[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 166 (Wednesday, August 26, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52675-52694]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16753]
[[Page 52675]]
Vol. 85
Wednesday,
No. 166
August 26, 2020
Part IV
Department of Commerce
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 166 / Wednesday, August 26, 2020 /
UA: Reg Flex Agenda
[[Page 52676]]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Office of the Secretary
13 CFR Ch. III
15 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, and
XI
19 CFR Ch. III
37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V
48 CFR Ch. 13
50 CFR Chs. II, III, IV, and VI
Spring 2020 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
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SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866, entitled
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act,
as amended, the Department of Commerce (Commerce), in the spring and
fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of
regulations under development or review over the next 12 months.
Rulemaking actions are grouped according to pre-rulemaking, proposed
rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed
since the fall 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 spring 2020 regulatory agenda includes regulatory
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period May 1,
2020, through April 30, 2021.
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 spring 2020
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 January 16, 2020, the Office of Management
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and
publication of the spring 2020 Unified Agenda. The Regulatory
Flexibility Act requires agencies to publish, in the spring and fall of
each year, a regulatory flexibility agenda that contains a brief
description of the subject of any rule likely to have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Beginning with the fall 2007 edition, the internet became the basic
means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda
is available online at www.reginfo.gov, in a format that offers users a
greatly enhanced ability to obtain information from the Agenda
database.
Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the
regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility
Act, Commerce's printed agenda entries include only:
(1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda,
in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities; and
(2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under
section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in
the Unified Agenda published on the internet. 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 the 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 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. The Council process for
developing FMPs and amendments makes it difficult for NMFS to determine
the significance and timing of some regulatory actions under
consideration by the Councils at the time the semiannual regulatory
agenda is published.
Commerce's spring 2020 regulatory agenda follows.
Michael Walsh,
Chief of Staff, Performing the Delegated Duties of the General Counsel.
Department of Commerce authorizes LaTonya Datcher of RISC to
digitally sign for our agency as the relevant signer at DOC is not
equipped to technically do digital signing at this time. DOC
acknowledges that RISC will include DOC's Preamble and Unified
Agenda Entries containing a RISC digital signature in the Unified
Agenda related to documents that RISC publishes on our behalf.
LaTonya Datcher (Digital Signature)
Program Analyst.
[[Page 52677]]
International Trade Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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14........................ Modifications to 0625-AB10
Regulations to Improve
Administration and
Enforcement of
Antidumping and
Countervailing Duty Laws.
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Bureau of Industry and Security--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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15........................ Expansion of Export, 0694-AH53
Reexport, and Transfer
(In-Country) Controls for
Military End Use or
Military End Users in the
People's Republic of
China (China), Russia, or
Venezuela.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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16........................ Comprehensive Fishery 0648-BD32
Management Plan for
Puerto Rico.
17........................ International Fisheries; 0648-BG04
South Pacific Tuna
Fisheries; Implementation
of Amendments to the
South Pacific Tuna Treaty.
18........................ Illegal, Unregulated, and 0648-BG11
Unreported Fishing;
Fisheries Enforcement;
High Seas Driftnet
Fishing Moratorium
Protection Act.
19........................ International Fisheries; 0648-BG66
Western and Central
Pacific Fisheries for
Highly Migratory Species;
Requirements to Safeguard
Fishery Observers.
20........................ 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.
21........................ Amendment 21 to the Summer 0648-BJ18
Flounder, Scup, and Black
Sea Bass Fishery
Management Plan.
22........................ Establish National 0648-BJ33
Insurance Requirements
for Observer Providers.
23........................ Bering Sea and Aleutian 0648-BJ42
Islands Pacific Cod Pot
Catcher/Processor License
Limitation Program
Adjustment.
24........................ Amendment 121 to the 0648-BJ49
Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Management Area
and Amendment 110 to the
Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the
Gulf of Alaska.
25........................ Salmon Bycatch 0648-BJ50
Minimization in the
Pacific Coast Groundfish
Fishery.
26........................ Modification of Multi-Day 0648-BJ60
Trip Possession Limits
for Federally-Permitted
Charter/Headboat Vessels
in the Fishery Management
Plans (FMP) in the Gulf
of Mexico.
27........................ Designation of Critical 0648-BC56
Habitat for the Arctic
Ringed Seal.
28........................ Amendment and Updates to 0648-BF90
the Pelagic Longline Take
Reduction Plan.
29........................ Designation of Critical 0648-BG26
Habitat for the
Threatened Caribbean
Corals.
30........................ Atlantic Large Whale Take 0648-BJ09
Reduction Plan
Modifications to Reduce
Serious Injury and
Mortality of Large Whales
in Commercial Trap/Pot
Fisheries Along the U.S.
East Coast.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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31........................ Commerce Trusted Trader 0648-BG51
Program.
32........................ Rule to Implement the For- 0648-BG75
Hire Reporting Amendments.
33........................ New England Industry- 0648-BG91
Funded Monitoring
Amendment.
34........................ Area of Overlap Between 0648-BH59
the Convention Areas of
the Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission
and the Western and
Central Pacific Fisheries
Commission.
35........................ Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral 0648-BH67
Amendment.
36........................ 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.
37........................ Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries 0648-BH87
Conservation and
Management Act;
Traceability Information
Program for Seafood.
38........................ Vessel Movement, 0648-BI45
Monitoring, and
Declaration Management
Enhancement for the
Pacific Coast Groundfish
Fishery; Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan.
39........................ Framework Adjustment 59 to 0648-BJ12
the Northeast
Multispecies Fishery
Management Plan.
40........................ Vessel Monitoring Systems; 0648-BJ15
Amendment to Type-
Approval Requirements.
41........................ Regulatory Amendment to 0648-BJ40
Adjust the North Pacific
Observer Program Partial
Coverage Fee.
42........................ Reducing Disturbances to 0648-AU02
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
From Human Interactions.
43........................ 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.
44........................ Revision to Critical 0648-BH95
Habitat Designation for
Endangered Southern
Resident Killer Whales.
45........................ 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.
46........................ Wisconsin-Lake Michigan 0648-BG01
National Marine Sanctuary
Designation.
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[[Page 52678]]
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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47........................ Implementation of a 0648-BD59
Program for
Transshipments by Large
Scale Fishing Vessels in
the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
48........................ 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.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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49........................ Comprehensive Fishery 0648-BD33
Management Plan for St.
