[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 247 (Thursday, December 26, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71105-71119]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-26535]



[[Page 71105]]

Vol. 84

Thursday,

No. 247

December 26, 2019

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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





Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2019 / 
UA: Reg Flex Agenda  

[[Page 71106]]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary

13 CFR Ch. III

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

19 CFR Ch. III

37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V

48 CFR Ch. 13

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


Fall 2019 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866, entitled 
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
as amended, the Department of Commerce (Commerce), in the spring and 
fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of 
regulations under development or review over the next 12 months. 
Rulemaking actions are grouped according to prerulemaking, proposed 
rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed 
since the spring 2019 agenda. The purpose of the Agenda is to provide 
information to the public on regulations that are currently under 
review, being proposed, or issued by Commerce. The Agenda is intended 
to facilitate comments and views by interested members of the public.
    Commerce's fall 2019 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October 
1, 2019, through September 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 and Regulation, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, telephone: 202-482-3151.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Commerce hereby publishes its fall 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 June 26, 2019, the Office of Management 
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and 
publication of the fall 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.
    In this edition of Commerce's regulatory agenda, a list of the most 
important significant regulatory and deregulatory actions and a 
Statement of Regulatory Priorities are included in the Regulatory Plan, 
which appears in both the online Unified Agenda and in part II of the 
issue of the Federal Register that includes the Unified Agenda.
    Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the 
regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, Commerce's printed agenda entries include only:
    (1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, 
in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are 
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities; and
    (2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under 
section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain 
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda 
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in 
the Unified Agenda published on the internet. In addition, for fall 
editions of the Agenda, Commerce's entire Regulatory Plan will continue 
to be printed in the Federal Register.
    Within Commerce, the Office of the Secretary and various operating 
units may issue regulations. Among these operating units, the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Industry 
and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office issue the greatest 
share of Commerce's regulations.
    A large number of regulatory actions reported in the Agenda deal 
with fishery management programs of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries 
Service (NMFS). To avoid repetition of programs and definitions, as 
well as to provide some understanding of the technical and 
institutional elements of NMFS' programs, an ``Explanation of 
Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries'' is provided below.

Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries

    The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) (the Act) governs the management of fisheries 
within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States (EEZ). The EEZ 
refers to those waters from the outer edge of the State boundaries, 
generally 3 nautical miles, to a distance of 200 nautical miles. For 
fisheries that require conservation and management measures, eight 
Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) prepare 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 fall 2019 regulatory agenda follows.

    Dated: July 31, 2019.
Peter B. Davidson,
General Counsel.

[[Page 71107]]



