[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 22, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11202-11212]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-02455]



[[Page 11201]]

Vol. 88

Wednesday,

No. 35

February 22, 2023

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 22, 2023 / 
UA: Reg Flex Agenda  

[[Page 11202]]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary

13 CFR Ch. III

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

19 CFR Ch. III

37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V

48 CFR Ch. 13

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


Fall 2021 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce.

ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866, entitled 
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
as amended, the Department of Commerce (Commerce), in the spring and 
fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of 
regulations under development or review over the next 12 months. 
Rulemaking actions are grouped according to pre-rulemaking, proposed 
rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed 
since the spring 2022 agenda. The purpose of the Agenda is to provide 
information to the public on regulations that are currently under 
review, being proposed, or recently issued by Commerce. It is expected 
that this information will enable the public to participate more 
effectively in the Department's regulatory process.
    Commerce's fall 2022 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period November 
1, 2022, through October 31, 2023.

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 Candida Harty, 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-
3410.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Commerce hereby publishes its fall 2022 
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. By memorandum 
of September 2, 2022, the Office of Management and Budget issued 
guidelines and procedures for the preparation and publication of the 
fall 2022 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.
    The internet is the basic means for disseminating the Unified 
Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda is available online at 
www.reginfo.gov, in a format that offers users a greatly enhanced 
ability to obtain information from the Agenda database.
    In this edition of Commerce's regulatory agenda, a list of the most 
important significant regulatory and deregulatory actions and a 
Statement of Regulatory Priorities are included in the Regulatory Plan, 
which appears in both the online Unified Agenda and in part II of the 
issue of the Federal Register that includes the Unified Agenda.
    Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the 
regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, Commerce's printed agenda entries include only:
    (1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, 
in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are 
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities; and
    (2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under 
section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain 
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda 
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in 
the Unified Agenda published on the internet. In addition, for fall 
editions of the Agenda, Commerce's entire Regulatory Plan will continue 
to be printed in the Federal Register.
    Within Commerce, the Office of the Secretary and various operating 
units may issue regulations. Among these operating units, the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Industry 
and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office issue the greatest 
share of Commerce's regulations.
    A large number of regulatory actions reported in the Agenda deal 
with fishery management programs of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries 
Service (NMFS). To avoid repetition of programs and definitions, as 
well as to provide some understanding of the technical and 
institutional elements of NMFS' programs, an ``Explanation of 
Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries'' is provided below.

Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries

    The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) (the Act) governs the management of fisheries 
within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States (EEZ). The EEZ 
refers to those waters from the outer edge of the State boundaries, 
generally 3 nautical miles, to a distance of 200 nautical miles. For 
fisheries that require conservation and management measures, eight 
Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) prepare and submit to 
NMFS Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for the fisheries within their 
respective areas in the EEZ. Membership of these Councils is comprised 
of representatives of the commercial and recreational fishing sectors 
in addition to environmental, academic, and government interests. 
Council members are nominated by the governors and ultimately appointed 
by the Secretary of Commerce. 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 recommend 
actions to NMFS deemed 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 fall 2022 regulatory agenda follows.

Leslie Kiernan,
General Counsel.

[[Page 11203]]