Croix.
50........................ Comprehensive Fishery 0648-BD34
Management Plan for St.
Thomas/St. John.
51........................ Jonah Crab Fishery; 0648-BF43
Interstate Fishery
Management Plan for Jonah
Crab.
52........................ Vision Blueprint 0648-BI32
Commercial Regulatory
Amendment 27 to the
Fishery Management Plan
for the Snapper-Grouper
Fishery of the South
Atlantic Region.
53........................ Amendment 21-4 to the 0648-BI35
Pacific Coast Groundfish
Fishery Management Plan:
Trawl Catch Share Program
5-Year Review Follow-On
Actions.
54........................ Framework Adjustment 13 to 0648-BI49
the Atlantic Mackerel,
Squid, and Butterfish
Fishery Management Plan.
55........................ Atlantic Highly Migratory 0648-BI51
Species; Pelagic Longline
Bluefin Tuna Area-Based
and Weak Hook Management.
56........................ Reduce Gulf of Mexico Red 0648-BI63
Grouper Annual Catch
Limits and Annual Catch
Targets.
57........................ Amendment 118 to Allow 0648-BI65
Halibut Retention in BSAI
IFQ Pot Gear in the
Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the
BSAI.
58........................ Interim 2019 Tribal 0648-BI67
Pacific Whiting
Allocation and Require
Consideration of Chinook
Salmon Bycatch Before
Reapportioning Tribal
Whiting; Pacific Coast
Groundfish.
59........................ Requirements to Safeguard 0648-BI86
Fishery Observers in the
Eastern Pacific Ocean.
60........................ 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.
61........................ Amendment 18 to the 0648-BI96
Fishery Management Plan
for the Shrimp Fishery of
the Gulf of Mexico, U.S.
Waters.
62........................ Revisions to the Seabird 0648-BI99
Avoidance Program for the
Pacific Coast Groundfish
Fishery Management Plan.
63........................ Amendment 120 to the 0648-BJ02
Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Management Area
and Amendment 108 to the
Fishery Management Plan.
64........................ Framework Adjustment 6 and 0648-BJ13
2019-2021 Atlantic
Herring Fishery
Specifications.
65........................ Framework Action to the 0648-BJ28
Fishery Management Plan
for Reef Fish Resources
of the Gulf of Mexico;
Modification to the
Recreational For-Hire Red
Snapper Annual Catch
Target (ACT) Buffer.
66........................ Framework Adjustment 32 to 0648-BJ51
the Atlantic Sea Scallop
Fishery Management Plan.
67........................ Regulation to Reduce 0648-BG45
Incidental Bycatch and
Mortality of Sea Turtles
in the Southeastern U.S.
Shrimp Fisheries.
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Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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68........................ Trademark Fee Adjustment.. 0651-AD42
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Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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69........................ Setting and Adjusting 0651-AD31
Patent Fees During Fiscal
Year 2020.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
International Trade Administration (ITA)
Proposed Rule Stage
14. Modifications to Regulations To Improve Administration and
Enforcement of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Laws
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 19 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.; Pub. L. 114-125, sec. 421
Abstract: Pursuant to its authority under Title VII of the Tariff
Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), the Department of Commerce
(Commerce) proposes to modify its regulations under Part 351 of Title
19 to improve administration and enforcement of the antidumping duty
(AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) laws. Specifically, Commerce
proposes to modify its regulation concerning the time for submission of
comments pertaining to industry support in AD and CVD proceedings; to
modify its regulation regarding new shipper reviews; to modify its
regulation concerning scope matters in AD and CVD proceedings; to
promulgate a new regulation concerning circumvention of AD and CVD
orders; to promulgate a new regulation concerning covered
[[Page 52679]]
merchandise referrals received from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP); to promulgate a new regulation pertaining to Commerce requests
for certifications from interested parties to establish whether
merchandise is subject to an AD or CVD order; and to modify its
regulation regarding importer reimbursement certifications filed with
CBP. Finally, Commerce proposes to modify its regulations regarding
letters of appearance in AD and CVD proceedings and importer filing
requirements for access to business proprietary information. Commerce
is seeking public comments on this proposed rule.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 06/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jessica Link, Department of Commerce, International
Trade Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20230, Phone: 202 482-1411, Email: jessica.link@trade.gov.
RIN: 0625-AB10
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
Completed Actions
15. Expansion of Export, Reexport, and Transfer (In-Country) Controls
for Military End Use or Military End Users in the People's Republic of
China (China), Russia, or Venezuela
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 10 U.S.C. 7420; 10 U.S.C. 7430(e); 15 U.S.C.
1824a; 22 U.S.C. 287c; 22 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6004; 22
U.S.C. 7201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 7210; 30 U.S.C. 185(s); 30 U.S.C.
185(u); 42 U.S.C. 2139a; 43 U.S.C. 1354; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 50
U.S.C. 4305; 50 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.; E.O. 12058; E.O. 12851; E.O.
12938; E.O. 12947; E.O. 13026; E.O. 13099; E.O. 13222; E.O. 13224; Pub.
L. 108-11
Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to expand license requirements
on exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) of items intended for
military end use or military end users in the People's Republic of
China (China), Russia, or Venezuela. Specifically, this rule expands
the licensing requirements for China to include ``military end users,''
in addition to ``military end use.'' It broadens the items for which
the licensing requirements and review policy apply and expand the
definition of ``military end use.'' Next, it creates a new reason for
control and associated review policy for regional stability for certain
items to China, Russia, or Venezuela, moving existing text related to
this policy. Finally, it adds Electronic Export Information filing
requirements in the Automated Export System for exports to China,
Russia, and Venezuela.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Final Rule.......................... 04/28/20 85 FR 23459
Final Rule; Correction.............. 06/03/20 85 FR 34306
Final Rule Effective................ 06/29/20 .......................
Final Rule; Correction Effective.... 06/29/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Hillary Hess, Director, Regulatory Policy Division,
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th Street
and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202 482-2440,
Fax: 202 482-3355, Email: hillary.hess@bis.doc.gov.