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


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


  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
180.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD32
                             Management Plan for
                             Puerto Rico.
181.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD33
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Croix.
182.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD34
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Thomas/St. John.
183.......................  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.
184.......................  International Fisheries;           0648-BG04
                             South Pacific Tuna
                             Fisheries; Implementation
                             of Amendments to the
                             South Pacific Tuna Treaty.
185.......................  Illegal, Unregulated, and          0648-BG11
                             Unreported Fishing;
                             Fisheries Enforcement;
                             High Seas Driftnet
                             Fishing Moratorium
                             Protection Act.
186.......................  International Fisheries;           0648-BG66
                             Western and Central
                             Pacific Fisheries for
                             Highly Migratory Species;
                             Requirements to Safeguard
                             Fishery Observers.
187.......................  Area of Overlap Between            0648-BH59
                             the Convention Areas of
                             the Inter-American
                             Tropical Tuna Commission
                             and the Western and
                             Central Pacific Fisheries
                             Commission.
188.......................  Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral             0648-BH67
                             Amendment.
189.......................  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.
190.......................  Vessel Movement,                   0648-BI45
                             Monitoring, and
                             Declaration Management
                             Enhancement for the
                             Pacific Coast Groundfish
                             Fishery; Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
191.......................  Requirements to Safeguard          0648-BI86
                             Fishery Observers in the
                             Eastern Pacific Ocean.
192.......................  Revisions to the Seabird           0648-BI99
                             Avoidance Program for the
                             Pacific Coast Groundfish
                             Fishery Management Plan.
193.......................  Framework Adjustment 59 to         0648-BJ12
                             the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fishery
                             Management Plan.
194.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BC56
                             Habitat for the Arctic
                             Ringed Seal.
195.......................  Amendment and Updates to           0648-BF90
                             the Pelagic Longline Take
                             Reduction Plan.
196.......................  Endangered and Threatened          0648-BG26
                             Species; Designation of
                             Critical Habitat for
                             Threatened Caribbean and
                             Indo-Pacific Reef-
                             Building Corals.
197.......................  Revision to Critical               0648-BH95
                             Habitat Designation for
                             Endangered Southern
                             Resident Killer Whales.
198.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BI06
                             Habitat for the Mexico,
                             Central American, and
                             Western Pacific Distinct
                             Population Segments of
                             Humpback Whales Under the
                             Endangered Species Act.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
199.......................  Jonah Crab Fishery;                0648-BF43
                             Interstate Fishery
                             Management Plan for Jonah
                             Crab.
200.......................  Commerce Trusted Trader            0648-BG51
                             Program.
201.......................  Rule to Implement the For-         0648-BG75
                             Hire Reporting Amendments.
202.......................  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.
203.......................  Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries         0648-BH87
                             Conservation and
                             Management Act;
                             Traceability Information
                             Program for Seafood (Reg
                             Plan Seq No. 15).
204.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BI51
                             Species; Pelagic Longline
                             Bluefin Tuna Area-Based
                             and Weak Hook Management.
205.......................  Reduce Gulf of Mexico Red          0648-BI63
                             Grouper Annual Catch
                             Limits and Annual Catch
                             Targets.
206.......................  Interim 2019 Tribal                0648-BI67
                             Pacific Whiting
                             Allocation and Require
                             Consideration of Chinook
                             Salmon Bycatch Before
                             Reapportioning Tribal
                             Whiting; Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish.
207.......................  Framework Action to Reduce         0648-BI95
                             Gulf of Mexico Red
                             Grouper Annual Catch
                             Limits and Annual Catch
                             Targets to the Fishery
                             Management Plan for the
                             Reef Fish Resources of
                             the Gulf of Mexico.
208.......................  Amendment 18 to the                0648-BI96
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Shrimp Fishery of
                             the Gulf of Mexico, U.S.
                             Waters.
209.......................  Reducing Disturbances to           0648-AU02
                             Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
                             From Human Interactions.
210.......................  Taking and Importing               0648-BB38
                             Marine Mammals: Taking
                             Marine Mammals Incidental
                             to Geophysical Surveys
                             Related to Oil and Gas
                             Activities in the Gulf of
                             Mexico (Reg Plan Seq No.
                             14).

[[Page 71108]]

 
211.......................  Regulation to Reduce               0648-BG45
                             Incidental Bycatch and
                             Mortality of Sea Turtles
                             in the Southeastern U.S.
                             Shrimp Fisheries.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
212.......................  Implementation of a                0648-BD59
                             Program for
                             Transshipments by Large
                             Scale Fishing Vessels in
                             the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
213.......................  Wisconsin-Lake Michigan            0648-BG01
                             National Marine Sanctuary
                             Designation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
214.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BE90
                             Fishing Capacity
                             Reduction Loan Refinance.
215.......................  Regulatory Amendment to            0648-BF52
                             the Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery
                             Management Plan to
                             Implement an Electronic
                             Monitoring Program for
                             the Pacific Whiting
                             Fishery.
216.......................  Halibut Deck Sorting               0648-BI53
                             Monitoring Requirements
                             for Trawl Catcher/
                             Processors Operating in
                             Non-Pollock Groundfish
                             Fisheries off Alaska.
217.......................  Establishing an                    0648-BI73
                             Overfishing Limit,
                             Acceptable Biological
                             Catch, and Annual Catch
                             Limit for the Central
                             Subpopulation of Northern
                             Anchovy; Coastal Pelagic
                             Species Fishery
                             Management Plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.......................  Trademark Fee Adjustment           0651-AD42
                             (Reg Plan Seq No. 16).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


              Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
219.......................  Setting and Adjusting              0651-AD31
                             Patent Fees During Fiscal
                             Year 2020 (Reg Plan Seq
                             No. 17).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

International Trade Administration (ITA)

Proposed Rule Stage

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

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 19 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.; Pub. L. 114-125, sec. 421
    Abstract: The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is proposing to 
amend its regulations concerning scope inquiries (19 CFR 351.225) and 
to set forth procedures addressing covered merchandise referrals from 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP or the Customs Service).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Final Rule Stage

179. 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.

[[Page 71109]]

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

180. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for Puerto Rico

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD32

181. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Croix

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD33

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

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BD34

183. 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

[[Page 71110]]

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................................   09/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

184. 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.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alexa Cole, Acting Director, Office of 
International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, Department of Commerce, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8286, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG11

186. 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

[[Page 71111]]

for the United States to satisfy its obligations under the Convention 
on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in 
the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, to which it is a Contracting 
Party.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   06/12/18  83 FR 27305
ANPRM Comment Period End............   07/12/18  .......................
NPRM................................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific 
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, 
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BH59

188. Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral Amendment

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   08/26/19  84 FR 44596
NPRM................................   12/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BH67

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

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BH70

190. 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................................   10/10/19  84 FR 54579
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/12/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

[[Page 71112]]

191. 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................................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

192.  Revisions to the Seabird Avoidance Program for the 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: In response to a recommendation by the Pacific Fishery 
Management Council, this proposed rule would require commercial 
groundfish bottom longline vessels 26 feet length overall (LOA) and 
longer managed under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management 
Plan (FMP) to deploy streamer lines or to set gear during civil 
twilight when fishing in Federal waters north of 36 degrees N. 
latitude. The purpose of this proposed rule is to reduce interactions 
between seabirds, especially Endangered Species Act listed species, and 
groundfish longline gear. The action is necessary to fulfill terms and 
conditions of a 2017 biological opinion published by the United States 
Fish and Wildlife Service to minimize takes of endangered short-tailed 
albatross by the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/12/19  84 FR 48094
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/15/19  .......................
Final Rule..........................   12/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI99

193.  Framework Adjustment 59 to the Northeast Multispecies 
Fishery Management Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking action proposes to implement management 
measures included in the New England Fishery Management Council's 
Framework Adjustment 59 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan (Framework 59) developed in response to new scientific 
information. The proposed action would set fishing years 2020-2022 
specifications for 15 groundfish stocks, and fishing year 2020 total 
allocable catches (TAC) for the three U.S./Canada stocks: Eastern 
Georges Bank cod, Eastern Georges Bank haddock, and Georges Bank 
yellowtail flounder. This action would also revise the Georges Bank cod 
incidental TAC to remove the allocation to the Closed Area I Hook Gear 
Haddock Special Access Program, and as necessary in response to any new 
data coming from the Marine Recreational Information Program, address 
commercial/recreational allocation issues.
    Timetable:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BJ12

194. 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.....................   09/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC56

195. 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

[[Page 71113]]

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................................   01/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

196. 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-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................................   06/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG26

197. 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................................   09/19/19  84 FR 49214
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/18/19  .......................
Final Rule..........................   09/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

198. 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

[[Page 71114]]

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................................   10/09/19  84 FR 54354
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/09/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

199. Jonah Crab Fishery; Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Jonah 
Crab

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes Federal 
Jonah crab regulations to help achieve the goal of the Atlantic States 
Marine Fisheries Commission's Interstate Fishery Management Plan to 
promote Jonah crab conservation, reduce the possibility of recruitment 
failure, and allow the industry to continue fishing the resource at 
present levels. The Jonah Crab Plan was developed out of concern for 
potential impacts to the status of the Jonah crab resource, given the 
recent and rapid increase in landings. Commercial and recreational 
measures and reporting requirements were recommended for Federal 
implementation in the Jonah Crab Plan. Measures include: Permitting, 
minimum size, prohibition on retaining egg-bearing females, and 
incidental bycatch limit, and reporting requirements that are 
consistent with American lobster fishery requirements. Most States have 
implemented measures consistent with the Plan. The proposed measures 
would complement those implemented by the States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   10/13/16  81 FR 70658
ANPRM Comment Period End............   11/14/16  .......................
NPRM................................   03/22/19  84 FR 10756
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/22/19  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BF43

