[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 121 (Monday, June 24, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29603-29618]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-12326]



[[Page 29603]]

Vol. 84

Monday,

No. 121

June 24, 2019

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Unified Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 121 / Monday, June 24, 2019 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 29604]]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary

13 CFR Ch. III

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

19 CFR Ch. III

37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V

48 CFR Ch. 13

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


Spring 2019 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 fall 2018 agenda. The purpose of the Agenda is to provide 
information to the public on regulations that are currently under 
review, being proposed, or issued by Commerce. The Agenda is intended 
to facilitate comments and views by interested members of the public. 
Commerce's spring 2019 regulatory agenda includes regulatory activities 
that are expected to be conducted during the period May 1, 2019, 
through April 30, 2020.

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 spring 2019 
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions pursuant 
to Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 
601 et seq. Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to publish an 
agenda of those regulations that are under consideration pursuant to 
this order. By memorandum of February 7, 2019, the Office of Management 
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and 
publication of the spring 2019 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.
    Beginning with the fall 2007 edition, the internet became the basic 
means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda 
is available online at www.reginfo.gov, in a format that offers users a 
greatly enhanced ability to obtain information from the Agenda 
database.
    Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the 
regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, Commerce's printed agenda entries include only:
    (1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, 
in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are 
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities; and
    (2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under 
section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain 
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda 
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in 
the Unified Agenda published on the internet.
    Within Commerce, the Office of the Secretary and various operating 
units may issue regulations. Among these operating units, the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Industry 
and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office issue the greatest 
share of Commerce's regulations.
    A large number of regulatory actions reported in the Agenda deal 
with fishery management programs of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries 
Service (NMFS). To avoid repetition of programs and definitions, as 
well as to provide some understanding of the technical and 
institutional elements of NMFS' programs, an ``Explanation of 
Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries'' is provided below.

Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries

    The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) (the Act) governs the management of fisheries 
within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States (EEZ). The EEZ 
refers to those waters from the outer edge of the State boundaries, 
generally 3 nautical miles, to a distance of 200 nautical miles. For 
fisheries that require conservation and management measures, eight 
Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) prepare and submit to 
NMFS Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for fisheries within their 
respective areas in the EEZ. The Councils are required by law to 
conduct public hearings on the development of FMPs and FMP amendments. 
Consistent with applicable law, environmental and other analyses are 
developed that consider alternatives to proposed actions.
    Pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Councils also submit to 
NMFS proposed regulations that they deem necessary or appropriate to 
implement FMPs. The proposed regulations, FMPs, and FMP amendments are 
subject to review and approval by NMFS, based on consistency with the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable law. NMFS is responsible for 
conducting the rulemaking process for FMP implementing regulations. The 
Council process for developing FMPs and amendments and proposed 
regulations makes it difficult for NMFS to determine the significance 
and timing of some regulatory actions under consideration by the 
Councils at the time the semiannual regulatory agenda is published.
    Commerce's spring 2019 regulatory agenda follows.

Peter B. Davidson,
General Counsel.

[[Page 29605]]



