor vessels required to carry an observer 
with a nontrawl lead level 2 endorsement, observer provider firms, and 
individuals serving as certified observers. This action also includes a 
revision to the observer coverage requirement for motherships receiving 
unsorted codends from catcher vessels groundfish Community Development 
Quota fishing and numerous housekeeping measures and technical 
corrections. These additional updates and corrections are necessary to 
improve terminology consistency throughout the regulations and, for 
operational consistency, to align mothership observer coverage 
requirements with Amendment 80 vessels consistent with the regulation 
of harvest provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG96

176.  Rule To Modify Mutton Snapper and Gag Management Measures 
in the Gulf of Mexico

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would establish annual catch limits from 2017 
through 2020 for the Gulf of Mexico apportionment of mutton snapper and 
remove the annual catch target because this target is not currently 
used for management purposes. This rule would also establish a 
recreational bag limit for mutton snapper, modify the minimum size 
limit for commercial and recreational mutton snapper, and modify the 
commercial minimum size limit for gag. The majority of mutton snapper 
and gag landings are from waters adjacent to Florida, and the changes 
in bag and size limits would make these management measures consistent 
with those established for Florida state waters and in the case of gag, 
with South Atlantic Federal regulations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG99

177.  Amendment 116 to the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would further limit access to the Bering Sea 
and

[[Page 1839]]

Aleutian Islands yellowfin sole Trawl Limited Access fishery by catcher 
vessels delivering to offshore motherships or catcher/processors. In 
recent years, an unexpected increase in participation in the offshore 
sector of this fishery by catcher vessels allowed under current 
regulations has resulted in an increased yellowfin sole catch rate and 
a shorter fishing season. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council 
recently determined that limiting the number of eligible licenses 
assigned to catcher vessels in this fishery could stabilize the fishing 
season duration, provide better opportunity to increase production 
efficiency, and help reduce bycatch of Pacific halibut. This action 
would modify the License Limitation Program by establishing eligibility 
criteria for licenses assigned to catcher vessels to participate in 
this fishery based on historic participation.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH02

178.  Amendment 47 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would revise the maximum sustainable yield 
proxy and adjust the annual catch limit for the vermilion snapper stock 
within the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf 
of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) 
approved this action at their June 2017 meeting in response to a 2016 
stock assessment for vermilion snapper. The estimate of maximum 
sustainable yield is dependent upon the spawner-recruit relationship. 
For vermilion snapper, there is a high degree of variability in the 
data used and the Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee had 
little confidence in the resulting estimate of maximum sustainable 
yield. Instead, the SSC recommended the use of a maximum sustainable 
yield proxy. This action is necessary to establish: a maximum 
sustainable yield proxy and associated status determination criteria 
that are consistent with the best scientific information available, and 
an annual catch limit that does not exceed the acceptable biological 
catch yields from the 2016 stock.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH07

179.  Management Measures for Tropical Tunas in the Eastern 
Pacific Ocean

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.
    Abstract: This proposed rule would implement the Inter-American 
Tropical Tuna Commission's Resolution C-17-02, which contains 
provisions intended to prevent the overfishing of tropical tuna 
(bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack) in the eastern Pacific Ocean for 
fishing years 2018 to 2020. In addition to rolling over measures from 
the 2017 resolution, this resolution includes additional management 
measures related to fish aggregating devices, makes minor revisions to 
the definition of force majeure, includes provisions related to 
transferring longline catch limits for bigeye tuna between Inter-
American Tropical Tuna Commission members, and increases the bigeye 
tuna catch limit U.S. longline vessels greater than 24 meters in 
overall length that fish in the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission 
Convention Area.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BH13

180.  Rule To Modify Greater Amberjack Allowable Harvest and 
Rebuilding Plan in the Gulf of Mexico

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule would adjust the Gulf of Mexico greater 
amberjack rebuilding plan, modify through 2020--based on information 
from the 2017 stock assessment that indicated that the stock is not 
making adequate progress towards rebuilding--greater amberjack annual 
catch limits and annual catch targets (which equal the quotas) for both 
the commercial and recreational fisheries. The modifications are 
projected to rebuild the stock by 2027. In addition, the rule would 
change the recreational seasonal closure from June through July each 
year to January 1 through June 30 each year. This change would protect 
the stock during peak spawning and extend the season later in the 
fishing year, leading to a more reliable open season.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH14