200. 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  .......................
Withdrawal..........................   12/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alexa Cole, Acting Director, Office of 
International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, Department of Commerce, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8286, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG51

201. 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........................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

[[Page 71115]]

202. 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........................   01/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 15 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-BH87

204. 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................................   07/12/19  84 FR 33205
NPRM Correction.....................   08/08/19  84 FR 38918
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/30/19  .......................
Final Action........................   04/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

205. Reduce Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper Annual Catch Limits and Annual 
Catch Targets

    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 (Council) 
has requested that NMFS publish a rule under section 305(c) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to 
temporarily reduce the red grouper commercial and recreational Annual 
Catch Limits (ACLs) and associated Annual Catch Targets (ACTs). In 
October 2018, the Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) 
reviewed the results of an interim analysis performed by the Southeast 
Fisheries Science Center and recommended that the Council reduce the 
red grouper commercial and recreational ACLs and ACTs, effective for 
the 2019 fishing year. In addition, there have been recent deceases in 
red grouper landings and public testimony at the October Council 
meeting expressed concern about the status of the red grouper stock. 
Therefore, the Council is developing a framework action to reduce the 
ACLs and ACTs. In the meantime, based on these recent unforeseen 
circumstances, and consistent with the Council's request, NMFS intends 
to implement a rule under MSA section 305(c) to establish lower red 
grouper ACLs and ACTs for 2019.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Emergency Rule.............   03/05/19  84 FR 7864
Proposed Emergency Rule Comment        03/20/19  .......................
 Period End.
Final Emergency Rule................   05/17/19  84 FR 22389
Final Emergency Rule Effective......   05/17/19  .......................
Extension of Emergency Rule.........   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI63

206. Interim 2019 Tribal Pacific Whiting Allocation and Require 
Consideration of Chinook Salmon Bycatch Before Reapportioning Tribal 
Whiting; Pacific Coast Groundfish

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS issued a final rule for the tribal Pacific whiting 
(whiting) fishery off the coast of Washington State. The purpose is to 
establish an interim 2019 tribal whiting allocation, and to protect 
ESA-listed Chinook salmon, as required in the Terms and Conditions of a 
December 11, 2017, Biological Opinion. NMFS developed this rule after 
discussions with the

[[Page 71116]]

affected tribes and the non-tribal fisheries interests. As in prior 
years, this allocation is an ``interim'' allocation that is not 
intended to set precedent for future years.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/15/19  84 FR 9471
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/01/19  .......................
Final Rule..........................   05/10/19  84 FR 20578
Final Rule Effective................   05/10/19  .......................
Correcting Amendment................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI67

207.  Framework Action To Reduce Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper 
Annual Catch Limits and Annual Catch Targets to the Fishery Management 
Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS proposes to implement management measures described 
in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef 
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), as prepared by the Gulf of 
Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). The framework action is 
titled ``Modification of Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper Annual Catch Limits 
and Annual Catch Targets.'' This proposed rule would reduce the red 
grouper commercial and recreational annual catch limits (ACLs) and 
annual catch targets (ACTs). The purpose of this rule is to continue 
the Gulf red grouper commercial and recreational ACL and ACT reductions 
implemented through emergency rulemaking in 2019 to protect the stock 
and to continue to achieve optimum yield.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/19/19  84 FR 34845
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/19/19  .......................
Final Rule..........................   10/01/19  84 FR 52036
Final Rule Effective................   10/31/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI95