         International Trade Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
14........................  Regulations Concerning             0625-AB10
                             Scope Inquiries and
                             Covered Merchandise
                             Referrals From U.S.
                             Customs and Border
                             Protection.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Bureau of Industry and Security--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
15........................  Expansion of Export,               0694-AH53
                             Reexport, and Transfer
                             (In-Country) Controls for
                             Military End Use or
                             Military End Users in the
                             People's Republic of
                             China (China), Russia, or
                             Venezuela.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16........................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD32
                             Management Plan for
                             Puerto Rico.
17........................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD33
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Croix.
18........................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD34
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Thomas/St. John.
19........................  International Fisheries;           0648-BG04
                             South Pacific Tuna
                             Fisheries; Implementation
                             of Amendments to the
                             South Pacific Tuna Treaty.
20........................  Illegal, Unregulated, and          0648-BG11
                             Unreported Fishing;
                             Fisheries Enforcement;
                             High Seas Driftnet
                             Fishing Moratorium
                             Protection Act.
21........................  International Fisheries;           0648-BG66
                             Western and Central
                             Pacific Fisheries for
                             Highly Migratory Species;
                             Requirements to Safeguard
                             Fishery Observers.
22........................  Area of Overlap Between            0648-BH59
                             the Convention Areas of
                             the Inter-American
                             Tropical Tuna Commission
                             and the Western and
                             Central Pacific Fisheries
                             Commission.
23........................  Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral             0648-BH67
                             Amendment.
24........................  Regulatory Amendment to            0648-BH70
                             the Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery
                             Management Plan to
                             Implement an Electronic
                             Monitoring Program for
                             Bottom Trawl and Non-
                             Whiting Midwater Trawl
                             Vessels.
25........................  Vessel Movement,                   0648-BI45
                             Monitoring, and
                             Declaration Management
                             Enhancement for the
                             Pacific Coast Groundfish
                             Fishery; Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
26........................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BI51
                             Species; Pelagic Longline
                             Bluefin Tuna Area-Based
                             and Weak Hook Management.
27........................  Requirements to Safeguard          0648-BI86
                             Fishery Observers in the
                             Eastern Pacific Ocean.
28........................  Amendment and Updates to           0648-BF90
                             the Pelagic Longline Take
                             Reduction Plan.
29........................  Revision to Critical               0648-BH95
                             Habitat Designation for
                             Endangered Southern
                             Resident Killer Whales.
30........................  Designation of Critical            0648-BI06
                             Habitat for the Mexico,
                             Central American, and
                             Western Pacific Distinct
                             Population Segments of
                             Humpback Whales Under the
                             Endangered Species Act.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
31........................  Regulatory Amendment to            0648-BF52
                             the Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery
                             Management Plan to
                             Implement an Electronic
                             Monitoring Program for
                             the Pacific Whiting
                             Fishery.
32........................  Commerce Trusted Trader            0648-BG51
                             Program.
33........................  Rule to Implement the For-         0648-BG75
                             Hire Reporting Amendments.
34........................  Generic Amendment to the           0648-BH72
                             Fishery Management Plans
                             for the Reef Fish
                             Resources of the Gulf of
                             Mexico and Coastal
                             Migratory Pelagic
                             Resources in the Gulf of
                             Mexico and Atlantic
                             Region.
35........................  Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries         0648-BH87
                             Conservation and
                             Management Act;
                             Traceability Information
                             Program for Seafood.
36........................  Halibut Deck Sorting               0648-BI53
                             Monitoring Requirements
                             for Trawl Catcher/
                             Processors Operating in
                             Non-Pollock Groundfish
                             Fisheries off Alaska.
37........................  Framework Adjustment 58 to         0648-BI64
                             the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fishery
                             Management Plan.
38........................  Regulation to Reduce               0648-BG45
                             Incidental Bycatch and
                             Mortality of Sea Turtles
                             in the Southeastern U.S.
                             Shrimp Fisheries.
39........................  Wisconsin-Lake Michigan            0648-BG01
                             National Marine Sanctuary
                             Designation.
40........................  Mallows Bay-Potomac River          0648-BG02
                             National Marine Sanctuary
                             Designation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41........................  Implementation of a                0648-BD59
                             Program for
                             Transshipments by Large
                             Scale Fishing Vessels in
                             the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

[[Page 29606]]

 
42........................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BE90
                             Fishing Capacity
                             Reduction Loan Refinance.
43........................  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.
44........................  Reducing Disturbances to           0648-AU02
                             Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
                             From Human Interactions.
45........................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC56
                             Habitat for the Arctic
                             Ringed Seal.
46........................  Endangered and Threatened          0648-BG26
                             Species; Designation of
                             Critical Habitat for
                             Threatened Caribbean and
                             Indo-Pacific Reef-
                             Building Corals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
47........................  Voting Criteria for a              0648-BG36
                             Referendum on a Gulf of
                             Mexico Reef Fish Catch
                             Share Program for For-
                             Hire Vessels With
                             Landings Histories.
48........................  Allow Halibut Individual           0648-BG94
                             Fishing Quota Leasing to
                             Community Development
                             Quota Groups.
49........................  Amendment 116 to the               0648-BH02
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Bering Sea and Aleutian
                             Islands Management Area.
50........................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BH54
                             Species; Atlantic Bluefin
                             Tuna and North Atlantic
                             Albacore Quotas.
51........................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BH75
                             Species; Shortfin Mako
                             Shark Management Measures.
52........................  Revisions to Regulations           0648-BH88
                             for Species With
                             Sideboard Limits That
                             Cannot Support Directed
                             Fishing by Vessels
                             Subject to Sideboards in
                             the Bering Sea and
                             Aleutian Islands and Gulf
                             of Alaska.
53........................  2019 -- 2020 Harvest               0648-BH93
                             Specifications and
                             Management Measures for
                             Pacific Coast Groundfish
                             and Fishery Management
                             Plan.
54........................  Regulatory Amendment 28 to         0648-BI38
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Snapper-
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
55........................  Framework Action to the            0648-BI39
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Reef Fish Resources
                             of the Gulf of Mexico,
                             Modification of Gulf of
                             Mexico Red Snapper and
                             Hogfish Annual Catch
                             Limits.
56........................  Regulatory Amendment to            0648-BG57
                             Authorize a Recreational
                             Quota Entity.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
57........................  Requirement of U.S.                0651-AD30
                             Licensed Attorney for
                             Foreign Trademark
                             Applicants and
                             Registrants.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

International Trade Administration (ITA)

