[ The Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[Department of Commerce Semiannual Regulatory Agenda]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 61521]]

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Part IV





Department of Commerce





_______________________________________________________________________



Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                                     
  
_______________________________________________________________________

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

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

October 1998 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, in April and October of each year, 
publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of regulations under 
development or review over the next 12 months. Rulemaking actions are 
grouped according to prerulemaking, proposed rules, final rules, long-
term actions, and rulemaking actions completed since the April 1998 
agenda. The purpose of the agenda is to provide information to the 
public on regulations currently under review, being proposed, or issued 
by the Department. The agenda is intended to facilitate comments and 
views by interested members of the public.

    The Department's October 1998 regulatory agenda includes 
regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the 
period October 1, 1998, through September 30, 1999.

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 Michael A. Levitt, Assistant General Counsel for 
Legislation and Regulation, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 
20230; telephone: 202-482-0846.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to 
publish an agenda of those regulations that are under consideration 
pursuant to this order. By memorandum of July 8, 1998, the Office of 
Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the 
preparation and publication of the October 1998 Regulatory Plan and 
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires agencies to 
publish, in April and October of each year, a regulatory flexibility 
agenda which contains a brief description of the subject area of any 
rule which is likely to have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. The agenda also identifies those 
entries that have been selected for periodic review under section 610 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Department of Commerce Regulatory Plan

    For this edition of the Department of Commerce's agenda, the 
most significant regulatory actions are included in The Regulatory 
Plan, which appears in part II of this issue of the Federal 
Register. The Regulatory Plan entries are listed in the table of 
contents and are denoted by a bracketed bold reference, which 
directs the reader to the appropriate sequence number in part II.

Explanation of Information Contained in the Agenda

    Within the Department, the Office of the Secretary and various 
operating units may issue regulations. Operating units, such as the 
Bureau of Export Administration, the International Trade 
Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
(NOAA), and the Patent and Trademark Office, issue the greatest 
share of the Department'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 the NMFS programs, a 
section on ``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.) (Act) governs the management of fisheries 
within the Exclusive Economic Zone (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. Fishery 
Management Plans (FMPs) are to be prepared for fisheries which 
require conservation and management measures. Regulations 
implementing these FMPs regulate domestic fishing and foreign 
fishing where permitted. Foreign fishing can be conducted in a 
fishery for which there is no FMP only if a preliminary fishery 
management plan has been issued to govern that foreign fishing. 
Under the Act, eight Regional Fishery Management Councils 
(Councils) prepare FMPs or amendments to FMPs for fisheries within 
their respective areas. In the development of such plans or 
amendments and their implementing regulations, the Councils are 
required by law to conduct public hearings on the draft plans and 
to consider the use of alternative means of regulating.

    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.

    The DOC October 1998 regulatory agenda follows.

Dated: September 1, 1998.

Kathryn Lunney,

Deputy General Counsel.

[[Page 61523]]



                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
560          Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs and Activities Receiving
            or Benefiting From Federal Financial Assistance.......................................    0690-AA28
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Office of the Secretary--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
561          Standards of Ethical Conduct--Department of Commerce Supplemental Regulations........    0690-AA23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
562          Procedures for Handling and Settlement of Claims Under Federal Tort Claims Act.......    0690-AA29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Bureau of Economic Analysis--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
563          Change in Reporting Requirements for BE-15, Annual Survey of Foreign Direct
            Investment in the United States.......................................................    0691-AA32
564          Benchmark Survey of Financial Services Transactions Between U.S. Financial Services
            Providers and Unaffiliated Foreign Persons--1999......................................    0691-AA35
565          Benchmark Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad--1999..............................    0691-AA36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Bureau of Economic Analysis--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
566          Direct Investment Surveys: Raising Exemption Level for Two Surveys of Foreign Direct
            Investment in the United States.......................................................    0691-AA31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Bureau of the Census--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
567          Changes to the Foreign Trade Statistical Regulations To Include Provisions and
            Requirements for the Electronic Reporting of Export Data Via the Automated Export
            System (AES)..........................................................................    0607-AA19
568          Changes to the Foreign Trade Statistical Regulations (FTSR) To Clarify the Definition
            of Exporter...........................................................................    0607-AA20
569          Special Services and Studies by the Bureau of the Census; General....................    0607-AA24
570          Furnishing Personal Census Data From Census of Population Schedules; General
            Requirements..........................................................................    0607-AA25
571          Furnishing Personal Census Data From Census of Population Schedules: General
            Requirements..........................................................................    0607-AA26
572          Special Services and Studies by the Bureau of the Census; Fee Structure for Age
            Search and Citizenship Information....................................................    0607-AA27
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                                     Bureau of the Census--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
573          Reporting Value on Shipper's Export Declaration for Inland Freight and Insurance
            Charges...............................................................................    0607-AA29
574          Reporting the Value of Repairs and Replacement Parts on the Shipper's Export
            Declaration...........................................................................    0607-AA30
575          Notation of the Shipper's Export Declaration Filing Exemption Statement on Manifest
            Documents.............................................................................    0607-AA31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Bureau of the Census--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
576          Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations; Reporting the Value of Foreign Military Sales
            Shipments.............................................................................    0607-AA22
577          Revision to the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations; Shipper's Export Declaration
            Requirement for Exports Valued at Less Than $2500.....................................    0607-AA28
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Economic Development Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
578          Regulations To Implement the Economic Development Administration Reform Act of 1998..    0610-AA56
579          Civil Rights Guidelines..............................................................    0610-AA59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Economic Development Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
580          Trade Act--Adjustment Assistance for Communities.....................................    0610-AA57
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Economic Development Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
581          General Requirements for Financial Assistance--Excess Capacity.......................    0610-AA55
582          Simplification and Streamlining of Regulations of the Economic Development
            Administration........................................................................    0610-AA58
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    General Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
583          Uniform Administrative Requirement for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of
            Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofits and Commercial Organizations........    0605-AA09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              International Trade Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
584          Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties (Reg Plan Seq. No. 15).....................   0625-AA45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in Part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 61525]]


                              International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
585          Procedures for Conducting Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews of Antidumping and
            Countervailing Duty Orders............................................................    0625-AA51
586          Export Trade Certificates of Review (15 CFR 325).....................................    0625-AA52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              International Trade Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
587          Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings; Administrative Protective Order
            Procedures and Procedures for Imposing Sanctions for Violation of a Protective Order..    0625-AA43
588          Limit on Duty-Free Insular Watches in Calendar Year 1999.............................    0625-AA53
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Bureau of Export Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
589          Administration of State Log Exports Ban..............................................    0694-AB25
590          Licensing of, and Expansion of National Security and Foreign Policy Controls on,
            Recoverable Encryption Software.......................................................    0694-AB47
591          Revisions to EAR as a Result of the Addition of Brazil and Ukraine to the Nuclear
            Suppliers Group.......................................................................    0694-AB50
592          Revisions to Commerce Control List: Addition of Technology and Software Controls for
            Certain Crime Control Commodities.....................................................    0694-AB53
593          Revisions to Antiterrorism Controls..................................................    0694-AB63
594          Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention; Revisions to the Export
            Administration Regulations............................................................    0694-AB67
595          Exports of Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials:
            Implementation of Firearms Convention.................................................    0694-AB68
596          Clarification of Reporting Requirements Under the Wassenaar Arrangement..............    0694-AB72
597          India and Pakistan Sanctions.........................................................    0694-AB73
598          Revocations of Reexport Authorizations Issued Prior to June 15, 1996.................    0694-AB74
599          Revisions to the Commerce Control List: Changes in Missile Technology Controls.......    0694-AB75
600          Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations; Country Groups D:1 and E:2;
            License Exception TMP.................................................................    0694-AB76
601          Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations; Commerce
            Control List..........................................................................    0694-AB77
602          Exports of High Performance Computers; Revisions.....................................    0694-AB78
603          Exports and Reexports of Explosive Materials; Revision of Foreign Policy Controls....    0694-AB79
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                               Bureau of Export Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
604          Revision of Foreign Boycott Provisions of Export Administration Regulations..........    0694-AA11
605          Transfer of Dual-Use Items From U.S. Munitions List to the Commerce Control List.....    0694-AA52
606          Implementation of Chemical Weapons Convention........................................    0694-AB06
607          Transfer of Certain Remote Sensing Satellites From the U.S. Munitions List to the CCL    0694-AB09
608          Clarification of Enhanced Proliferation Control Initiative (EPCI) ``Catch-All''
            Provision and Validated License Requirements..........................................    0694-AB10
609          Libya: Expansion of Foreign Policy Controls..........................................    0694-AB28
610          Change the Commerce Control List To Revise Controls on Communication Intercepting
            Devices (Export Commerce Control Number ECCN 5A980)...................................    0694-AB41
611          Clarification of License Exception GFT (Humanitarian Donations)......................    0694-AB49
612          Exports of Technology and Software; Release of Technology or Source Code to Foreign
            Nationals in the United States........................................................    0694-AB59
613          Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations; Additions to the Entity List.....    0694-AB60
614          De Minimis Exclusion for Technology and Software.....................................    0694-AB62
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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                               Bureau of Export Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
615          Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS).....................................    0694-AA02
616          Revision to ECCN 1C350 (Mixtures): Removal of Solvent Free Basis Calculation
            Requirement and Trace Quantity Exemption..............................................    0694-AB66
617          Exports to Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro); Imposition of
            Foreign Policy Controls...............................................................    0694-AB69
618          Revisions to the EAR Confirming Revision to the Wassenaar Arrangement List Dual-Use
            Items and Antiterrorism Controls......................................................    0694-AB70
619          Shipper's Export Declaration Requirements for Exports Valued Less Than $2500.........    0694-AB71
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        National Institute of Standards & Technology--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
620          Amendments to Advanced Technology Program Regulations................................    0693-AB48
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         National Institute of Standards & Technology--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
621          Implementation of the Fastener Quality Act...........................................    0693-AB47
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         National Institute of Standards & Technology--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
622          National Type Evaluation Program.....................................................    0693-AB45
623          NIST Traceable Reference Materials Program...........................................    0693-AB46
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
624          Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery.....................................................    0648-AL87
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
625          Fishery Management Plan for Tilefish.................................................    0648-AF87
626          Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Billfish.....................    0648-AF88
627          Regulatory Amendment for Managing Pelagic Fisheries by U.S. Vessels Beyond EEZ
            Throughout Pacific....................................................................    0648-AG85
628          Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico
            and the U.S. Virgin Islands...........................................................    0648-AG87
629          Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for Corals and Reef-Associated Plants and
            Invertebrates for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.............................    0648-AG88
630          Implement Regulations Under ACFCMA To Provide for Coordinated Management of the
            American Lobster Resource Throughout Its Range, End Overfishing, and Rebuild the
            American Lobster Stock................................................................    0648-AH41
631          Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Bluefish.....................    0648-AH63
632          Regulatory Amendment To Adjust the Annual Total Allowable Catch for Royal Red Shrimp
            in the Gulf of Mexico.................................................................    0648-AI39

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633          Regulatory Amendment To Require Electronic Submission by Alaska Groundfish Processors
            of Weekly Production Reports and Check In/Out Reports.................................    0648-AI66
634          Amendment to the Observer Program....................................................    0648-AI69
635          Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic Herring Fishery.............................    0648-AI78
636          Fishery Data Reporting for Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries.........................    0648-AJ08
637          Regulatory Amendment To Extend California Gillnet Regulations to the EEZ.............    0648-AJ21
638          Consolidation of the Rules for Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South
            Atlantic and Stone Crab Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico.................................    0648-AJ28
639          Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery......    0648-AJ33
640          Implementation of a Fishery Management Plan for Monkfish.............................    0648-AJ44
641          BSA/GOA/KTC/Scallop/Salmon FMP Amendments 56/56/7/6/6 Overfishing Definitions........    0648-AJ50
642          Regulatory Amendment To Establish a Program for the Collection and Use of Fees in the
            Individual Fishing Quota Program......................................................    0648-AJ52
643          Implementation of Pacific Insular Area Fishing Agreement Provisions of the Magnuson-
            Stevens Act...........................................................................    0648-AJ60
644          Atlantic Tuna Fisheries; Regulatory Adjustments......................................    0648-AJ66
645          Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species........................    0648-AJ67
646          Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Measures To Manage the Drift Gillnet Section of
            the Atlantic Swordfish Fishery........................................................    0648-AJ68
647          Proposed Rule To Implement Procedures for Issuance of Permits Under Section 204(d) of
            the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act..........................    0648-AJ70
648          Fisheries Obligation Guarantee Program--Statutory Amendments To Establish ``Central
            Title and Lien Registry for Limited Access Permits''..................................    0648-AJ77
649          Regulatory Amendment To Change Membership Requirements for the Regional Fishery
            Management Councils...................................................................    0648-AJ82
650          Proposed Rule on Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Power Plant Operations at
            Seabrook, New Hampshire...............................................................    0648-AK00
651          Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the
            South Atlantic........................................................................    0648-AK05
652          Rulemaking To Establish the North Pacific Loan Program...............................    0648-AK07
653          Regulatory Amendment To Implement Rolling Closures During the Sablefish Fishery in
            the Gulf of Alaska....................................................................    0648-AK10
654          Adjustment of Management Program for Pelagic Species Fisheries in the Western Pacific    0648-AK11
655          FMP Amendments for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and
            for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska..............................................    0648-AK12
656          Regulatory Amendment To Specify Minimal Vessel Ownership Requirements for the Hired
            Skipper Provision in the IFQ Fisheries................................................    0648-AK20
657          Implementation of Amendment 5 to the Fishing Management Plan for the Bottomfish and
            Seamount Groundfish Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region...........................    0648-AK21
658          Adjustment of the Management Program for Precious Corals Fisheries in the Western
            Pacific...............................................................................    0648-AK23
659          Amendment 16A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf
            of Mexico.............................................................................    0648-AK31
660          Regulatory Amendment for a Bycatch Reduction Device (BRD) Testing and Certification
            Protocol Under Amendment 9 to the FMP for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico....    0648-AK32
661          Options for 1997 Rulemaking for Banning the Sale of Undersized Atlantic Swordfish....    0648-AK39
662          Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Stone Crab Fishery of the Gulf of
            Mexico................................................................................    0648-AK48
663          List of Gear and Fisheries Under Jurisdiction of Each Fishery Management Council or
            the Secretary of Commerce for Highly Migratory Species................................    0648-AK49
664          Amendment to Portions of Individual Fishing Quota Program Regulations................    0648-AK50
665          Modification of Harvest Guideline System for Hawaiian Lobster Fishery................    0648-AK61
666          Regulatory Amendment To Establish Application Period for License Limitation Program..    0648-AK69
667          Amendment 54 to FMP for Groundfish Fishery of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area
            and Amendment 54 to FMP for Groundfish of Gulf of Alaska..............................    0648-AK70
668          Amendment 52 to FMP for Groundfish Fishery of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area
            and Amendment 52 to FMP for Groundfish of Gulf of Alaska..............................    0648-AK73
669          Amendment To Close an Area in the Gulf of Alaska.....................................    0648-AK74
670          Fishing Capacity Reduction Program...................................................    0648-AK76
671          Rule To Implement a Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery............    0648-AK79
672          Rule To Implement Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic
            Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries.............................................    0648-AK80
673          Regulatory Amendment To Initiate Control for the Harvest of Bottomfish in the
            Exclusive Economic Zone Around the Main Hawaiian Islands..............................    0648-AK82
674          Amendment 13 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Plan........................................    0648-AK83
675          Revise Exempted Fishing Regulations To Specify Compensatory Fishing Under Exempted
            Fishing...............................................................................    0648-AK84
676          Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic
            Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic....................................    0648-AK89

[[Page 61528]]

 
677          VMS Pilot Program for Atlantic Swordfish.............................................    0648-AK90
678          Amendment 17 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf
            of Mexico.............................................................................    0648-AK96
679          Proposed Rule To Adjust the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper TAC and Associated Management
            Measures Under the Framework Procedure of the FMP for the Reef Fish Resources of the
            Gulf of Mexico........................................................................    0648-AK97
680          Establish 10 SMZs in Federal Waters Off SC and Prohibit Use of Powerheads in the Ft.
            Pierce, FL, Offshore SMZ in the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region..    0648-AL00
681          Amend the Bluefin Statistical Document To Allow for the Attachment of Re-export
            Certificates..........................................................................    0648-AL02
682          Regulatory Amendment to Change the Limited Entry, Sablefish Fishery Season Structure
            Fixed Gear............................................................................    0648-AL12
683          Regulatory Amendment To Establish a Sitka Sound Halibut Management Plan..............    0648-AL18
684          Amendment 48 to the BSAI FMP and Amendment 48 to the GOA FMP - Streamline Annual
            Specification Process.................................................................    0648-AL19
685          Amendment 59 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 57 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 9 to the
            BSAI KTC FMP - Moratorium Extension...................................................    0648-AL20
686          Regulatory Amendment to the Halibut Community Development Quota Program - Definition
            of Management Measures................................................................    0648-AL21
687          Amendment 45 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
            Area..................................................................................    0648-AL22
688          Regulatory Amendment To Revise the Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for 1999.    0648-AL23
689          Whiting Amendment to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP)........    0648-AL27
690          Management of U.S. Purse Seine Fishery in the Eastern Pacific Ocean..................    0648-AL28
691          Regulatory Amendment To Implement Atka Mackerel Fishing Restrictions in the BSAI for
            Steller Sea Lion Conservation Purposes................................................    0648-AL29
692          BSAI FMP Amendment Prohibiting Directed Fishing for Pollock With Bottom Trawl Gear...    0648-AL30
693          Amendment 9 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP To Address New Sustainable Fisheries
            Act Requirements, and Other Management Measures.......................................    0648-AL31
694          Amdt. 11 to Northeast Multispecies FMP; Amdt. 9 to Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP; Amdt. 1
            to Monkfish FMP; and Amdt. 1 to Atlantic Salmon FMP; Components of Atlantic Herring
            FMP...................................................................................    0648-AL32
695          Vessel Permit Consistency Amendment..................................................    0648-AL36
696          Atlantic Sturgeon EEZ Regulations....................................................    0648-AL38
697          BSAI/GOA/KTC/SCALLOP Fishery Management Plan (FMP) Amendments 55/55/8/5 Essential
            Fish Habitat Definitions..............................................................    0648-AL40
698          Regulatory Amendment To Prohibit Fishing by Vessels Over 50 Feet Within 50 Nautical
            Miles of American Samoa...............................................................    0648-AL41
699          Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Sustainable Fishery Act Definitions and Other
            Required Provisions in Fishery Management Plans of the South Atlantic Region..........    0648-AL42
700          Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Essential Fish Habitat in Fishery Management Plans
            of the South Atlantic Region..........................................................    0648-AL43
701          Proposed Guidelines for Defining Serious Injury; Request for Comments................    0648-AL44
702          Implementation of Amendment 8 to the Northern Anchovy Fishery Management Plan........    0648-AL48
703          Implementation of Amendments to Four Western Pacific Fishery Management Plans To
            Address New Requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
            Act...................................................................................    0648-AL49
704          Regulatory Amendment To Allow ``Stocking'' of Multiple Limited Entry Permits in the
            Pacific Coast Groundfish Fisheries....................................................    0648-AL50
705          Amendment 14 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Plan........................................    0648-AL51
706          Amendment 11 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.................    0648-AL52
707          Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and
            Butterfish (FMP)......................................................................    0648-AL54
708          Amendment 12 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahogs
            (FMP).................................................................................    0648-AL55
709          Proposed Rule To Implement Amendment 12 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Summer
            Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Fisheries (FMP).....................................    0648-AL56
710          Amendment 16B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf
            of Mexico.............................................................................    0648-AL57
711          Regulatory Amendment To Allocate Certain Groundfish Species Between the Trawl and
            Fixed Gear Commercial Groundfish Fisheries............................................    0648-AL62
712          Adjustment of Management Program: Crustacean Fisheries in the Western Pacific........    0648-AL67
713          Final Specifications for 1999 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries....    0648-AL74
714          Recreational Measures for 1999 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries...    0648-AL75
715          1999 Initial Specifications for Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries...    0648-AL76
716          1999 Fishing Quotas for Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries................    0648-AL77
717          Fishery Management Plan for Calico Scallop Fishery in the South Atlantic Region......    0648-AL78
718          Atlantic Tuna Fisheries; 1999 Quotas and Effort Controls.............................    0648-AL79
719          Regulatory Amendment To Establish Total Allowable Catch Limits for the Atlantic and
            Gulf of Mexico Groups of King and Spanish Mackerel for the 1998-99 Fishing Year.......    0648-AL80