RIN: 0694-AH53
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Proposed Rule Stage
National Marine Fisheries Service
16. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for Puerto Rico
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: In response to a recommendation of the Caribbean Fishery
Management Council, this action would establish three new FMPs (Puerto
Rico FMP, St. Thomas/St. John FMP and St. Croix FMP) and repeal and
replace the existing U.S. Caribbean-wide FMPs (the FMP for the Reef
Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), the FMP
for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto Rico and the USVI, the FMP for
Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico and the USVI, and the FMP for the
Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates of Puerto Rico and
the USVI). For each of the Puerto Rico, St. Thomas/St. John, and St.
Croix FMPs, the action would also modify the composition of the stocks
to be managed; organize those stocks for effective management;
establish status determination criteria, management reference points,
and accountability measures for managed stocks; identify essential fish
habitat for stocks new to management; and establish framework measures.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 07/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone:
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BD32
17. 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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 06/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176,
Honolulu, HI 96818,
[[Page 52680]]
Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: michael.tosatto@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BG04
18. Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing; Fisheries
Enforcement; High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-81
Abstract: This proposed rule will make conforming amendments to
regulations implementing the various statutes amended by the Illegal,
Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015 (Pub. L.
114-81). The Act amends several regional fishery management
organization implementing statutes as well as the High Seas Driftnet
Fishing Moratorium Protection Act. It also provides authority to
implement two new international agreements under the Antigua
Convention, which amends the Convention for the establishment of an
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, and the United Nations Food
and Agriculture Organization Agreement on Port State Measures to
Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated
Fishing (Port State Measures Agreement), which restricts the entry into
U.S. ports by foreign fishing vessels that are known to be or are
suspected of engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
This proposed rule will also implement the Port State Measures
Agreement. To that end, this proposed rule will require the collection
of certain information from foreign fishing vessels requesting
permission to use U.S. ports. It also includes procedures to designate
and publicize the ports to which foreign fishing vessels may seek entry
and procedures for conducting inspections of these foreign vessels
accessing U.S. ports. Further, the rule establishes procedures for
notification of: The denial of port entry or port services for a
foreign vessel, the withdrawal of the denial of port services if
applicable, the taking of enforcement action with respect to a foreign
vessel, or the results of any inspection of a foreign vessel to the
flag nation of the vessel and other competent authorities as
appropriate.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 06/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alexa Cole, 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: alexa.cole@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BG11
19. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for
Highly Migratory Species; Requirements To Safeguard Fishery Observers
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would establish requirements to enhance the
safety of fishery observers on highly migratory species fishing
vessels. This rule would be issued under the authority of the Western
and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act, and
pursuant to decisions made by the Commission for the Conservation and
Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central
Pacific Ocean. This action is necessary for the United States to
satisfy its obligations under the Convention on the Conservation and
Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central
Pacific Ocean, to which it is a Contracting Party.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 08/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176,
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email:
michael.tosatto@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BG66
20. Regulatory Amendment to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan To Implement an Electronic Monitoring Program for
Bottom Trawl and Non-Whiting Midwater Trawl Vessels
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The proposed action would implement a regulatory
amendment to the Pacific Fishery Management Council's Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to allow bottom trawl and midwater
trawl vessels targeting non-whiting species the option to use
electronic monitoring (video cameras and associated sensors) in place
of observers to meet requirements for 100-percent observer coverage. By
allowing vessels the option to use electronic monitoring to meet
monitoring requirements, this action is intended to increase
operational flexibility and reduce monitoring costs for the fleet.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 06/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: barry.thom@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BH70
21. Amendment 21 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass
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 measures recommended by
the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Commission that would adjust the current state-by-state
commercial quota allocations in the summer flounder fishery and update
the goals and objective for summer flounder fishery management in the
Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan
(FMP). The revised quota allocation would maintain the current state-
by-state allocation percentages when distributing the annual coastwide
quota up to 9.55 million pounds. In years when the coastwide quota is
above 9.55 million pounds, additional quota beyond this trigger would
be distributed in equal shares to all states except Maine, Delaware,
and New Hampshire (i.e., states with very little directed fishing
effort), which would split one percent of the additional quota. The
current state-by-state quota allocations have not been adjusted since
originally implemented in 1993. The intent of this amendment is to
modify the allocations to respond to changes in summer flounder
distribution while also recognizing the states' historical reliance on
summer flounder. The Council and Board intend to review the adjusted
quota allocations again in no more than 10 years.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 06/00/20
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[[Page 52681]]
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:
michael.pentony@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ18
22. Establish National Insurance Requirements for Observer
Providers
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1855(d)
Abstract: NMFS is proposing to establish uniform, nationally
applicable minimum insurance requirements for companies that provide
observer or at-sea monitor services for federally managed fisheries
subject to monitoring requirements. This action would supersede
outdated or inappropriate regulatory insurance requirements thereby
easing the regulatory and cost burden for observer/at-sea monitor
providers. Additionally, this action would mitigate potential liability
risks associated with observer and at-sea monitor deployments for
vessel owners and shore side processors that are subject to monitoring
requirements.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: David Detlor, Acting Director, Office of Science
and Technology, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-
West Highway, Room 12450, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8100,
Email: david.detlor@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ33
23. Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pacific Cod Pot Catcher/
Processor License Limitation Program Adjustment
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 North Pacific
Fishery Management Council (Council), this action announces the
establishment of a control date for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
(BSAI) Pacific cod pot catcher/processor sector. Currently, pot
catcher/processor vessels fishing for Pacific cod in the BSAI are
required to have a License Limitation Program (LLP) that is endorsed
for fishing Pacific cod by gear type, operational type, and area. The
Council is evaluating participation and effort in the BSAI Pacific cod
catcher/processor fishery in response to a potential need to control
entry and participation in the Pacific cod pot catcher/processor
sector. Specifically, the Council is considering options to address and
potentially eliminate latent Bering Sea pot catcher/processor endorsed
LLPs (which are LLP endorsements not recently utilized) in order to
increase stability for Pacific cod-dependent pot catcher/processors,
maintain consistently low rates of halibut and crab bycatch, and ensure
that condensed fishing seasons do not result in safety-at-sea concerns.