               General Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
252.......................  Securing the Information           0605-AA60
                             and Communications
                             Technology and Services
                             Supply Chain: Licensing
                             Procedures.
253.......................  Taking Additional Steps to         0605-AA61
                             Address the National
                             Emergency With Respect to
                             Significant Malicious
                             Cyber-Enabled Activities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                General Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
254.......................  Securing the Information           0605-AA51
                             and Communications
                             Technology and Services
                             Supply Chain.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          International Trade Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
255.......................  Procedures Covering                0625-AB21
                             Suspension of
                             Liquidation, Duties and
                             Estimated Duties in
                             Accord with Presidential
                             Proclamation 10414.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
256.......................  International Fisheries;           0648-BG04
                             South Pacific Tuna
                             Fisheries; Implementation
                             of Amendments to the
                             South Pacific Tuna Treaty.
257.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BI10
                             Species; Research and
                             Data Collection in
                             Support of Spatial
                             Fisheries Management.
258.......................  Amendment 122 to the               0648-BL08
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Bering Sea and Aleutian
                             Islands Management Area;
                             Pacific Cod Trawl
                             Cooperative Program.
259.......................  Amendment 123 to the               0648-BL42
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Bering Sea and Aleutian
                             Islands Management Area;
                             Halibut Abundance-Based
                             Management of Amendment
                             80 Prohibited Species
                             Catch Limit.
260.......................  Revisions to Federal               0648-BL50
                             Regulations to Economic
                             Data Reporting
                             Requirements for
                             Groundfish and Crab
                             Fisheries off Alaska and
                             Amendment 52 to the
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for BSAI King and Tanner
                             Crabs.
261.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BJ52
                             Habitat for Threatened
                             Indo-Pacific Reef-
                             Building Corals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
262.......................  Illegal, Unreported, and           0648-BG11
                             Unregulated Fishing;
                             Fisheries Enforcement;
                             High Seas Driftnet
                             Fishing Moratorium
                             Protection Act (Reg Plan
                             Seq No. 17).
263.......................  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.
264.......................  Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries         0648-BH87
                             Conservation and
                             Management Act;
                             Traceability Information
                             Program for Seafood.
265.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BI08
                             Species: Amendment 13 on
                             Bluefin Tuna Management.
266.......................  Amendment 23 to the                0648-BK17
                             Northeast Multispecies
                             Fishery Management Plan.
267.......................  2023-2024 Harvest                  0648-BL48
                             Specifications and
                             Management Measures for
                             the Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery.
268.......................  Amendment and Updates to           0648-BF90
                             the Pelagic Longline Take
                             Reduction Plan.
269.......................  Designation of Critical            0648-BG26
                             Habitat for the
                             Threatened Caribbean
                             Corals.
270.......................  Amendments to the North            0648-BI88
                             Atlantic Right Whale
                             Vessel Strike Reduction
                             Rule (Reg Plan Seq No.
                             18).
271.......................  Establishment of Time-Area         0648-BK04
                             Closures for Hawaiian
                             Spinner Dolphins Under
                             the Marine Mammal
                             Protection Act.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
272.......................  Amendment 14 to the                0648-BK31
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Salmon Fisheries
                             in the EEZ Off Alaska.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 11204]]


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
273.......................  Comprehensive Fishery              0648-BD32
                             Management Plan for
                             Puerto Rico,
                             Comprehensive Fishery
                             Management Plan for St.
                             Croix, Comprehensive
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for St. Thomas/St. John.
274.......................  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.
275.......................  Establish National                 0648-BJ33
                             Insurance Requirements
                             for Observer Providers.
276.......................  Implementation of                  0648-BK84
                             Resolutions C-21-04 and C-
                             21-06 of the Inter-
                             American Tropical Tuna
                             Commission for Tropical
                             Tuna and Silky Shark
                             Conservation.
277.......................  Framework Adjustment 63 to         0648-BL12
                             the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fishery
                             Management Plan.
278.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BL17
                             Species; Rule to Modify
                             the Retention Limit of
                             Shortfin Mako Sharks.
279.......................  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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
280.......................  Setting and Adjusting              0651-AD65
                             Trademark Fees (Reg Plan
                             Seq No. 19).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


             Patent and Trademark Office--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
281.......................  Setting and Adjusting              0651-AD64
                             Patent Fees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Patent and Trademark Office--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
282.......................  Changes To Implement               0651-AD55
                             Provisions of the
                             Trademark Modernization
                             Act of 2020.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

General Administration (ADMIN)

Proposed Rule Stage

252. Securing the Information and Communications Technology and 
Services Supply Chain: Licensing Procedures [0605-AA60]

    Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
    Abstract: The Department is seeking public input regarding 
establishing a licensing process for entities to seek pre-approval 
before engaging in or continuing to engage in potentially regulated 
ICTS Transactions under the ``Securing the Information and 
Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain'' rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   03/29/21  86 FR 16312
ANPRM Comment Period End............   04/28/21  .......................
NPRM................................   05/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Joseph Bartels, Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202-482-1595, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0605-AA60

253. Taking Additional Steps To Address the National Emergency With 
Respect to Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities [0605-AA61]

    Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
    Abstract: Executive Order 13984 of January 19, 2021, entitled 
Taking Additional Steps to Address the National Emergency with Respect 
to Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities (E.O. 13984), has 
directed the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to implement regulations 
that would govern the process and procedures that the Secretary will 
use to deter foreign malicious cyber actors' use of United States 
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) products and assist in the 
investigation of transactions involving foreign malicious cyber actors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   09/24/21  86 FR 53018
ANPRM Comment Period End............   10/25/21  .......................
NPRM................................   06/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Joseph Bartels, Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202-482-1595, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0605-AA61