[[Page 61529]]

 
720          Sustainable Fisheries Act Amendments to the Fishery Management Plans for Shrimp, Red
            Drum, Reef Fish, Stone Crab, Spiny Lobster, Coral & Coral Reefs, and Coastal Migratory
            Pelagics of GOM.......................................................................    0648-AL81
721          Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Essential Fish Habitat in Fishery Management Plans
            of the South Atlantic Region..........................................................    0648-AL84
722          Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Sustainable Fisheries Act Definitions and Other
            Required Provisions in Fishery Management Plans of the South Atlantic Region..........    0648-AL85
723          Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Sustainable Fisheries Act Requirements Regarding
            Overfishing, Bycatch, Fishing Communities and provisions for Fishery Management Plans
            for the Caribbean.....................................................................    0648-AL86
724          Sea Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Measures for Nonshrimp Fisheries..............    0648-AE54
725          Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals: Tuna Purse Seine Vessel Observer Expenses....    0648-AG35
726          Designated Critical Habitat; Pacific Steelhead.......................................    0648-AG49
727          Proposed Rule To Provide Regulations for Permits for Capture, Transport, Import and
            Export of Protected Species for Public Display, and for Maintaining a Captive Marine
            Mammal Inventory......................................................................    0648-AH26
728          Proposed Rule Governing the Issuance of Permits for Marine Mammal Photography........    0648-AH31
729          Amend Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals...............    0648-AH83
730          Implementation of 1997 MMPA Amendments Affecting Yellowfin Tuna Purse Seine Fishing
            in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.......................................................    0648-AI85
731          Endangered and Threatened Species: Proposed Rule Governing Take of West Coast
            Steelhead.............................................................................    0648-AK94
732          List of Fisheries for 1999...........................................................    0648-AK95
733          Section 4(d) of ESA Protective Regulations for Johnson Seagrass, a Threatened Species    0648-AL59
734          Determination of Critical Habitat for Johnson's Seagrass.............................    0648-AL82
735          Revision of Federal Consistency Regulations Under the Coastal Zone Management Act....    0648-AD83
736          Revision of Overflight Regulations...................................................    0648-AI91
737          Notice of Proposed Administrative Changes to Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control
            Program...............................................................................    0648-AK62
738          Interagency Consultation for the National Marine Sanctuary Program...................    0648-AL06
739          Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary--Addition of Definition for Seabirds.........    0648-AL09
740          Policies and Procedures Regarding Program Evaluation and Competitive Funding
            Requirements Within the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research....................    0648-AL45
741          NOAA Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act...............    0648-AL58
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
742          Financial Disclosure of Fishery Management Council Nominees, Members, and Executive
            Directors.............................................................................    0648-AG16
743          Amendment 39 to the FMP for Groundfish Fishery of BSAI, Amendment 41 to the FMP for
            Groundfish of the GOA and Amendment 5 to the FMP for Commercial King & Tanner Crab
            Fisheries of the BSAI.................................................................    0648-AH65
744          Proposed Rule To Implement Vessel Identification and Reporting Requirements under the
            High Seas Fishing Compliance Act of 1995..............................................    0648-AI99
745          Guidelines for the Description, Identification, Conservation, and Enhancement of
            Essential Fish Habitat................................................................    0648-AJ30
746          Final Definition of the Zero Mortality Rate Goal.....................................    0648-AJ84
747          Endangered and Threatened Species: Take of Threatened Southern Oregon/Northern
            California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) Coho Salmon....................    0648-AJ91
748          Appointment of Members to the Regional Fishery Management Councils...................    0648-AJ95
749          Additional Measures of Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp
            Fishery of the South Atlantic--Procedures for Testing and Certification of Bycatch
            Reduction Devices (BRDS)..............................................................    0648-AK29
750          Endangered and Threatened Species; Regulations Consolidation.........................    0648-AK34
751          Proposed Highly Migratory Species Process............................................    0648-AK40
752          Regulatory Amendment to Fishery Management Plan for Golden Crab Fishery of Southern
            Atlantic States.......................................................................    0648-AK43
753          Endangered and Threatened Species: Proposed Threatened Status and Designated Critical
            Habitat for West Coast Sockeye Salmon.................................................    0648-AK52
754          Endangered and Threatened Species: Proposed Endangered Status and Designated Critical
            Habitat for Coastwide Chum Salmon.....................................................    0648-AK53
755          Atlantic Billfish Size Limits and Tournament Notification Requirements...............    0648-AK88
756          Fishery Disaster Relief..............................................................    0648-AL13
757          Interim Rule To Certify Three Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) Under Amendment 9 to
            the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico..............    0648-AL14

[[Page 61530]]

 
758          Interim Rule To Require Shrimp Trawl Vessel Observers, Logbooks, and Monitoring
            Systems in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Gulf of Mexico..........................    0648-AL15
759          Regulatory Amendment To Implement Stand-Down Requirement for Catcher Vessels
            Transiting Between Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska.................    0648-AL26
760          Vessel Tracking System Power Down Exemption Rule.....................................    0648-AL35
761          Emergency Interim Rule To Release the Remaining 1998 Recreational and Commercial
            Quota Reserves for Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper.........................................    0648-AL61
762          1999 Harvest Guideline for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Lobster Fishery.........    0648-AL63
763          1999-2000 Management Measures for Commercial, Recreational, and Treaty Indian Salmon
            Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California........................    0648-AL64
764          Regulatory Amendment To Implement a Limited Access Program That Requires Species
            Endorsements To Participate in Fisheries Targeting Certain Groundfish Species.........    0648-AL65
765          Regulatory Amendment To Allow Limited Entry Trawlers To Retain Groundfish Taken in
            Excess of Cumulative Trip Limits......................................................    0648-AL68
766          Regulatory Amendment To Allocate Lingcod and Bocaccio Rockfish Between Commercial and
            Recreational Groundfish Fisheries.....................................................    0648-AL69
767          Framework To Implement Annual Management Measures for Northeast Multispecies Fishery
            Management Plan.......................................................................    0648-AL72
768          Interim Final Rule for Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery..................................    0648-AK68
769          Civil Procedures.....................................................................    0648-AF96
770          Performance Standards for Tuna Vessel Operators......................................    0648-AD03
771          Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Dolphin Mortality Limits During Purse Seine
            Sets on Marine Mammals in the Eastern Tropical Pacific................................    0648-AF07
772          Take of Marine Mammals by the U.S. Navy Incidental to Military Activities in the
            South Atlantic of the United States...................................................    0648-AG55
773          Designated Critical Habitat; Central California Coast and Southern Oregon/Northern
            California Coast Coho Salmon..........................................................    0648-AG56
774          Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals: Proposed Rule Prohibiting U.S. Citizens From
            Encircling Marine Mammals During Tuna Fishing Operations..............................    0648-AH04
775          Final Rule To Establish Guidelines for Nonlethally Deterring Marine Mammals From
            Endangering Personal Safety or Damaging Public or Private Property....................    0648-AH19
776          General Authorization for Scientific Research Involving Level B Harassment...........    0648-AH20
777          Designated Critical Habitat; Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtle..........................    0648-AH88
778          Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Take Reduction
            Plan Regulations and Emergency Regulations............................................    0648-AI84
779          Draft Policies for Safe Harbor and Candidate Species Conservation (CCA) Agreements...    0648-AJ54
780          Endangered and Threatened Species; Status of Chinook Salmon in Washington, Idaho,
            Oregon and California.................................................................    0648-AK02
781          North Atlantic Right Whale Protection................................................    0648-AK41
782          Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Activities at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA...    0648-AK42
783          Definition of Harm Under the ESA.....................................................    0648-AK55
784          Pacific Offshore Cetacean Take Reduction Plan........................................    0648-AL70
785          Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary................................................    0648-AE41
786          Prohibiting Anchoring by Vessels 50 Meters or Greater in Length on Tortugas Bank
            Within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.....................................    0648-AK45
787          Licensing of Private Commercial Remote-Sensing Satellite Systems (Reg Plan Seq. No.
            16)...................................................................................   0648-AC64
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
788          Regulatory Amendment To Implement Permit, Reporting, and Recordkeeping Requirements
            for Processing Vessels Over 125 Feet and Their Catcher Vessels: Pacific Coast
            Groundfish............................................................................    0648-AE01
789          General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries--Standard Definitions......................    0648-AG46
790          Regulatory Amendment To Impose Restrictions on Fishing Black Rockfish Off Oregon.....    0648-AG81
791          Regulatory Amendment To Revise the Product Recovery Rate Codes for Certain Alaska
            Groundfish Products...................................................................    0648-AI87
792          Amendment 10 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP Regarding Salmon Bycatch in
            Groundfish Trawl......................................................................    0648-AJ22
793          Regulatory Amendment To Implement Bycatch Reduction Measures.........................    0648-AJ47

[[Page 61531]]

 
794          Implementation of Data Collection and Reporting Requirements to the Fishery
            Management Plan for the American Lobster Fishery......................................    0648-AJ75
795          Regulatory Amendment To Develop a C. Bairdi Vessel Incentive Program.................    0648-AK08
796          Regulatory Amendment To Allocate Pacific Halibut to the Halibut Subsistence Fishery..    0648-AK16
797          Regulatory Amendment To Allocate Pacific Halibut to the Charter Boat Fleet...........    0648-AK17
798          Regulatory Amendment To Implement Observer Requirements for Processing Vessels Over
            125 Feet: Pacific Coast Groundfish....................................................    0648-AK26
799          Observer Funding Policy..............................................................    0648-AL08
800          Regulatory Amendment To Fund Purchase of Limited Entry Trawl Permits To Reduce Excess
            Capacity in Pacific Coast Groundfish Fleet............................................    0648-AL66
801          Regulatory Amendment To Establish Program for Collection and Use of Fees in Community
            Development Quota Program.............................................................    0648-AL71
802          Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; ``Dolphin-Safe'' Tuna Labeling...............    0648-AF08
803          Proposed Rule To Require Certain Fish From Mexico To Retain Heads and Tails Intact in
            Order To Protect the Endangered Totoaba...............................................    0648-AF32
804          Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Fisheries-Related Research....................    0648-AF50
805          Direct Take of Threatened Salmon by Native Americans.................................    0648-AG15
806          Proposed Rule To Authorize Lethal Takings of Marine Mammals by State Authorities.....    0648-AG79
807          Final Rule To Amend Marine Mammal Regulations To Authorize Incidental Takings of
            Marine Mammals by Harassment as Authorized by Public Law 103-238......................    0648-AG80
808          North Atlantic Right Whale Protection; Interim Final Rule............................    0648-AH47
809          Shrimp Vessel Registration Requirement...............................................    0648-AH87
810          Sea Turtle Conservation; Shrimp Trawling Requirements................................    0648-AK66
811          Operations of Motorized Personal Watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones National
            Marine Sanctuary......................................................................    0648-AK01
812          Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary--Minor Boundary Revision......................    0648-AL07
813          Regional Marine Research Program.....................................................    0648-AF20
814          National Undersea Research Program Funding Regulations...............................    0648-AH90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
815          Secretarial Amendment to the FMP for Atlantic Swordfish..............................    0648-AE09
816          Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean
            Quahog Fisheries......................................................................    0648-AF41
817          Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of
            the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (FMP)...........................................    0648-AG25
818          Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the
            South Atlantic........................................................................    0648-AG27
819          Regulatory Amendment for the Gulf of Alaska Seamount Fisheries.......................    0648-AG94
820          Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of
            Mexico................................................................................    0648-AH52
821          Plan Amendment to FMP for Sharks of the Atlantic Ocean That Would Limit Entry........    0648-AH78
822          Consolidation of Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Regulations.......................    0648-AI28
823          Regulatory Amendment Requiring Longline Vessel Operators in the Western Pacific
            Pelagic Fisheries To Carry Observers at No Cost to U.S. Government....................    0648-AI31
824          Regulatory Amendment To Establish Total Allowable Catch Limits for the Atlantic and
            Gulf of Mexico Groups of King and Spanish Mackerel for the 1997-98 Fishing Year.......    0648-AJ12
825          Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf
            of Mexico - Resubmitted Measure.......................................................    0648-AJ16
826          Regulatory Amendment To Restrict Frequency of Limited Entry Permit Transfers and
            Require the Sorting of Catch by Species and the Retention of Fish Tickets.............    0648-AJ20
827          Implementation of Use of Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System To Monitor
            Commercial Landings of Quota Managed Species on Weekly Basis..........................    0648-AJ37
828          Regulatory Amendment To Prevent Overfishing and Rebuild Stocks.......................    0648-AJ46
829          Amendments to the BSAI and GOA Fishery Management Plans To Implement a Data
            Collection Program for Recreational, Charter, and Commercial Fishing..................    0648-AJ49
830          Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Scallop Fishery Off Alaska........    0648-AJ51
831          Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; National Standards Guidelines.......................    0648-AJ58
832          Atlantic Shark Fisheries; Amendment 2 (Including Rebuilding Schedule)................    0648-AJ64

[[Page 61532]]

 
833          Withdrawal of the Fishery Management Plan for the American Lobster Fishery...........    0648-AJ73
834          Interim Final Rule to the Fishery Management Plan for the American Lobster Fishery...    0648-AJ74
835          Proposed Rule To Implement Observer Provisions Required by the Magnuson-Stevens
            Fishery Conservation and Management Act as Amended October 11, 1996...................    0648-AJ76
836          Halibut Donation Program.............................................................    0648-AJ87
837          Implement a Framework to the FMP for the Northeast Multispecies Fisheries To Protect
            Winter Flounder.......................................................................    0648-AJ92
838          Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act of 1984; Conservation and Management
            Measures..............................................................................    0648-AJ94
839          Final Rule To Implement Framework Adjustment 24 to the Fishery Management Plan for
            the Northeast Multispecies Fishery....................................................    0648-AJ96
840          FMP Amendment 53 to BSAI Groundfish To Allocate Shortraker and Rougheye Rockfish
            Between Gear Types....................................................................    0648-AJ99
841          Amendments to Fishery Management Plans To Implement Sustainable Fisheries Act
            Amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Act................................................    0648-AK03
842          Regulatory Amendment To Allow Retention of Undersized Halibut in CDQ Fishery.........    0648-AK06
843          Adjustment of Management Program for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Crustacean
            Fisheries.............................................................................    0648-AK22
844          Northern Anchovy Fishery; Quotas for the 1998-99 Fishing Year (Annual Specifications)    0648-AK24
845          1998-1999 Management Measures for Commercial, Recreational, and Treaty Indian Salmon
            Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California........................    0648-AK25
846          Regulatory Amendment To Implement 1998 Nontrawl Sablefish Harvest Regime.............    0648-AK27
847          Regulatory Amendment To Adjust Management Measures Under the Fishery Management Plan
            for Reef Fish Species of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) for the 1998 Fishing Season.........    0648-AK28
848          Final Rule To Modify the Regulations Implementing the Northeast Multispecies Fishery
            Management Plan.......................................................................    0648-AK35
849          Regulatory Amendment To Revise the Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for
            Groundfish Fisheries of the EEZ Off of Alaska for 1998................................    0648-AK36
850          Take of Threatened Central California Coast, South Central California Coast, and
            Snake River Basin ESUs of Steelhead Salmon Under the ESA..............................    0648-AK54
851          Extension for Six Years of Moratorium on Fishing in Seamount Groundfish Fishery of
            Western Pacific Region To Promote Rebuilding of Stocks................................    0648-AK59
852          Implementation of Amendment 3 to Fishery Management Plan for Precious Corals
            Fisheries of Western Pacific Region...................................................    0648-AK60
853          Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (ABT) Fishery..................................................    0648-AK63
854          Seasonal Apportionments of Pollock Total Allowable Catch in Western and Central Gulf
            of Alaska.............................................................................    0648-AK71
855          Amendment 53 to FMP for Groundfish of Gulf of Alaska.................................    0648-AK72
856          Regulatory Amendment To Redefine an Individual Fishing Quota Definition..............    0648-AK75
857          Final Rule To Implement Framework Adjustment 25 to the Fishery Management Plan for
            the Northeast Multispecies Fishery for Fishing Year 1998..............................    0648-AK77
858          1998 Recreational Fishery Measures for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass.....    0648-AK78
859          Secretarial Amendment To Standardize Fishing Vessel Transfer, Replacement, and
            Upgrade Regulations in the Northeast Region Fishery Management Plans..................    0648-AK81
860          1998 Harvest Guideline for Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Lobster Fishing.............    0648-AK85
861          Establish Rules To Compensate Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishermen for Assistance in
            Resources Assessments.................................................................    0648-AK86
862          Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Annual Quota Specifications and Effort Controls................    0648-AK87
863          Research and Monitoring Plan To Support the Conservation and Management of Highly
            Migratory Species.....................................................................    0648-AK92
864          Interim Final Rule to Adjust the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper TAC and Associated
            Management Measures in the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the
            Gulf of Mexico........................................................................    0648-AK98
865          Interim Final Rule to Expand the Oculina HAPC by an Additional 2 Miles on All Sides
            to Include Existing HAPC Restrictions in the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South
            Atlantic Region.......................................................................    0648-AK99
866          IFR To Implement March-April Bag Limit and Commercial Catch Restrictions for Red
            Porgy, Gag, Black Grouper, and Greater Amberjack for the Snapper-Grouper-Fishery of
            the S. Atlantic.......................................................................    0648-AL01
867          Interim Final Rule To Adjust the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Total Allowable Catch and
            Associated Management Measures........................................................    0648-AL03
868          Compensation of Private Vessels for Their Conduct of Resource Assessments Through
            Exempted Fishing......................................................................    0648-AL04
869          1998 Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling Quotas for Members of the Alaska Whaling
            Commission and the Makah Indian Tribe.................................................    0648-AL11
870          Final Rule To Implement Measures Contained in Framework Adjustment Number 10 to the
            Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP..............................................................    0648-AL17
871          Atlantic Swordfish Fishery; South Atlantic Quotas; Quota Adjustment Procedures.......    0648-AL24
872          Halibut and Sablefish Quota-Share Loan Program.......................................    0648-AL25
873          Establishment of Bank/Area-Specific Harvest Guidelines for the 1998 Northwestern
            Hawaiian Islands Lobster Fishery......................................................    0648-AL33

[[Page 61533]]

 
874          Final Rule for the Loligo Squid/Butterfish, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Lilex Squid
            Fisheries; Moratorium Vessel Permit Eligibility.......................................    0648-AL34
875          Final Rule to the Fishery Management Plan To Modify the Regulations Implementing the
            Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan........................................    0648-AL37
876          Atlantic Tuna Fishery; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.........................................    0648-AL39
877          Foreign Nations' Marine Mammal Program Amendments....................................    0648-AG05
878          Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking of Marine Mammals Under the ATA Permit
            After February 28, 1994...............................................................    0648-AG36
879          Allowance of Small-Scale Non-Intrusive Jade Collecting in Monterey Bay National
            Marine Sanctuary......................................................................    0648-AI06
880          National Estuarine Research Reserve Regulations--Clarification of Assistance.........    0648-AL16
881          NOAA Climate and Global Change Program--Proposal Submission Guidelines...............    0648-AG51
882          Policies and Procedures Regarding Use of the NOAA-Based Data Collection Systems......    0648-AK04
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  National Telecommunications and Information Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
883          Improvement of Technical Management of Internet Names and Addresses..................    0660-AA11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  National Telecommunications and Information Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
884          Elements of Effective Self Regulation and Other Questions Related to Privacy.........    0660-AA13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Patent and Trademark Office--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
885          Changes To Implement the Patent Business Goals.......................................    0651-AA98
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
886          Changes To Implement the Standard Format for Patent Applications.....................    0651-AA99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
887          Miscellaneous Changes to Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Rules......................    0651-AA87
888          Revision of Patent and Trademark Fees for Fiscal Year 2000...........................    0651-AB01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 61534]]