Proposed Rule Stage

14. Regulations Concerning Scope Inquiries and Covered Merchandise 
Referrals From U.S. Customs and Border Protection

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-125, sec 421
    Abstract: The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is proposing to 
amend its regulations concerning scope inquiries (19 CFR 351.225) and 
to set forth procedures addressing covered merchandise referrals from 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP or the Customs Service).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jessica Link, Department of Commerce, International 
Trade Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 
20230, Phone: 202 482-1411, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0625-AB10

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Final Rule Stage

15. Expansion of Export, Reexport, and Transfer (In-Country) Controls 
for Military End Use or Military End Users in the People's Republic of 
China (China), Russia, or Venezuela

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 10 U.S.C. 7420; 10 U.S.C. 7430(e); 15 U.S.C. 
1824a; 22 U.S.C. 287c; 22 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6004; 22 
U.S.C. 7201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 7210; 30 U.S.C. 185(s); 30 U.S.C. 
185(u); 42 U.S.C. 2139a; 43 U.S.C. 1354; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 50 
U.S.C. 4305; 50 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.; E.O. 12058; E.O. 12851; E.O. 
12938; E.O. 12947; E.O. 13026; E.O. 13099; E.O. 13222; E.O. 13224; Pub. 
L. 108-11
    Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to expand license requirements 
on exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) of items intended for 
military end use or military end users in the People's Republic of 
China (China), Russia, or Venezuela. Specifically, this rule expands 
the licensing requirements for China to include ``military end users,'' 
in addition to ``military end use.'' It broadens the items for which 
the licensing requirements and review policy apply and expand the 
definition of ``military end use.'' Next, it creates a new reason for 
control and associated review policy for regional stability for certain 
items to China, Russia, or Venezuela, moving existing text related to 
this policy. Finally, it adds Electronic

[[Page 29607]]

Export Information filing requirements in the Automated Export System 
for exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   07/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Hillary Hess, Director, Regulatory Policy Division, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th Street 
and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202 482-2440, 
Fax: 202 482-3355, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0694-AH53

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

16. 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 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 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. This new Plan, in conjunction with similar comprehensive 
Fishery Management Plans being developed for St. Croix and St. Thomas/
St. John, would 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................................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

17. 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. This new Plan, in conjunction with similar comprehensive 
Fishery Management Plans being developed for Puerto Rico and St. 
Thomas/St. John, would 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................................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

18. 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. This new Plan, in conjunction with 
similar comprehensive Fishery Management Plans being developed for St. 
Croix and Puerto Rico, would 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................................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

19. 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. The rule 
would implement only those aspects of the Treaty amendments that can be 
implemented under the existing South Pacific Tuna Act.

[[Page 29608]]

    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

20. Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing; Fisheries 
Enforcement; High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-81
    Abstract: This proposed rule will make conforming amendments to 
regulations implementing the various statutes amended by the Illegal, 
Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015 (Pub. L. 
114-81). The Act amends several regional fishery management 
organization implementing statutes as well as the High Seas Driftnet 
Fishing Moratorium Protection Act. It also provides authority to 
implement two new international agreements under the Antigua 
Convention, which amends the Convention for the establishment of an 
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, and the United Nations Food 
and Agriculture Organization Agreement on Port State Measures to 
Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated 
Fishing (Port State Measures Agreement), which restricts the entry into 
U.S. ports by foreign fishing vessels that are known to be or are 
suspected of engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. 
This proposed rule will also implement the Port State Measures 
Agreement. To that end, this proposed rule will require the collection 
of certain information from foreign fishing vessels requesting 
permission to use U.S. ports. It also includes procedures to designate 
and publicize the ports to which foreign fishing vessels may seek entry 
and procedures for conducting inspections of these foreign vessels 
accessing U.S. ports. Further, the rule establishes procedures for 
notification of: the denial of port entry or port services for a 
foreign vessel, the withdrawal of the denial of port services if 
applicable, the taking of enforcement action with respect to a foreign 
vessel, or the results of any inspection of a foreign vessel to the 
flag nation of the vessel and other competent authorities as 
appropriate.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John Henderschedt, Director, Office for 
International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, Department of Commerce, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Room 10362, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8314, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG11

21. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for 
Highly Migratory Species; 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 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................................   07/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

22. Area of Overlap Between the Convention Areas of the Inter-American 
Tropical Tuna Commission and The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries 
Commission

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.
    Abstract: Under authority of the Western and Central Pacific 
Fisheries Convention Implementation Act and the Tuna Conventions Act, 
an area of overlap (overlap area) exists between the respective areas 
of competence of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of 
Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean 
and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. NMFS proposes to 
change the application of the two Commissions' management decisions in 
the overlap area to specifically apply Inter-American Tropical Tuna 
Commission management measures in the overlap area rather than those of 
the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory 
Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean that currently 
apply there.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   06/12/18  83 FR 27305
ANPRM Comment Period End............   07/12/18  .......................
NPRM................................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH59

23. Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral Amendment

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would implement the New England Fishery 
Management Council's Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral Amendment. The Amendment 
would implement measures that reduce impacts of fishing gear on deep-
sea corals in the Gulf of Maine and on the outer continental shelf. In 
doing so, this action would prohibit the use of mobile bottom-tending 
gear in two areas in the Gulf of Maine (Mount Desert Rock and Outer 
Schoodic Ridge), and it would prohibit the use of all gear (with an 
exception for red crab pots) along the outer continental shelf in 
waters deeper than a minimum of 600 meters.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29609]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930, Phone: 978 281-9283, Fax: 978 281-9207, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BH67

24. Regulatory Amendment to The Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan To Implement an Electronic Monitoring Program for 
Bottom Trawl and Non-Whiting Midwater Trawl Vessels

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The proposed action would implement a regulatory 
amendment to the Pacific Fishery Management Council's Pacific Coast 
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to allow bottom trawl and midwater 
trawl vessels targeting non-whiting species the option to use 
electronic monitoring (video cameras and associated sensors) in place 
of observers to meet requirements for 100-percent observer coverage. 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 fleet.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH70

25.  Vessel Movement, Monitoring, and Declaration Management 
Enhancement for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast 
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking action would implement the Pacific 
Fishery Management Council's action to implement various measures that 
provide more efficient and effective monitoring, improve enforcement of 
restricted areas, and reduce costs for the Pacific coast groundfish 
fleet. This action would: increase the required frequency of signals 
transmitted from type-approved vessel monitoring system (VMS) units 
from once per hour to every 15 minutes to provide finer-scale vessel 
location data; allow vessels to use alternative VMS units; add a VMS 
declaration to indicate when a vessel is testing gear; allow vessels 
participating in the midwater trawl whiting fishery to change their 
declaration while at-sea to select a new whiting fishery; and allow 
vessels to move pot gear from one management area to another during a 
single trip while retaining fish from the primary management area.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI45

26.  Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Pelagic Longline 
Bluefin Tuna Area-Based and Weak Hook Management

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fisheries are 
managed under the dual authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Conservation 
and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the Atlantic Tunas 
Convention Act (ATCA). This rulemaking will address the area-based and 
weak hook management measures for bluefin tuna in the pelagic longline 
fishery. NMFS implemented an individual bluefin tuna quota system for 
pelagic longline fishery participants in 2015. With this approach and 
its emphasis on individual vessel accountability, NMFS has determined 
some fleetwide measures may be redundant. This action would 
appropriately streamline regulations and increase flexibility to the 
Atlantic pelagic longline fishery while maintaining bycatch reduction 
and conservation and management obligations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BI51

27.  Requirements To Safeguard Fishery Observers 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 rulemaking action would domestically implement 
recently adopted resolutions on improving observer safety at sea by 
parties to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the 
Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP), 
including the United States. The resolutions are binding for IATTC 
member nations and AIDCP Parties, and under the Tuna Conventions Act, 
16 U.S.C. 951 et seq. and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as 
amended. These resolutions aim to strengthen protections for observers 
required in longline and transshipment observer programs required under 
the IATTC and on purse seine vessels required by the AIDCP. In 
implementing them, this rulemaking proposes to include provisions that 
detail responsibilities for vessel owners and operators, 
responsibilities for IATTC and AIDCP members to which fishing vessels 
are flagged, responsibilities for members that have jurisdiction over 
ports, and responsibilities for observer providers. The action is 
necessary for the United States to satisfy its international 
obligations as a Member of the IATTC and AIDCP.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI86

[[Page 29610]]

28. 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................................   12/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

29. Revision to Critical Habitat Designation for Endangered Southern 
Resident Killer Whales

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: The proposed action would revise the designation of 
critical habitat for the endangered Southern Resident killer whale 
distinct population segment, pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered 
Species Act. Critical habitat for this population is currently 
designated within inland waters of Washington. In response to a 2014 
petition, NMFS is proposing to expand the designation to include areas 
occupied by Southern Resident killer whales in waters along the U.S. 
West Coast. Impacts from the designation would stem mainly from Federal 
agencies' requirement to consult with NMFS, under section 7 of the 
Endangered Species Act, to ensure that any action they carry out, 
permit (authorize), or fund will not result in the destruction or 
adverse modification of critical habitat of a listed species. Federal 
agencies are already required to consult on effects to the currently 
designated critical habitat in inland waters of Washington, but 
consultation would be newly required for actions affecting the expanded 
critical habitat areas. Federal agencies are also already required to 
consult within the Southern Resident killer whales' range (including 
along the U.S. West Coast) to ensure that any action they carry out, 
permit, or fund will not jeopardize the continued existence of the 
species; this requirement would not change with a revision to the 
critical habitat designation.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH95

30. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Mexico, Central American, 
and Western Pacific Distinct Population Segments of Humpback Whales 
Under the Endangered Species Act

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: This action will propose the designation of critical 
habitat for three distinct population segments of humpback whales 
(Megaptera novaeangliae) pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered 
Species Act. The three distinct population segments of humpback whales 
concerned--the Mexico, Central American, and Western Pacific distinct 
population segments--were listed under the Endangered Species Act on 
September 8, 2016, thereby triggering the requirement under section 4 
of the Endangered Species Act to designate critical habitat to the 
maximum extent prudent and determinable. Proposed critical habitat for 
these three distinct population segments of humpback whales will 
include marine habitats within the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea and 
will likely overlap with several existing designations, including 
critical habitat for leatherback sea turtles, North Pacific right 
whales, Steller sea lions, southern resident killer whales, and the 
southern distinct population segment of green sturgeon. Impacts from 
the designations for humpback whales would stem from the statutory 
requirement for Federal agencies to consult with NMFS, under section 7 
of the Endangered Species Act, to ensure that any action they carry 
out, authorize, or fund will not result in the destruction or adverse 
modification of humpback whale critical habitat. Within many of the 
areas we are evaluating for potential proposal as critical habitat for 
the humpback whales distinct population segments, Federal agencies are 
already required to consult on effects to currently designated critical 
habitat for other listed species. Federal agencies are also already 
required to consult with NMFS under section 7 of the Endangered Species 
Act to ensure that any action they authorize, fund or carry out will 
not jeopardize the continued existence of the listed distinct 
population segments of humpback whales.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI06

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Final Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

31. 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: Deregulatory.
    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

[[Page 29611]]

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........................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF52

32. Commerce Trusted Trader Program

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule will establish a voluntary Commerce Trusted 
Trader Program for importers, aiming to provide benefits such as 
reduced targeting and inspections and enhanced streamlined entry into 
the United States for certified importers. Specifically, this rule 
would establish the criteria required of a Commerce Trusted Trader, and 
identify specifically how the program will be monitored and by whom. It 
will require that a Commerce Trusted Trader establish a secure supply 
chain and maintain the records necessary to verify the legality of all 
designated product entering into U.S. commerce, but will excuse the 
Commerce Trusted Trader from entering that data into the International 
Trade Data System prior to entry, as required by Seafood Import 
Monitoring Program (finalized on December 9, 2016). The rule will 
identify the benefits available to a Commerce Trusted Trader, detail 
the application process, and specify how the Commerce Trusted Trader 
will be audited by third-party entities while the overall program will 
be monitored by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/17/18  83 FR 2412
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/19/18  .......................
Final Action........................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John Henderschedt, Director, Office for 
International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, Department of Commerce, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Room 10362, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8314, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG51

33. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   03/14/18  83 FR 11164
NPRM................................   04/04/18  83 FR 14400
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/04/18  .......................
Final Action........................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

34. Generic Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans for the Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources 
in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action, recommended by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council, would modify data reporting for owners or operators 
of federally permitted for-hire vessels (charter vessels and headboats) 
in the Gulf of Mexico, requiring them to declare the type of trip (for-
hire or other) prior to departing for any trip, and electronically 
submit trip-level reports prior to off-loading fish at the end of each 
fishing trip. The declaration would include the expected return time 
and landing location. Landing reports would include information about 
catch and effort during the trip. The action would also require that 
these reports be submitted via approved hardware that includes a global 
positioning system attached to the vessel that is capable, at a 
minimum, of archiving global positioning system locations. This 
requirement would not preclude the use of global positioning system 
devices that provide real-time location data, such as the currently 
approved vessel monitoring systems.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   06/21/18  83 FR 28797
NPRM................................   10/26/18  83 FR 54069
Correction..........................   11/08/18  83 FR 55850
Comment Period Extended.............   11/20/18  83 FR 58522
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/26/18  .......................
Comment Period Extended End.........   01/09/19  .......................
Final Action........................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH72

35. Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act; 
Traceability Information Program for Seafood

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.