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

General Administration (ADMIN)

Final Rule Stage

254. Securing the Information and Communications Technology and 
Services Supply Chain [0605-AA51]

    Legal Authority: 50 U.S.C. 1701; 3 U.S.C. 301
    Abstract: Pursuant to Executive Order 13873 of May 15, 2019, 
Securing the Information and Communications

[[Page 11205]]

Technology and Services Supply Chain,'' (Executive Order) the 
Department of Commerce (the Department) is implementing the process and 
procedures that the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) will use to 
identify, assess, and address transactions that pose an undue risk to 
the security, integrity, and reliability of information and 
communications technology and services provided and used in the United 
States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/27/19  84 FR 65316
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/27/19  .......................
Interim Final Rule..................   01/19/21  86 FR 4909
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      03/22/21  .......................
 End.
Interim Final Rule Effective Date...   03/22/21  .......................
Final Action........................   04/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Joseph Bartels, Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202-482-1595, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0605-AA51

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

International Trade Administration (ITA)

Final Rule Stage

255.  Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and 
Estimated Duties in Accord With Presidential Proclamation 10414 [0625-
AB21]

    Legal Authority: Proc 10414, 87 FR 35067; 19 U.S.C. 1318
    Abstract: In accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10414 and 
pursuant to its authority under Section 318(a) of the Tariff Act of 
1930, as amended (the Act), the Department of Commerce (Commerce) is 
issuing this final rule to implement Proclamation 10414. Specifically, 
Commerce is issuing a new rule that, in the event of an affirmative 
preliminary or final determination in the antidumping and 
countervailing duty (AD/CVD) circumvention inquiries described below, 
under Title VII of the Act, extends the time for, and waives, the 
suspension of liquidation, the application of certain AD/CVD duties, 
and the collection of cash deposits on applicable entries of certain 
crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into 
modules, that are completed in the Kingdom of Cambodia (Cambodia), 
Malaysia, the Kingdom of Thailand (Thailand), and the Socialist 
Republic of Vietnam (Vietnam) using parts and components manufactured 
in the People's Republic of China (China), and that are not already 
subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty order.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/01/22  87 FR 39426
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/01/22  .......................
Final Action........................   09/16/22  87 FR 56868
Final Action Effective..............   11/15/22  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............   12/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Nikki Kalbing, Department of Commerce, 
International Trade Administration, Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202-
717-3147, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0625-AB21

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

256. International Fisheries; South Pacific Tuna Fisheries; 
Implementation of Amendments to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty [0648-
BG04]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 973 et seq.
    Abstract: Under authority of the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988, 
this rule would implement recent amendments to the Treaty on Fisheries 
between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the 
Government of the United States of America (also known as the South 
Pacific Tuna Treaty). The rule would include modification to the 
procedures used to request licenses for U.S. vessels in the western and 
central Pacific Ocean purse seine fishery, including changing the 
annual licensing period from June-to-June to the calendar year, and 
modifications to existing reporting requirements for purse seine 
vessels fishing in the western and central Pacific Ocean. The rule 
would implement only those aspects of the Treaty amendments that can be 
implemented under the existing South Pacific Tuna Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

257. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Research and Data Collection in 
Support of Spatial Fisheries Management [0648-BI10]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking would address conducting research in 
areas currently closed to fishing for Atlantic highly migratory species 
(HMS)--during various times or by certain gear--to collect fishery-
dependent data. A number of time/area closures or gear-restricted areas 
have been implemented over the years through various rulemakings, 
limiting fishing for Atlantic highly migratory species in those areas 
for a variety of reasons including reducing bycatch. These time/area 
closures have been implemented in consultation with the HMS Advisory 
Panel to protect species consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries 
Conservation and Management Act (e.g., to reduce bycatch in the pelagic 
longline fishery off the east coast of Florida), the Endangered Species 
Act (e.g., to protect sea turtles in the North Atlantic), and the 
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (e.g., to protect spawning bluefin tuna 
in the Gulf of Mexico). Fishery-dependent data supports effective 
fisheries management, and areas that restrict fishing effort often have 
a commensurate decrease in fishery-dependent data collection. Programs 
to facilitate research and data collection, such as those that would be 
covered by this rulemaking, could assess the efficacy of closed areas, 
improve sustainable management of highly migratory species, and may 
provide benefits to commercial and recreational fishermen.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries,