                                 Patent and Trademark Office--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
889          Patent Application Electronic Submission Rules.......................................    0651-AA50
890          Changes To Implement 18-Month Publication of Patent Applications.....................    0651-AA75
891          Rules of Practice in Patent Cases; Reexamination Proceedings.........................    0651-AA79
892          Limitations in Patent Claims.........................................................    0651-AA91
893          Requirements for Registration To Practice Before the PTO in Patent Cases.............    0651-AA93
894          Technical Requirements for Registration To Practice Before the PTO in Patent Cases...    0651-AA95
895          Trademark Law Treaty Rules Changes...................................................    0651-AB00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Patent and Trademark Office--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
896          Changes Implementing International Acceptable Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence
            Listings..............................................................................    0651-AA88
897          1998 Changes to Patent Practice and Procedure........................................    0651-AA94
898          Revision of Patent and Trademark Fees for Fiscal Year 1999...........................    0651-AA96
899          Changes to Continued Prosecution Application Practices...............................    0651-AA97
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Technology Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
900          Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under
            Government Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements..............................    0692-AA14
901          Acquisition and Protection of Foreign Rights in Inventions...........................    0692-AA15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Technology Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
902          Promotion of Private Sector Industrial Technology Partnerships.......................    0692-AA13
903          Licensing of Government-Owned Inventions.............................................    0692-AA17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                  Proposed Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (OS)
_______________________________________________________________________

560. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND 
ACTIVITIES RECEIVING OR BENEFITING FROM FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  PL 92-318, sec 901 and 902

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 8a

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Commerce plans to join with the Department 
of Justice and other agencies in a Governmentwide common rule to 
enforce title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The rule will 
provide guidelines for enforcing nondiscrimination on the basis of sex 
in education programs and activities receiving or benefiting from 
Federal financial assistance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Walton, Acting Director, Office of Civil 
Rights, Department of Commerce, Office of the Secretary, Room 6010, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-5691

RIN: 0690-AA28

[[Page 61535]]

_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Long-Term Actions
Office of the Secretary (OS)
_______________________________________________________________________

561. STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SUPPLEMENTAL 
REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lucy Chang
Phone: 202 482-8041

RIN: 0690-AA23
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Completed Actions
Office of the Secretary (OS)
_______________________________________________________________________

562.  PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING AND SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS UNDER 
FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  28 USC 2672

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Commerce is amending its procedures for 
handling and settlement of claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act. 
The amendments will bring the regulations into conformity with present 
practice and statutory and organizational changes that have taken place 
since the regulations were previously amended in 1983.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/02/98                    63 FR 29945
Final Action Effective          06/02/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donald Reed, Attorney Advisor, Department of Commerce, 
Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-1067

RIN: 0690-AA29
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                  Proposed Rule Stage
Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
_______________________________________________________________________

563. CHANGE IN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR BE-15, ANNUAL SURVEY OF 
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  22 USC 3101 to 3108, Intl Investment & Trade in Svs 
Survey Act

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 806

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend existing rule 15 CFR 806.15 to bring 
reporting on the BE-15, Annual Survey of Foreign Direct Investment in 
the United States, into conformity with the proposed BE-12, Benchmark 
Survey of Foreign Direct Investment in the United States - 1997. The 
proposed changes will raise the threshold for reporting on the BE-
15(LF) long form to $100 million from $50 million and on the BE-15(SF) 
short form to $30 million from $10 million.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: R. David Belli, Chief, International Investment 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, (BE-50), 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 606-9800
Fax: 202 606-5318
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0691-AA32
_______________________________________________________________________

564.  BENCHMARK SURVEY OF FINANCIAL SERVICES TRANSACTIONS 
BETWEEN U.S. FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVIDERS AND UNAFFILIATED FOREIGN 
PERSONS--1999

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  22 USC 3101 to 3108 Intl Investment & Trade in Svcs 
Survey Act

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 801

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend existing rule 15 CFR 801.11 to provide 
for the conduct of the BE-80, Benchmark Survey of Financial Services 
Transactions Between U.S. Financial Services Providers and Unaffiliated 
Foreign Persons--1999, as required in the International Investment and 
Trade in Services Survey Act, 22 USC 3101 to 3108 (see especially 
section 4(b) of the Act). The existing rule covers a similar survey for 
1994, which has been completed and which the new survey will update.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/99
Final Action                    10/00/99
Final Action Effective          11/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: R. David Belli, Chief, International Investment 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 606-9800
Fax: 202 606-5318

RIN: 0691-AA35

[[Page 61536]]

_______________________________________________________________________

565.  BENCHMARK SURVEY OF U.S. DIRECT INVESTMENT ABROAD--1999

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  22 USC 3101 to 3108 Intl Investment and Trade Svcs 
Survey Act

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 806

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend existing 15 CFR 806.16 to provide for 
the conduct of the BE-10, Benchmark Survey of U.S. Direct Investment 
Abroad--1999, as required in the International Investment and Trade in 
Services Survey Act, 22 USC 3101 to 3108 (see especially section 4(b) 
of the Act). The existing rule covers a similar survey for 1994 which 
has been completed and which the new survey will update.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/99
Final Action                    12/00/99
Final Action Effective          01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: R. David Belli, Chief, International Investment 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 606-9800
Fax: 202 606-5318
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0691-AA36
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Completed Actions
Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
_______________________________________________________________________

566. DIRECT INVESTMENT SURVEYS: RAISING EXEMPTION LEVEL FOR TWO SURVEYS 
OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 806

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/07/98                    63 FR 16890
Final Action Effective          05/07/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: R. David Belli
Phone: 202 606-9800
Fax: 202 606-5318

RIN: 0691-AA31
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                  Proposed Rule Stage
Bureau of the Census (CENSUS)
_______________________________________________________________________

567. CHANGES TO THE FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICAL REGULATIONS TO INCLUDE 
PROVISIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF EXPORT DATA 
VIA THE AUTOMATED EXPORT SYSTEM (AES)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  13 USC 301 to 307

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 30.60

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Census Bureau is amending the Foreign Trade Statistics 
Regulations (FTSR) to incorporate provisions and requirements for the 
electronic reporting of export data via the Automated Export System 
(AES) and to conform changes and requirements with U.S. Customs Service 
regulations implementing and supporting operation of the AES. The AES 
will provide the trade community with a single automated system through 
which they can provide the export information required by the U.S. 
Government.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Frank Korpusik, Regulations Staff, Foreign Trade 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, FB-3, Room 
3148, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 457-2238
Fax: 301 457-3765

RIN: 0607-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________

568. CHANGES TO THE FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICAL REGULATIONS (FTSR) TO 
CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF EXPORTER

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  13 USC 301 to 307

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 30.4; 15 CFR 30.7

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Census Bureau proposes to amend the FTSR definition of 
exporter for purposes of clarifying responsibility to report trade 
information. The FTSR also will be amended to reinforce the requirement 
for filing a power of attorney when an agent acts for an exporter 
specifying the essential provisions to be included with additional 
requirements if the exporter does not have a permanent U.S. residence.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/06/98                    63 FR 41979
NPRM Comment Period End         10/05/98
Final Action                    11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Frank Korpusik, Regulations Staff, Foreign Trade 
Division, Department of Commerce,

[[Page 61537]]

Bureau of the Census, FB3, Room 3148, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 457-2238
Fax: 301 457-3765

RIN: 0607-AA20
_______________________________________________________________________

569. SPECIAL SERVICES AND STUDIES BY THE BUREAU OF THE CENSUS; GENERAL

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1526; 13 USC 8

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 50.1(d)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Chapter 1, part 50.1(d) should be amended to read as follows: 
If a search is unsuccessful and additional information for a further 
search is requested by the Bureau, such information must be received 
within 90 days of the request or the case will be considered closed. 
Additional information received after 90 days must be accompanied by a 
new fee and will be considered a new request.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/99
Final Action                    07/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stanley M. Domzalski, Assistant Chief (Services), 
National Processing Center, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the 
Census, 1201 East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47132
Phone: 812 218-3579
Fax: 812 218-3293

RIN: 0607-AA24
_______________________________________________________________________

570. FURNISHING PERSONAL CENSUS DATA FROM CENSUS OF POPULATION 
SCHEDULES; GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  13 USC 8

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 80.1(c)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Chapter 1, part 80.1(c): Change the address from Pittsburg, 
Kansas 66762 to Jeffersonville, Indiana 47131.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/99
Final Action                    07/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stanley M. Domzalski, Assistant Chief (Services), 
National Processing Center, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the 
Census, 1201 East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47132
Phone: 812 218-3579
Fax: 812 218-3293

RIN: 0607-AA25
_______________________________________________________________________

571. FURNISHING PERSONAL CENSUS DATA FROM CENSUS OF POPULATION 
SCHEDULES: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  13 USC 8

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 80.1(g)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Chapter 1, part 80.1(g): The language may be clarified by 
changing it to read: Census information will not be furnished to 
another person unless the person to whom the information relates 
authorizes such release in the space provided on the Form BC-600.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/99
Final Action                    07/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stanley M. Domzalski, Assistant Chief (Services), 
National Processing Center, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the 
Census, 1201 East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47132
Phone: 812 218-3579
Fax: 812 218-3293

RIN: 0607-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________

572. SPECIAL SERVICES AND STUDIES BY THE BUREAU OF THE CENSUS; FEE 
STRUCTURE FOR AGE SEARCH AND CITIZENSHIP INFORMATION

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1526; 13 USC 8

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 50.5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Chapter 1, part 50.5: the note following the chart of the fee 
structure can be eliminated since we have not had a fee increase since 
February 1993.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/99
Final Action                    07/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stanley M. Domzalski, Assistant Chief (Services), 
National Processing Center, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the 
Census, 1201 East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47132
Phone: 812 218-3579
Fax: 812 218-3293

RIN: 0607-AA27

[[Page 61538]]

_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                     Final Rule Stage
Bureau of the Census (CENSUS)
_______________________________________________________________________

573.  REPORTING VALUE ON SHIPPER'S EXPORT DECLARATION FOR INLAND 
FREIGHT AND INSURANCE CHARGES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  13 USC 301 and 302

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 30.7(q)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of the Census is amending the Foreign Trade 
Statistics Regulations to clarify the provisions for reporting the 
value of merchandise on the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) when the 
inland and freight and insurance charges are not known. Current 
provisions define the value to be reported on the SED as the value at 
the U.S. port of export including inland freight and insurance charges. 
In situations where inland freight and insurance charges are not known 
the Census Bureaus will require that the exporter add 3 percent of the 
value of the commodity to the value to determine the total value to be 
reported on the SED.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Frank Korpusik, Regulations Staff, Foreign Trade 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, FB-3, Room 
3148, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 457-2238
Fax: 301 457-3765

RIN: 0607-AA29
_______________________________________________________________________

574.  REPORTING THE VALUE OF REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT PARTS ON 
THE SHIPPER'S EXPORT DECLARATION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  13 USC 301 and 302

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 30.30(c)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of the Census is amending the Foreign Trade 
Statistics Regulations to clarify provisions for reporting the value of 
exports that were previously imported for repairs or alterations, and 
the value of replacement parts. This amendment will clarify provisions 
for reporting the cost of repairs and/or alterations and reporting the 
value of replacement parts on the Shipper's Export Declaration.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Frank Korpusik, Regulations Staff, Foreign Trade 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, FB-3, Room 
3148, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 457-2238
Fax: 301 457-3765

RIN: 0607-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________

575.  NOTATION OF THE SHIPPER'S EXPORT DECLARATION FILING 
EXEMPTION STATEMENT ON MANIFEST DOCUMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  13 USC 301 and 302

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 30.50

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of the Census is amending the Foreign Trade 
Statistics Regulations (FTSR) to clarify provisions for notating the 
Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) filing exemption statement on the 
bill of lading, air waybill, or other loading document for carrier use, 
in all cases, when an SED is not required to be filed. This amendment 
will require the exporter to reference the specific FTSR section, 
explaining the exemption criteria, whenever an SED is not required to 
be filed with the statement ``No SED Required, FTSR 30.XX'' on the 
manifest document.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Frank Korpusik, Regulations Staff, Foreign Trade 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, FB-3, Room 
3148, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 457-2238
Fax: 301 457-3765

RIN: 0607-AA31
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Completed Actions
Bureau of the Census (CENSUS)
_______________________________________________________________________

576. FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICS REGULATIONS; REPORTING THE VALUE OF 
FOREIGN MILITARY SALES SHIPMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR subpart A, 30.7

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/03/98                    63 FR 41186
Final Action Effective          09/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Frank Korpusik
Phone: 301 457-2238
Fax: 301 457-3765

RIN: 0607-AA22
_______________________________________________________________________

577.  REVISION TO THE FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICS REGULATIONS; 
SHIPPER'S EXPORT DECLARATION REQUIREMENT FOR EXPORTS VALUED AT LESS THAN 
$2500

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  13 USC 301 and 302

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 30.55(h)(1)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To further the Bureau of the Census efforts in harmonizing 
the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (FTSR) with the Bureau of 
Export Administration Regulations (FAR), this rule amends the FTSR by 
revising the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) provisions to expand 
the country scope of the $2500 exemption for filing an SED with the 
Bureau of the Census.

[[Page 61539]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/27/98                    63 FR 45697
Final Action Effective          08/27/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Frank Korpusik, Regulations Staff, Foreign Trade 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, FB-3, Room 
3148, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 457-2238
Fax: 301 457-3765

RIN: 0607-AA28
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                     Final Rule Stage
Economic Development Administration (EDA)
_______________________________________________________________________

578. REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION 
REFORM ACT OF 1998

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 3121 et seq

CFR Citation:  13 CFR 300 to 318

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: EDA will implement the requirements of the Economic 
Development Administration Reform Act of 1998 establishing criteria and 
procedures for the award of grants under the legislation, a 
comprehensive revision of the Public Works and Economic Development Act 
of 1965.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Sectors Affected:  Multiple

Agency Contact: Edward M. Levin, Chief Counsel, Department of Commerce, 
Economic Development Administration, 14th Street and Constitution 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-4687
Fax: 202 482-5671
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0610-AA56
_______________________________________________________________________

579.  CIVIL RIGHTS GUIDELINES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 2000d et seq; 42 USC 3123; 29 USC 794; 42 USC 
6101

CFR Citation:  None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Economic Development Administration is revising its civil 
rights guidelines. In accordance with Department of Justice regulations 
(28 CFR 42.404), all agencies with title VI responsibilities (title VI 
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended) must have civil rights 
guidelines. EDA developed its original guidelines in April 1979. Since 
that time, minor revisions were made and now EDA is updating and 
streamlining its guidelines to provide current civil rights 
requirements for its programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Frank J. Monteferrante, Director, Compliance Review 
Division, Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, 
Room H-7816, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-5575

RIN: 0610-AA59
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Long-Term Actions
Economic Development Administration (EDA)
_______________________________________________________________________

580. TRADE ACT--ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  13 CFR 315

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Edward M. Levin
Phone: 202 482-4687
Fax: 202 482-5671

RIN: 0610-AA57
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Completed Actions
Economic Development Administration (EDA)
_______________________________________________________________________

581. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE--EXCESS CAPACITY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  13 CFR 316

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       10/20/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Edward M. Levin
Phone: 202 482-4687

[[Page 61540]]

Fax: 202 482-5671
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0610-AA55
_______________________________________________________________________

582. SIMPLIFICATION AND STREAMLINING OF REGULATIONS OF THE ECONOMIC 
DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       10/20/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Edward M. Levin
Phone: 202 482-4687
Fax: 202 482-5671
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0610-AA58
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                     Final Rule Stage
General Administration (ADMIN)
_______________________________________________________________________

583. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENT FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH 
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER NONPROFITS AND 
COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 14

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On November 29, 1993, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
Circular A-110, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Agreements, with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Non-Profit Organizations'' was published in the Federal Register (58 FR 
62992). In the published revised circular, OMB specified as ``required 
action'' that Federal agencies responsible for awarding and 
administering grants and other agreements to recipients described 
therein, shall adopt the language of the Circular unless other 
provisions are required by Federal Statute or exceptions or deviations 
are approved by OMB. This interim final rule adopts the provisions of 
the Circular and its language to the maximum extent feasible with minor 
language changes made to make the language apply specifically to the 
DOC and its operating units.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/04/98                    63 FR 47155
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/01/98
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/03/98
Final Action                    10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John J. Phelan III, Director, Office of Executive 
Assistance Management, Department of Commerce, Office of 
Administration, 14th Street & Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20230
Phone: 202 482-4115

RIN: 0605-AA09
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                     Final Rule Stage
International Trade Administration (ITA)
_______________________________________________________________________

584. ANTIDUMPING DUTIES; COUNTERVAILING DUTIES

Regulatory Plan:  This entry is Seq. No. 15 in Part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0625-AA45
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Long-Term Actions
International Trade Administration (ITA)
_______________________________________________________________________

585. PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS OF ANTIDUMPING 
AND COUNTERVAILING DUTY ORDERS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  19 CFR 351

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/20/98                    63 FR 13516
Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stacy Ettinger
Phone: 202 482-4618

RIN: 0625-AA51

[[Page 61541]]

_______________________________________________________________________

586. EXPORT TRADE CERTIFICATES OF REVIEW (15 CFR 325)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 325

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Morton Schnabel
Phone: 202 482-5131
Fax: 202 482-1790

RIN: 0625-AA52
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Completed Actions
International Trade Administration (ITA)
_______________________________________________________________________

587. ANTIDUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING DUTY PROCEEDINGS; ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROTECTIVE ORDER PROCEDURES AND PROCEDURES FOR IMPOSING SANCTIONS FOR 
VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  19 CFR 351; 19 CFR 354

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/04/98                    63 FR 24391
Final Action Effective          06/03/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joan MacKenzie
Phone: 202 482-1310

RIN: 0625-AA43
_______________________________________________________________________

588.  LIMIT ON DUTY-FREE INSULAR WATCHES IN CALENDAR YEAR 1999

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 94-241; PL 97-446; PL 103-465

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 303

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action amends the Department's ITA regulations governing 
duty-exemption allocations and duty-refund entitlements for watch 
producers in the United States' insular possessions (the Virgin 
Islands, Guam, and American Samoa) and the Northern Mariana Islands. 
The amendments would change the value limit for watches eligible for 
duty-exemption, update the creditable wage ceiling, modify the new 
entrant invitation language, and establish the total quantity and 
respective territorial shares of insular watches and watch movements 
which would be allowed to enter the United States free of duty during 
calendar year 1999.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/28/98                    63 FR 40230
NPRM Comment Period End         08/27/98
Final Action                    09/17/98                    63 FR 49666

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Faye Robinson, Program Manager, Department of Commerce, 
International Trade Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-3526

RIN: 0625-AA53
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                     Final Rule Stage
Bureau of Export Administration (BXA)
_______________________________________________________________________

589. ADMINISTRATION OF STATE LOG EXPORTS BAN

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2510 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(e); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 46 USC 466(c); EO 12924; 
Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 700 to 799

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, June 1, 1998.
Title 6 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act of 1998 (PL 105-03)

Abstract: The rule will provide the Department of Commerce's 
regulations implementing the ban on the export of unprocessed timber 
originating from non-Federal public lands in 17 western States, 
pursuant to the Forest Resource Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 
1990, as amended (FRCSRA). This rule defines the actions the Department 
will take to implement the State log export ban.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/07/95                    60 FR 30030
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/07/95
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Bernard Kritzer, Manager, Short Supply Programs, 
Chemical/Biological Control, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export 
Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-0894
Fax: 202 482-0751

RIN: 0694-AB25
_______________________________________________________________________

590. LICENSING OF, AND EXPANSION OF NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN POLICY 
CONTROLS ON, RECOVERABLE ENCRYPTION SOFTWARE

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2510 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(e); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC

[[Page 61542]]

2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 46 USC 466(c); EO 12924; 
Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 700 to 799

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend the Export Administration Regulations by 
imposing enhanced national security and foreign policy controls on 
certain recoverable encryption to supplement the national security 
controls on those items. This rule will also amend the EAR to exclude 
recoverable encryption software from the de minimis provisions for 
exports from abroad of foreign-origin software incorporating U.S.-
origin software. In addition, this rule amends the Commerce Control 
List by adding ECCNs to control recoverable encryption software 
transferred from the U.S. Munitions List.
The December 13, 1996, and December 30, 1996, rules were inadvertently 
published with the RIN (regulatory identifier number) 0648-AB09.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Licensing of Key Escrow 
Encryption Equipment and 
Software                        12/13/96                    61 FR 65460
Encryption Items Transferred 
From the USMC to the CCL        12/30/96                    61 FR 68572
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Crowe, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________

591. REVISIONS TO EAR AS A RESULT OF THE ADDITION OF BRAZIL AND UKRAINE 
TO THE NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2570 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(e); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 24091 et seq; 46 USC 466(c); EO 12924; 
Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 700 to 799