The Council may use the control date if it decides to recommend
removing latent BSAI Pacific cod endorsements on pot catcher/processor
LLPs to limit participation in the sector. Any fishing activity after
the control date would not be assured to be considered should the
Council recommend and NMFS implement a regulatory amendment to remove
latent LLP endorsements. This announcement is intended, in part, to
promote awareness of the potential eligibility criteria for future
access to discourage speculative entry into the BSAI Pacific cod sector
while the Council and NMFS consider whether and how access to the
sector should be further controlled.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM............................... 12/10/19 84 FR 67421
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 12/10/19
NPRM................................ 04/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: jim.balsiger@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ42
24. Amendment 121 to the Fishery Management Plan for
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and
Amendment 110 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf
of Alaska
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action proposes to implement the North Pacific
Fishery Management Council's Amendments to the Bering Sea/Aleutian
Islands (Amendment 121) and Gulf of Alaska (Amendment 110) Groundfish
Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). These Amendments would move sculpins
into the Ecosystem Component of the FMPs, which is a category of non-
target species that are not in need of conservation and management.
Magnuson-Stevens Act National Standard guidelines include options to
identify non-target species in FMPs (species caught incidentally during
the pursuit of target stocks in a fishery) that do not require
conservation and management as ecosystem component species. As an
Ecosystem Component, this action proposes that catch specifications for
sculpins (Overfishing Level, Acceptable Biological Catch, Total
Allowable Catch) would no longer be required, but instead, regulations
would prohibit directed fishing forsculpins, require recordkeeping and
reporting to monitor and report catch of sculpins annually, and
establish a sculpins maximum retainable amount when directed fishing
for groundfish species at 20 percent to discourage retention while
allowing flexibility to prosecute groundfish fisheries. This proposed
action would free up approximately 5,000 metric tons (mt) of total
allowable catch (TAC) under the 2 million mt optimum yield limit for
the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands management area. This TAC could be
allocated to any groundfish target species during the annual harvest
specifications process, thereby allowing for some flexibility with
allocations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 03/23/20 85 FR 13610
NPRM................................ 04/23/20 85 FR 22703
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/23/20
Final Action........................ 08/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: jim.balsiger@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ49
25. Salmon Bycatch Minimization in the Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The proposed action would implement salmon bycatch
minimization measures in the Pacific
[[Page 52682]]
Coast groundfish fishery to comply with the terms and conditions of a
December 2017 biological opinion on Endangered Species Act-listed
salmon interactions in the groundfish fishery. The proposed action
would establish additional management tools (e.g., area-based closures
and gear restrictions) the Council and NMFS could use as needed to keep
fishery sectors within Chinook and coho salmon bycatch guidelines as
established in a prior rulemaking. The proposed action would establish
the rules or circumstances under which the fishery sectors would be
allowed to access an established salmon bycatch Reserve. Under the
proposed action, NMFS is required to take an action before fishery
participants can access the Reserve; such action may include
implementation of a measure such as an area-based closure or gear
restriction, or approval of a plan outlining how a whiting cooperative
will minimize its salmon bycatch. Finally, the proposed action would
change the bycatch levels at which the trawl fishery would be closed in
order to preserve 500 Chinook salmon as bycatch so that the
recreational and fixed gear fisheries could continue operating in years
of high trawl fishery bycatch.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: barry.thom@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ50
26. Modification of Multi-Day Trip Possession Limits for
Federally-Permitted Charter/Headboat Vessels in the Fishery Management
Plans (FMP) in the Gulf of Mexico
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would promote efficiency in the utilization of
the reef fish and CMP resources and a potential decrease in regulatory
discards by providing the owners and operators of federally permitted
for-hire vessels greater flexibility in determining when to allow
passengers to retain the possession limit on multi-day trips. The rule
would modify the on-board possession limit for federal for-hire trips
in the Gulf of Mexico, which currently allows anglers to retain two
daily bag limits on a trip more than 24 hours, after the first 24 hours
of that trip. The rule would increase the required trip duration to
more than 30 hours, but would allow anglers to retain the second daily
bag limit at any time after the federal for-hire vessel leaves the
dock. All other requirements to retain the possession limit would be
unchanged. In addition, this rule would modify the language in
622.21(a)(3)(iii) and 622.22(a)(3)(iii). The change would remove the
wording `sequentially coded' from the sentence `NMFS will provide each
Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) dealer the necessary paper forms,
sequentially coded, and instructions for submission of the forms to the
RA'.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ60
27. 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
28. Amendment and Updates to the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
Abstract: Serious injury and mortality of the Western North
Atlantic short-finned pilot whale stock incidental to the Category I
Atlantic pelagic longline fishery continues at levels exceeding their
Potential Biological Removal. This proposed action will examine a
number of management measures to amend the Pelagic Longline Take
Reduction Plan to reduce the incidental mortality and serious injury of
short-finned pilot whales taken in the Atlantic Pelagic Longline
fishery to below Potential Biological Removal. Potential management
measures may include changes to the current limitations on mainline
length, new requirements to use weak hooks (hooks with reduced breaking
strength), and non-regulatory measures related to determining the best
procedures for safe handling and release of marine mammals. The need
for the proposed action is to ensure the Pelagic Longline Take
Reduction Plan meets its Marine Mammal Protection Act mandated short-
and long-term goals.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 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-BF90
29. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Threatened Caribbean Corals
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: NMFS listed 5 Caribbean corals as threatened under the
Endangered Species Act on October 10, 2014. Critical habitat shall be
designated
[[Page 52683]]
to the maximum extent prudent and determinable at the time a species is
proposed for listing (50 CFR 424.12). We concluded that critical
habitat was not determinable for the 5 corals at the time of listing.
However, we anticipated that critical habitat would be determinable in
the future given on-going research. We, therefore, announced in the
final listing rules that we would propose critical habitat in separate
rulemakings. This rule proposes to designate critical habitat for the 5
Caribbean coral species listed in 2014. A separate proposed critical
habitat rule is being prepared for the 15 Indo-Pacific corals listed as
threatened in 2014. The proposed designation for the Caribbean corals
may include marine waters in Florida, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands,
Navassa Island, and Flower Garden Banks containing essential features
that support all stages of life history of the corals. The proposed
rule is not likely to have an annual effect on the economy of $100
million or more or adversely affect the economy. NMFS has contacted the
Departments of the Navy, Air Force, and Army as well as the U.S. Coast
Guard requesting information related to potential national security
impacts that may result from the critical habitat designation. Based on
information provided, we concluded that there will be an impact on
national security in only 1 area offshore Dania Beach, FL, and will
propose to exclude it from the designations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
30. Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Modifications To Reduce
Serious Injury and Mortality of Large Whales in Commercial Trap/Pot
Fisheries Along the U.S. East Coast
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1387 et seq.