[[Page 11206]]

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20901, Phone: 301 427-8500, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BI10

258. Amendment 122 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Pacific Cod Trawl 
Cooperative Program [0648-BL08]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: In response to a recommendation by the North Pacific 
Fishery Management Council, this proposed action would implement 
Amendment 122 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of 
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). If approved 
by the Secretary of Commerce and implemented by NMFS, the Pacific cod 
Trawl Cooperative Program (PCTC Program) would allocate quota share 
(QS) to groundfish License Limitation Program (LLP) license holders 
based on the harvest of BSAI Pacific cod during qualifying years. This 
Program would also allocate QS to a processor permit holder based on 
processing history during the qualifying years. QS allocated under this 
program would yield an exclusive harvest privilege to members of a PCTC 
Program cooperative. The Council's intent in recommending Amendment 122 
is to improve the prosecution of the fishery by promoting safety and 
stability in the harvesting and processing sectors, increasing the 
value of the fishery, minimizing bycatch to the extent practicable, 
providing for the sustained participation of fishery dependent 
communities, and ensuring the sustainability and viability of the 
Pacific cod resource in the BSAI. The Council initiated action on this 
Limited Access Privilege Program (LAPP) in response to industry 
requests to address increasing inefficiency in the BSAI Pacific cod 
trawl catcher vessel sector by implementing a catch share program. 
Owners and operators of harvesters and processors that participate in 
the BSAI Pacific cod trawl fishery would be affected by this action. 
Section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (MSA) is the rulemaking authority. Section 303A of the 
MSA authorizes the creation of LAPPs.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jon Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7638, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BL08

259. Amendment 123 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Halibut Abundance-
Based Management of Amendment 80 Prohibited Species Catch Limit [0648-
BL42]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: In response to a recommendation by the North Pacific 
Fishery Management Council (Council), this proposed action would 
implement Amendment 123 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for 
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area 
(BSAI). If approved by the Secretary of Commerce and implemented by 
NMFS, this action would determine the BSAI Amendment 80 commercial 
groundfish trawl fleet's (A80) halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) 
limit annually based on the most recent values from surveys conducted 
by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center and the International Pacific 
Halibut Commission (IPHC). The Council's intent in recommending 
Amendment 123 is to link annual halibut PSC limits in the A80 fleet 
with estimated halibut abundance. The reason for the change being 
considered is that the current PSC limit, currently set as a fixed 
annual amount of 1,745 mt, becomes an increasingly larger proportion of 
total halibut removals in the BSAI when halibut abundance declines. 
Over the last 6 years, the Council and its advisory bodies, 
stakeholders, and the public have considered several approaches for a 
halibut abundance-based management (ABM) program consistent with 
Council fishery management objectives and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Public testimony on this action 
over the years has focused on two primary concerns. The first is the 
importance of providing flexibility to the A80 fleet to prosecute their 
quotas. The second is concern about the decline in the directed halibut 
fishery catch as a result of a decline in halibut abundance, compounded 
by fixed PSC limits that further reduce the proportion of halibut 
available to the directed halibut fisheries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jon Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7638, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BL42

260.  Revisions to Federal Regulations to Economic Data 
Reporting Requirements for Groundfish and Crab Fisheries Off Alaska and 
Amendment 52 to the Fishery Management Plan for BSAI King and Tanner 
Crabs [0648-BL50]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: In response to a recommendation by the North Pacific 
Fishery Management Council (Council), this proposed action would 
implement Amendment 52 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the 
Commercial King and Tanner Crab Fisheries of the Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) and revise Federal regulations 
to economic data reporting (EDR) requirements for groundfish and crab 
fisheries off Alaska. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce and 
implemented by NMFS, this action would remove third party data 
verification audits and blind formatting requirements for the BSAI crab 
fisheries EDR, the Bering Sea American Fisheries Act (AFA) pollock 
fishery Chinook Salmon EDR, and the BSAI Amendment 80 fisheries EDR. 
This action would also eliminate the EDR requirements for the Gulf of 
Alaska (GOA) trawl fisheries. The EDRs provide information for program 
evaluation and analysis of proposed conservation and management 
measures. The third party data verification audits and blind formatting 
provisions require a higher standard of confidentiality for proprietary 
business information than apply to all other confidential fisheries 
information. These provisions have proven to reduce the usability of 
the data for analysis and to increase the cost of the data collection 
programs without providing additional practical protections. The GOA 
Trawl EDR program, implemented in 2015, was designed to collect 
baseline information to assess the impacts of a future catch share 
program. However, no catch share program for the GOA trawl fleet has 
been implemented to date. The Council initiated this action to improve 
the usability, efficiency, and consistency of