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: As a result of Brazil and Ukraine being admitted to the 
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), this rule adds Brazil and Ukraine to 
Supplement Number 1 to part 740-, Country Group A, Column A:4 (Nuclear 
Suppliers) and removes Brazil and Ukraine from the Commerce Country 
Chart, NP Column 1 (Nuclear Nonproliferation). The subscribing 
governments have agreed to establish export licensing procedures for 
the transfer of items identified on the Annex to the ``Nuclear-Related 
Dual-Use Equipment, Materials, and Related Technology List,'' which is 
published by the International Atomic Energy Agency and adhered to by 
the United States and other subscribing governments in the Nuclear 
Suppliers Group.
This action will lessen the administrative burden on U.S. Exporters by 
decreasing licensing requirements for exports of items controlled for 
nuclear nonproliferation reasons to Brazil and Ukraine.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________

592. REVISIONS TO COMMERCE CONTROL LIST: ADDITION OF TECHNOLOGY AND 
SOFTWARE CONTROLS FOR CERTAIN CRIME CONTROL COMMODITIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2570 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(e); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 46 USC 466(c); EO 12924; 
Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  14 CFR 799

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Export Administration is amending the Commerce 
Control List (CCL) of the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 
parts 730 to 774) to add technology and software controls for certain 
crime control commodities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB53
_______________________________________________________________________

593. REVISIONS TO ANTITERRORISM CONTROLS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(e); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 799

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will revise the antiterrorism provisions of the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The rule will be published in 
two parts. The first part makes exports or certain reexports to 
entities named on the Office of Foreign Assets Control's list of 
Specially Designated Terrorists and Foreign Terrorist Organizations a 
violation of the EAR, and it is not significant. The second part of the 
rule, which is significant, prohibits exports of parts or components 
for the service or repair of civil aircraft owned or controlled by the 
military of a terrorist-supporting country and expands the list of 
items controlled for antiterrorism reasons on the Commerce Control 
List.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 61543]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hillary Hess, Director, Regulatory Policy Division, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 
20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB63
_______________________________________________________________________

594. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION; REVISIONS TO THE 
EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule implements the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) 
that affect exports and reexports subject to the jurisdiction of the 
Commerce Department by amending the Export Administration Regulations. 
Specifically, this rule modifies an existing License Exception to 
permit the export of technology to foreign nationals during inspections 
of chemical facilities in the U.S. pursuant to the CWC and to permit 
the export or reexport of equipment for use in inspections in countries 
party to the CWC, adds licensing requirements for certain chemicals 
listed in the CWC, adds a requirement for an End-Use Certificate for 
exports of certain chemicals to those countries that are not a party to 
the CWC, and adds a notification and annual report requirement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Crowe, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB67
_______________________________________________________________________

595.  EXPORTS OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES, AND OTHER 
RELATED MATERIALS: IMPLEMENTATION OF FIREARMS CONVENTION

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c)EO 11912; EO 
12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) is revising the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement the export control 
provisions of the Organization of American States (OAS) Model 
Regulations for the Control of the International Movement of Firearms, 
their Parts and Components and Ammunition. The OAS Model Regulations 
were promulgated based upon the Inter-American Convention Against the 
Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, 
Explosives, and Other Related Materials (Firearms Convention). 
Convention signatories agreed to effectively combat the illicit 
manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, 
and other related materials (collectively referred to as ``firearms'') 
because of the links such activities have to drug trafficking, 
terrorism, transnational organized crime, and mercenary and other 
criminal activities by imposing an export license and import 
certificate requirement for the import and export of firearms.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Hillary Hess, Director, Regulatory Policy Division, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 
20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB68
_______________________________________________________________________

596.  CLARIFICATION OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE 
WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 15, 1998, the Bureau of Export Administration 
(BXA) published an interim final rule (63 FR 4252) implementing the 
Wassenaar Arrangement list of dual-use items and reporting requirements 
under the Wassenaar Arrangement. This rule provides clarification on 
the reporting requirements under the Wassenaar Arrangement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Muldonian, Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB72
_______________________________________________________________________

597.  INDIA AND PAKISTAN SANCTIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On June 18, 1998, the Administration announced additional 
details of the sanctions imposed on India and Pakistan in response to 
their recent detonation of nuclear devices. The President had 
previously

[[Page 61544]]

determined and reported to Congress, under the authority of section 102 
of the Arms Export Control Act, that the Indian and Pakistani 
activities had violated the Act and sanctions were required.
Under the provisions of the Arms Export Control Act, the Department of 
Commerce's Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) is revising the Export 
Administration Regulations (EAR) to expand the license requirements and 
set forth licensing policy for exports and reexports of most items 
controlled for nuclear nonproliferation and missile technology to India 
and Pakistan. Under the provisions of the Export Administration Act 
(EAA), BXA is revising the EAR to expand the license requirements and 
set forth licensing policy for exports and reexports of high 
performance computers to India and Pakistan. In addition, Indian and 
Pakistani government entities involved in nuclear or missile activities 
will be added to the Entity List. Additional military and private 
entities located in India and Pakistan will be added to the Entity List 
in the near future.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hillary Hess, Director, Regulatory Policy Division, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 
20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________

598.  REVOCATIONS OF REEXPORT AUTHORIZATIONS ISSUED PRIOR TO 
JUNE 15, 1996

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Export Administration is amending the Export 
Administration Regulations by issuing General Order No. 1 revoking all 
reexport authorizations issued prior to June 15, 1996 that do not 
contain any license validity period.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hillary Hess, Director, Regulatory Policy Division, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 
20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB74
_______________________________________________________________________

599.  REVISIONS TO THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST: CHANGES IN MISSILE 
TECHNOLOGY CONTROLS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) maintains the 
Commerce Control List (CCL), which identifies those items subject to 
Department of Commerce export controls. This rule amends the CCL by 
revising a number of items subject to control for missile technology 
reasons. These changes to the CCL are the result of the Missile 
Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Technical Experts Meeting in November 
1997. The changes made by this rule are intended to conform the list of 
missile technology-related items controlled by the United States to the 
list agreed to and adopted by the countries participating in the MTCR.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Muldonian, Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________

600.  REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS; 
COUNTRY GROUPS D:1 AND E:2; LICENSE EXCEPTION TMP

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The interim final rule amends the Export Administration 
Regulations (EAR) by revising Country Group E:1 to include all 
terrorist-supporting countries, and replacing references to Cuba, Iran, 
Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria with Country Group E:1 where 
appropriate. This rule also amends the EAR by removing restrictions on 
Country Group D:1 for General Prohibition Eight - Intransit Shipments 
and items to be unladen from vessels or aircraft, and License Exception 
TMP for tools of trade and exhibition and demonstration, clarifies the 
scope of License Exception TMP for encryption software, and provides a 
definition for ``effective control'' of tools of trade exported under 
License Exception TMP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Crowe, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440

[[Page 61545]]

Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________

601.  REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION 
REGULATIONS; COMMERCE CONTROL LIST

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 744

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 15, 1998, the Bureau of Export Administration 
(BXA) published an interim final rule (63 FR 2452) that implemented the 
Wassenaar Arrangement list of dual-use items and reporting requirements 
under the Wassenaar Arrangement. The interim final rule revised the 
Commerce Control List by making revisions to implement the Wassenaar 
Arrangement. This rule amends the Commerce Control List by making 
revisions and clarifications and, in some cases, inserts material 
inadvertently omitted from the January 15 interim.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Muldonian, Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB77
_______________________________________________________________________

602.  EXPORTS OF HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTERS; REVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Export Administration is amending the Export 
Administration Regulations (EAR) by revising the requirements for 
exports of high-performance computers. This rule revises post-shipment 
verification reporting procedures originally implemented as a result of 
the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 1998 
(P.L. 105-85, 111 Stat. 1629).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hillary Hess, Director, Regulatory Policy Division, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 
20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB78
_______________________________________________________________________

603.  EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS; REVISION OF 
FOREIGN POLICY CONTROLS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations by 
imposing a new licensing requirement on the export and reexport of 
explosive material (not elsewhere controlled on the Commerce Control 
List), and products incorporating those materials as described by 
Export Control Classification Number 1C998 to Iran, Sudan, and Syria 
for antiterrorism reasons. License applications to Iran and Sudan will 
be subject to a general policy of denial in accordance with the 
comprehensive U.S. embargoes to those countries. License applications 
to Syria will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with a policy of 
denial to military end-uses and end-users.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Muldonian, Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB79
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Long-Term Actions
Bureau of Export Administration (BXA)
_______________________________________________________________________

604. REVISION OF FOREIGN BOYCOTT PROVISIONS OF EXPORT ADMINISTRATION 
REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 760

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/26/89                    54 FR 39415
NPRM Comment Period End         10/26/89
Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dexter M. Price
Phone: 202 482-5914
Fax: 202 482-0913

RIN: 0694-AA11

[[Page 61546]]

_______________________________________________________________________

605. TRANSFER OF DUAL-USE ITEMS FROM U.S. MUNITIONS LIST TO THE COMMERCE 
CONTROL LIST

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 799.1

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Transfer of Communications 
Satellites                      10/23/92                    57 FR 48312
Navigation and Avionics         06/23/93                    58 FR 34211
Final Rule: Transfer of 
Commercial Communication 
Satellites                      09/08/93                    58 FR 47322
Transfer of Items From the USMI 
to the CCL; Imposition of 
Certain Foreign Policy Controls 10/26/93                    58 FR 57549
Satellite Fuel                  09/29/97                    62 FR 50865
Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James A. Lewis
Phone: 202 482-4196
Fax: 202 482-4094
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AA52
_______________________________________________________________________

606. IMPLEMENTATION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/23/94                    59 FR 66291
ANPRM Comment Period End        01/23/95
NPRM                            00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Crowe
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB06
_______________________________________________________________________

607. TRANSFER OF CERTAIN REMOTE SENSING SATELLITES FROM THE U.S. 
MUNITIONS LIST TO THE CCL

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 700 to 799

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/21/96                    61 FR 54540
Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James A. Lewis
Phone: 202 482-4196
Fax: 202 482-4094
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AB09
_______________________________________________________________________

608. CLARIFICATION OF ENHANCED PROLIFERATION CONTROL INITIATIVE (EPCI) 
``CATCH-ALL'' PROVISION AND VALIDATED LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 700 to 799

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hillary Hess
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________

609. LIBYA: EXPANSION OF FOREIGN POLICY CONTROLS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 700 to 799

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB28
_______________________________________________________________________

610. CHANGE THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST TO REVISE CONTROLS ON 
COMMUNICATION INTERCEPTING DEVICES (EXPORT COMMERCE CONTROL NUMBER ECCN 
5A980)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 700 to 799

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James A. Lewis
Phone: 202 482-4196
Fax: 202 482-4094
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AB41
_______________________________________________________________________

611. CLARIFICATION OF LICENSE EXCEPTION GFT (HUMANITARIAN DONATIONS)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 740

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hillary Hess
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB49
_______________________________________________________________________

612. EXPORTS OF TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE; RELEASE OF TECHNOLOGY OR SOURCE 
CODE TO FOREIGN NATIONALS IN THE UNITED STATES

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 799

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hillary Hess
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB59
_______________________________________________________________________

613. REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS; ADDITIONS TO 
THE ENTITY LIST

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 744

[[Page 61547]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Addition to Entity List         05/16/97                    62 FR 26922
Addition to Entity List         06/30/97                    62 FR 35334
Addition to Entity List         06/30/97                    62 FR 35335
Revision to Entity List         10/01/97                    62 FR 51369
Addition to Entity List Russian 
Entities                        07/29/98                    63 FR 40363
Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB60
_______________________________________________________________________

614. DE MINIMIS EXCLUSION FOR TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 799

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Crowe
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB62
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Completed Actions
Bureau of Export Administration (BXA)
_______________________________________________________________________

615. DEFENSE PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS SYSTEM (DPAS)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 700

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/11/98                    63 FR 31918
Final Action Effective          07/13/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard V. Meyers
Phone: 202 482-3634
Fax: 202 482-5650
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AA02
_______________________________________________________________________

616. REVISION TO ECCN 1C350 (MIXTURES): REMOVAL OF SOLVENT FREE BASIS 
CALCULATION REQUIREMENT AND TRACE QUANTITY EXEMPTION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/24/98                    63 FR 14028

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB66
_______________________________________________________________________

617.  EXPORTS TO FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA (SERBIA AND 
MONTENEGRO); IMPOSITION OF FOREIGN POLICY CONTROLS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Reacting to the use of excessive force by Serbian police 
forces against civilians in Kosovo, as well as acts of violence by the 
Kosovan Albanian extremists, and fulfilling United States obligations 
to implement an international arms embargo mandated by the United 
Nations Security Council, the United States has banned the sale and 
supply of arms and related material of all types to the Federal 
Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). To supplement the State 
Department controls on items on the U.S. Munitions List, the Bureau of 
Export Administration is designating certain items on the Commercial 
Control List that are subject to the arms embargo and establishing a 
policy of denial to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and 
Montenegro) on such items. No embargoed items may be exported to the 
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) under any 
License Exception, including shipments of limited value (LVS).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/14/98                    63 FR 37767

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Muldonian, Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB69
_______________________________________________________________________

618.  REVISIONS TO THE EAR CONFIRMING REVISION TO THE WASSENAAR 
ARRANGEMENT LIST DUAL-USE ITEMS AND ANTITERRORISM CONTROLS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1710 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(c); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 15, 1998, the Bureau of Export Administration 
published an interim final rule (63 FR 2452) implementing the Wassenaar 
Arrangement List of Dual-Use Items. Implementation of the Wassenaar 
List resulted in a number of changes to the Commerce Control List 
(CCL). The major changes involved the removal of national security 
controls on certain items, while maintaining controls on these items 
for antiterrorism reasons.

[[Page 61548]]

Consistent with this revision, various antiterrorism Export Control 
Classification Numbers (ECCNs) were enlarged to accommodate the items 
removed from national security controls. An easy-to-follow pattern was 
developed to track the movement of these items. Items formerly 
classified as XX001 now default to an XX991 entry. In addition, the 
January 15 rule moved items from one ECCN into another or merged two or 
more ECCNs together. This was done to simplify the CCL and place 
together items that fall within the same general category. For example, 
ECCN 9A992 (off-highway tractors) was merged with ECCN 9A993 (on-
highway tractors) to form part of a new ECCN 9A990 that also includes 
diesel engines.
This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by making 
the necessary comforming revision throughout the text of the EAR, 
consistent with the January 15 revisions to the CCL.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/07/98                    63 FR 42225

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Muldonian, Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________

619.  SHIPPER'S EXPORT DECLARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPORTS 
VALUED LESS THAN $2500

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  18 USC 2501 et seq; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 
7429; 10 USC 7430(c); 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 
2139(a); 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 40 USC 466(c); EO 11912; 
EO 12924; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121)

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To further the Bureau of Export Administration's efforts in 
harmonizing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) with the Bureau 
of the Census Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations, this final rule 
amends the EAR by revising the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) 
provisions to expand the country scope of the $2500 exemption for 
filing an SED with the Bureau of the Census. This final rule also 
clarifies that the Harmonized Tariff Schedule number may be used in 
lieu of the Schedule B number on the SED.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/27/98                    63 FR 45698
Final Action Effective          08/27/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Crowe, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Export Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

RIN: 0694-AB71
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                  Proposed Rule Stage
National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)
_______________________________________________________________________

620.  AMENDMENTS TO ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 278r

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 295

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Institute of Standards and Technology is 
amending the regulations which implement the Advanced Technology 
Program (ATP), found at part 295 of title 15 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations. Changes include modification of the ATP evaluation 
criteria and weights for project selection and clarifications to other 
sections of the rule. These changes strengthen the fundamental mission 
of the ATP: for Government to work in partnership with industry to 
foster the development and broad dissemination of challenging, high-
risk technologies that offer the potential for significant, broad-based 
economic benefits for the nation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/25/98                    63 FR 51307
NPRM Comment Period End         10/26/98
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Barbara Lambis, Department of Commerce, National 
Institute of Standards & Technology, Room A333, Administration 
Building, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001
Phone: 301 975-4447

RIN: 0693-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                     Final Rule Stage
National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)
_______________________________________________________________________

621.  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FASTENER QUALITY ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 104-113; PL 101-592, sec 13; PL 105-234

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 280

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Fastener Quality Act (P.L. 101-592, as amended by P.L. 
104-113 and P.L. 105-234) requires that certain fasteners sold in 
commerce conform to the standards and specifications to which they are 
represented to be manufactured and have been inspected, tested, and

[[Page 61549]]

certified. The final rule implementing the Fastener Quality Act (FQA) 
became effective on November 25, 1996, and was to apply to fasteners 
manufactured on or after May 27, 1997, the ``implementation date.'' On 
April 18, 1997, NIST announced a one-year extension of the 
implementation date, because there was an insufficient number of 
laboratories accredited to perform the volume of inspection and testing 
required by the FQA and regulations. During the one-year extension, 
NIST published for public comment proposed amendments to the rule 
implementing the FQA. On April 14, 1998, based on the public comments 
received, NIST published amendments to the 1996 final rule, effective 
May 14, 1998, with an implementation date of July 26, 1998. On June 30, 
1998, NIST again determined that there would not be a sufficient number 
of laboratories accredited to perform the volume of inspection and 
testing required by the FQA, and extended the implementation date of 
the FQA until October 25, 1998. On August 24, 1998, P.L. 105-234 
amended the FQA to exempt certain aircraft fasteners. The law also 
requires the Department of Commerce to submit a study on the FQA to 
Congress. P.L. 105-234 also delayed implementation of the FQA until the 
later of June 1, 1999, or 120 days after the Secretary of Commerce 
submits the required report.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      06/30/98                    63 FR 35507
Study                           02/00/99
Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Subhan G. Malghan, FQA Manager, Technology Services, 
Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards & Technology, 
Building 820,Room 306, Gaithersburg, MD 20894
Phone: 301 995-5120

RIN: 0693-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Long-Term Actions
National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)
_______________________________________________________________________

622. NATIONAL TYPE EVALUATION PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tina Butcher
Phone: 301 975-2196

RIN: 0693-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________

623. NIST TRACEABLE REFERENCE MATERIALS PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Thomas E. Gills
Phone: 301 975-2016

RIN: 0693-AB46
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                        Prerule Stage
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
____________________________________________________
624.  PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) plans to 
deliberate on Pacific coast groundfish allocation between limited entry 
gear groups, on allocation between recreational and commercial 
fisheries, and on further limiting access to certain species of the 
limited entry groundfish fishery. In order to provide broad advanced 
notice of the proposals, and at the same time to discourage fishers 
from intensifying their fishing efforts for the purpose of amassing 
catch history, the Council announced on April 9, 1998 that its 
deliberations on future groundfish allocation may not consider catch 
landed after that date. If an allocation or additional limited access 
program is established, the Council is planning to primarily consider 
catch history through the 1997 fishing season.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           10/06/98                    63 FR 53636
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/05/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115-0070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL87

[[Page 61550]]

_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                  Proposed Rule Stage
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
____________________________________________________
625. FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR TILEFISH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory. Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This FMP would manage tilefish (Lopholatilus 
chamaeleonticeps) in the EEZ along the Atlantic Coast north of the 
Virginia/North Carolina border to rebuild the stock.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/99
Final Action                    10/00/99
Final Action Effective          11/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9300
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AF87
_______________________________________________________________________

626. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC BILLFISH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 644

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This plan amendment will implement new requirements of the 
Sustainable Fisheries Act including stock rebuilding, designation of 
essential fish habitat, and measures to comply with new national 
standards.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
Final Action                    09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-7334

RIN: 0648-AF88
_______________________________________________________________________

627. REGULATORY AMENDMENT FOR MANAGING PELAGIC FISHERIES BY U.S. VESSELS 
BEYOND EEZ THROUGHOUT PACIFIC

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would extend permit, reporting, and 
observer placement requirements on longline vessels of the U.S. that 
are fishing stocks in the management unit for the Fishery Management 
Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region beyond the 
exclusive economic zone in the Pacific Ocean. The rule is necessary for 
comprehensive monitoring of all vessels fishing common stocks and 
possibly affecting the status of the shared stocks, other fishery 
interests, or protected resources so that the need for conservation and 
management measures can be determined.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/99
Final Action                    09/00/99
Final Action Effective          10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long 
Beach, CA 90804-4213
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AG85
_______________________________________________________________________

628. AMENDMENT 3 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH 
FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of the 
comment period.

