[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 143 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48524-48534]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14573]



[[Page 48523]]

Vol. 88

Thursday,

No. 143

July 27, 2023

Part IV





 Department of Commerce





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 88 , No. 143 / Thursday, July 27, 2023 / UA: 
Reg Flex Agenda  

[[Page 48524]]


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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 2022 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 fall 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 spring 2023 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period June 1, 
2023, through May 31, 2024.

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 spring 2023 
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 February 22, 2023, the Office of Management and Budget issued 
guidelines and procedures for the preparation and publication of the 
spring 2023 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 spring 2023 regulatory agenda follows.

Leslie Kiernan,
General Counsel.

[[Page 48525]]



               General Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
25........................  Securing the Information           0605-AA60
                             and Communications
                             Technology and Services
                             Supply Chain: Licensing
                             Procedures.
26........................  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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
27........................  Securing the Information           0605-AA51
                             and Communications
                             Technology and Services
                             Supply Chain.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


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


     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Prerule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
29........................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BM23
                             Species; Electronic
                             Reporting Requirements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
30........................  International Fisheries;           0648-BG04
                             South Pacific Tuna
                             Fisheries; Implementation
                             of Amendments to the
                             South Pacific Tuna Treaty.
31........................  Illegal, Unreported, and           0648-BG11
                             Unregulated Fishing;
                             Fisheries Enforcement;
                             High Seas Driftnet
                             Fishing Moratorium
                             Protection Act.
32........................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BI10
                             Species; Research and
                             Data Collection in
                             Support of Spatial
                             Fisheries Management.
33........................  Rulemaking to Modify the           0648-BM18
                             2023-2027 Halibut
                             Individual Fishing Quota
                             (IFQ) Vessel Harvest
                             Limitations in IFQ
                             Regulatory Areas 4A, 4B,
                             4C, and 4D.
34........................  Amendment 32 to the                0648-BM28
                             Pacific Coast Groundfish
                             Fishery Management Plan--
                             Modifications to Non-
                             Trawl Area Management
                             Measures.
35........................  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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
36........................  Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries         0648-BH87
                             Conservation and
                             Management Act;
                             Traceability Information
                             Program for Seafood.
37........................  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.
38........................  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.
39........................  2023-2024 Harvest                  0648-BL48
                             Specifications and
                             Management Measures for
                             the Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery.
40........................  2023 Summer Flounder,              0648-BM09
                             Scup, and Black Sea Bass
                             Recreational Management
                             Measures.
41........................  Amendment and Updates to           0648-BF90
                             the Pelagic Longline Take
                             Reduction Plan.
42........................  Designation of Critical            0648-BG26
                             Habitat for the
                             Threatened Caribbean
                             Corals.
43........................  Amendments to the North            0648-BI88
                             Atlantic Right Whale
                             Vessel Strike Reduction
                             Rule.
44........................  Establishment of Time-Area         0648-BK04
                             Closures for Hawaiian
                             Spinner Dolphins Under
                             the Marine Mammal
                             Protection Act.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 48526]]


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
45........................  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.
46........................  Amendment 14 to the                0648-BK31
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Salmon Fisheries
                             in the EEZ Off Alaska.
47........................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BM08
                             Species; Amendment 16 to
                             the 2006 Consolidated
                             Atlantic Highly Migratory
                             Species Fishery
                             Management Plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
48........................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BI08
                             Species: Amendment 13 on
                             Bluefin Tuna Management.
49........................  Amendment 23 to the                0648-BK17
                             Northeast Multispecies
                             Fishery Management Plan.
50........................  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.
51........................  Framework Adjustment 36 to         0648-BL99
                             the Atlantic Sea Scallop
                             Fishery Management Plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
52........................  Setting and Adjusting              0651-AD64
                             Patent Fees.
53........................  Setting and Adjusting              0651-AD65
                             Trademark Fees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

General Administration (ADMIN)

Proposed Rule Stage

25. 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................................   09/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

26. 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................................   09/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

27. 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 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  .......................

[[Page 48527]]

 
Final Action........................   09/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

28. 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............   06/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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)

Prerule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

29.  Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Electronic Reporting 
Requirements [0648-BM23]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) are managed under 
the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and the Atlantic Tunas 
Convention Act (ATCA), id. 971 et seq., the implementing statute for 
binding recommendations of the International Commission for the 
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. This ANPR would consider options to: 
(1) streamline logbook reporting by converting existing commercial 
paper logbooks to electronic logbooks; (2) expand logbook reporting to 
recreational and commercial permit holders via electronic logbooks, to 
be consistent with Agency efforts in other fisheries and to augment 
data collected for fishery management; (3) collect additional 
information through existing electronic reporting mechanisms for 
dealers and recreational permit holders to augment data collected for 
fishery management; and (4) facilitate HMS reporting including 
considering ways to incentivize reporting compliance (or penalize 
noncompliance) and offering an electronic reporting platform for HMS 
Exempted Fishing Permit Program permit holders. This action is being 
taken pursuant to the rulemaking authority under section 304(c) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. 16 U.S.C. 
1854(c).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   06/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BM23