[[Page 11207]]

the data collection programs and minimize cost to industry and the 
Federal government while still maintaining the integrity and 
confidentiality of the data collection program. Owners and operators of 
harvesters and processors in the BSAI crab fisheries, the AFA pollock 
fishery, the Amendment 80 fisheries, and the GOA trawl fisheries would 
be affected by this action. Section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act is the rulemaking 
authority.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/01/22  87 FR 65724
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/01/22
Final Action........................   01/00/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jon Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7638, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BL50

261. Designation of Critical Habitat for Threatened Indo-Pacific Reef-
Building Corals [0648-BJ52]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: On September 10, 2014, NMFS listed 20 species of reef-
building corals as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, 15 in 
the Indo-Pacific and five in the Caribbean. Of the 15 Indo-Pacific 
species, seven occur in U.S. waters of the Pacific Islands Region, 
including in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Mariana 
Islands, and the Pacific Remote Island Areas. This proposed rule would 
designate critical habitat for the seven species in U.S. waters 
(Acropora globiceps, Acropora jacquelineae, Acropora retusa, Acropora 
speciosa, Euphyllia paradivisa, Isopora crateriformis, and Seriatopora 
aculeata). A separate proposed rule will designate critical habitat for 
the listed Caribbean coral species. The proposed designation may cover 
coral reef habitat around 13 island or atoll units in the Pacific 
Islands Region, including three in American Samoa, one in Guam, seven 
in the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands, and two in Pacific Remote 
Island Areas, containing essential features that support reproduction, 
growth, and survival of the listed coral species. 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 will determine whether to propose to 
exclude any areas based on national security impacts.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/27/20  85 FR 76262
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/26/21
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   12/23/20  85 FR 83899
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   02/25/21
Second NPRM Comment Period Extended.   02/09/21  86 FR 8749
Second Extended Comment Period End..   03/27/21
Third NPRM Comment Period Extended..   03/29/21  86 FR 16325
Third NPRM Comment Period Extended     05/26/21
 End.
Second NPRM.........................   06/00/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 
301 427-8400, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BJ52

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Final Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

262. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing; Fisheries 
Enforcement; High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act 
[0648-BG11]

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 17 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-BG11

263. 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 [0648-BH70]

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/01/22  87 FR 11382
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/31/22
Final Action........................   10/03/22  87 FR 59705
Final Action Effective..............   11/02/22
Next Action Undetermined............   12/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Scott Rumsey, Acting Regional Administrator, West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 872-2791, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BH70

264. Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act; 
Traceability Information Program for Seafood [0648-BH87]

    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

[[Page 11208]]

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........................   03/00/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BH87

265. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species: Amendment 13 on Bluefin Tuna 
Management [0648-BI08]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NOAA/NMFS proposes to revise the management measures for 
Atlantic bluefin tuna fisheries. Potential management measures could 
include modifications to pelagic longline and purse seine fisheries as 
well as other bluefin tuna fisheries, which would increase flexibility 
for fishery participants.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/21/21  86 FR 27686
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/20/21
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   07/20/21  86 FR 38262
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   09/09/21
Final Action........................   10/03/22  87 FR 59966
Final Action Effective..............   01/01/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20901, Phone: 301 427-8500, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BI08