181.  Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Individual Bluefin 
Quota Program; Quarterly Accountability

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would consider modifying the Atlantic highly 
migratory species regulations to require vessels in the pelagic 
longline fishery to account for bycatch of bluefin tuna using 
Individual Bluefin Quota on a quarterly basis instead of before 
commencing any fishing trip while in quota debt or with less than the 
minimum required Individual Bluefin Quota balance. Current regulations 
require permitted Atlantic Tunas Longline vessels to possess a minimum 
amount of Individual Bluefin Quota to depart on a fishing trip with 
pelagic longline gear onboard and account for bluefin tuna catch (fish 
retained or discarded dead) using Individual Bluefin Quota. At the end 
of a trip on which bluefin tuna are

[[Page 1840]]

caught, a vessel's Individual Bluefin Quota balance is reduced by the 
amount caught. If the trip catch exceeds the vessel's available quota, 
the vessel will incur quota debt (i.e., exceeding its available 
Individual Bluefin Quota balance). In this case, the regulations 
currently require the vessel to obtain additional Individual Bluefin 
Quota through leasing to resolve that quota debt and to acquire the 
minimum Individual Bluefin Quota amount, before departing on a 
subsequent trip using pelagic longline gear. This action would 
implement accountability on a quarterly basis instead of after each 
trip to minimize constraints on fishing for target species and support 
business planning while accounting for all bluefin tuna catch and 
maintaining incentives to avoid bluefin catch. Quarterly accountability 
would require vessel owners to resolve quota debt and obtain the 
minimum amount of Individual Bluefin Tuna prior to fishing for the 
first time during each new calendar quarter. The annual U.S. Bluefin 
tuna quota would remain unaffected by this measure, as it results from 
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas 
recommendations. Through the proposed rule, NMFS would consider the 
potential impacts of this approach on the Individual Bluefin Tuna 
Program.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH17

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

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: In 2012, NMFS listed as endangered the main Hawaiian 
Islands (MHI) insular false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) 
Distinct Population Segment (DPS). The Endangered Species Act (ESA) 
requires NMFS to designate critical habitat to support the conservation 
and recovery of newly listed species. Accordingly, this proposed rule 
would designate critical habitat for the MHI insular false killer whale 
DPS in waters around the MHI. NMFS will consider the economic, national 
security, or other relevant impacts of the proposed designation, and 
would consider excluding areas where such negative impacts would 
outweigh the benefits of critical habitat designation.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC45

183. Amendment and Updates to the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
    Abstract: Serious injury and mortality of the Western North 
Atlantic short-finned pilot whale stock incidental to the Category I 
Atlantic pelagic longline fishery continues at levels exceeding their 
Potential Biological Removal. This proposed action will examine a 
number of management measures to amend the Pelagic Longline Take 
Reduction Plan to reduce the incidental mortality and serious injury of 
short-finned pilot whales taken in the Atlantic Pelagic Longline 
fishery to below Potential Biological Removal. Potential management 
measures may include changes to the current limitations on mainline 
length, new requirements to use weak hooks (hooks with reduced breaking 
strength), and non-regulatory measures related to determining the best 
procedures for safe handling and release of marine mammals. The need 
for the proposed action is to ensure the Pelagic Longline Take 
Reduction Plan meets its Marine Mammal Protection Act mandated short- 
and long-term goals.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF90

184. Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat 
for Threatened Caribbean and Indo-Pacific Reef-Building Corals

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 11 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-BG26