[[Page 29612]]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; Pub. L. 115-141
    Abstract: On December 9, 2016, NMFS issued a final rule that 
established a risk-based traceability program to track seafood from 
harvest to entry into U.S. commerce. The final rule included, for 
designated priority fish species, import permitting and reporting 
requirements to provide for traceability of seafood products offered 
for entry into the U.S. supply chain, and to ensure that these products 
were lawfully acquired and are properly represented. Shrimp and abalone 
products were included in the final rule to implement the Seafood 
Import Monitoring Program, but compliance with Seafood Import 
Monitoring Program requirements for those species was stayed 
indefinitely due to the disparity between Federal reporting programs 
for domestic aquaculture of shrimp and abalone products relative to the 
requirements that would apply to imports under Seafood Import 
Monitoring Program. In section 539 of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2018, Congress mandated lifting the stay on inclusion of shrimp 
and abalone in Seafood Import Monitoring Program and authorized the 
Secretary of Commerce to require comparable reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements for domestic aquaculture of shrimp and abalone. This 
rulemaking would establish permitting, reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements for domestic producers of shrimp and abalone from the 
point of production to entry into commerce.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/11/18  83 FR 51426
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/26/18  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John Henderschedt, Director, Office for 
International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, Department of Commerce, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Room 10362, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8314, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BH87

36.  Halibut Deck Sorting Monitoring Requirements for Trawl 
Catcher/Processors Operating in Non-Pollock Groundfish Fisheries Off 
Alaska

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: In the non-pollock trawl groundfish fisheries off Alaska, 
there are catch limits for Pacific halibut as a prohibited species if 
halibut mortality reaches the limit, the fishery closes regardless of 
whether or not fishery participants have reached the quotas for the 
actual target groundfish species. This proposed action would implement 
catch handling and monitoring requirements to allow the sorting of 
Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) on the deck of trawl 
catcher/processors and motherships participating in these fisheries. 
This would allow Pacific halibut to be discarded prior to entering the 
onboard factory, thereby reducing discard mortality. Reducing halibut 
discard mortality could in turn maximize harvest of the directed 
groundfish fisheries that otherwise might be constrained by the 
regulatory halibut PSC limits. To participate in halibut deck sorting, 
a vessel would be required to comply with additional monitoring and 
equipment requirements to ensure accurate accounting for halibut PSC 
sorted on deck. Participation in this program along with the associated 
costs would be voluntary, allowing for flexibility for individual 
vessel owners of non-pollock trawl catcher/processors and motherships 
to determine if the benefits of reduced halibut mortality, and the 
corresponding reduction in fleet-wide PSC rates, outweigh the 
individual costs of complying with the monitoring and enforcement 
requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/16/19  84 FR 15566
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/16/19  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI53

37.  Framework Adjustment 58 to the Northeast Multispecies 
Fishery Management Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The proposed action would implement management measures 
included in Framework Adjustment 58 to the Northeast Multispecies 
Fishery Management Plan (Framework 58) that were developed by the New 
England Fishery Management Council in response to new scientific 
information. The proposed action would set fishing year 2019 and 2020 
specifications for seven stocks, including the three U.S./Canada 
stocks--Eastern Georges Bank cod, Eastern Georges Bank haddock, and 
Georges Bank yellowtail flounder. This action would also: Implement 
revised or new rebuilding programs for Georges Bank winter flounder, 
Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder, witch flounder, 
northern windowpane flounder, and ocean pout; temporarily revise catch 
thresholds for implementing the scallop fishery's accountability 
measures for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder; pay back an overage of 
Gulf of Maine cod catch from 2016; exempt vessels fishing exclusively 
in the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization areas from the U.S. 
minimum fish size for groundfish species; and make an administrative 
change to the deadline for permit holders to submit days-at-sea leasing 
forms to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/19/19  84 FR 16441
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/06/19  .......................
Final Action........................   05/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater 
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930, Phone: 978 281-9283, Fax: 978 281-9207, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BI64

38. 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

[[Page 29613]]

statement. This rule proposes to withdraw the alternative tow time 
restriction, and require certain 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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       FR
              Action                   Date           FR Cite         Cite
-------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
NPRM..............................   12/16/16  81 FR 91097
NPRM Comment Period End...........   02/14/17  .....................
Final Action......................   07/00/19  .....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

39. 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 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 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 National Marine Sanctuaries Act 
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 Action........................   09/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

40. Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary Designation

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.
    Abstract: On September 16, 2014, pursuant to section 304 of the 
National Marine Sanctuaries Act 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 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 National Marine Sanctuaries Act 
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 Action........................   08/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Long-Term Actions

National Marine Fisheries Service

41. 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................................   05/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29614]]

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

42. 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 at this time.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/06/15  80 FR 46941
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/08/15  .......................
                                     -----------------------------------
To Be Determined....................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Brian Pawlak, Phone: 301 427-8621, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE90

43. 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................................   05/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BF41

44. 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

45. 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
                                     -----------------------------------
Proposed Rule 2.....................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: On September 10, 2014, the National Marine Fisheries 
Service listed 20 species of reef-building corals as threatened under 
the Endangered Species Act, 15 in the Indo-Pacific and five in the 
Caribbean. Of the 15 Indo-

[[Page 29615]]