266. Amendment 23 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan 
[0648-BK17]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action proposes measures recommended by the New 
England Fishery Management Council in Amendment 23 to the Northeast 
Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. The Council developed this action 
to implement measures to improve the reliability and accountability of 
catch reporting in the commercial groundfish fishery to ensure there is 
a precise and accurate representation of catch (landings and discards). 
The purpose of this action is to adjust the existing industry-funded 
monitoring program to improve accounting and accuracy of collected 
catch data. Specifically, this action would set a fixed target coverage 
rate as a percentage of fishing trips to replace the current annual 
method for calculating a coverage target. This action would exclude 
from the monitoring requirement all trips in geographic areas with low 
groundfish catch; allow for increased coverage when federal funding is 
available to reimburse industry's costs; set a baseline coverage target 
for which there is no reimbursement for industry's costs in the absence 
of federal funding; approve electronic monitoring technologies as an 
alternative to human at-sea monitors; require periodic evaluation of 
the monitoring program; allow for waivers from monitoring for good 
cause; and grant authority to the Northeast Regional Administrator to 
streamline industry's reporting requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/28/22  87 FR 11014
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/30/22
Final Action........................   12/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BK17

267.  2023-2024 Harvest Specifications and Management Measures 
for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery [0648-BL48]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Every other year, the Pacific Fishery Management Council 
makes recommendations to set biennial allowable harvest levels for 
Pacific Coast groundfish, and recommends management measures for 
commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries that are designed to 
achieve those harvest levels consistent with the Pacific Coast 
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. For the 202324 biennium, the 
Pacific Fishery Management Council has recommended: Harvest 
specifications, including overfishing limits, acceptable biological 
catches, and annual catch limits; and Management measures to achieve 
those specifications. The specifications and management measures that 
would be forwarded by this action would be in effect from January 1, 
2023, through December 31, 2024. The National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) would implement this rulemaking under the authority of the 
Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/14/22  87 FR 62676
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/14/22
Final Action........................   12/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Scott Rumsey, Acting Regional Administrator, West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 872-2791, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BL48

268. Amendment and Updates to the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan 
[0648-BF90]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
    Abstract: Serious injury and mortality of the Western North 
Atlantic short-

[[Page 11209]]

finned pilot whale stock incidental to the Category I Atlantic pelagic 
longline fishery continues at levels exceeding their Potential 
Biological Removal. This proposed action would examine a number of 
management measures to amend the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan 
to reduce the incidental mortality and serious injury of short-finned 
pilot whales taken in the Atlantic Pelagic Longline fishery to below 
Potential Biological Removal. Potential management measures may include 
changes to the current limitations on mainline length, new requirements 
to use weak hooks (hooks with reduced breaking strength), and non-
regulatory measures related to determining the best procedures for safe 
handling and release of marine mammals. The need for the proposed 
action is to ensure the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan meets its 
Marine Mammal Protection Act mandated short- and long-term goals.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/15/20  85 FR 81168
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/16/21
Final Action........................   12/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 
301 427-8400, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BF90

269. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Threatened Caribbean 
Corals [0648-BG26]

    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 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................................   11/27/20  85 FR 76302
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/26/21
Final Rule..........................   06/00/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 
301 427-8400, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BG26

270. Amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike 
Reduction Rule [0648-BI88]

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 18 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-BI88

271. Establishment of Time-Area Closures for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins 
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act [0648-BK04]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1382 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking action under the Marine Mammal Protection 
Act (MMPA) proposes to establish mandatory time-area closures of 
Hawaiian spinner dolphins' essential daytime habitats at five selected 
sites in the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI). In considering public 
comments in response to a separate proposed rule related to spinner 
dolphin interactions (81 FR 57854), NMFS intends these regulatory 
measures to prevent take of Hawaiian spinner dolphins from occurring in 
inshore marine areas at essential daytime habitats, and where high 
levels of disturbance from human activities are most prevalent.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/28/21  86 FR 53844
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/27/21
Final Action........................   12/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 
301 427-8400, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BK04

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Long-Term Actions

National Marine Fisheries Service

272. Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Salmon 
Fisheries in the EEZ Off Alaska [0648-BK31]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would modify the Fishery Management Plan for 
the Salmon Fisheries in the EEZ off Alaska (FMP) and implement 
regulations to manage the EEZ waters of Cook Inlet under the FMP and 
prohibit commercial fishing for salmon in this area. Currently, this 
area is excluded from the FMP and the State of Alaska manages 
commercial fishing for salmon in this area. If approved, this action 
would result in all commercial salmon fishing in Cook Inlet occurring 
within waters of the State of Alaska under State management plans. The 
North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) determined that this 
action is consistent with the Council's longstanding policy to 
facilitate management of salmon fishing by the State of Alaska and that 
the State is the authority best suited for managing Alaska salmon 
fisheries given its existing infrastructure and expertise. The Council 
considered, but did not select, two other action alternatives that 
would delegate management of the Cook Inlet EEZ to the State of Alaska, 
or establish Council and NMFS management of the commercial salmon 
fishery within the area. The Council did not select either of these 
alternatives because the State of Alaska was