185. Regulatory Amendment To Authorize a Recreational Quota Entity

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 to 773k
    Abstract: The proposed action would authorize a recreational quota 
entity in International Pacific Halibut Commission Regulatory Areas 2C 
and 3A in the Gulf of Alaska to purchase a limited amount of commercial 
halibut quota share for use in the charter halibut fishery. The 
recreational quota entity would provide a mechanism for a compensated 
reallocation of a portion of commercial halibut quota share from the 
Pacific Halibut and Sablefish Individual Fishing Quota Program to the 
charter halibut fishery in order to promote long-term planning and 
greater stability in the charter halibut fishery. Any halibut quota 
share from Area 2C or Area 3A purchased by the recreational quota 
entity would augment the amount of halibut available for harvest in the 
charter halibut fishery in that area. Underlying allocations to the 
charter and commercial halibut sectors would not change.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG57


[[Page 1841]]



DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Final Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

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

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    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.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/23/17  82 FR 39977
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/22/17  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE77

187. Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishing Capacity Reduction Loan Refinance

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.; 5 
U.S.C. 561 et seq.
    Abstract: Congress enacted the 2015 National Defense Authorization 
Act to refinance the existing debt obligation funding the fishing 
capacity reduction program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish fishery 
implemented under section 212. Pending appropriation of funds to effect 
the refinance, the National Marine Fisheries Service issued proposed 
regulations to seek comment on the refinancing and to prepare for an 
industry referendum and final rule. However, a subsequent appropriation 
to fund the refinancing was never enacted. As a result, the National 
Marine Fisheries Service has no funds with which to proceed, and the 
refinancing authority cannot be implemented. The National Marine 
Fisheries Service is therefore withdrawing this proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/06/15  80 FR 46941
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/08/15  .......................
Withdrawal..........................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    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. 
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........................   12/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BF12

189. Regulatory Amendment to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan To Implement an Electronic Monitoring Program for the 
Pacific Whiting Fishery

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would implement a regulatory amendment to the 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to allow Pacific 
whiting vessels the option to use electronic monitoring (video cameras 
and associated sensors) in place of observers to meet requirements for 
100-percent observer coverage. Vessels participating in the catch share 
program are required to carry an observer on all trips to ensure total 
accountability for at-sea discards. For some vessels, electronic 
monitoring may have lower costs than observers and a reduced logistical 
burden. By allowing vessels the option to use electronic monitoring to 
meet monitoring requirements, this action is intended to increase 
operational flexibility and reduce monitoring costs for the Pacific 
whiting fleet.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/06/16  81 FR 61161
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/06/16  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 1842]]

    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BF52

190. Blueline Tilefish Amendment to the Golden Tilefish Fishery 
Management Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has developed 
an amendment to its Golden Tilefish Fishery Management Plan, which 
would implement management measures for the blueline tilefish fishery 
north of the Virginia/North Carolina border. This proposed action would 
establish the management framework for this fishery, including: 
Permitting, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements; trip limits for 
both the commercial and recreational sectors of the fishery; and the 
process for setting specifications and annual catch limits.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   06/14/17  82 FR 27223
NPRM................................   06/28/17  82 FR 29263
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/28/17  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF86

191. Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Specifications and Management 
Measures and Fishery Management Plan Amendment 27

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This final rule established the 2017-2018 harvest 
specifications and management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. 
exclusive economic zone off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and 
California, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management 
Plan (Fishery Management Plan), including harvest specifications 
consistent with default harvest control rules in the Fishery Management 
Plan. This action also included regulations to implement Amendment 27 
to the Fishery Management Plan, which adds deacon rockfish to the 
Fishery Management Plan, reclassifies big skate as an actively managed 
stock, adds a new inseason management process for commercial and 
recreational groundfish fisheries in California, and makes several 
clarifications to existing regulations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   09/30/16  81 FR 67287
NPRM................................   10/28/16  81 FR 75266
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/28/16
Final Rule..........................   02/07/17  82 FR 9634
Final Rule Effective................   02/07/17
Correcting Amendment................   11/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG17

