[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.
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SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866, entitled
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act,
as amended, the Department of Commerce (Commerce), in the spring and
fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of
regulations under development or review over the next 12 months.
Rulemaking actions are grouped according to prerulemaking, proposed
rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed
since the fall 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
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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14........................ Regulations Concerning 0625-AB10
Scope Inquiries and
Covered Merchandise
Referrals From U.S.
Customs and Border
Protection.
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Bureau of Industry and Security--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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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.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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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.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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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.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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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.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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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.
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Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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57........................ Requirement of U.S. 0651-AD30
Licensed Attorney for
Foreign Trademark
Applicants and
Registrants.
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 09/00/19 .......................
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Final Action........................ 07/00/19 .......................
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 05/00/19 .......................
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 05/00/19 .......................
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 05/00/19 .......................
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 06/00/19 .......................
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 05/00/19 .......................
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 07/00/19 .......................
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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ANPRM............................... 06/12/18 83 FR 27305
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 07/12/18 .......................
NPRM................................ 05/00/19 .......................
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/00/19 .......................
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[[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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 05/00/19 .......................
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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