Abstract: In response to recent recommendations from the Atlantic
Large Whale Take Reduction Team (TRT) to reduce the risk of North
Atlantic right whale entanglement in commercial trap/pot fisheries
along the U.S. East Coast, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
intends to propose regulations to amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take
Reduction Plan (Plan). In April 2019, the TRT recommended that state
and Federal East Coast fisheries reduce vertical lines through gear
reconfigurations and potential lobster trap allocation caps, as well as
modify fishing gear to reduce the breaking strength of rope. The TRT
also recommended additional buoy line marking and additions or
modifications to areas that are already closed to trap/pot fishing. The
state government members of the TRT are collaborating with the TRT's
industry representatives to scope and develop the appropriate
management measures to achieve the TRT's recommendations for fisheries
operating in state waters. Based on what state measures are developed,
this rulemaking action would propose comparable management measures for
fisheries operating in Federal waters.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-BJ09
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Final Rule Stage
National Marine Fisheries Service
31. 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.......................... 06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alexa Cole, 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: alexa.cole@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BG51
32. 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
[[Page 52684]]
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/04/18 .......................
Final Action........................ 02/24/20 85 FR 10331
Final Rule.......................... 07/00/20 .......................
Final Action Effective.............. 09/01/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BG75
33. New England Industry-Funded Monitoring Amendment
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule implements measures for industry funding and
prioritizing available Federal funding to pay for additional
monitoring, consistent with specific monitoring coverage targets
recently set by the New England Fishery Management Council, for New
England fishery management plans. Specifically, this action would
modify all the New England fishery management plans to allow
standardized development of future, plan-specific, industry-funded
monitoring programs. This action would also prioritize industry-funded
monitoring programs across New England fishery management plans when
available Federal funding falls short of the total needed to fully fund
all monitoring programs. Finally, this rule implements industry-funded
monitoring requirements for the Atlantic Herring fishery management
plan.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 09/19/18 83 FR 47326
NPRM................................ 11/07/18 83 FR 55665
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/24/18 .......................
Final Action........................ 02/07/20 85 FR 7414
Final Action Effective.............. 03/09/20 .......................
Correcting Amendment................ 06/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
michael.pentony@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BG91
34. 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................................ 11/07/19 84 FR 60040
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/22/19 .......................
Final Action........................ 06/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
michael.tosatto@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BH59
35. 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................................ 01/03/20 85 FR 285
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/18/20 .......................
Final Action........................ 07/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
michael.pentony@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BH67
36. 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:
[[Page 52685]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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........................ 06/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BH72
37. Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act;
Traceability Information Program for Seafood
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; Pub. L. 115-141
Abstract: On December 9, 2016, NMFS issued a final rule that
established a risk-based traceability program to track seafood from
harvest to entry into U.S. commerce. The final rule included, for
designated priority fish species, import permitting and reporting
requirements to provide for traceability of seafood products offered
for entry into the U.S. supply chain, and to ensure that these products
were lawfully acquired and are properly represented. Shrimp and abalone
products were included in the final rule to implement the Seafood
Import Monitoring Program, but compliance with Seafood Import
Monitoring Program requirements for those species was stayed
indefinitely due to the disparity between Federal reporting programs
for domestic aquaculture of shrimp and abalone products relative to the
requirements that would apply to imports under Seafood Import
Monitoring Program. In section 539 of the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2018, Congress mandated lifting the stay on inclusion of shrimp
and abalone in Seafood Import Monitoring Program and authorized the
Secretary of Commerce to require comparable reporting and recordkeeping
requirements for domestic aquaculture of shrimp and abalone. This
rulemaking would establish permitting, reporting and recordkeeping
requirements for domestic producers of shrimp and abalone from the
point of production to entry into commerce.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/11/18 83 FR 51426
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/26/18 .......................
Final Action........................ 06/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alexa Cole, 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: alexa.cole@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BH87
38. 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
Final Action........................ 06/11/20 85 FR 35594
Final Action Effective.............. 07/13/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: barry.thom@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI45
39. 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................................ 05/29/20 85 FR 32347
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/15/20 .......................
Final Action........................ 07/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
michael.pentony@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ12
40. Vessel Monitoring Systems; Amendment to Type--Approval Requirements
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The U.S. Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) program type-
approves enhanced mobile transceiver units (EMTUs) for use in the U.S.
Currently, the only option for transferring VMS data from ship to NMFS
is by satellite-
[[Page 52686]]
linked communication services. All owners of vessels participating in
the NOAA VMS program are required to carry a NMFS-approved EMTU or MTU
to comply with the Vessel Monitoring System requirements. The proposed
rule would modify the type-approval requirements to allow for
communication service by cellular EMTUs (EMTU-Cs), in addition to
satellite-only models. The need for the rule is to set out procedures
and requirements for initial type-approvals; compliance with, and
revocations and appeals of type-approvals; and technical, service, and
performance specifications. This would allow EMTU-Cs to be type-
approved and used in certain federally managed fisheries with a VMS
requirement. Generally, cellular communication services come at a
significantly lower cost than satellite services. A lower cost could
ease the financial burden on fishermen, while providing NMFS with
additional capabilities to manage fishery resources, and to protect
marine species and ecologically sensitive areas.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/24/20 85 FR 4257
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/24/20
Final Action........................ 06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Landon, Department of Commerce, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Hwy., Bldg. SSMC
3, Room 3151, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8245, Email:
james.landon@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ15
41. Regulatory Amendment To Adjust the North Pacific Observer
Program Partial Coverage Fee
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 North Pacific
Fishery Management Council, this action would modify the fee percentage
assessed on groundfish and halibut landings made by vessels operating
in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska management
areas. This action would increase the observer fee from 1.25 percent to
1.65 percent of the ex-vessel value of landings made by vessels that
are not in the full coverage category. Fee revenues are used to fund
deployment of observers and electronic monitoring (EM) in the partial
coverage category of the North Pacific Observer Program. This action is
necessary to provide additional funding to deploy observers and EM in
the partial coverage category to better meet monitoring objectives for
the North Pacific Observer Program. Section 313 of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act establishes that data collected
by well- trained, independent observers and EM are a cornerstone of the
sustainable management of Federal fisheries off Alaska.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/09/20 85 FR 13618
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/08/20
Final Action........................ 07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: jim.balsiger@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ40
42. 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........................ 07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
43. Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Taking Marine Mammals
Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in
the Gulf of Mexico
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service is taking this
action in response to an October 17, 2016, petition from the U.S.