192.  Amendment 46 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico To Establish a Gray Triggerfish 
Rebuilding Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Following a 2015 NMFS determination of the lack of 
adequate progress in rebuilding the Gulf gray triggerfish stock, the 
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council had two years under the 
Magnuson Stevens Act to develop actions to rebuild the affected stock. 
The Council has now proposed to amend the Fishery Management Plan to 
focus on the stock's rebuilding. This proposed action would implement 
that amendment. The proposed action would establish a 9-year rebuilding 
time period; retain the current gray triggerfish annual catch limits 
and annual catch targets for the recreational and commercial sectors; 
modify the recreational fixed closed season; reduce the recreational 
bag limit; increase the recreational size limit; and modify the 
commercial trip limit.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   08/30/17  82 FR 41205
NPRM................................   09/25/17  82 FR 44551
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/25/17
Final Action........................   12/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG87

193.  International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific 
Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Fishing Limits in Purse Seine 
Fisheries for 2017

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
    Abstract: As authorized under the Western and Central Pacific 
Fisheries Convention Implementation Act, this rule would enable NOAA 
Fisheries to implement a recent decision of the Commission for the 
Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the 
Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Commission). The rule would 
establish a limit for calendar year 2017 on fishing effort by U.S. 
purse seine vessels in the U.S. exclusive economic zone and on the high 
seas between the latitudes of 20 degrees N. and 20 degrees S. in the 
area of application of the Convention on the Conservation and 
Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central 
Pacific Ocean. The limit is 1,828 fishing days. The rule also would 
make corrections to outdated cross-references in existing regulatory 
text. This action is necessary to satisfy the obligations of the United 
States under the Convention on the Conservation and Management of 
Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean 
(Convention), to which it is a Contracting Party.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/20/17  82 FR 43926

[[Page 1843]]

 
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/05/17
Final Action........................   11/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific 
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, 
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG93

194. Regulation To Reduce Incidental Bycatch and Mortality of Sea 
Turtles in the Southeastern U.S. Shrimp Fisheries

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of the proposed action is to aid in the 
protection and recovery of listed sea turtle populations by reducing 
incidental bycatch and mortality of small sea turtles in the 
Southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries. As a result of new information on 
sea turtle bycatch in shrimp trawls and turtle excluder device testing, 
NMFS conducted an evaluation of the Southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries 
that resulted in a draft environmental impact statement. This rule 
proposes to withdraw the alternative tow time restriction, which would 
require all vessels using skimmer trawls, pusher-head trawls, and wing 
nets (butterfly trawls), with the exception of vessels participating in 
the Biscayne Bay wing net fishery in Miami-Dade County, Florida, to use 
turtle excluder devices designed to exclude small sea turtles.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/16/16  81 FR 91097
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/14/17
Final Action........................   11/00/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG45

NOS/ONMS

195. Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary Designation

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.
    Abstract: On December 2, 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 an area of Wisconsin's Lake 
Michigan waters as a national marine sanctuary. The area being 
considered for designation as a national marine sanctuary is a region 
that includes 875 square miles of Lake Michigan waters and bottomlands 
adjacent to Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Ozaukee counties and the cities 
of Port Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and Two Rivers. It includes 
80 miles of shoreline and extends 9 to 14 miles from the shoreline. The 
area contains an extraordinary collection of submerged maritime 
heritage resources (shipwrecks) as demonstrated by the listing of 15 
shipwrecks on the National Register of Historic Places. The area 
includes 39 known shipwrecks, 123 reported vessel losses, numerous 
other historic maritime-related features, and is adjacent to 
communities that have embraced their centuries-long relationship with 
Lake Michigan. NOAA completed its review of the nomination in 
accordance with the Sanctuary Nomination Process and on February 5, 
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 Wisconsin 
and other Federal agencies to protect this collection of nationally 
significant shipwrecks.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/09/17  82 FR 2269
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/31/17
Final Rule..........................   03/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Vicki Wedell, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-West Highway (N/
ORM6), Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-7237, Fax: 301 713-0404, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG01

196. Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary Designation

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    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 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................................   01/09/17  82 FR 2254
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/31/17
Final Rule..........................   03/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Vicki Wedell, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-West Highway (N/
ORM6), Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-7237, Fax: 301 713-0404, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG02


[[Page 1844]]



DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Long-Term Actions

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

National Marine Fisheries Service

197. Amendment 39 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    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.............           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Phone: 727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-
5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD25

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

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    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................................   12/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD59