Pacific species, seven occur in U.S. waters of the Pacific Islands 
Region, including in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the 
Mariana Islands, and the Pacific Remote Island Areas. This proposed 
rule would designate critical habitat for the seven species in U.S. 
waters (Acropora globiceps, Acropora jacquelineae, Acropora retusa, 
Acropora speciosa, Euphyllia paradivisa, Isopora crateriformis, and 
Seriatopora aculeata). The proposed designation would cover coral reef 
habitat around 17 island or atoll units in the Pacific Islands Region, 
including four in American Samoa, one in Guam, seven in the 
Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands, and five in Pacific Remote Island 
Areas, containing essential features that support reproduction, growth, 
and survival of the listed coral species. This rule also proposes to 
designate critical habitat for the five Caribbean corals and proposed 
to revise critical habitat for two, previously-listed corals, Acropora 
palmata and Acropora cervicornis.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Phone: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-BG26

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Completed Actions

47. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   02/19/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

48. 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 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.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/23/18  83 FR 8028
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/26/18  .......................
Final Action........................   10/18/18  83 FR 52760
Final Action Effective..............   11/19/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    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

49. 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 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 modifies 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   05/18/18  83 FR 23250
NPRM................................   06/06/18  83 FR 26237
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/06/18  .......................
Correction..........................   07/20/18  83 FR 28604
Final Action........................   10/04/18  83 FR 49994
Final Action Effective..............   11/05/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

50. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna and North 
Atlantic Albacore Quotas

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.

[[Page 29616]]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: The rule modified the baseline annual U.S. Atlantic 
bluefin tuna quota and subquotas, as well as the baseline annual U.S. 
North Atlantic albacore (northern albacore) quota. This action is 
necessary to implement binding recommendations of the International 
Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, as required by the 
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, and to achieve domestic management 
objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act. The rule also implements a minor change to the Atlantic 
tunas size limit regulations to address retention, possession, and 
landings of tunas damaged by shark bites.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/06/18  83 FR 31517
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/06/18  .......................
Final Action Effective..............   10/10/18  .......................
Final Action........................   10/11/18  83 FR 51391
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BH54

51. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Shortfin Mako Shark Management 
Measures

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species fisheries are managed 
under the dual authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the Atlantic Tunas Convention 
Act, which implements U.S. obligations as member of the International 
Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. North Atlantic 
shortfin mako sharks were recently determined to be overfished and 
experiencing overfishing, and the Commission's member countries, 
including the United States, adopted management measures in 2017 to 
take immediate action to reduce fishing mortality of the stock, 
including releasing of live sharks and increasing minimum sizes. This 
action for shortfin mako sharks implements the United States' 
obligations under those management measures to help prevent overfishing 
of the U.S. component of that stock and establish a foundation for a 
rebuilding program. Through the rulemaking process, NMFS amended the 
2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan and 
examined management alternatives to address overfishing and establish a 
foundation for a rebuilding plan. This rulemaking will likely impact 
recreational and commercial fishing vessels that interact with shortfin 
mako sharks.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/27/18  83 FR 35590
Comment Period Extended.............   09/20/18  83 FR 47598
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/01/18  .......................
Comment Period Extended End.........   10/08/18  .......................
Final Action........................   02/21/19  84 FR 5358
Final Action Effective..............   03/03/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BH75

52. Revisions to Regulations for Species With Sideboard Limits That 
Cannot Support Directed Fishing by Vessels Subject to Sideboards in the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule implements an action of the Northern Pacific 
Fishery Management Council by revising Federal regulations to prohibit 
directed fishing for those species with sideboard limits that are not 
large enough to support directed fishing by non-exempt American 
Fisheries Act vessels in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands and Gulf of 
Alaska and crab vessels in the Crab Rationalization Program (CR 
Program) in the Gulf of Alaska, or for those species that are fully 
allocated to other programs (e.g., flathead sole, rock sole, Western 
Aleutian Islands Atka mackerel). NMFS would then no longer publish 
American Fisheries Act and CR Program sideboard amounts for those 
species in the annual harvest specifications. In addition, the action 
removes the sideboard limit on American Fisheries Act catcher/
processors for Central Aleutian Islands Atka mackerel because the 
sideboard limit under the American Fisheries Act (11.5 percent) is 
constrained by the allocation to the trawl limited access sector (10 
percent) that was established by the Amendment 80 Program. The primary 
benefits of this action are that it would streamline the annual harvest 
specifications, reduce the annual costs of preparing and publishing the 
annual harvest specifications in the Federal Register, and simplify 
NMFS' annual programming changes to the agency's groundfish catch 
accounting system. This action would not alter how NMFS actually 
manages the relevant sideboard limits, and NMFS would continue to 
monitor Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska groundfish catch 
to ensure that each species' total allowable catch limit is not 
exceeded. This action would not incur any negative impacts to American 
Fisheries Act and crab sideboard limited vessels for the foreseeable 
future.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/16/18  83 FR 40733
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/17/18  .......................
Final Action........................   02/08/19  84 FR 2723
Final Action Effective..............   03/11/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH88