Department of Interior (DOI), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM),
to promulgate regulations governing the authorization of take of marine
mammals incidental to oil and gas industry geophysical surveys
conducted in support of hydrocarbon exploration and development on the
Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico from approximately 2019
through 2024.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/22/18 83 FR 29212
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/21/18
Final Action........................ 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-BB38
44. 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
[[Page 52687]]
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
45. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Mexico, Central American,
and Western Pacific Distinct Population Segments of Humpback Whales
Under The Endangered Species Act
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: This action will propose the designation of critical
habitat for three distinct population segments of humpback whales
(Megaptera novaeangliae) pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered
Species Act. The three distinct population segments of humpback whales
concerned--the Mexico, Central American, and Western Pacific distinct
population segments--were listed under the Endangered Species Act on
September 8, 2016, thereby triggering the requirement under section 4
of the Endangered Species Act to designate critical habitat to the
maximum extent prudent and determinable. Proposed critical habitat for
these three distinct population segments of humpback whales will
include marine habitats within the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea and
will likely overlap with several existing designations, including
critical habitat for leatherback sea turtles, North Pacific right
whales, Steller sea lions, southern resident killer whales, and the
southern distinct population segment of green sturgeon. Impacts from
the designations for humpback whales would stem from the statutory
requirement for Federal agencies to consult with NMFS, under section 7
of the Endangered Species Act, to ensure that any action they carry
out, authorize, or fund will not result in the destruction or adverse
modification of humpback whale critical habitat. Within many of the
areas we are evaluating for potential proposal as critical habitat for
the humpback whales distinct population segments, Federal agencies are
already required to consult on effects to currently designated critical
habitat for other listed species. Federal agencies are also already
required to consult with NMFS under section 7 of the Endangered Species
Act to ensure that any action they authorize, fund or carry out will
not jeopardize the continued existence of the listed distinct
population segments of humpback whales.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/09/19 84 FR 54354
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/09/19
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 11/27/19 84 FR 65346
NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 01/31/20
Final Action........................ 10/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-BI06
NOS/ONMS
46. 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........................ 06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Vicki Wedell, Department of Commerce, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-West Highway (N/
ORM6), Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 240 533-0650, Email:
vicki.wedell@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BG01
[[Page 52688]]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Long-Term Actions
National Marine Fisheries Service
47. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Be Determined.................... To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email:
barry.thom@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BD59
48. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for
Highly Migratory Species; Treatment of U.S. Purse Seine Fishing With
Respect to U.S. Territories
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
Abstract: This action would establish rules and/or procedures to
address the treatment of U.S.-flagged purse seine vessels and their
fishing activities in regulations issued by the National Marine
Fisheries Service that implement decisions of the Commission for the
Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the
Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Commission), of which the United
States is a member. Under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries
Convention Implementation Act, the National Marine Fisheries Service
exercises broad discretion when determining how it implements
Commission decisions, such as purse seine fishing restrictions. The
National Marine Fisheries Service intends to examine the potential
impacts of the domestic implementation of Commission decisions, such as
purse seine fishing restrictions, on the economies of the U.S.
territories that participate in the Commission, and examine the
connectivity between the activities of U.S.-flagged purse seine fishing
vessels and the economies of the territories. Based on that and other
information, the National Marine Fisheries Service might propose
regulations that mitigate adverse economic impacts of purse seine
fishing restrictions on the U.S. territories and/or that, in the
context of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly
Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean
(Convention), recognize that one or more of the U.S. territories have
their own purse seine fisheries that are distinct from the purse seine
fishery of the United States and that are consequently subject to
special provisions of the Convention and of Commission decisions.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM............................... 10/23/15 80 FR 64382
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 11/23/15
-----------------------------------
To Be Determined.................... To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email:
michael.tosatto@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BF41
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Completed Actions
49. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merged With 0648-BD32............... 01/31/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BD33
50. 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
[[Page 52689]]
Management Plans presently governing the commercial and recreational
harvest in U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone waters.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merged With 0648-BD32............... 01/31/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BD34
51. 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 implements 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. These measures
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........................ 11/13/19 84 FR 61569
Final Action Effective.............. 12/12/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
michael.pentony@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BF43
52. Vision Blueprint Commercial Regulatory Amendment 27 to the Fishery
Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic
Region
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: During a series of stakeholder meetings in 2014, the
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) gathered input from
commercial fishermen throughout the region. Based on the input, the
Council developed the 2016-2020 Vision Blueprint for the commercial
sector of the Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan (Vision
Blueprint). The Vision Blueprint identifies the goals, objectives,
strategies, and actions that support the vision for the snapper-grouper
fishery. This rulemaking action implements Regulatory Amendment 27,
which addresses specific action items in the Vision Blueprint for the
commercial sector of the Snapper-Grouper FMP such as seasonal
management, trip limits and minimum size limits, and intends to allow
more equitable access, minimize discards, and achieve optimum yield.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/17/19 84 FR 55531
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/18/19
Final Action........................ 01/27/20 85 FR 4588
Final Action Effective.............. 02/26/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI32
53. Amendment 21-4 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management
Plan: Trawl Catch Share Program 5-Year Review Follow-On Actions
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: Based on the Pacific Fishery Management Council's and
NOAA Fisheries 5-year review of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Trawl Catch Share Program, completed in 2017, this rulemaking action
implements the Council's recommendation to adjust the Program.