199. Reducing Disturbances to Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins From Human 
Interactions

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    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  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   11/16/16  81 FR 80629
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   12/01/16
                                     -----------------------------------
Final Action........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Phone: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-AU02

200. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Arctic Ringed Seal

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    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
                                     -----------------------------------
To Be Determined....................           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

201. Amendment 18 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 18 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan made 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 included the following 
management measures: Created an accumulation limit for either the 
holdings of Potential Sector Contribution or of Northeast multispecies 
permits; created a sub-annual catch limit that Handgear A permits could 
enroll in and other measures pertaining to fishing with Handgear A 
permits; adjusted what fishery data are considered confidential, 
specifically the price of annual catch entitlement transferred within a 
sector or leased between sectors; established an inshore/offshore 
boundary within the Gulf of Maine with associated measures, including 
creation of a Gulf of Maine cod sub-annual catch limit; adjusted the 
Gulf of Maine Gear Restricted Area boundary to align with the inshore/
offshore boundary; created declaration time periods for fishing in the 
inshore or offshore areas; and established a Redfish Exemption Area, in 
which vessels could fish with a smaller mesh

[[Page 1845]]

net than the standard mesh size, targeting redfish.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   12/06/16  81 FR 87862
NPRM................................   12/20/16  81 FR 92761
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/03/17  .......................
Final Action........................   04/21/17  82 FR 18706
Correction..........................   04/28/17  82 FR 19630
Final Action Effective..............   05/22/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930, Phone: 978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BF26

202. Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory 
Pelagic Resources of the Gulf Of Mexico and South Atlantic

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: As per Amendment 26, this rule modified the management/
stock boundary for Gulf and Atlantic migratory groups of king mackerel; 
updated the biological reference points and revised the acceptable 
biological catch, optimum yield, annual catch limits, and annual catch 
targets for Gulf and Atlantic migratory group king mackerel; created an 
incidental catch allowance of Atlantic migratory group king mackerel 
caught in the shark gillnet fishery; established split season 
commercial quotas and a trip limit system for the Atlantic Southern 
Zone; revised the commercial quotas for Gulf zones; and modified the 
recreational bag limit for Gulf migratory group king mackerel.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   12/14/16  81 FR 90314
NPRM................................   12/29/16  81 FR 95941
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/30/17  .......................
Final Action........................   04/11/17  82 FR 17387
Final Action Effective..............   05/11/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG03

203. Amendment 43 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    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 was 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 redefined the geographic range of the 
Gulf hogfish stock, set the status determination criteria, and set the 
annual catch limits. This action also revised the hogfish minimum size 
limit to reduce the likelihood of a season closure due to the annual 
catch limit being reached and removed 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   11/04/16  81 FR 76908
NPRM................................   11/23/16  81 FR 84538
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/23/16  .......................
Final Action........................   07/25/17  82 FR 34574
Final Action Effective..............   08/24/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG18

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

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service withdrew a proposed 
rule to establish strict limits, termed ``hard caps,'' for the 
California/Oregon large-mesh drift gillnet fishery on interactions with 
certain protected species under Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act authority. The National Marine Fisheries Service 
published the proposed rule in the Federal Register on October 13, 
2016. After careful consideration, the National Marine Fisheries 
Service has decided that the changes discussed in the proposed rule are 
not warranted at this time.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/13/16  81 FR 70660
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   11/23/16  81 FR 84546
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/28/16  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   12/28/16  .......................
Withdrawn...........................   06/12/17  82 FR 26902
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG23

205. Amendment 37 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-
Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 37 responded to the latest stock assessment for 
hogfish, which identified two stocks of hogfish for the South Atlantic 
Region (managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council) and 
one stock of hogfish for the Gulf of Mexico (managed by the Gulf of 
Mexico Fishery Management Council). The purpose of Amendment 37 was to 
use the best scientific information available to modify the management 
unit for hogfish in the South Atlantic Region and establish two 
management units (stocks) for hogfish; establish a rebuilding plan for 
the Florida Keys/East Florida stock; specify fishing levels and modify 
or establish management measures for the Georgia through North Carolina 
and Florida Keys/East Florida stocks of hogfish; while minimizing, to 
the extent practicable, adverse social and economic effects.
    Timetable:

[[Page 1846]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   10/07/16  81 FR 69774
NPRM................................   12/16/16  81 FR 91104
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/17/17  .......................
Final Action........................   07/25/17  82 FR 34584
Correction Final Rule...............   08/24/17  82 FR 40075
Final Action Effective..............   08/24/17  82 FR 34584
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG33

206. Unmanaged Forage Fish Omnibus Amendment

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This amendment was initiated to prohibit the development 
of new--and expansion of existing--commercial and recreational 
fisheries in mid-Atlantic Federal waters that would exploit unmanaged 
forage fish species. This action added unmanaged forage species as 
Ecosystem Component species to the relevant Mid-Atlantic Council 
fishery management plans. The Forage Amendment established: the list of 
forage species managed as Ecosystem Component species in the Mid-
Atlantic region; Management measures for all forage Ecosystem Component 
species, except chub mackerel; Management measures for chub mackerel; a 
mechanism for establishing new fisheries or expansion of existing 
fisheries for Ecosystem Component species; and Administrative 
provisions for managing Ecosystem Component species (list of fisheries 
and fishing gear; permit requirement; monitoring; management unit; and 
framework measures).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   03/28/17  82 FR 15311
NPRM................................   04/24/17  82 FR 18882
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/30/17  .......................
Final Action........................   08/28/17  82 FR 40721
Final Action Effective..............   09/27/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG42

207. Pacific Coast Groundfish; Establish an Interim 2017 Pacific Coast 
Tribal Pacific Whiting Allocation

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action established an interim 2017 tribal whiting 
allocation. NMFS developed this final rule after discussions with the 
affected tribes and the non-tribal fisheries interests. As in prior 
years, this allocation was an ``interim'' allocation that was not 
intended to set precedent for future years.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/23/17  82 FR 14850
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/24/17  .......................
Final Action........................   05/08/17  82 FR 21317
Final Action Effective..............   05/08/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG47

208. Fishing Year 2017 Recreational Fishing Measures for Gulf of Maine 
Cod and Haddock

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action set recreational measures (open season, 
possession limit, minimum size) for the recreational fishery for cod 
and haddock in the Gulf of Maine for the 2017 fishing year (May 1, 
2017, through April 30, 2018). These were proactive accountability 
measures to prevent the annual catch limits from being exceeded, as 
authorized by the regulations implementing the Northeast Multispecies 
Fishery Management Plan. The measures were based on newly-available 
catch information and previously set quotas for fishing year 2017.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/25/17  82 FR 24086
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/09/17  .......................
Final Action Effective..............   07/27/17  .......................
Final Action........................   07/31/17  82 FR 35457
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG52

209. Framework Adjustment 56 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action set 2017 specifications for three U.S./Canada 
stocks (Eastern Georges Bank cod, Eastern Georges Bank haddock, and 
Georges Bank yellowtail flounder), as well as 2017-2018 specifications 
for witch flounder. This action established an allocation for northern 
windowpane flounder for the scallop fishery, revised catch thresholds 
for implementing the scallop fishery's accountability measures for both 
its Georges Bank yellowtail flounder allocation and its new northern 
windowpane flounder allocation, and increased the Georges Bank haddock 
catch allocation for the midwater trawl fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/22/17  82 FR 28447
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/07/17  .......................
Final Rule..........................   08/01/17  82 FR 35660
Final Rule Effective................   08/01/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG53

[[Page 1847]]

210. Amendment 114 for Groundfish of the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands 
Management Area and Amendment 104 for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; 
Electronic Monitoring