[[Page 11210]]

unwilling to accept delegation of management authority, and due to the 
substantial increase in management complexity and cost without 
corresponding benefits of both alternatives.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/04/21  86 FR 29977
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/06/21
Final Action........................   11/03/21  86 FR 60568
Final Action Effective..............   12/03/21
                                     -----------------------------------
Next Action Undetermined............           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jon Kurland, Phone: 907 586-7638, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BK31

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Completed Actions

273. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for Puerto Rico, 
Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Croix, Comprehensive 
Fishery Management Plan for St. Thomas/St. John [0648-BD32]

    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 Fishery 
Management Plans (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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   06/26/20  85 FR 38350
Comment Period End..................   08/25/20
NPRM................................   05/19/22  87 FR 30730
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/21/22
Final Action........................   09/13/22  87 FR 56204
Final Action Effective..............   10/13/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

274. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for 
Highly Migratory Species; Treatment of U.S. Purse Seine Fishing With 
Respect to U.S. Territories [0648-BF41]

    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
Withdrawn...........................   09/09/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

275. Establish National Insurance Requirements for Observer Providers 
[0648-BJ33]

    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................................   11/22/21  86 FR 66259
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/21/22
Final Action........................   09/08/22  87 FR 54902
Final Action Effective..............   09/08/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Evan Howell, Director, Office of Science and 
Technology, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of Commerce, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West

[[Page 11211]]

Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8100, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BJ33

276. Implementation of Resolutions C-21-04 and C-21-06 of the Inter-
American Tropical Tuna Commission for Tropical Tuna and Silky Shark 
Conservation [0648-BK84]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951; 16 U.S.C. 952; 16 U.S.C. 953; 16 
U.S.C. 954; . . .
    Abstract: The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) is 
expected to adopt by consensus a Resolution for Conservation Measures 
for Tropical Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in October 2021. The 
Resolution is binding for IATTC member nations, and under the Tuna 
Conventions Act, 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq. NMFS must implement the 
Resolution domestically. This proposed rule would implement the 
provisions for tropical tuna for 2022 and beyond. In addition to 
rolling over measures from the 2021 Resolution, this Resolution may 
include an increase in purse seine closure days, changes to force 
majeure provisions, updates to fish aggregating device measures. The 
Resolution is intended to prevent overfishing of tropical tuna (bigeye, 
yellowfin, and skipjack) in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The following 
provisions that would be included in the proposed rule were also in the 
regulations implemented for 2021. The rule will continue to prohibit 
purse seine vessels of class sizes 4-6 (carrying capacity greater than 
182 mt) from fishing for tropical tuna in the EPO for a period of at 
least 72 days. The rule would continue to require a closure of the 
fishery for yellowfin, bigeye, and skipjack tunas by purse-seine 
vessels within the area of 96W and 110W and between 4[deg]N and 3[deg]S 
from 0000 hours on 9 October to 2400 hours on 8 November. The rule 
would carry over all provisions included in the Measures of the 
Longline Fishery and Other Provisions section of the Resolution. As of 
August 23, 2021, 17 U.S. purse seine vessels of class size 4-6 are 
registered to fish in the IATTC Convention Area that would be impacted 
by these measures. Owners and operators of these vessels are familiar 
with these measures. In addition to sending professional 
representatives and lobbyists, many personally attended the June and 
August IATTC Meetings and were closely involved in briefings and 
discussions with State Department and NMFS leadership and staff. The 
action is necessary for the United States to satisfy its international 
obligations as a Member of the IATTC. This rule is not expected to 
trigger either opposition from any sector of the public or 
congressional interest. This rule absorbs 0648-BK87.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/28/22  87 FR 17248
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/27/22
Final Action........................   07/08/22  87 FR 40731
Final Action Effective..............   07/25/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Scott Rumsey, Acting Regional Administrator, West 
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 
97232, Phone: 503 872-2791, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BK84