Adjustments are aimed at modifying outdated Program regulations and
making the Program more effective, specifically by: Changing bycatch
hard caps for canary rockfish and widow rockfish in the at-sea whiting
sector to set asides; removing the formulas used to determine at-sea
whiting sector set-aside amounts of canary rockfish, widow rockfish,
darkblotched rockfish, and Pacific ocean perch, and instead determining
appropriate amounts through the adaptive biennial harvest specification
process; allowing post-season quota trading for vessel accounts in
deficit at the end of the year; eliminating the September 1st
expiration deadline for unused quota not transferred to a vessel
account; setting permit ownership accumulation limits for the whiting
Catcher Processor sector; and requiring new economic data collections
for Catcher Processor permit owners and quota share owners to better
evaluate Catch Share program performance. Similar collections are
currently required for the shorebased catcher and at-sea mothership
sectors; this action would provide complete economic performance data
for all sectors of the Catch Share Program.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 08/30/19 84 FR 45706
NPRM................................ 10/10/19 84 FR 54561
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/29/19
Final Action........................ 12/17/19 84 FR 68799
Final Action Effective.............. 01/16/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: barry.thom@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI35
54. Framework Adjustment 13 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and
Butterfish Fishery Management Plan
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
[[Page 52690]]
Abstract: This rulemaking implemented the Mid-Atlantic Fishery
Management Council's action to establish a rebuilding program that
would rebuild the Atlantic mackerel stock within five years (by 2023),
implement Atlantic mackerel catch limits for 2019-2021, and set a catch
cap for river herring and shad in the mackerel fishery. The objectives
of this action are to eliminate overfishing and rebuild this stock, as
required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act, and limit bycatch of river herring and shad in the Atlantic
mackerel fishery. This action would: Set 2019-2021 Atlantic mackerel
acceptable biological catch, establish a rebuilding program that sets
commercial catch limits to rebuild the stock within five years, modify
the directed fishery closure process to slow effort and harvest rates
as the quota is approached and preserve sufficient quota for mackerel
bycatch in other fisheries, and specify 2019-2021 river herring and
shad catch caps for the mackerel fishery.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/07/19 84 FR 26634
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/08/19
Final Action........................ 10/30/19 84 FR 58053
Final Action Effective.............. 11/29/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
michael.pentony@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI49
55. 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........................ 04/02/20 85 FR 18812
Final Action Effective.............. 04/02/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8500, Email: jenni.wallace@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI51
56. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI63
57. Amendment 118 To Allow Halibut Retention in BSAI IFQ Pot Gear in
the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the BSAI
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773
Abstract: In response to the North Pacific Fisheries Management
Council's recommendation, this action allows retention of halibut in
pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI), provided the
operator holds sufficient halibut Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) or
Community Development Quota (CDQ) for that IFQ regulatory area. The
purpose of this action is to improve efficient harvest of the halibut
resource by (1) decreasing wastage of legal-size halibut discarded in
the existing BSAI sablefish pot fishery, and (2) potentially reducing
whale depredation of halibut from hook-and-line gear by authorizing the
use of pot gear in the halibut IFQ and CDQ fisheries. Currently,
halibut are only permitted to be harvested with hook-and-line gear. As
part of this action, NMFS would require vessels interested in retaining
halibut in pot gear in the BSAI to install and operate Vessel
Monitoring Systems and daily fishing logbooks and close the Pribilof
Island Habitat Conservation Zone to all fishing with pot gear. In the
event that there is a conservation concern for bycatch of shellfish or
groundfish species, NMFS would have the authority to close the directed
longline and pot halibut fisheries in both the BSAI and the Gulf of
Alaska.
Timetable:
[[Page 52691]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 08/21/19 84 FR 43570
NPRM................................ 10/03/19 84 FR 52852
NPRM Correction..................... 10/28/19 84 FR 57687
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/04/19
Final Action........................ 01/08/20 85 FR 840
Final Action Effective.............. 02/07/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: jim.balsiger@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI65
58. 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 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................ 12/02/19 84 FR 65925
Correcting Amendment Effective...... 12/02/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: barry.thom@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI67
59. 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. This RIN was merged
with 0648-BJ23.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merged With 0648-BJ23............... 09/05/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: barry.thom@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI86
60. 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 Action........................ 10/01/19 84 FR 52036
Final Action 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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI95
61. 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 implements 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
[[Page 52692]]
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........................ 02/06/20 85 FR 6816
Final Action Effective.............. 03/09/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI96
62. 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.......................... 12/11/19 84 FR 67674
Final Action Effective.............. 01/10/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: barry.thom@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BI99
63. Amendment 120 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and Amendment 108 to
the 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 a
recommendation by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council
(Council) to limit the number of catcher/processors (CPs) acting as
motherships and taking deliveries of Pacific cod from trawl catcher
vessels (CVs) in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and the
Gulf of Alaska (GOA) directed Pacific cod fisheries. In recent years,
an unexpected increase in the number of CPs accepting such deliveries
allowed under current regulations has resulted in increased deliveries
of BSAI non-Community Development Quota Pacific cod by trawl CVs
engaging in directed fishing to CPs acting as motherships, a
corresponding decrease in the amount of Pacific cod delivered to
shoreside processing facilities, and a faster-paced fishery (e.g.,
earlier closures of the fishing season due to quota being harvested).
The Council determined that limiting the number of eligible licenses
issued under the License Limitation Program (LLP) assigned to CPs to
act as motherships in this fishery could reduce the portion of Pacific
cod delivered offshore to recent historical levels, prevent further
reductions in the amount of Pacific cod delivered to shoreside
processors, and stabilize the fishing season duration. This action
proposes to modify the LLP by establishing eligibility criteria, based
on historic participation, for an endorsement to licenses assigned to
CPs to act as motherships in this fishery. This action would also
prohibit Amendment 80 sector CPs not designated on an Amendment 80
Quota Share (QS) permit and an Amendment 80 LLP license or not
designated on an Amendment 80 LLP/QS license from receiving Pacific cod
harvested in the directed Pacific cod fisheries in the BSAI and GOA.