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This regulation made substantive improvements to the 
North Pacific Observer Program by giving certain vessels a choice to 
use electronic monitoring instead of observers for collecting fishery 
data. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council amended its 
fisheries research plan for the fixed gear groundfish and halibut 
fisheries of the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. 
The Council's fisheries research plan is implemented by the North 
Pacific Observer Program at the NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 
and its purpose is to collect data necessary for the conservation, 
management, and scientific understanding of the groundfish and halibut 
fisheries off Alaska. This action allowed an electronic monitoring 
system, which consists of a control center to manage the data 
collection, onboard vessels to monitor the harvest and discard of fish 
and other incidental catch at sea, as a supplement to existing human 
observer coverage.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   03/10/17  82 FR 13302
NPRM................................   03/23/17  82 FR 14853
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/22/17  .......................
Final Rule..........................   08/08/17  82 FR 36991
Final Rule Effective................   09/07/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG54

211. Revisions to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan, Codified 
Regulations, and Annual Management Measures for 2017 and Beyond

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 2431 et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 18 U.S.C. 773 to 773k
    Abstract: This action was NMFS' annual rulemaking regarding Pacific 
halibut fishing on the U.S. West Coast and implemented the Pacific 
Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (Plan). The Plan, in place since 1995, 
governs the allocation of the annual Pacific halibut total allowable 
catch to the domestic fisheries of the U.S. West Coast, including the 
Washington treaty tribes, directed and incidental commercial fisheries 
and sport fisheries in each of the three West Coast states. The total 
allowable catch is set by the International Pacific Halibut Commission 
and approved by the Secretary of State. Based on public comment, the 
Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommends any revisions 
necessary to the Plan to achieve management objectives for any of the 
West Coast halibut fisheries to NMFS for implementation through annual 
management measures. This action thus implemented the Council's 
recommended 2017 revisions, which comprised minor changes to the 
portion of the Plan covering sport fishery monitoring, seasons, and 
retention rules.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/23/17  82 FR 11419
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/15/17  .......................
Final Rule..........................   04/20/17  82 FR 18581
Final Rule Effective................   04/20/17  .......................
Final Rule Correction...............   06/20/17  82 FR 28012
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG61

212. International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Fishing 
Restriction on Tropical Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 973 et seq.
    Abstract: This action implemented domestically a resolution (C-17-
01, Conservation of Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean During 2017) 
adopted at the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission by the United 
States and other member nations. Domestic implementation of the 
resolution through NMFS rulemaking action is required under the Tuna 
Conventions Act in order for the United States to fulfill its 
international obligations as member nation of the Inter-American 
Tropical Tuna Commission (Commission). In implementing Resolution C-17-
01, this action set 2017 total allowable catch limits for yellowfin and 
bigeye tuna harvested in purse seine sets on floating objects and in 
sets involving chase and encirclement of dolphins. The action also 
carried over management measures that were previously in place for 
2016, including catch limits or prohibitions for certain large vessels, 
time-area closures, and retention requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   04/11/17  82 FR 17382
Final Action Effective..............   05/11/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG67

213. 2017 Summer Flounder and Scup Recreational Harvest Measures

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule finalized management measures--such as 
recreational possession limits, minimum fish sizes, and seasonal 
closures--to achieve recreational harvest limits for the 2017 summer 
flounder and scup recreational fisheries. Specifically, this action 
established conservation equivalency in Federal waters for the 2017 
recreational summer flounder fishery. Conservation equivalency means 
that management would defer to state management measures.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/19/17  82 FR 18411
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/04/17  .......................
Final Action........................   07/07/17  82 FR 31491
Final Action Effective..............   07/07/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 1848]]

    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-BG68

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

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service listed four 
distinct population segments of Atlantic sturgeon as endangered--and 
one distinct population of Atlantic sturgeon as threatened--under the 
Endangered Species Act on February 6, 2012. This rule designated 
critical habitat for the Gulf of Maine, New York Bight, Chesapeake Bay, 
Carolina, and South Atlantic Distinct Population Segments of Atlantic 
sturgeon.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/03/16  81 FR 35701
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/01/16  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   09/29/16  81 FR 66911
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   10/14/16  .......................
Final Action........................   08/17/17  82 FR 39160
Final Action Effective..............   09/18/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF28

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Final Rule Stage

215. Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2017

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
    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................................   10/03/16  81 FR 68150
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/02/16  .......................
Final Rule..........................   11/00/17  .......................
Final Rule Effective................   01/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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. 2017-28208 Filed 1-11-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-12-P