Abstract: Amendment 3 would restrict the use of gillnets, fish traps, 
and other gear in the exclusive economic zone of the Caribbean.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AG87
_______________________________________________________________________

629. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CORALS AND REEF-
ASSOCIATED PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES FOR PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN 
ISLANDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of the NPRM 
comment period.

[[Page 61551]]

Abstract: Amendment 1 would establish marine conservation districts to 
conserve representative reef areas and fishery habitat in the exclusive 
economic zone of the Caribbean.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AG88
_______________________________________________________________________

630. IMPLEMENT REGULATIONS UNDER ACFCMA TO PROVIDE FOR COORDINATED 
MANAGEMENT OF THE AMERICAN LOBSTER RESOURCE THROUGHOUT ITS RANGE, END 
OVERFISHING, AND REBUILD THE AMERICAN LOBSTER STOCK

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1851 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 697

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.

Abstract: Action proposes measures in Federal waters to complement 
regulations in Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery management Plan 
for American lobster under the authority of the Atlantic Coastal 
Fisheries Cooperative Management Act. Action proposes to transfer 
existing measures currently identified in the American Lobster Fishery 
Management Plan developed by the New England Fishery Management Council 
under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. In addition, this 
action proposes to address the Sustainable Fisheries Act requirements 
to end overfishing of American lobster by all methods of harvest in the 
EEZ.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: The measures previously contained in Amendment 
7 are contained in this action. Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management 
Plan for American Lobster will contain measures for the vessel permit 
consistency amendment (0648-AL36).

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AH41
_______________________________________________________________________

631. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC BLUEFISH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This amendment would revise the management of the fishery and 
include measures which will be specified annually for commercial quotas 
and recreational possession limits for Atlantic Bluefish in the U.S. 
EEZ.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AH63
_______________________________________________________________________

632. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ADJUST THE ANNUAL TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH FOR 
ROYAL RED SHRIMP IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulatory amendment, prepared under the framework 
rulemaking procedure of the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp 
Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), would amend the regulations 
implementing the FMP to temporarily increase the total allowable catch 
(TAC) for royal red shrimp by 30 percent each year for two years, 
thereby increasing TAC from 392,000 pounds to 509,600 pounds.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/99
Final Action                    04/00/99
Final Action Effective          05/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AI39
_______________________________________________________________________

633. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION BY ALASKA 
GROUNDFISH PROCESSORS OF WEEKLY PRODUCTION REPORTS AND CHECK IN/OUT 
REPORTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

[[Page 61552]]

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulatory amendment to require electronic submission of 
catch and processing location reports by processors participating in 
the Alaska groundfish fisheries. The need for this action is to obtain 
more timely data on inseason fishing activities at less burden and cost 
to the industry and NMFS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/99
Final Action                    12/00/99
Final Action Effective          01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AI66
_______________________________________________________________________

634. AMENDMENT TO THE OBSERVER PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Amendments to FMP Amendment 47 to the Groundfish of the BSAI 
and FMP Amendment 47 to the Gulf of Alaska Groundfish to implement an 
observer program, replacing the interim Observer Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AI69
_______________________________________________________________________

635. FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This fishery management plan would supersede the preliminary 
management plan and regulate fishing activity in the EEZ.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AI78
_______________________________________________________________________

636. FISHERY DATA REPORTING FOR WESTERN PACIFIC PELAGIC FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This action will ensure collection and availability of data 
on catch, effort, and economic values needed to develop, implement, 
evaluate, and modify pelagic fisheries management measures under the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The 
regulations will require fishery participants to report to NMFS if 
existing State data systems are not providing data when, where, and in 
the format needed for management decisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/99
Final Action                    08/00/99
Final Action Effective          09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long 
Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AJ08
_______________________________________________________________________

637. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO EXTEND CALIFORNIA GILLNET REGULATIONS TO 
THE EEZ

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Potential extension to Federal waters of California 
regulations closing certain areas to use of set (gill) nets.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

[[Page 61553]]

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN, C15700 Bldg. 1, Seattle, 
WA 48115-0070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AJ21
_______________________________________________________________________

638. CONSOLIDATION OF THE RULES FOR SPINY LOBSTER FISHERY OF THE GULF OF 
MEXICO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC AND STONE CRAB FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: NMFS had proposed to withdraw the Fishery Management Plans 
for Spiny Lobster and Stone Crab (FMPs). The regulations implementing 
these FMPs were not included in the consolidated regulations for 
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf, and South Atlantic at 50 CFR part 
622. Recently, NMFS withdrew the proposed rules that would have 
withdrawn the FMPs. This final rule will incorporate the rules 
implementing these FMPs in the consolidated regulations without 
substantive change.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 9721 
Executive Center Drive, N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301
Fax: 727 570-5300

RIN: 0648-AJ28
_______________________________________________________________________

639. AMENDMENT 7 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE ATLANTIC SEA 
SCALLOP FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This action would amend the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 
Management Plan to comply with the Sustainable Fisheries Act 
overfishing definition requirements. This amendment will also include 
financial mechanisms to allow the possibility of a days-at-sea leasing 
program in the future and for closed area management.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: Duplicate RIN for the same action - RIN 0648-
AI36 is being processed under this RIN (RIN 0648-AJ33).

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AJ33
_______________________________________________________________________

640. IMPLEMENTATION OF A FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MONKFISH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Action to implement management measures for monkfish in the 
EEZ.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AJ44
_______________________________________________________________________

641. BSA/GOA/KTC/SCALLOP/SALMON FMP AMENDMENTS 56/56/7/6/6 OVERFISHING 
DEFINITIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Repeal/replace bycatch, recreational, charter and commercial 
fishing, discards, fishing communities, IFQ, optimum yield, and vessel 
definitions in FMP regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AJ50

[[Page 61554]]

_______________________________________________________________________

642. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM FOR THE COLLECTION AND 
USE OF FEES IN THE INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would establish a program for the 
collection and use, including the procedures, of fees in the Individual 
Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program. The collection of fees would recover the 
costs of managing and enforcing IFQ program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AJ52
_______________________________________________________________________

643. IMPLEMENTATION OF PACIFIC INSULAR AREA FISHING AGREEMENT PROVISIONS 
OF THE MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.

Abstract: This rule would implement provisions of the Sustainable 
Fisheries Act that authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate 
Pacific Insular Areas Fishing Agreements (PIAFAs) under which foreign 
vessels could have access to portions of the U.S. exclusive economic 
zone around insular ``States'' such as Guam, American Samoa, and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or around U.S. 
Possessions in the Pacific. Fees paid to the U.S. for such access would 
revert to the government of the insular area around which the fishing 
occurred. PIAFAs could only be entered into with the agreement of the 
Governor of the relevant insular area. Conservation plans, which must 
be prepared in consultation with the Western Pacific Fishery Management 
Council and must be consistent with relevant fishery management plans, 
would specify such things as allowable levels of fishing and activities 
for which funds collected would be spent. Foreign fishing permits would 
specify conditions and restrictions governing foreign vessel 
activities. The rule would revise the foreign fishing regulations at 50 
CFR part 600 to allow fishing under a PIAFA and might also establish 
terms and conditions common to fishing under PIAFAs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/99
Final Action                    06/00/99
Final Action Effective          08/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802-4213
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AJ60
_______________________________________________________________________

644. ATLANTIC TUNA FISHERIES; REGULATORY ADJUSTMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 285

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement the ICCAT recommendation to reduce 
dead discards of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AJ66
_______________________________________________________________________

645. FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 630

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement a new Fishery Management Plan for 
Atlantic Tuna, sharks, and swordfish and will incorporate new standards 
and requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AJ67

[[Page 61555]]

_______________________________________________________________________

646. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; MEASURES TO MANAGE THE DRIFT 
GILLNET SECTION OF THE ATLANTIC SWORDFISH FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 630

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulations to implement the Atlantic Offshore Cetaceans Take 
Reduction Plan and other alternatives will be considered for management 
of the drift gillnet sector of the Atlantic swordfish fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/20/98                    63 FR 55998
NPRM Comment Period End         12/14/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AJ68
_______________________________________________________________________

647. PROPOSED RULE TO IMPLEMENT PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE OF PERMITS UNDER 
SECTION 204(D) OF THE MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND 
MANAGEMENT ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1824

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 600F

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: The Sustainable Fisheries Act amended the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) to, among other 
things, provide for the issuance of transshipment permits under the 
newly established section 204(d) of the MSFCMA. This action will 
specify procedures to be used to issue permits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AJ70
_______________________________________________________________________

648. FISHERIES OBLIGATION GUARANTEE PROGRAM--STATUTORY AMENDMENTS TO 
ESTABLISH ``CENTRAL TITLE AND LIEN REGISTRY FOR LIMITED ACCESS PERMITS''

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  46 USC 1271 to 1279

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 253; 50 CFR 600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Request for 
Comments regarding establishment of a central title and lien registry 
as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/07/97                    62 FR 24897
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/05/97
NPRM                            03/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles L. Cooper, Program Leader, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2396
Fax: 301 589-2686

RIN: 0648-AJ77
_______________________________________________________________________

649. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO CHANGE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 
REGIONAL FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCILS

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulations governing the operation and membership of the 
Regional Fishery Management Councils will be revised based on 
provisions in the Sustainable Fisheries Conservation and Management 
Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AJ82
_______________________________________________________________________

650. PROPOSED RULE ON TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO POWER PLANT 
OPERATIONS AT SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS has received an application under the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act for the taking of seals incidental to power plant 
operations from North Atlantic Energy Corporation over the next five 
year period. In order to authorize the taking, NMFS must determine that 
the mortality of several species of seals will not be more than 
negligible.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/24/97                    62 FR 39799
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/25/97
NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 61556]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth R. Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2055
Fax: 301 713-0376

RIN: 0648-AK00
_______________________________________________________________________

651. AMENDMENT 9 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER-GROUPER 
FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Amendment 9 would address overfishing in the snapper grouper 
fishery management unit. Proposed management actions include: (1) 
Increase the red porgy minimum size limit from 12 inches total length 
(TL) to 14 inches TL for both recreational and commercial fishermen, 
establish a recreational bag limit of 5 red porgy per person per day, 
prohibit harvest and possession in excess of the bag limit during March 
and April, and prohibit purchase and sale during March and April; (2) 
increase the black sea bass minimum size limit from 8 inches TL to 10 
inches TL for both recreational and commercial fishermen, and establish 
a recreational bag limit of 20 black sea bass per person per day; (3) 
require escape vents and escape panels with degradable fasteners in 
black bass pots; (4) establish measures for greater amberjack that 
will: reduce the recreational bag limit from 3 to 1 greater amberjack 
per person per day, prohibit harvest and possession in excess of the 
bag limit during April throughout the EEZ, establish a 1,000 pound 
daily commercial trip limit, establish a quota at 63% of 1995 landings 
(quota=1,169,931 pounds), begin the fishing year on May 1, prohibit 
sale of fish harvested under the bag limit when the season is closed, 
and prohibit coring; (5) increase the recreational vermillion snapper 
minimum size limit from 10 inches to 11 inches TL; (6) increase the gag 
grouper minimum size limit from 20 inches TL to 24 inches TL for both 
recreational and commercial fishermen, prohibit harvest and possession 
in excess of the bag limit during March and April, and prohibit 
purchase and sale during March and April; (7) increase the black 
grouper minimum size limit from 20 inches to 24 inches TL for both 
recreational and commercial fishermen, prohibit harvest and possession 
in excess of the bag limit during March and April, and prohibit 
purchase and sale during March and April; (8) specify that within the 
5-fish aggregate grouper bag limit (which currently includes tilefish 
and excludes jewfish and Nassau grouper), no more than 2 fish may be 
gag or black grouper (individually or in combination); (9) establish an 
aggregate recreational bag limit of 20 fish per person per day 
inclusive of all snapper grouper species currently not under a bag 
limit, excluding tomtate and blue runners (there would be no bag limit 
on tomtate and blue runners); and (10) specify that vessels with 
longline gear aboard may only possess snowy grouper, warsaw grouper, 
yellowedge grouper, misty grouper, golden tilefish, blueline tilefish, 
and sand tilefish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive, N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK05
_______________________________________________________________________

652. RULEMAKING TO ESTABLISH THE NORTH PACIFIC LOAN PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory. Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This rulemaking would establish a North Pacific Loan Program 
which would provide financing for loans to fishermen who fish from 
small vessels or entry level fishermen fishing IFQ fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK07
_______________________________________________________________________

653. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT ROLLING CLOSURES DURING THE 
SABLEFISH FISHERY IN THE GULF OF ALASKA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory. Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Implement Rolling closures during the Sablefish fishery in 
the Gulf of Alaska.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region,

[[Page 61557]]

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK10
_______________________________________________________________________

654. ADJUSTMENT OF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR PELAGIC SPECIES FISHERIES IN 
THE WESTERN PACIFIC

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulatory action would modify the management program 
for the fisheries for swordfish, tuna, and associated species in the 
western Pacific region. Possible changes include measures to prevent or 
mitigate the take of seabirds or turtles in the longline fishery and to 
address bycatch of sharks.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/99
Final Action                    08/00/99
Final Action Effective          09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802-4213
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AK11
_______________________________________________________________________

655. FMP AMENDMENTS FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND 
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AND FOR THE GROUNDFISH OF THE GULF OF ALASKA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory. Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Inshore/Offshore allocation of pollock and Pacific cod and 
reauthorization of pollock CDQ program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK12
_______________________________________________________________________

656. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO SPECIFY MINIMAL VESSEL OWNERSHIP 
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HIRED SKIPPER PROVISION IN THE IFQ FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final requirements to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM 
comment period.

Abstract: Specify minimal vessel ownership requirements for the hired 
skipper provision in the IFQ fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK20
_______________________________________________________________________

657. IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDMENT 5 TO THE FISHING MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
THE BOTTOMFISH AND SEAMOUNT GROUNDFISH FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC 
REGION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This action would establish a permanent limited access 
program for the Mau Zone bottomfish in the northwestern Hawaiian 
Island. The intent of the rule is to improve the low economic returns 
in the fishery, prevent excessive harvest capacity, and address other 
conservation and economic concerns.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AK21
_______________________________________________________________________

658. ADJUSTMENT OF THE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR PRECIOUS CORALS FISHERIES 
IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.

[[Page 61558]]

Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulation would modify the management program for the 
fisheries for precious corals in the western Pacific region. In 
response to new information on changes that may occur in the fishery, 
possible changes to the management program include the establishment of 
or adjustments to fishing seasons, permit requirements, quotas, 
closures, area limitations, gear and coral size restrictions, etc.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/99
Final Action                    08/00/99
Final Action Effective          09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AK23
_______________________________________________________________________

659. AMENDMENT 16A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH 
RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Amendment 16A would: (1) prohibit the use of fish traps south 
of 25 degree north latitude (near Cape Sable, FL) on February 7, 2001; 
(2) prohibit the possession of reef fish exhibiting the condition of 
trap rash on board a reef fish vessel that is fishing spiny lobster or 
stone crab traps without a valid fish trap endorsement; (3) specify 
that NMFS establish a system design, implementation schedule, and 
protocol for a vessel monitoring system for the fish trap fishery. The 
system design, including costs and implementation schedule, would have 
to be approved by the Council prior to implementation through 
additional proposed and final rules; (4) provide a 1-month fish trap 
inspection/compliance/education period; and (5) require fish trap 
vessels to submit trip initiation and trip termination reports.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive, North, St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK31
_______________________________________________________________________

660. REGULATORY AMENDMENT FOR A BYCATCH REDUCTION DEVICE (BRD) TESTING 
AND CERTIFICATION PROTOCOL UNDER AMENDMENT 9 TO THE FMP FOR THE SHRIMP 
FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Amendment 9: Requires the use of BRDs certified by the 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in most shrimp trawls used in 
the exclusive economic zone of the Gulf of Mexico shoreward of the 100-
fathom depth contour west of Cape San Blas, Florida; sets the bycatch 
reduction criterion for the certification of BRDs (BRDs must reduce the 
bycatch mortality of juvenile red snapper by at least 44 percent from a 
prescribed baseline level); and establishes an FMP framework procedure 
for modifying the bycatch reduction criterion, for establishing and 
modifying the BRD testing protocol and its specifications, and for 
certifying and decertifying BRDs. Amendment 9 is intended to 
significantly reduce the shrimp fishery bycatch of red snapper (and 
other finfish) to allow rebuilding of this valuable, overfished 
species. The subject action would amend the final rule to implement 
Amendment 9 to establish, consistent with the FMP's framework 
procedure, a BRD testing and certification protocol to be used by NMFS 
for certifying new or modified BRDs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive No., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK32
_______________________________________________________________________

661. OPTIONS FOR 1997 RULEMAKING FOR BANNING THE SALE OF UNDERSIZED 
ATLANTIC SWORDFISH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 971 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 630

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A recommendation was adopted by ICCAT member nations that 
would reduce fishing mortality on swordfish in the entire Atlantic 
Ocean. The ICCAT alternate minimum size recommendation called for a ban 
on the sale of fish less than the minimum size. By implementing the 
minimum size on U.S. vessels operating in the Atlantic, the ban on sale 
has been effectively applied to U.S. production of Atlantic swordfish. 
However, the United States is a major market for imported swordfish and 
there is evidence that Atlantic swordfish less than the

[[Page 61559]]

minimum size are entering U.S. markets. NMFS solicits comments on the 
possible implementation strategy of this ban on sale of swordfish less 
than the minimum size.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/09/97                    62 FR 47416
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/06/97
NPRM                            10/13/98                    63 FR 59661
NPRM Comment Period End         12/07/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AK39
_______________________________________________________________________

662. AMENDMENT 6 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE STONE CRAB 
FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of the NPRM 
comment period.

Abstract: The purpose of Amendment 6 is to continue the FMP's temporary 
moratorium on registration of stone crab vessels by the Regional 
Administrator. Such moratorium shall be for 4 years duration. This 
action is needed to provide additional time for the industry and the 
State of Florida to develop and implement a limited access system for 
the fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Dr. N., St. Petersburg, FL 83702-
2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK48
_______________________________________________________________________

663. LIST OF GEAR AND FISHERIES UNDER JURISDICTION OF EACH FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL OR THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR HIGHLY MIGRATORY 
SPECIES

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Major: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 600; 50 CFR 622; 50 CFR 630; 50 CFR 644; 50 CFR 
648; 50 CFR 649; 50 CFR 654; 50 CFR 660; 50 CFR 678; 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: As required by section 305 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS 
will issue a list of fisheries and fishing gear used in those fisheries 
under the authority of each Regional Fishery Management Council, and 
the Secretary of Commerce, in the case of Atlantic highly migratory 
species. This rule will also contain guidelines for determining when a 
fishery or gear is sufficiently different from those in the list so 
that fishermen or individuals would have to notify the appropriate 
authority (beginning 180 days after the final rule is published).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AK49
_______________________________________________________________________

664. AMENDMENT TO PORTIONS OF INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA PROGRAM 
REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Regulatory amendment to amend portions of the regulations 
implementing the Individual Fishing Quota Program for the Pacific 
halibut and sablefish fixed gear fisheries in and off of Alaska.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK50
_______________________________________________________________________

665. MODIFICATION OF HARVEST GUIDELINE SYSTEM FOR HAWAIIAN LOBSTER 
FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulation will modify the current harvest guideline 
program for the portion of the crustacean fishery that operates in the 
northwestern Hawaiian Islands incorporating the latest results of 
research, fishery data analysis, and modeling of the stock. Possible 
adjustments include establishment of harvest limits for specific banks 
and of limits on specific species of lobster found in the area.

[[Page 61560]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          07/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long 
Beach, CA 90802-4213
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AK61
_______________________________________________________________________

666. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH APPLICATION PERIOD FOR LICENSE 
LIMITATION PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of NPRM 
comment period.

Abstract: Regulatory amendment to establish application period under 
the License Limitation Program (LLP). This regulatory amendment would 
establish the procedures for submitting applications to the agency for 
the LLP, would clarify what type of information would be necessary for 
a completed application, procedures for the transfer of licenses once 
those licenses were issued, and the policy for interim use licenses 
when an application has been denied and appealed. This action is 
necessary for further clarification for the exact policy and procedures 
of the application process for the LLP, and those particulars were not 
included in the original action that established the overall concept of 
the LLP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK69
_______________________________________________________________________

667. AMENDMENT 54 TO FMP FOR GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF BERING SEA AND 
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA AND AMENDMENT 54 TO FMP FOR GROUNDFISH OF GULF OF 
ALASKA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of NPRM 
comment period.