This prohibition would ensure that only an Amendment 80 replacement CP,
as specified under Amendment 97 to the Fishery Management Plan for
Groundfish of the BSAI Management Area (77 FR 59852, October 21, 2012),
and not the replaced Amendment 80 CP, could participate in directed
Pacific cod fisheries in the BSAI or the GOA. This would limit the
expanded use of CPs once they leave the Amendment 80 program.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 08/21/19 84 FR 43576
NPRM................................ 09/27/19 84 FR 51092
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/28/19
Final Action........................ 12/20/19 84 FR 70064
Final Action Effective.............. 01/20/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: jim.balsiger@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ02
64. Framework Adjustment 6 and 2019-2021 Atlantic Herring Fishery
Specifications
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 the New
England Fishery Management Council's Framework Adjustment 6 to the
Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. Framework 6 includes the
Atlantic herring fishery specifications (annual catch amounts for the
2019-2021 fishing years, as herring specifications are typically set
for 3 years), updates to the overfished and overfishing definitions,
and a change in the carryover provision for quota underages in the
herring fishery. The specifications proposed in this rulemaking include
annual gear-specific and area-specific catch caps for river herring and
shad for Atlantic herring trips for the 2019-2021 fishing years. In
implementing Framework 6, this action also proposes to update the
overfished and overfishing definitions to be more consistent with the
most recent Atlantic herring resource stock assessment and Amendment 8
to the
[[Page 52693]]
Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (which is being implemented
through another rulemaking). Finally, it also proposes to temporarily
suspend the carryover provision in the herring regulations that allows
up to 10 percent of each Management sub-Area annual catch limit to be
added to the quota for that sub-Area in the next applicable year.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/28/20 85 FR 4932
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/12/20
Final Action Effective.............. 05/05/20
Final Action........................ 05/06/20 85 FR 26874
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
michael.pentony@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ13
65. Framework Action to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; Modification to the Recreational
For-Hire Red Snapper Annual Catch Target (ACT) Buffer
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: In response to a recommendation by the Gulf of Mexico
Fishery Management Council, this rulemaking action proposes to retain
the 9 percent buffer between the annual catch target (ACT) and annual
catch limit (ACL) for the red snapper for-hire component, which was
first implemented in 2019. The ACT is used to set the season length and
because the federal for-hire component landings have remained well
below the ACL, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council)
and NMFS reduced the buffer between the ACT and ACL from 20 percent to
9 percent. This reduction was initially put in place for only the 2019
fishing season to coincide with the last year of exempted fishing
permits that allowed each of the five Gulf states to set the season for
private anglers landing in that state. However, given an ongoing
rulemaking process to continue limited state management of the private
angling component (0648-BI84), the Council recommended retention of the
lower federal for-hire buffer. State management of the private-angling
component is expected to reduce the uncertainty in private-angling
landings and help constrain those landing to the private-angling ACL.
Therefore, This will allow the federal for-hire component to continue
to harvest more of the ACL while constraining landings to the component
and total recreational ACL.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/12/19 84 FR 61003
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/12/19
Final Action........................ 02/20/20 85 FR 9684
Final Action Effective.............. 03/23/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ28
66. Framework Adjustment 32 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop
Fishery Management Plan
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The purpose of this proposed rule is to approve and
implement Framework 32 that sets management measures for the scallop
fishery for the 2020 fishing year, including the annual catch limits
for the limited access and limited access general category (LAGC)
fleets, as well as days-at-sea (DAS) allocations and sea scallop access
area trip allocations. Furthermore, Framework 32 would: Extend the
existing seasonal closure in Closed Area II two additional weeks to
reduce bycatch of Georges Bank yellowtail flounder and northern
windowpane flounder, modify the one-for-one access area trip exchange
requirements to accommodate different access area allocations, and
close areas to fishing to protect small scallops and reduce bycatch of
flatfish.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/20/20 85 FR 9705
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/06/20
Final Action........................ 03/31/20 85 FR 17754
Final Action Effective.............. 04/01/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
michael.pentony@noaa.gov.
RIN: 0648-BJ51
67. 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 National Marine Fisheries Service issues this action
to amend the alternative tow time restriction to require all skimmer
trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length to use turtle excluder
devices (TEDs) designed to exclude small sea turtles in their nets. The
purpose of this rule is to reduce incidental bycatch and mortality of
sea turtles in the southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries, and to aid in
the protection and recovery of listed sea turtle populations. We are
also amending the definition of tow time to better clarify the intent
and purpose of tow times to reduce sea turtle mortality, and we are
refining additional portions of the TED requirements to avoid potential
confusion.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/16/16 81 FR 91097
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/14/17
Final Action........................ 12/20/19 84 FR 70048
Final Action Effective.............. 04/01/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
Proposed Rule Stage
68. Trademark Fee Adjustment
E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
Legal Authority: 35 U.S.C. 2; 15 U.S.C. 1113; 15 U.S.C. 1123; Pub.
L. 112-29
Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office)
takes this
[[Page 52694]]
action to set and adjust Trademark fee amounts to provide the Office
with a sufficient amount of aggregate revenue to recover its aggregate
cost of operations while helping the Office maintain a sustainable
funding model, ensure integrity of the Trademark register, and promote
efficiency of processes.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/19/20 85 FR 37040
Final Action........................ 07/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/03/20
Final Action Effective.............. 09/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Catherine Cain, Trademark Manual of Examining
Procedure Editor, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office,
P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313, Phone: 571 272-8946, Fax: 751 273-
8946, Email: catherine.cain@uspto.gov.
RIN: 0651-AD42
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
Final Rule Stage
69. Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2020
E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
Legal Authority: 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); 5 U.S.C. 500; 15 U.S.C. 1123;
35 U.S.C. 32; 35 U.S.C. 41; Pub. L. 113-227; 35 U.S.C. 3(a)(2)(A); 35
U.S.C. 21; 35 U.S.C. 23; 35 U.S.C. 134; 35 U.S.C. 135; Pub. L. 112-29;
35 U.S.C. 6; 35 U.S.C. 311; 35 U.S.C. 231; 35 U.S.C. 321-326; Pub. L.
112-274
Abstract: The USPTO operates like a business in that it fulfills
requests for intellectual property products and services that are paid
for by users of those services. The USPTO takes this action to set and
adjusts patent fee amounts to provide sufficient aggregate revenue to
cover aggregate cost of operations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/31/19 84 FR 37398
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/30/19
Final Action........................ 06/00/20
Final Action Effective.............. 08/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brendan Hourigan, Director, Office of Planning and
Budget, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box
1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, Phone: 571 272-8966, Fax: 571 273-
8966, Email: brendan.hourigan@uspto.gov.
RIN: 0651-AD31
[FR Doc. 2020-16753 Filed 8-25-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-14-P