53. 2019-2020 Harvest Specifications and Management Measures for 
Pacific Coast Groundfish and Fishery Management Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Every other year, the Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(Council) makes recommendations to set biennial allowable harvest 
levels for Pacific Coast groundfish, and recommends management measures 
for commercial, recreational, and Tribal fisheries that are designed to 
achieve those harvest levels

[[Page 29617]]

consistent with the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. 
For the 2019-2020 biennium, the Council has recommended the following: 
Harvest specifications, including overfishing limits, acceptable 
biological catches, and annual catch limits; management measures to 
achieve those specifications; changes to the yelloweye rockfish 
rebuilding plan, which would increase the annual catch limit for this 
species for the 2-year biennial management period; and measures to 
reduce salmon bycatch in the groundfish fisheries. The specifications 
and management measures forwarded by this action are in effect from 
January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2020.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/19/18  83 FR 47416
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/19/18  .......................
Final Action........................   12/12/18  83 FR 63970
Correction..........................   12/27/18  83 FR 66638
Final Action Effective..............   01/01/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH93

54. Regulatory Amendment 28 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: Recent stock assessments for golden tilefish in the South 
Atlantic indicate that the stock is undergoing overfishing but is not 
overfished. As mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act, NMFS and the South Atlantic Fishery Management 
Council must take action to end overfishing of golden tilefish--the 
Council by preparing a Fishery Management Plan amendment and NMFS by 
developing implementing regulations for the Council's chosen action. 
This rulemaking implements the Council's Regulatory Amendment 28 to the 
South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan, which modifies 
the annual catch limits for golden tilefish to end overfishing in 
Federal waters of the South Atlantic. As per the Amendment, this 
rulemaking reduces the total annual catch limit, the commercial and 
recreational sector annual catch limits, and the quotas for the hook-
and-line and longline components of the commercial sector.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/28/18  83 FR 48788
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/12/18  .......................
Final Action........................   12/04/18  83 FR 62508
Final Action Effective..............   01/04/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI38

55. Framework Action to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico, Modification of Gulf of Mexico Red 
Snapper and Hogfish Annual Catch Limits

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council recently 
took action to revise the acceptable biological catch and the annual 
catch limits for the Gulf of Mexico stocks of red snapper and hogfish. 
This action was taken in response to the most recent stock assessments 
for these species and the recommendations from the Council's Scientific 
and Statistical Committee. The red snapper and hogfish assessments 
found the stocks are neither overfished nor undergoing overfishing. 
This rulemaking would implement the Council's action by increasing the 
acceptable biological catch for red snapper and setting the annual 
catch limit to be equal to the acceptable biological catch. The 
established allocations would be used to set the commercial and 
recreational component annual catch limits, and recreational component 
annual catch targets. The acceptable biological catch for hogfish would 
decrease and the stock annual catch limit would be set equal to the 
acceptable biological catch. There are no allocations or annual catch 
targets for Gulf hogfish.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/04/18  83 FR 62555
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/03/19  .......................
Final Action........................   03/05/19  84 FR 7828
Final Action Effective..............   04/04/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI39

56. Regulatory Amendment To Authorize a Recreational Quota Entity

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 to 773k
    Abstract: The action authorizes 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................................   10/03/17  82 FR 46016
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/17/17  .......................
Final Action........................   09/21/18  83 FR 47819
Final Action Effective..............   10/22/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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].

[[Page 29618]]

    RIN: 0648-BG57

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Final Rule Stage

57. Requirement of U.S. Licensed Attorney for Foreign Trademark 
Applicants and Registrants

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1123; 35 U.S.C. 2
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) 
proposes to amend its rules to require foreign trademark applicants and 
registrants to be represented by a U.S. licensed attorney, i.e., an 
attorney in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a State in 
the U.S. (including the District of Columbia and any Commonwealth or 
territory of the U.S.) to file trademark documents with the USPTO. A 
requirement that foreigners be represented by a U.S. licensed attorney 
will (i) ensure that the USPTO can effectively use available mechanisms 
to enforce foreign applicant compliance with statutory and regulatory 
requirements in trademark matters; (ii) provide greater confidence to 
foreign applicants and the public that registrations that issue to 
foreign applicants are not subject to invalidation for reasons such as 
improper signatures and use claims; and (iii) aid USPTO efforts to 
improve accuracy of the U.S. Trademark Register.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/15/19  84 FR 4393 FR
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/18/19  .......................
Final Action........................   05/00/19  .......................
Final Action Effective..............   06/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    Agency Contact: Catherine Cain, Senior Trademark Policy Attorney & 
Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure Editor, Department of Commerce, 
Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22314, 
Phone: 571 272-8946, Fax: 571 273-8946, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AD30

[FR Doc. 2019-12326 Filed 6-21-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P