Abstract: These FMP amendments would change sablefish use limits from 
percentages to quota share units; add a leasing provision to allow 
initial recipients of quota shares to lease 10 percent of their 
individual fishing quota pooled across all areas, with an option to 
restrict this allowance to the Bering Sea.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/99
Final Action                    05/00/99
Final Action Effective          06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK70
_______________________________________________________________________

668. AMENDMENT 52 TO FMP FOR GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF BERING SEA AND 
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA AND AMENDMENT 52 TO FMP FOR GROUNDFISH OF GULF OF 
ALASKA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: These FMP amendments would establish a vessel registration 
program for critical fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/99
Final Action                    04/00/99
Final Action Effective          05/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK73
_______________________________________________________________________

669. AMENDMENT TO CLOSE AN AREA IN THE GULF OF ALASKA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations must be published within 30 days of end of NPRM 
comment period.

Abstract: Amendment 59 for GOA would create a groundfish refuge by 
closing a small area off Cape Edgecumbe to commercial fishing for 
groundfish and halibut. The closure would protect a unique habitat and 
protect rockfish and lingcod during critical phase of their life cycle.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98

[[Page 61561]]

Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK74
_______________________________________________________________________

670. FISHING CAPACITY REDUCTION PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1861(b) to 1861(e)

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 253

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To establish a fishing capacity reduction program, commonly 
called a buyback, as required by the Sustainable Fisheries Act to 
address the problem of excess fishing capacity in most fisheries. This 
will involve paying fishermen to either surrender their fishing permits 
or both surrender their permits and scrap their fishing vessels.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Michael L. Grable, Chief, Financial Services Division, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 Eaast-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2390
Fax: 301 713-1939

RIN: 0648-AK76
_______________________________________________________________________

671. RULE TO IMPLEMENT A FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SPINY DOGFISH 
FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Fishery Management Plan will include management measures 
for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-0135

RIN: 0648-AK79
_______________________________________________________________________

672. RULE TO IMPLEMENT AMENDMENT 7 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory. Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Amendment 7 would implement limited entry for the Atlantic 
Mackerel Fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AK80
_______________________________________________________________________

673. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO INITIATE CONTROL FOR THE HARVEST OF 
BOTTOMFISH IN THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE AROUND THE MAIN HAWAIIAN 
ISLANDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulation will implement an amendment to the Fishery 
Management Plan for Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries of the 
Western Pacific Region. It will initiate control of the harvest of 
bottomfish in the exclusive economic zone around the main Hawaiian 
Islands to ensure rebuilding of some stocks and maintenance of other 
healthy stocks. Possible measures include area closures, harvest 
limits, size limits, and season closures. These measures will 
complement action by the State of Hawaii to limit fishing in State 
waters to prevent overfishing and rebuild stocks.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/99
Final Action                    06/00/99
Final Action Effective          07/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802-4213

[[Page 61562]]

Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AK82
_______________________________________________________________________

674. AMENDMENT 13 TO THE PACIFIC COAST SALMON PLAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Regulations implementing Amendment 13 to the Pacific Coast 
Salmon Plan would change the management of Oregon coastal natural (OCN) 
coho salmon to use the most recent estimates of spawning escapements 
abundance and anticipated marine survival to ensure the protection and 
timely rebuilding of the stock consistent with the Oregon Coastal 
Salmon Initiative.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/99
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 San Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-0070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AK83
_______________________________________________________________________

675. REVISE EXEMPTED FISHING REGULATIONS TO SPECIFY COMPENSATORY FISHING 
UNDER EXEMPTED FISHING

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would revise current exempted fishing regulations 
to specifically authorize the use of an exempted fishing permit as the 
method of allowing the compensation of private vessels for their 
conduct of resource assessment. Specific methodology for vessel 
compensation would be developed on a fishery-by-fishery basis. The rule 
would also make other minor changes in the regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/99
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of Commerce, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AK84
_______________________________________________________________________

676. AMENDMENT 9 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE COASTAL 
MIGRATORY PELAGIC RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of the NPRM 
comment period.

Abstract: Amendment 9 proposes more than 14 management options. For 
Gulf group king mackerel, actions are proposed to (1) change the start 
of the fishing year, (2) prohibit the sale of fish caught under the bag 
limit, (3) revise the allocation of TAC between the commercial and 
recreational sectors, and (4) increase the minimum size limit from 20 
inches to 24 or 26 inches fork length. Also, for the eastern zone (off 
Florida), (5) revise the allocation of the commercial quota between the 
Florida east (North) and west coast (South/West Area) subzones. For the 
Florida west coast subzone, 6) subdivide the commercial hook-and-line 
quota into two separate quotas for proposed northern and southern 
subzones; and for the commercial run-around gillnet fishery, (7) 
restrict/ reduce/phase-out the number of vessels holding gillnet 
endorsements to fish under the quota, (8) restrict the area of 
operation to southwest Florida, and (9) restrict the transfer of 
gillnet endorsements to vessels owned by the endorsement holder or his/
her family members. For the western zone (Texas through Alabama), (10) 
subdivide the commercial quota on a seasonal or areal basis, and (11) 
establish a trip limit (harvest/ possession/landing limit) for 
commercial vessels. For both Gulf and Atlantic groups of king mackerel, 
(12) allow the sale of cut-off (damaged) fish taken and possessed 
within the established trip limits. Finally, for Gulf group Spanish 
mackerel, (3) establish a purse seine allocation and (14) vessel trip 
limits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK89
_______________________________________________________________________

677. VMS PILOT PROGRAM FOR ATLANTIC SWORDFISH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 630

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS proposes to implement a vessel monitoring system (VMS) 
pilot program for Atlantic swordfish in 1998. Vessels with a standard-C 
VMS unit on board will be issued a special permit to retain on board 
swordfish greater than the incidental catch limit after the directed 
fishery has been closed.

[[Page 61563]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334
Fax: 301 713-0596

RIN: 0648-AK90
_______________________________________________________________________

678. AMENDMENT 17 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH 
RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 17 contains various options to address expiration 
of the commercial reef fish permit moratorium (December 31, 2000). The 
options may be implemented prior to the moratorium expiration date, and 
would apply to all species in the management unit, except red snapper. 
In general, the options either: (1) extend the current moratorium for 
an additional 3 years, or (2) replace the current provisions with a 
system of various classes of transferable vessel licenses or 
endorsements, similar to that approved for red snapper under Amendment 
15.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK96
_______________________________________________________________________

679. PROPOSED RULE TO ADJUST THE GULF OF MEXICO RED SNAPPER TAC AND 
ASSOCIATED MANAGEMENT MEASURES UNDER THE FRAMEWORK PROCEDURE OF THE FMP 
FOR THE REEF FISH RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend the regulations implementing the FMP 
to establish management measures for the 1999 fishing season, in 
accordance with the FMP's framework procedure for setting annual total 
allowable catch limits and associated measures. The FMP regulates 
commercial and recreational fishing in the exclusive economic zone of 
the Gulf of Mexico and was developed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council and approved/implemented by the National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS). Annual management changes are proposed by the 
council; NMFS publishes a proposed rule to obtain public comment on 
these proposals for consideration in approving/disapproving/partially 
approving them. Approved measures are implemented by final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/98
Final Action                    11/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/01/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK97
_______________________________________________________________________

680. ESTABLISH 10 SMZS IN FEDERAL WATERS OFF SC AND PROHIBIT USE OF 
POWERHEADS IN THE FT. PIERCE, FL, OFFSHORE SMZ IN THE SNAPPER-GROUPER 
FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of NPRM 
comment period.

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would: (1) Establish 10 Special 
Management Zones (SMZs) around 10 additional existing offshore marine 
artificial reef sites located in Federal waters off the South Carolina 
coast including a 500 meter buffer zone around each site, and (2) 
prohibit use of powerheads in the Ft. Pierce, Florida offshore SMZ 
previously established by the Council. The intent of seeking SMZ status 
is to ensure the continued effectiveness of each site in enhancing 
recreational fishing opportunities, and to protect the long-term 
economic and biological viability of each.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/14/98                    63 FR 43656
NPRM Comment Period End         10/14/98
Final Action                    11/00/98
Final Action Effective          12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL00
_______________________________________________________________________

681. AMEND THE BLUEFIN STATISTICAL DOCUMENT TO ALLOW FOR THE ATTACHMENT 
OF RE-EXPORT CERTIFICATES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 971 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 285

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 61564]]

Abstract: The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic 
Tuna (ICCAT) recommends that ICCAT Bluefin Tuna Re-export Certificates 
be validated by government organizations that are accredited by a 
contracting party's government to validate the ICCAT Bluefin 
Statistical Document.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/99
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AL02
_______________________________________________________________________

682.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE LIMITED ENTRY, 
SABLEFISH FISHERY SEASON STRUCTURE FIXED GEAR

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Regulations would implement a framework to allow the Pacific 
Fishery Management Council to designate each year whether the limited 
entry, fixed gear, regular sablefish fishery would consist of a single 
opening, or of three separate openings. If the regular fishery is set 
at three separate openings, a participant would have to choose to 
participate in just one of the three openings.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL12
_______________________________________________________________________

683.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH A SITKA SOUND HALIBUT 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would create a local area halibut 
management plan for Sitka Sound. This management plan will include 
specified boundaries by latitude and longitude. Halibut longliners and 
halibut charter vessels would be prohibited from harvesting halibut in 
some areas of the Sitka Sound Halibut Management Area during specified 
times of the year. In addition, the amount of halibut on board a 
halibut longliner may be restricted during specified times of the year. 
Halibut catch in the Sitka Sound Management Area would be monitored for 
growth rate.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL18
_______________________________________________________________________

684.  AMENDMENT 48 TO THE BSAI FMP AND AMENDMENT 48 TO THE GOA 
FMP - STREAMLINE ANNUAL SPECIFICATION PROCESS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 3631 et 
seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would improve the annual process of setting total 
allowable catch for Alaska groundfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands and Gulf of Alaska.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 W. 9th Street, Juneau, Alaska
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL19
_______________________________________________________________________

685.  AMENDMENT 59 TO THE BSAI FMP, AMENDMENT 57 TO THE GOA FMP, 
AND AMENDMENT 9 TO THE BSAI KTC FMP - MORATORIUM EXTENSION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: BSA/GOA/KTC FMP Amendments 59/57/9 - extend the vessel 
moratorium. These FMP

[[Page 61565]]

amendments would extend the Vessel Moratorium. Extending the Moratorium 
would prevent an open access hiatus between the end of the current 
Moratorium on December 31, 1998, and the planned beginning of fishing 
under the License Limitation program on January 1, 2000.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administration, Alaska 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 W. 9th Street, Juneau, Alaska
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL20
_______________________________________________________________________

686.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO THE HALIBUT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 
QUOTA PROGRAM - DEFINITION OF MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would define management measures 
for the halibut CDQ fisheries after 1998 and remove regulations in the 
multispecies groundfish CDQ regulations that expire on December 31, 
1998. These regulatory amendments are necessary to integrate the three 
CDQ fisheries that are being managed separately in 1998 (fixed gear 
halibut and sablefish, pollock, and the multispecies groundfish) into 
one CDQ program starting in 1999.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    11/00/98
Final Action Effective          12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 W. 9th St., Juneau, Alaska
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL21
_______________________________________________________________________

687.  AMENDMENT 45 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BERING 
SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 3631 et 
seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would renew the allocation of pollock in the BSAI 
area to the Western Alaska Community Development Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 W. 9th St., Juneau, Alaska
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL22
_______________________________________________________________________

688.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO REVISE THE RECORDKEEPING AND 
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR 1999

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would include the following issues 
suggested by NMFS Management, Enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, and 
the fishing industry: revise language for surrendering fisheries or 
processor permit; document ``pumping'' of fish; combine Steller sea 
lion tables; create revised figures for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
Management Area; remove Improved Retention/Improved Utilization columns 
in catcher vessel logbook; develop code and recording procedure for 
experimental fisheries; develop a new discard category for adulterated 
fish and for research fish; develop secondary product code level that 
defines condition of end product (i.e., frozen blocks, grades of 
surimi); add CDQ delivery number to logbooks; and develop combined 
NMFS/IPHC catcher vessel and catcher/processor logbooks for fixed gear.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 W. 9th St., Juneau, Alaska
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL23
_______________________________________________________________________

689.  WHITING AMENDMENT TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

[[Page 61566]]

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This amendment would eliminate overfishing and rebuild the 
stock of silver hake (whiting). The proposed management measures may 
include limiting entry to the fishery, specifying a minimum mesh 
requirement and limiting the amount of whiting caught with smaller 
mesh, and establishing closed areas and trip limits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/99
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9300

RIN: 0648-AL27
_______________________________________________________________________

690.  MANAGEMENT OF U.S. PURSE SEINE FISHERY IN THE EASTERN 
PACIFIC OCEAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 955 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would establish authority and procedures for the 
Southwest Regional Administrator, NMFS, to implement measures to carry 
out management recommendations of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 
Commission and approved by the Department of State as provided in the 
Tuna Conventions Act of 1950. Actions could include closure of the 
purse seine fishery for yellowfin tuna, closure of the purse seine 
fishery for tuna associated with floating objects, prohibiting the use 
of tender vessels used to service fish-aggregating devices, and 
prohibiting the transfer-at-sea of purse seine-caught tuna in the 
Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802-4213
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AL28
_______________________________________________________________________

691.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT ATKA MACKEREL FISHING 
RESTRICTIONS IN THE BSAI FOR STELLER SEA LION CONSERVATION PURPOSES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would implement Atka mackerel fishing 
restrictions for Steller sea lion conservation purposes. The Atka 
mackerel fishery would be split into ``A'' (January 1 to April 15) and 
``B'' (September 1 to November 1) seasons. The percent of the Atka 
mackerel total allowable catch taken from Steller sea lion critical 
habitat in the western and central Aleutian Islands management 
districts would be reduced. In addition, the following management 
measures will be included: the trawl exclusion zone around the Sequam 
rookery would be extended into the ``B'' season; vessels would be 
required to obtain a vessel monitoring system; exempt CDQ fisheries 
from the A/B season split, but the percentage of the Atka mackerel CDQ 
reserve that could be harvested inside and outside critical habitat 
would be the same percentages established for the open access fishery; 
the allocation of Atka mackerel to vessels using jig gear in Area 54l 
would be exempt from these management measures; and the impact and 
effectiveness of these measures will be reviewed annually by NMFS and 
the Council.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 W. 9th St., Juneau, Alaska
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL29
_______________________________________________________________________

692.  BSAI FMP AMENDMENT PROHIBITING DIRECTED FISHING FOR 
POLLOCK WITH BOTTOM TRAWL GEAR

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This FMP amendment would prohibit directed fishing for 
pollock with bottom trawl gear in the BSAI. This amendment would also 
reduce the trawl prohibited species catch limits for halibut, king 
crab, and tanner crab in the BSAI to account for the projected PSC 
bycatch savings associated with a ban on bottom trawl gear for pollock.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

[[Page 61567]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 W. 9th Street, Juneau, Alaska
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL30
_______________________________________________________________________

693.  AMENDMENT 9 TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FMP TO ADDRESS 
NEW SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES ACT REQUIREMENTS, AND OTHER MANAGEMENT 
MEASURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998.
(See Additional Information)

Abstract: This action will address overfishing definitions and 
specifications of optimum yield; a framework process for aquaculture 
projects and modifications to the overfishing definitions; postponement 
of the Vessel Monitoring System beyond May 1999; a prohibition on 
street sweeper gear; measures to protect winter flounder stocks; and a 
one-fish halibut possession limit of 36 inches or greater.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: Legal Deadline: Under 16 USC 1853 note, each 
Regional fishery Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments to 
its fishery management plans and any associated proposed regulations 
bringing them into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act (P.L. 
104-297). Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM 
comment period.

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One 
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AL31
_______________________________________________________________________

694.  AMDT. 11 TO NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FMP; AMDT. 9 TO 
ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FMP; AMDT. 1 TO MONKFISH FMP; AND AMDT. 1 TO 
ATLANTIC SALMON FMP; COMPONENTS OF ATLANTIC HERRING FMP

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998.

Abstract: The amendment will describe and identify essential fish 
habitat (EFH) for species managed under the FMPs; minimize to the 
extent practicable adverse effects on EFH caused by fishing; and, 
identify other actions to encourage the conservation and enhancement of 
EFH.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: LEGAL DEADLINE CONT: Under 16 USC 1853 note, 
each Regional Fishery Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments 
to its fishery management plans and any associated proposed regulations 
bringing them into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act (P.L. 
104-297). Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM 
comment period.

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AL32
_______________________________________________________________________

695.  VESSEL PERMIT CONSISTENCY AMENDMENT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Amendment to achieve consistency among Northeast Region 
Fishery Management Plans regarding fishing vessel permits transfer, 
replacement, and upgrade provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: RIN 0648-AK81 will be processed under 0648-
AL36.

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AL36
_______________________________________________________________________

696.  ATLANTIC STURGEON EEZ REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 5101 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 697

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS is issuing protective regulations for Atlantic Sturgeon 
in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under the Atlantic Coastal 
Fisheries Cooperative Management Act. These regulations would prohibit 
the harvest and possession of Atlantic Sturgeon in the EEZ.

[[Page 61568]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Thomas Meyer, Fisheries Biologist, Office of Intergov./
Recreational Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 425, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 427-2014
Fax: 301 427-2313

RIN: 0648-AL38
_______________________________________________________________________

697.  BSAI/GOA/KTC/SCALLOP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) 
AMENDMENTS 55/55/8/5 ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT DEFINITIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final Regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM Comment 
Period

Abstract: This action would amend each FMP to include definitions of 
essential fish habitat for each managed species or species complex 
included within the FMP. For the Alaska Region, these amendments are 
not considered controversial and are expected to be supported by the 
fishing community. A significant majority of oral and written comments 
received thus far has supported the amendments and suggest the 
inclusion of additional species within the definition. None of the EFH 
amendments contain regulatory measures with which the fishing and non-
fishing communities must comply. If the EFH amendments are approved, 
Federal action agencies must consult with NMFS if a Federal Action may 
adversely affect EFH.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 21668
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL40
_______________________________________________________________________

698.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO PROHIBIT FISHING BY VESSELS OVER 
50 FEET WITHIN 50 NAUTICAL MILES OF AMERICAN SAMOA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulatory action would prohibit fishing by vessels over 
50 feet within 30 nautical miles of American Samoa.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/99
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AL41
_______________________________________________________________________

699.  COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT ADDRESSING SUSTAINABLE FISHERY ACT 
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER REQUIRED PROVISIONS IN FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS OF 
THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The comprehensive Sustainable Fishery Act (SFA) amendment 
will amend existing fishery management plans (FMPs) for shrimp, red 
drum, snapper-grouper, coastal migratory pelagics, coral, coral reefs, 
and live/hard bottom resources, spiny lobster, and golden crab to 
ensure (1) they are in conformance with SFA section 102 definitions, 
(2) that bycatch provisions are in conformance with SFA section 108 
provisions, (3) they address fishery impact statements that describe 
the likely effects of management measures on fishing communities, (4) 
they address overfishing provisions specifying objective and measurable 
criteria for identifying whether a fishery is overfished, and (5) they 
propose measures to rebuild overfished stocks in fisheries of the South 
Atlantic Region.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AL42
_______________________________________________________________________

700.  COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT ADDRESSING ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT 
IN FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The comprehensive habitat amendment will identify essential 
fish

[[Page 61569]]

habitat (EFH) for the shrimp, red drum, snapper-grouper, coastal 
migratory pelagics, coral, coral reefs, and live/hard bottom resources, 
spiny lobster, golden crab, sargassum, and calico scallop fisheries of 
the South Atlantic Region. EFH-habitat areas of particular concern will 
be identified and regulations designed to reduce or eliminate the 
impact of fisheries on EFH will be presented.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334
Fax: 301 713-0596

RIN: 0648-AL43
_______________________________________________________________________

701.  PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR DEFINING SERIOUS INJURY; REQUEST 
FOR COMMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 229

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for assessing and 
reducing the level of serious injury and mortality that occurs 
incidental to commercial fishing operations. NMFS is issuing proposed 
guidelines for determining what constitutes a serious injury to a 
marine mammal. If finalized, NMFS will use these guidelines in 
assessing fisheries beginning in 2000.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cathy Eisele, Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 713-0376

RIN: 0648-AL44
_______________________________________________________________________

702.  IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDMENT 8 TO THE NORTHERN ANCHOVY 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998. Final, Statutory.
See ``Additional Information''

Abstract: This action would amend the Northern Anchovy Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP) to comply with new requirements of the 
Sustainable Fisheries Act. The amendment would rename the FMP, add 
several species (Pacific mackerel, jack mackerel, and Pacific sardine) 
to the management unit, establish procedures for annual specification 
of harvest limits for managed species, and implement limited entry for 
fishing for small coastal pelagic species of fish in the management 
area. The amendment provides definitions and criteria to determine if 
any stocks are overfished such that rebuilding plans are needed. An 
annual review of the fisheries is conducted to make this determination.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Additional Information: Legal Deadline: Under 16 USC 1853 note, each 
Regional Fishery Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments to 
its fishery management plans and any associated proposed regulations 
bringing them into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act (P.L. 
104-297). Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM 
comment period.