208.  Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Waters

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would implement the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council's Amendment 18 to the Shrimp Fishery Management 
Plan. It would do so by adjusting the target reduction goal for 
juvenile red snapper mortality in the Federal Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) 
shrimp trawl fishery in the 10-30 fathom depth zone, as well as 
modifying the Plan's framework procedure to streamline the process to 
make future modifications to this target reduction goal. As part of the 
Gulf red snapper rebuilding plan, NMFS previously capped effort in the 
Gulf shrimp fishery based on Council recommendation to protect juvenile 
red snapper caught as bycatch in shrimp nets. However, the Gulf red 
snapper stock is no longer overfished or undergoing overfishing, and 
the red snapper stock acceptable biological catch (ABC) has 
consistently increased under the rebuilding plan. Accordingly, this 
action is expected to promote economic stability and achievement of 
optimum yield in the Federal Gulf shrimp fishery by reducing effort 
constraints, while continuing to protect Gulf red snapper.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   08/01/19  84 FR 37611
NPRM................................   08/29/19  84 FR 45459
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/30/19  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI96

209. 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........................   01/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400.
    RIN: 0648-AU02

210. Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Taking Marine Mammals 
Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in 
the Gulf of Mexico

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 14 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-BB38

211. 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

[[Page 71117]]

resulted in a draft environmental impact 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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/16/16  81 FR 91097
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/14/17  .......................
Final Action........................   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-BG45

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Long-Term Actions

National Marine Fisheries Service

212. 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................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

NOS/ONMS

213. Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary Designation

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    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........................   11/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Vicki Wedell, Phone: 240 533-0650, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG01

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Completed Actions

214. 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
Withdrawn...........................   08/28/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Brian Pawlak, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8621, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BE90

[[Page 71118]]

215. 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 implements a regulatory amendment to the 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to allow Pacific 
whiting vessels the option to use electronic monitoring (video cameras 
and associated sensors) in place of observers to meet requirements for 
100-percent observer coverage. Vessels participating in the catch share 
program are required to carry an observer on all trips to ensure total 
accountability for at-sea discards. For some vessels, electronic 
monitoring may have lower costs than observers and a reduced logistical 
burden. By allowing vessels the option to use electronic monitoring to 
meet monitoring requirements, this action is intended to increase 
operational flexibility and reduce monitoring costs for the Pacific 
whiting fleet.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/06/16  81 FR 61161
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/06/16
Final Rule..........................   06/28/19  84 FR 31146
Correction..........................   07/26/19  84 FR 36034
Final Rule Effective................   07/29/19
Correction Effective................   07/29/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

216. 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 Rule..........................   10/15/19  84 FR 55044
Final Rule Effective................   11/14/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

217. Establishing an Overfishing Limit, Acceptable Biological Catch, 
and Annual Catch Limit for the Central Subpopulation of Northern 
Anchovy; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: On January 18, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the 
Northern District of California granted summary judgment to the 
conservation group Oceana, in litigation over management of Northern 
Anchovy off the West Coast under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (Oceana, Inc. v. Ross). Specifically, 
the court vacated all currently existing management reference points 
(i.e., Annual Catch Limit, Overfishing Limit, Acceptable Biological 
Catch) for the central subpopulation of Northern Anchovy (CSNA). This 
was followed by a separate court order requiring NMFS to establish a 
new Overfishing Limit (OFL), Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), and 
Annual Catch Limit (ACL) no later than April 18, 2019. This action is 
the result of these court orders and establishes a new OFL, ABC, and 
ACL for the CSNA. NMFS originally intended to issue a final rule 
without advance public notice and comment to ensure a rule was in place 
before the court-ordered deadline. The Court rejected this plan and 
ordered NMFS to publish a proposed rule with opportunity for public 
comment followed by a final rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/08/19  84 FR 13858
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/23/19
Final Action........................   05/31/19  84 FR 25196
Final Action Effective..............   07/01/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI73

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Proposed Rule Stage

218.  Trademark Fee Adjustment

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 16 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0651-AD42

[[Page 71119]]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Final Rule Stage

219. Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2020

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 17 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0651-AD31

[FR Doc. 2019-26535 Filed 12-23-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P