277. Framework Adjustment 63 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan [0648-BL12]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The action would implement management measures included 
in Framework Adjustment 63 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan (Framework 63) that were developed by the New England 
Fishery Management Council in response to new scientific information, 
pursuant to the rulemaking authorities under section 303(c) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The action 
would set annual specifications for fishing years (FY) 2022-2024 for 
Gulf of Maine cod and Georges Bank (GB) cod, FY2022-2023 for GB 
yellowtail flounder, and FY2022 for white hake, and specify FY 2022 
total allowable catches (TAC) for the three U.S./Canada stocks eastern 
GB cod, eastern GB haddock, and GB yellowtail flounder. It would also 
adopt additional measures to promote stock rebuilding; and develop 
alternatives to the current default specifications system.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/20/22  87 FR 23482
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/05/22
Final Action........................   07/15/22  87 FR 42375
Final Action Effective..............   07/15/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BL12

278. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Rule To Modify the Retention 
Limit of Shortfin Mako Sharks [0648-BL17]

    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 and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA). This 
proposed rule would adopt management measures implementing a 2021 
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) 
recommendation prohibiting retention of North Atlantic shortfin mako 
sharks caught in association with ICCAT fisheries in 2022. 
Specifically, this action would propose implementing a flexible 
shortfin mako shark retention limit with a default of zero in 
commercial and recreational HMS fisheries. This action is being taken 
pursuant to the rulemaking authority under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act, section 305(d), and ATCA.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/11/22  87 FR 21077
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/11/22
Final Action........................   07/01/22  87 FR 39373
Final Action Effective..............   07/05/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20901, Phone: 301 427-8500, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BL17

279. 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 [0648-BJ09]

    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

[[Page 11212]]

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).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/31/20  85 FR 86878
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/01/21
Final Action........................   09/17/21  86 FR 51970
Final Action Effective..............   10/18/21
Final Action Correction.............   03/03/22  87 FR 11978
Final Action Correction Effective...   03/03/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 
301 427-8400, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BJ09

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Proposed Rule Stage

280.  Setting and Adjusting Trademark Fees [0651-AD65]

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 19 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0651-AD65

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Long-Term Actions

281.  Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees [0651-AD64]

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 112-29
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or 
Office) takes this action to set and adjust Patent fee amounts to 
provide the Office with a sufficient amount of aggregate revenue to 
recover its aggregate cost of operations while helping the Office 
maintain a sustainable funding model, decrease patent pendency, and 
improve the reliability of issued patents.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/24  .......................
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/00/24  .......................
Final Action........................   10/00/24  .......................
Final Action Effective..............   12/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Brendan Hourigan, Director, Office of Planning and 
Budget, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 
1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, Phone: 571 272-8966, Fax: 571 273-
8966, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AD64

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Completed Actions

282. Changes To Implement Provisions of the Trademark Modernization Act 
of 2020 [0651-AD55]

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1066; 15 U.S.C. 1067; 15 U.S.C. 1113; 15 
U.S.C. 1123; 35 U.S.C. 2; Pub. L. 112-29; Pub. L. 116-260
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or 
Office) amends the rules of practice in trademark cases to implement 
provisions of the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020. The rule 
establishes ex parte expungement and reexamination proceedings for 
cancellation of a registration when the required use in commerce of the 
registered mark has not been made; provides for a new nonuse ground for 
cancellation before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board; establishes 
flexible Office action response periods; and amends the existing 
letter-of-protest rule to indicate that letter-of-protest 
determinations are final and non-reviewable. The USPTO also sets fees 
for petitions requesting institution of ex parte expungement and 
reexamination proceedings, and for requests to extend Office action 
response deadlines. Amendments are also for the rules concerning the 
suspension of USPTO proceedings and the rules governing attorney 
recognition in trademark matters. Finally, a new rule is to address 
procedures regarding court orders cancelling or affecting 
registrations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/18/21  86 FR 26862
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/19/21  .......................
Final Action........................   11/17/21  86 FR 64300
Final Action Effective..............   12/18/21  .......................
Correction; Delay of Effective Date.   10/13/22  87 FR 62032
Correction; Delay of Effective Date    10/07/23  .......................
 Effective.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: [email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AD55

[FR Doc. 2023-02455 Filed 2-21-23; 8:45 am]
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