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90804
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AL48
_______________________________________________________________________

703.  IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDMENTS TO FOUR WESTERN PACIFIC 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS TO ADDRESS NEW REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAGNUSON-
STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998. Final, Statutory.
See ``Additional Information''

Abstract: This action will ensure that the definitions in all the 
Western Pacific Fishery Management Plans (four) conform with the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation & Management Act definitions; the 
FMPs address bycatch and bycatch mortality issues; the FMPs describe 
the likely effects of management measures on fishing communities 
affected by the FMPs; the FMPs include measurable criteria to determine 
whether a fishery is overfished; the FMPs identify commercial, 
recreational, and charter fishing activity in each sector, and identify 
pertinent data associated with the fishing activity in each sector; and 
the FMPs identify essential fish habitat/areas of particular concern 
for management unit species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/99
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: Legal Deadline: Under 16 USC 1853 note, each 
Regional

[[Page 61570]]

Fishery Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments to its 
fishery management plans and any associated proposed regulations 
bringing them into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act (P.L. 
104-297). Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM 
comment period.

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90804
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AL49
_______________________________________________________________________

704.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ALLOW ``STOCKING'' OF MULTIPLE 
LIMITED ENTRY PERMITS IN THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Regulations would link groundfish cumulative trip limits to 
limited entry permits instead of to vessels. This linkage would allow 
limited entry permit holders to associate more than one limited entry 
permit with a vessel without having to combine those permits. A vessel 
attached to multiple limited entry permits would be able to pursue 
multiple cumulative trip limits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/99
Final Action                    11/00/99
Final Action Effective          12/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL50
_______________________________________________________________________

705.  AMENDMENT 14 TO THE PACIFIC COAST SALMON PLAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998. Final, Statutory.
See ``Additional Information''

Abstract: Amendment 14 would provide a change in the management of 
salmon fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (3 to 200 miles 
offshore) off Washington, Oregon, and California, which are managed by 
the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC, Council) and NMFS under 
the Fishery Management Plan for Commercial and Recreational Salmon 
Fisheries off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon and California (FMP) as 
revised and updated in 1996 for implementation in 1997. The Amendment 
will revise in FMP to bring it into compliance with the recently 
amended Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The 
primary changes relate to issues of optimum yield, overfishing, 
essential fish habitat, and bycatch specifications. Editorial and 
organizational changes to improve and update the FMP and its 
environmental impact statement, in addition to refinements harvest 
allocation standards among the recreational fisheries north of Cape 
Falcon, are also part of amendment effort.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Additional Information: Legal Deadline: Under 16 USC 1853 note, each 
Regional Fishery Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments to 
its fishery management plans and any associated proposed regulations 
bringing them into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act (P.L. 
104-297). Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM 
comment period.

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-0070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL51
_______________________________________________________________________

706.  AMENDMENT 11 TO THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998. Final, Statutory.
See ``Additional Information''

Abstract: Draft Amendment 11 proposes to redefine ``overfishing,'' 
``overfished,'' ``optimum yield,'' and other terms; and would revise 
the procedures for setting annual harvest levels. The amendment would 
describe and identify essential fish habitat and establish procedures 
for implementing regulations to minimize adverse effects of fishing on 
such habitat. The amendment would also identify procedures for 
implementing regulations to reduce bycatch and to establish permits for 
fishing for or processing groundfish should the Council determine that 
additional permit requirements would be beneficial. The amendment would 
also authorize reserving a portion of the acceptable biological catch 
for use in scientific research.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

[[Page 61571]]

Additional Information: Under 16 USC 1853 note, each Regional Fishery 
Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments to its fishery 
management plans and any associated proposed regulations bringing them 
into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act (P.L. 104-297). 
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM comment 
period.

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C157000, Bldg 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-0070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL52
_______________________________________________________________________

707.  AMENDMENT 8 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC 
MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH (FMP)

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998. Final, Statutory.
See Additional Information.

Abstract: Amendment 8 would bring the FMP into compliance with the 
requirements of the Sustainable Fisheries Act. This amendment would 
revise the overfishing definitions for Atlantic mackerel, butterfish, 
Loligo squid, and Illex squid; examine methods to reduce bycatch, 
analyze impacts on fishing communities; examine vessel safety; and 
establish a definition of essential fish habitat for Atlantic mackerel, 
Loligo and Illex squid, and butterfish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/99
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: Legal Deadline: Under 16 USC 1853, each 
Regional Fishery Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments to 
its fishery management plans of any associated proposed regulations 
bringing them into compliance with the SFA (PL 104-297). Final 
regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period.

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AL54
_______________________________________________________________________

708.  AMENDMENT 12 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC 
SURF CLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOGS (FMP)

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998. Final, Statutory.
See ``Additional Information''

Abstract: Amendment 12 would bring the FMP into compliance with the 
Sustainable Fisheries Act. This amendment would revise the overfishing 
definition for Atlantic Surf Clams and Ocean Quahogs, introduce a 
vessel operator permit, examine methods to reduce bycatch, analyze 
impacts on fishing communities, examine vessel safety and establish a 
definition of essential fish habitat for Atlantic Surf Clams and Ocean 
Quahogs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/99
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: Legal Deadline: Under 16 USC 1853, each 
Regional Fishery Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments to 
its fishery management plans and any associated proposed regulations 
bringing them into compliance with the SFA (PL 204-297). Final 
regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period.

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AL55
_______________________________________________________________________

709.  PROPOSED RULE TO IMPLEMENT AMENDMENT 12 TO THE FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP AND BLACK SEA BASS 
FISHERIES (FMP)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period 
end.

Abstract: Amendment 12 would bring the FMP into compliance with the 
Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA), including measures for essential fish 
habitat (EFH), overfishing definitions, and stock rebuilding. The 
amendment will neither change management for 1999 for summer flounder 
nor modify the rebuilding schedule. The rebuilding schedule may be 
revised for the scup and black sea bass fisheries, but no the 
management measures. The Council anticipates addressing other SFA 
requirements--safety at sea, communities, and discards--through the 
existing annual measures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

[[Page 61572]]

Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AL56
_______________________________________________________________________

710.  AMENDMENT 16B TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF 
FISH RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory. Final, Statutory.
NPRM 15 days and final action 110 days after receipt from the Gulf of 
Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council).

Abstract: Reef fish amendment 16B: (1) establishes a ``slot limit'' of 
14 inches (minimum) and 22 inches (maximum), fork length, for 
commercial and recreational harvest of lesser amberjack and banded 
rudderfish; (2) removes lesser amberjack and banded rudderfish from the 
20-fish aggregate bag limit and establishes a 5-fish aggregate bag 
limit for those species; (3) removes queen triggerfish from the FMP to 
provide for management by Florida; (4) removes the distinction in the 
FMP between reef fish species in the management unit and those in the 
fishery but not in the management unit (NOTE: The Council does not 
intend to include sand perch or dwarf sand perch in the 20-fish 
aggregate bag limit); (5) implements minimum size limits on cubera 
snapper (12 inches, total length (TL)), dog snapper (12 inches, TL), 
mahogany snapper (12 inches, TL), schoolmaster (12 inches, TL), mutton 
snapper (16 inches, TL), scamp (20 inches, TL), gray triggerfish (12 
inches, TL), and hogfish (12 inches, fork length); (6) removes hogfish 
from the 20-fish aggregate bag limit and establishes a 5-fish bag limit 
for that species; and (7) sets a recreational bag limit of 1 speckled 
hind and 1 warsar grouper per vessel (NOTE: The Council intended that 
sale of these species by the recreational sector be prohibited; the FMP 
and regulations already prohibit sale of reef fish subject to bag 
limit.)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL57
_______________________________________________________________________

711.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ALLOCATE CERTAIN GROUNDFISH 
SPECIES BETWEEN THE TRAWL AND FIXED GEAR COMMERCIAL GROUNDFISH FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Regulations would set allocations of certain groundfish 
species (primarily rockfish) between the trawl and fixed gear 
commercial fisheries for Pacific Coast groundfish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/99
Final Action                    12/00/99
Final Action Effective          01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL62
_______________________________________________________________________

712.  ADJUSTMENT OF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: CRUSTACEAN FISHERIES IN 
THE WESTERN PACIFIC

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulatory action would include the waters off the 
Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. Island Possessions in the Pacific 
within Permit Area 3 (Guam and American Samoa) and to facilitate and 
enable changes to management measures for the crustacean fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802-4213
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AL67
_______________________________________________________________________

713.  FINAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR 1999 SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND 
BLACK SEA BASS FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 1998.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This action would establish the allowed commercial catch 
limits as well as other management measures for these fisheries for 
1999.

[[Page 61573]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AL74
_______________________________________________________________________

714.  RECREATIONAL MEASURES FOR 1999 SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND 
BLACK SEA BASS FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This action would establish the possession limit, size limit, 
and other management measures for the recreational fisheries for 1999.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/99
Final Action                    04/00/99
Final Action Effective          05/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AL75
_______________________________________________________________________

715.  1999 INITIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, 
AND BUTTERFISH FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This action would specify the initial annual amounts of the 
initial optimum yield as well as the amounts for allowable biological 
catch, domestic annual harvest, domestic annual processing, joint 
venture processing, and total allowable levels of foreign fishing for 
these species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AL76
_______________________________________________________________________

716.  1999 FISHING QUOTAS FOR ATLANTIC SURF CLAM AND OCEAN 
QUAHOG FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish allowable harvests of surf clams 
and ocean quahogs from the exclusive economic zone for 1999.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AL77
_______________________________________________________________________

717.  FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CALICO SCALLOP FISHERY IN THE 
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: The FMP could include the following measures: (1) Definitions 
of management unit, MSY, OY, and overfishing, (2) requiring a vessel 
permit to harvest or possess calico scallops in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ, (3) establishment of Essential Fish Habitat-Habitat Areas 
of particular Concern (EFH-HAEC) for Calico Scallops, (4) prohibit 
harvest of calico scallops in the area bounded to the West by 80 
degrees W. Longitude, to the North by 28 degrees 30' N. Latitude, to 
the South by 27 degrees 30' N. Latitude, and to the East by the 100 
fathom depth contour, and (5) require use of transponders by calico 
scallop vessels.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/99
Final Action                    06/00/99
Final Action Effective          07/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

[[Page 61574]]

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL78
_______________________________________________________________________

718.  ATLANTIC TUNA FISHERIES; 1999 QUOTAS AND EFFORT CONTROLS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 971 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 285

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Implement annual quota specifications and effort controls for 
1999 bluefin tuna fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/99
Final Action                    05/00/99
Final Action Effective          06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AL79
_______________________________________________________________________

719.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH 
LIMITS FOR THE ATLANTIC AND GULF OF MEXICO GROUPS OF KING AND SPANISH 
MACKEREL FOR THE 1998-99 FISHING YEAR

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulatory amendment prepared under the framework 
rulemaking procedure of the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal 
Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic 
(FMP), would amend the regulations implementing the FMP to establish 
the total allowable catch limits and associated measures (e.g., trip 
and bag limits) for Atlantic and Gulf groups of King and Spanish 
mackerel for the 1998-1999 fishing year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive, North, St. Petersburg, FL 
55702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL80
_______________________________________________________________________

720.  SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES ACT AMENDMENTS TO THE FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR SHRIMP, RED DRUM, REEF FISH, STONE CRAB, SPINY 
LOBSTER, CORAL & CORAL REEFS, AND COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGICS OF GOM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: The Amendment provides management measures to provide 
sustainable fisheries for species under Federal management in the Gulf 
of Mexico, as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive, North, St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL81
_______________________________________________________________________

721.  COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT ADDRESSING ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT 
IN FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998.
See Additional Information

Abstract: The comprehensive habitat amendment will identify essential 
fish habitat (EFH) for the shrimp, red drum, snapper-grouper, coastal 
migratory pelagics, coral, coral reefs, and live/hard bottom resources, 
spiny lobster, and golden crab fisheries of the South Atlantic Region. 
EFH-Habitat Areas of Particular Concern will be identified and 
regulations designed to reduce or eliminate the impact of fisheries on 
EFH may be presented.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: Legal Deadline: Under 16 USC 1853 note, each 
Regional Fishery Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments to 
its fishery management plans and any associated proposed regulations

[[Page 61575]]

bringing them into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act (P.L. 
104-297). Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM 
comment period.

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL84
_______________________________________________________________________

722.  COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT ADDRESSING SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES 
ACT DEFINITIONS AND OTHER REQUIRED PROVISIONS IN FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
PLANS OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998.
See Additional Information.

Abstract: The comprehensive Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA) amendment 
will amend existing fishery management plans (FMPs) for shrimp, red 
drum, snapper-grouper, coastal migratory pelagics, coral, coral reefs, 
and live/hard bottom resources, spiny lobster, and golden crab to 
ensure (1) they are in conformance with SFA section 102 definitions, 
(2) that bycatch provisions are in conformance with SFA section 108 
provisions, (3) they address fishery impact statements that describe 
the likely effects of management measures on fishing communities, (4) 
they address overfishing provisions specifying objective and measurable 
criteria for identifying whether a fishery is overfished, and (5) they 
propose measures to rebuild overfished stocks in fisheries of the South 
Atlantic Region.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: Under 16 USC 1853 note, each Regional Fishery 
Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments to its fishery 
management plans and any associated proposed regulations bringing them 
into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act (P.L. 104-297). 
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM comment 
period.

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL85
_______________________________________________________________________

723.  COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT ADDRESSING SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES 
ACT REQUIREMENTS REGARDING OVERFISHING, BYCATCH, FISHING COMMUNITIES AND 
PROVISIONS FOR FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE CARIBBEAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, October 11, 1998.
See Additional Information.

Abstract: The comprehensive amendment will amend the Caribbean Fishery 
Management Council's existing fishery management plans for queen conch, 
coral resources, and reef fish to address the Sustainable Fisheries Act 
requirements regarding section 102 definitions, bycatch provisions, 
fishery impact statements, regarding effects of fishing communities, 
and preventing overfishing and rebuilding overfished stocks.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: Under 16 USC 1853 note, each Regional Fishery 
Management Council must submit to NMFS amendments to its fishery 
management plans and any associated proposed regulations bringing them 
into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act (P.L. 104-297). 
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM comment 
period.

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL86
_______________________________________________________________________

724. SEA TURTLE MONITORING AND CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR NONSHRIMP 
FISHERIES

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1531 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 217; 50 CFR 222; 50 CFR 227

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS proposes to protect sea turtles through the 
implementation of sea turtle conservation measures on nonshrimp 
fisheries. Bottom trawlers in the mid-Atlantic take sea turtles when 
not using turtle excluder devices (TEDs) and may jeopardize the 
continued existence of endangered sea turtles. NMFS proposes to require 
TEDs in all bottom trawlers operating from Texas through Delaware. 
Other non-shrimp fisheries using tow lines, gill nets, or other gear 
probably take significant numbers of sea turtles. In order to better 
quantify that level of take, NMFS proposes to require observers in all 
fisheries suspected of taking turtles in all U.S. waters.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/10/92                    57 FR 30709
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/08/92
NPRM                            09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Therese Conant, Endangered Species Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of

[[Page 61576]]

Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National 
Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC1, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401

RIN: 0648-AE54
_______________________________________________________________________

725. TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS: TUNA PURSE SEINE VESSEL 
OBSERVER EXPENSES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216.24

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS proposes to amend its regulations governing the 
reimbursement of tuna vessel owners for the cost of carrying NMFS 
observers (50 CFR 216.24(f)(4)). The regulations require that a U.S.-
flag tuna purse seine vessel holding a certificate of inclusion under 
the general permit issued to the American Tunaboat Association carry an 
observer when assigned by the Director, Southwest Region, NMFS. The 
regulations currently require that NMFS reimburse vessel operators for 
all costs associated with carrying the observers. The proposed rule 
change would require that ``the vessel owner shall incur all reasonable 
costs directly related to the quartering and maintaining of such 
observers on board such vessels.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long 
Beach, CA 90802-4213
Phone: 301 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AG35
_______________________________________________________________________

726. DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT; PACIFIC STEELHEAD

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1533

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 226

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, February 16, 1995. Final, Statutory, 
August 18, 1998.
Endangered Species Act section 4(b)(3)(D)(ii). If steelhead are listed 
under the ESA by 8/9/97, then critical habitat designation will be due 
8/9/98.

Abstract: This rule will propose critical habitat for 9 stocks of 
Pacific Steelhead as follows: 5 stocks listed under Endangered Species 
Act on 8/18/97 2 stocks listed on 3/18/98, and 2 stocks proposed for 
listing on 3/10/98. (62 FR 43937, 63 FR 13347, 63 FR 11798 
respectively)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Lisa Lierheimer, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of 
Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, F/PR3, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-0376
Fax: 301 713-0376

RIN: 0648-AG49
_______________________________________________________________________

727. PROPOSED RULE TO PROVIDE REGULATIONS FOR PERMITS FOR CAPTURE, 
TRANSPORT, IMPORT AND EXPORT OF PROTECTED SPECIES FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY, 
AND FOR MAINTAINING A CAPTIVE MARINE MAMMAL INVENTORY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1372 (c)

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would revise and simplify criteria and 
procedures specific to permits for taking, transporting, importing, and 
exporting protected species for public display and provide convenient 
formats for reporting marine mammal captive holdings and transports as 
required by amendments made in 1994 to the Marine Mammal Protection 
Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Ann Hochman, Permits Analyst, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2289

RIN: 0648-AH26
_______________________________________________________________________

728. PROPOSED RULE GOVERNING THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS FOR MARINE MAMMAL 
PHOTOGRAPHY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1372 (c)(6)

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will provide for the issuance of permits to take 
marine mammals by only level B harassment for the purpose of 
educational or commercial photography.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Trevor Spradlin, Biologist, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2289

RIN: 0648-AH31

[[Page 61577]]

_______________________________________________________________________

729. AMEND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE 
MAMMALS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1371 (a)(6)

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule implements certain changes in the 
prohibitions on importing or exporting marine mammals or marine mammal 
parts and products that occurred with the enactment of the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994 (Pub. L. 104-238). This action 
prohibits the export of marine mammals or marine mammal products for 
purposes other than public display, scientific research, or enhancing 
the survival of a species or stock and establishes three new categories 
of exceptions to the prohibition on importing marine mammal parts and 
products. This is a noncontroversial action that is not significant as 
it will have only minor effects on a small number of people, most of 
whom will benefit by the new exceptions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Tom McIntyre, Biologist, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2289

RIN: 0648-AH83
_______________________________________________________________________

730. IMPLEMENTATION OF 1997 MMPA AMENDMENTS AFFECTING YELLOWFIN TUNA 
PURSE SEINE FISHING IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216.24

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would implement the 1997 amendments to the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regarding regulation of the US yellowfin 
tuna fishery in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, and the regulation 
of yellowfin tuna into the United States from other nations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: Legislation amending the MMPA regarding the 
yellowfin tuna fishery will require implementation of regulations 3 
months after the effective date of the legislation.

Agency Contact: Hilda Diaz-Soltero, Regional Administrator, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National 
Marine Fisheries Service, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802-4213
Phone: 310 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AI85
_______________________________________________________________________

731. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: PROPOSED RULE GOVERNING TAKE OF 
WEST COAST STEELHEAD

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 227

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulation will propose section 9(a) prohibitions for 
endangered species, with certain exceptions for certain benign and 
beneficial actions for threatened species of west coast steelhead.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Kellie Carter, Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AK94
_______________________________________________________________________

732. LIST OF FISHERIES FOR 1999

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 229

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, December 30, 1998.