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

30. 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................................   09/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Sarah Malloy, Acting 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

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

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-81

[[Page 48528]]

    Abstract: This proposed rule would 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 would also implement the Port State Measures 
Agreement. To that end, this proposed rule would 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 would establish procedures for 
notification of: the denial of port entry or port services for a 
foreign vessel, the withdrawal of the denial of port services if 
applicable, the taking of enforcement action with respect to a foreign 
vessel, or the results of any inspection of a foreign vessel to the 
flag nation of the vessel and other competent authorities as 
appropriate.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/08/22  87 FR 40763
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/06/22  .......................
Second NPRM.........................   06/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BG11

32. 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................................   05/05/23  88 FR 29050
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/15/23  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI10

33.  Rulemaking To Modify the 2023-2027 Halibut Individual 
Fishing Quota (IFQ) Vessel Harvest Limitations in IFQ Regulatory Areas 
4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D [0648-BM18]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773
    Abstract: Commercial halibut fishing off the coast of Alaska is 
managed under an Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program implemented by 
Federal regulations under the authority of the Northern Pacific Halibut 
Act of 1982, 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq. On February 10, 2023, the North 
Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended to temporarily 
remove IFQ halibut vessel caps for the 2023-2027 fishing years in IFQ 
regulatory areas 4A (Eastern Aleutian Islands), 4B (Central and Western 
Aleutian Islands), 4C (Central Bering Sea), and 4D (Eastern Bering 
Sea). This action is needed to provide continued flexibility and 
consistency in the Pacific halibut fishery. This action would implement 
the temporary management measure that has been recommended by the 
Council and implemented by NMFS annually since 2020 for a 5-year 
period. This action would revise 50 CFR 679.42(h)(1) to remove vessels 
caps in those four areas for the 2023-2027 fishing year. This temporary 
action would provide consistency for fishery participants over the next 
five years, while the Council develops a long-term solution to modify 
vessel use caps in Area 4. Halibut IFQ holders with quota share in 
those four areas would be affected by this action, as well as Community 
Quota Entities in area 4B. This action would not modify any other 
aspects of the IFQ Program. Section 773c(c) of the Northern Pacific 
Halibut Act is the rulemaking authority.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BM18

34.  Amendment 32 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan--Modifications to Non-Trawl Area Management Measures 
[0648-BM28]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 7001 et seq.

[[Page 48529]]

    Abstract: With the rebuilt status of several groundfish stocks, the 
Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has for several years been 
prioritizing increased access to the Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation 
Area (RCA) and Cowcod Conservation Area (CCA), which are groundfish 
closed areas initially enacted to protect overfished rockfish species. 
This action was included on the Council's list of priority actions 
under E.O. 13921. Currently, all but one species of rockfish has been 
declared rebuilt, and the remaining species (yelloweye rockfish) is 
projected to rebuild ahead of schedule. In accordance with a 
recommendation from the Council at their March 2023 meeting, and under 
the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act and the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, the 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Region proposes to 
implement a suite of changes to non-trawl area management measures 
seaward of California and Oregon. Specifically, NMFS proposes to: (1) 
allow increased fishing access to the Non-Trawl RCA for the commercial 
groundfish limited entry fixed gear sector and vessels that gear switch 
under the Trawl Individual Fishing Quota program; (2) modify gear 
restrictions in the Non-Trawl RCA for all non-trawl commercial 
groundfish sectors; (3) open a portion of the Non-Trawl RCA for all 
non-trawl commercial groundfish sectors and the directed halibut 
fishery; (3) open the CCA seaward of California for all groundfish 
commercial and recreational non-trawl sectors, and (4) enable the use 
of Block Area Closures to mitigate groundfish catch for all non-trawl 
sectors. The purpose of this action to provide fishing access to 
healthy groundfish stocks for non-trawl groundfish fisheries and the 
directed halibut fishery while still meeting the conservation 
objectives of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BM28

35. 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). This proposed rule would 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 will coordinate 
the Departments of the Navy, Air Force, and Army as well as the U.S. 
Coast Guard to assess any 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

36. 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 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:

[[Page 48530]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/11/18  83 FR 51426
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/26/18  .......................
Final Action........................   07/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

37. 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................................   02/09/23  88 FR 8592
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/13/23  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BL08

38. 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................................   12/09/22  87 FR 75570
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/23/23  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BL42

39. 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 2023-24 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  .......................

[[Page 48531]]

 
Final Action........................   12/16/22  87 FR 77007
Final Action Effective..............   01/01/23  .......................
Final Rule Correcting Amendment.....   03/01/23  88 FR 12865
Final Rule Correcting Amendment        03/01/23  .......................
 Effective.
Final Rule Second Correcting           06/00/23  .......................
 Amendment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

40.  2023 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 
Recreational Management Measures [0648-BM09]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: In response to the joint recommendation from the Mid-
Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine 
Fisheries Commission this rule would propose management measures such 
as recreational possession limits, minimum fish sizes, and seasonal 
closures to achieve the 2023 recreational harvest targets for summer 
flounder, scup, and black sea bass. For summer flounder, and black sea 
bass the Regional Administrator must implement coastwide measures or 
approve conservation equivalent measures per 50 CFR 648.102(d) as soon 
as possible following the Council and Commission's recommendation. This 
action proposes establishing conservation equivalency (i.e., waiving 
Federal measures in lieu of appropriate state water measures) for the 
recreational summer flounder and black sea bass fisheries in 2023 and 
proposes non-preferred coastwide measures to be effective in Federal 
waters if, ultimately, we are unable to approve conservation 
equivalency. This action also proposes minor changes recreational 
management measures for the Federal scup fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/30/23  88 FR 19046
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/14/23  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BM09

41. 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-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........................   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-BF90

42. 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, U.S. 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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS published a proposed rule to amend the North 
Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule (per 50 CFR 224.105; 
87 FR 46921, August 1,

[[Page 48532]]

2022). NMFS proposed this action to further reduce the likelihood of 
mortalities and serious injuries to endangered right whales from vessel 
collisions, which are a leading cause of the species' decline and a 
primary factor in an ongoing Unusual Mortality Event. The proposed rule 
would (1) modify the spatial and temporal boundaries of current speed 
restriction areas, currently referred to as Seasonal Management Areas 
(SMAs), (2) include most vessels greater than or equal to 35 ft (10.7 
m) and less than 65 ft (19.8 m) in length in the vessel size class 
subject to speed restriction, (3) create a Dynamic Speed Zone framework 
to implement mandatory speed restrictions when whales are known to be 
present outside active SMAs, and (4) update the speed rule's safety 
deviation provision. The proposed amendments to current speed 
regulations reduce vessel strike risk based on a coast wide collision 
mortality risk assessment and updated information on right whale 
distribution, vessel traffic patterns, and vessel strike mortality and 
serious injury events. NMFS solicited public comment on the proposed 
action and received over 90,000 public comments. The agency plans to 
take final action on the proposed rule in 2023.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/01/22  87 FR 46921
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/30/22  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extension.......   09/16/22  87 FR 56925
NPRM Comment Period Extension End...   10/31/22  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BI88

44. 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........................   10/00/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BK04

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Long-Term Actions

National Marine Fisheries Service

45. 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 propose to 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 would 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............           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Scott Rumsey, Phone: 503 872-2791, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BH70

46. 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 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

[[Page 48533]]

 
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

47.  Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Amendment 16 to the 
2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management 
Plan [0648-BM08]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS is developing a proposed rule for Amendment 16 to 
the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP) pursuant to Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act (MSA) sections 304(c) and (g). The draft Amendment 
will include a draft environmental impact statement and other required 
analyses. Based on the mechanism used in establishing shark quotas and 
related management measures from Amendment 14 to the 2006 Consolidated 
HMS FMP, Amendment 16 would modify the acceptable biological catch 
(ABC) and annual catch limits (ACLs) for Atlantic sharks and the 
process used to account for carryover of underharvests of quotas. In 
this action, NMFS would also look at all commercial and recreational 
management measures related to the Atlantic shark fishery and make 
appropriate revisions. Amendment 16 would affect the bottom longline, 
gillnet, and pelagic longline fisheries, which fish for sharks 
throughout the entire range of the fishery (Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of 
Mexico, and Caribbean Sea).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BM08

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Completed Actions

48. 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

49. 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........................   12/09/22  87 FR 75852
Final Action Effective..............   01/09/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

50. 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.

[[Page 48534]]

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 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........................   02/06/23  88 FR 7586
Final Action Effective..............   03/08/23  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

51.  Framework Adjustment 36 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop 
Fishery Management Plan [0648-BL99]

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: At its December 2022 meeting the New England Fishery 
Management Council voted to submit Framework 36 to NOAA's National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Through this rulemaking, NMFS approves 
and implements the measures included in Framework Adjustment 36 to the 
Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan as adopted and submitted 
by the New England Fishery Management Council. Framework 36 establishes 
scallop specifications and other measures for fishing years 2023 and 
2024. Framework 36 implements measures to protect small scallops to 
support rotational access area trips to the fleet in future years. To 
promote uniformity in the fishery, this final rule also corrects and 
clarifies regulatory text that is unnecessary, outdated, or unclear. 
This action is necessary to prevent overfishing and improve both yield-
per-recruit and the overall management of the Atlantic sea scallop 
resource.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/03/23  88 FR 13408
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/20/23  .......................
Final Action Effective..............   03/31/23  .......................
Final Action........................   04/03/23  88 FR 19559
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BL99

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Proposed Rule Stage

52. 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

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

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 112-29
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or 
Office) takes this 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 the integrity of the 
Trademark register, and promote efficiency of processes.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/23  .......................
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/00/24  .......................
Final Action........................   07/00/24  .......................
Final Action Effective..............   09/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AD65

[FR Doc. 2023-14573 Filed 7-26-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-12-P