Abstract: The List of Fisheries, published pursuant to section 118 of 
the Marine Mammal Protection Act, classifies all U.S. commercial 
fisheries into one of three categories based on the level of incidental 
serious injuries and mortality to marine mammals. Participants in 
fisheries placed in category I, II or III are subject to different 
regulatory requirements under 50 CFR 229.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cathy Eisele, Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AK95
_______________________________________________________________________

733.  SECTION 4(D) OF ESA PROTECTIVE REGULATIONS FOR JOHNSON 
SEAGRASS, A THREATENED SPECIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1531 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 227

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS will issue protective regulations for Johnson's 
seagrass, a threatened species under section 4(d) of the Endangered 
Species Act (ESA). This will allow NMFS to tailor protective measures 
to best fit Johnson's seagrass.

[[Page 61578]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Angela Somma, Office of Protected Resources, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 
East-West Highway, SSMC 3, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AL59
_______________________________________________________________________

734.  DETERMINATION OF CRITICAL HABITAT FOR JOHNSON'S SEAGRASS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1531 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 227

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
The Endangered Species Act requires the designation of critical 
habitat, if any is designated, within one year of listing a species as 
threatened or endangered.

Abstract: The Endangered Species Act requires that critical habitat for 
a threatened or endangered species be designated within one year of 
listing that species under the Act. NMFS will determine if it will 
designate critical habitat for Johnson's seagrass, and if so, will 
designate it.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/99
Final Action                    05/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Angela Somma, Endangered Species Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC-3, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AL82
_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL OCEAN SURVEY/OFFICE OF COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
____________________________________________________
735. REVISION OF FEDERAL CONSISTENCY REGULATIONS UNDER THE COASTAL ZONE 
MANAGEMENT ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1451 et seq

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 930

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will revise the Federal consistency 
regulations to streamline and clarify procedural requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Margo F. Jackson, Asst. General Counsel for Ocean 
Services, Office of General Counsel, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-West Highway, 6th 
Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2967

RIN: 0648-AD83
_______________________________________________________________________

736. REVISION OF OVERFLIGHT REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1431 to 1445

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 922

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations are being revised to clarify that they are 
for resource protection purposes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Elizabeth Moore, Sanctuaries and Resources Division, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1305 East-West Highway (N/ORM 2), Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-3145

RIN: 0648-AI91
_______________________________________________________________________

737. NOTICE OF PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO COASTAL NONPOINT 
POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1455b

CFR Citation:  None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NOAA and EPA plan to make administrative changes to the 
Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, developed under section 
6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments, 16 USC 1455b. 
The Amendments require States and territories with coastal zone 
management programs that have received approval under section 306 of 
the Coastal Zone Management Act to develop and implement coastal 
nonpoint pollution control programs. In response to coastal States' 
concerns over: the ability to target the program; enforceable policies 
and mechanisms; timeframes; and resources to implement coastal nonpoint 
programs, NOAA and EPA recently completed a dialogue with the coastal 
States and other interested parties, and plan to make administrative 
changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph A. Uravilch, Chief, Coastal Programs Division, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-3155

RIN: 0648-AK62

[[Page 61579]]

_______________________________________________________________________

738. INTERAGENCY CONSULTATION FOR THE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1432

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 922

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NOAA plans to issue regulations to implement the Federal-
agency requirements of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stephanie Campbell, Attorney-Adviser, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-
West Highway, Room 6111, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2967
Fax: 301 713-4408

RIN: 0648-AL06
_______________________________________________________________________

739. OLYMPIC COAST NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY--ADDITION OF DEFINITION FOR 
SEABIRDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1431 et seq

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 922

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NOAA plans to issue regulations to add a definition of the 
term ``seabirds'' for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The 
term ``seabird'' is used in that sanctuary's regulatory prohibitions. 
The regulations will define seabird to mean a member of any avian 
species that spends part or all of its life cycle (e.g., feeding) in or 
over the sanctuary, including shorebirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stephanie Thornton, Chief, Sanctuaries and Reserves 
Division, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1305 East-West Highway (N/ORM2), Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-3155

RIN: 0648-AL09
_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
____________________________________________________
740.  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING PROGRAM EVALUATION AND 
COMPETITIVE FUNDING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE OFFICE OF OCEANIC AND 
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 313; 15 USC 2901 et seq; 33 USC 883e; 33 USC 
1121 et seq; 49 USC 44720

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 919 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) proposes 
regulations on its policies and procedures for program evaluation, the 
solicitation, review, and approval of proposals, and conflict of 
interest. These proposed regulations will provide the basic principles, 
objectives, and procedural framework for the evaluation of OAR 
programs, standardize the procedures for generating, evaluating, and 
selecting proposals sponsored within OAR that are subject to open 
competition, and establish procedures for identifying and handling 
conflicts of interest.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Eugene S. Fritz, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Research, Program Development and Coordination, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-0460
Fax: 301 713-0158
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AL45
_______________________________________________________________________

741.  NOAA PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL 
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NOAA plans to issue proposed revised environmental review 
procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The 
proposed revisions will update the agency's procedures published in 
1984, based on changing Agency direction, laws, and public concerns. 
The revisions reflect new initiatives and mandates for NOAA, 
particularly involving the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Endangered Species 
Act, and Marine Mammal Protection Act. The revisions provide 
information on preparing NEPA documents and streamlining of NEPA and 
other analyses or documents within NOAA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan Fruchter, Acting NEPA Coordinator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Room 5805, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-5916

RIN: 0648-AL58

[[Page 61580]]

_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                     Final Rule Stage
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
____________________________________________________
742. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE OF FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NOMINEES, 
MEMBERS, AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule revises the rules of conduct and financial 
disclosure regulations applicable to Regional Fishery Management 
Council nominees, appointees and voting members. The revisions would 
implement a provision of the Magnuson-Stevens Act that was amended by 
the Sustainable Fisheries Act. This provision prohibits council members 
from voting on matters that would have a significant and predictable 
effect on a financial interest disclosed in accordance with existing 
regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/07/97                    62 FR 42474
NPRM Comment Period End         09/08/97
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AG16
_______________________________________________________________________

743. AMENDMENT 39 TO THE FMP FOR GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF BSAI, AMENDMENT 
41 TO THE FMP FOR GROUNDFISH OF THE GOA AND AMENDMENT 5 TO THE FMP FOR 
COMMERCIAL KING & TANNER CRAB FISHERIES OF THE BSAI

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory. Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of the 
comment period on the proposed rule.

Abstract: This rule would implement (1) a License Limitation Program 
intended to halt the increase in fishing vessels and limit their 
fishing capacity, (2) a multi-species Community Development Quota 
program for certain western Alaska communities, and a BS/AT Crab 
Community Development (CDQ) program, CDQ reserves for the multi-species 
program, and a no-trawl zone in the eastern Gulf of Alaska.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/15/97                    62 FR 43866
NPRM Comment Period End         09/29/97
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AH65
_______________________________________________________________________

744. PROPOSED RULE TO IMPLEMENT VESSEL IDENTIFICATION AND REPORTING 
REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE HIGH SEAS FISHING COMPLIANCE ACT OF 1995

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 5501

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement vessel identification and 
reporting requirements for U.S. vessels licensed to fish on the high 
seas.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/25/98                    63 FR 34624
NPRM Comment Period End         07/27/98
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Md. 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334
Fax: 301 713-0596

RIN: 0648-AI99
_______________________________________________________________________

745. GUIDELINES FOR THE DESCRIPTION, IDENTIFICATION, CONSERVATION, AND 
ENHANCEMENT OF ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 600

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, April 11, 1997.

Abstract: Guidelines to assist Fishery Management Councils in the 
description and identification of essential fish habitat (EFH), 
including adverse impacts on EFH, and in the consideration of actions 
to conserve and enhance EFH, in fishery management plans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/08/96                    61 FR 57843
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/09/96
Second ANPRM                    01/09/97                     62 FR 1306
Second ANPRM Comment Period End 02/12/97
NPRM                            04/23/97                    62 FR 19723
NPRM Comment Period End         07/08/97
Interim Final Rule              12/19/97                    62 FR 66531
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James P. Burgess, Director, Office of Habitat 
Conservation, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910-3282
Phone: 301 713-2325
Fax: 301 713-1043
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AJ30
_______________________________________________________________________

746. FINAL DEFINITION OF THE ZERO MORTALITY RATE GOAL

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 229

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 61581]]

NMFS must initiate a report to Congress on fisheries progress towards 
the Zero Mortality Rate Goal by April 30, 1997.

Abstract: The Marine Mammal Protection Act, as amended in 1994, 
requires that commercial fisheries reduce incidental serious injury and 
mortality of marine mammals to insignificant levels approaching a zero 
mortality and serious injury rate by April 30, 2001. This interim final 
rule provides the regulatory definition of the Zero Mortality Rate Goal 
as part of the new management regime for the unintentional taking of 
marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operators.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/15/95                    60 FR 31666
NPRM Comment Period End         09/14/95
Interim Final Rule              06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cathy Eisele, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-
West Hwy., Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AJ84
_______________________________________________________________________

747. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: TAKE OF THREATENED SOUTHERN 
OREGON/NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST EVOLUTIONARILY SIGNIFICANT UNIT (ESU) 
COHO SALMON

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1531 et seq to 16 USC 1543 et seq subpart B 
Sec 227.12; 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 227

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On May 6, 1997, NMFS listed the Southern Oregon/Northern 
California Coast ESU of coho salmon as threatened. NMFS is now issuing 
protective regulations under section 4(d) of the ESA which will apply 
section 9(a) prohibitions to all activities within this ESU unless: in 
compliance with section 10 or other exemptions under the ESA; in 
accordance with a timely application for a permit for scientific 
purposes to enhance propagation or survival of the species; or within 
carefully circumscribed harvest hatchery, research and monitoring, or 
habitat restoration activity exceptions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/18/97                    62 FR 38479
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lis Lierheimer, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AJ91
_______________________________________________________________________

748. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE REGIONAL FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCILS

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect State, local or tribal 
governments.
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Reorganizes text contained in section 600.215 (Appointments) 
into a more logical order and makes editorial changes for readability. 
It also reemphasizes the requirement for each RFMC constituent state 
governor, tribal indian government, and each Council nominee to comply 
with the March 15 nomination deadline.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM Comment Period Extension   08/05/97                    62 FR 42093
Final Action Appoint Regional 
Fishery Mgmt Council Members 
(Tribal)                        09/10/97                    62 FR 47584
NPRM                            01/30/98                     63 FR 4618
NPRM Fishery Mgmt Council 
Members (Obligatory and at-
large)                          01/30/98                     63 FR 4618
NPRM Comment Period End         03/02/98
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AJ95
_______________________________________________________________________

749. ADDITIONAL MEASURES OF AMENDMENT 2 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN 
FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC--PROCEDURES FOR TESTING AND 
CERTIFICATION OF BYCATCH REDUCTION DEVICES (BRDS)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: All measures of Amendment 2 were approved by the National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on February 24, 1997. Under Amendment 
2, BRDs certified by the NMFS are required to be used in all penaeid 
shrimp trawls in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South 
Atlantic (EEZ off North Carolina to Florida inclusive). The final rule 
to implement Amendment 2, effective April 21, 1997, certified three 
BRDs for such use (73 FR 18536). Amendment 2 specifies that a testing 
protocol would be developed so that additional BRDs could be tested and 
implemented, if they meet the bycatch reduction criterion for Spanish 
mackerel and weakfish (must reduce bycatch by 40 percent in number of 
weakfish and Spanish mackerel). The testing protocol was not completed 
when the proposed rule to implement Amendment 2 was published but was 
published with the

[[Page 61582]]

final rule. This action would implement that part of Amendment 2 
allowing testing of new BRDs and would specify that a person who 
proposes a BRD for certification must test such BRD and submit the 
results to the Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, in 
accordance with the ``Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Protocol 
Manual'' which contains the testing protocol and the specific reporting 
requirements for the test results.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/03/98                    63 FR 30174
NPRM Comment Period End         07/06/98
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive, North, St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK29
_______________________________________________________________________

750. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES; REGULATIONS CONSOLIDATION

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  44 USC 3501 et seq; 16 USC 1531 et seq; 16 USC 742a 
et seq; 31 USC 9701 Act of August 31, 1951, 65 Stat. 290; 16 USC 1361 
et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 217; 50 CFR 220; 50 CFR 221; 50 CFR 222; 50 CFR 
223; 50 CFR 225; 50 CFR 226; 50 CFR 227

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule consolidates and reorganizes existing 
regulations regarding implementation of the Endangered Species Act. The 
action is part of the President's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Therese Conant, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East 
West Highway, Sillver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376

RIN: 0648-AK34
_______________________________________________________________________

751. PROPOSED HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES PROCESS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 971 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 630

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS proposes to revise the administrative procedures it 
follows to prepare and issue highly migratory species (HMS) management 
plans (FMPs), FMP amendments and implementing regulations for the 
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea in response to recent 
amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/18/97                    62 FR 48990
NPRM Comment Period End         10/15/97
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AK40
_______________________________________________________________________

752. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GOLDEN CRAB 
FISHERY OF SOUTHERN ATLANTIC STATES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Regulatory amendment, under the framework procedure for 
adjusting management measures of the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Golden Crab Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP), that would: 
Extend through January 31, 1999, the authorized use of wire cable in 
the golden crab fishery in the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone; 
revise the vessel size limitations applicable when a vessel permit is 
transferred to another vessel; remove from final regulations 
implementing the FMP the eligibility criteria and procedures for 
obtaining initial commercial permits in the golden crab fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/26/98                    63 FR 34842
NPRM Comment Period End         07/13/98
Final Action                    10/00/98
Final Action Effective          11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL. 
33702-2432
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK43
_______________________________________________________________________

753. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: PROPOSED THREATENED STATUS AND 
DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT FOR WEST COAST SOCKEYE SALMON

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 226; 50 CFR 227

[[Page 61583]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS has completed a comprehensive review of west coast 
sockeye salmon in Washington, Oregon and California and has identified 
6 evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) within this range. NMFS is 
now fashioning a proposed rule to list one ESU as threatened under the 
Endangered Species Act. NMFS is also proposing critical habitat which 
will encompass the species current freshwater and estuarine range.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/10/98                    63 FR 11750
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/98                    63 FR 30455
Final Action                    03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Kellie Carter, Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AK52
_______________________________________________________________________

754. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: PROPOSED ENDANGERED STATUS AND 
DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT FOR COASTWIDE CHUM SALMON

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 226; 50 CFR 227

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, March 10, 1999.

Abstract: NMFS has completed a comprehensive status review for chum 
salmon populations in Washington, Oregon and California and has 
identified evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) within the range. 
NMFS is now issuing a proposed rule to list appropriate ESUs under the 
Endangered Species Act. NMFS is also proposing critical habitat for 
ESUs proposed for listing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/10/98                    63 FR 11773
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/98                    63 FR 30455
Final Action                    03/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Kellie Carter, Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AK53
_______________________________________________________________________

755. ATLANTIC BILLFISH SIZE LIMITS AND TOURNAMENT NOTIFICATION 
REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 644

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS increases the minimum size limit for Atlantic White and 
Blue Marlins, and institutes a requirement to notify NMFS of 
tournaments involving any Atlantic billfish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/29/98                    63 FR 51859
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/23/98
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334
Fax: 301 713-0596

RIN: 0648-AK88
_______________________________________________________________________

756.  FISHERY DISASTER RELIEF

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NOAA plans to issue an interpretative rule on disaster 
assistance under section 312(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Michael L. Grable, Chief, Financial Services Division, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2390
Fax: 301 713-1939

RIN: 0648-AL13
_______________________________________________________________________

757.  INTERIM RULE TO CERTIFY THREE BYCATCH REDUCTION DEVICES 
(BRDS) UNDER AMENDMENT 9 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP 
FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 9 requires the use of NMFS-certified BRDs in shrimp 
trawls towed in the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone (EEZ), 
shoreward of the 100-fm (183-m) depth contour west of 85 degree 30 
minutes west longitude, the approximate longitude of Cape San Blas, 
Florida. This interim rule certifies three BRDs, the Jones-Davis, 
fisheye (5-mesh), and fisheye (offset), as meeting the red snapper 
bycatch reduction criterion embodied in Amendment 9 on an interim 
basis.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/19/98                    63 FR 27499
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast

[[Page 61584]]

Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL14
_______________________________________________________________________

758.  INTERIM RULE TO REQUIRE SHRIMP TRAWL VESSEL OBSERVERS, 
LOGBOOKS, AND MONITORING SYSTEMS IN THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OF THE 
GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim rule provides NMFS with the regulatory authority 
to implement a mandatory shrimp trawl vessel observer program, a 
logbook program and a vessel monitoring system (VMS) starting May 1, 
1998, in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico. These 
interim measures are needed for provide statistically valid estimates 
of the operational efficiency of NMFS certified bycatch reduction 
devices (BRDs) for reducing juvenile red snapper bycatch mortality and 
for estimating bycatch of that species. An intensive short-term 
research program will be conducted between May 1, 1998, and August 31, 
1998, to measure and estimate these parameters. The results of this 
study will determine how much, if any, of red snapper total allowable 
catch (TAC) will be released for harvest for the fall season beginning 
September 1, 1998 under a separate interim rule. Currently 6.0 million 
pounds (MP) of the 9.12 MP TAC has been released for the Spring season. 
If BRDs reduce shrimp trawl-induced mortality of juvenile red snapper 
by 50 percent or less, no reserve TAC will be released in order to 
prevent overfishing of that species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/19/98                    63 FR 27486
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL15
_______________________________________________________________________

759.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT STAND-DOWN REQUIREMENT 
FOR CATCHER VESSELS TRANSITING BETWEEN BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS 
AND GULF OF ALASKA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of the 
comment period of the proposed rule.

Abstract: This action would impose a stand-down requirement for all 
trawl catcher vessels transiting between the Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands and Gulf of Alaska management areas during times the pollock or 
Pacific cod fisheries are open in either area to reduce risk of harvest 
overruns.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL26
_______________________________________________________________________

760.  VESSEL TRACKING SYSTEM POWER DOWN EXEMPTION RULE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would change the name Vessel Tracking System to 
Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and would change the VMS operating 
requirements for vessels to allow the VMS unit to be turned off if the 
vessel is out of the water continuously for more than 72 consecutive 
hours, provided the vessel obtains and complies with a letter of 
exemption.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/28/98                    63 FR 40253
NPRM Comment Period End         08/27/98
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One 
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AL35
_______________________________________________________________________

761.  EMERGENCY INTERIM RULE TO RELEASE THE REMAINING 1998 
RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL QUOTA RESERVES FOR GULF OF MEXICO RED 
SNAPPER

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline:  Other, Statutory.
Emergency rule effective for 180 days after publication and may be 
extended for one additional period of not more than 180 days.

Abstract: This rule releases the remainder of the 3.12 million pound 
1998 reserved red snapper total allowable catch (TAC) to the commercial 
and recreational fisheries and closes the recreational fishery on 
September 30, 1998. Of the reserved TAC, 1.53 million pounds will be 
released to the commercial fishery on September 1, 1998, and 1.59 
million pounds will be released to the recreational fishery upon 
issuance of the rule. The emergency rule is intended to prevent severe 
economic and social hardships in the red snapper commercial and 
recreational fisheries, and in the communities dependent upon them.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98

[[Page 61585]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer, Regional Administrator, Southeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 
33702-2432
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL61
_______________________________________________________________________

762.  1999 HARVEST GUIDELINE FOR THE NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN 
ISLANDS LOBSTER FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action announces the 1999 harvest guidelines for the 
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands crustacean fishery. The guideline is 
calculated according to the formula in the Fishery Management Plan for 
the Crustaceans Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          07/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802-4213
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AL63
_______________________________________________________________________

763.  1999-2000 MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR COMMERCIAL, 
RECREATIONAL, AND TREATY INDIAN SALMON FISHERIES OFF THE COASTS OF 
WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND CALIFORNIA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Annual management measures for the 1999-2000 fishing year 
would specify allowable ocean harvest levels (including quotas), 
allocations, management boundaries and zones, minimum size limits, gear 
definitions, seasons, selective fisheries, and in-season notice 
procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/99
Final Action Effective          05/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-0070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL64
_______________________________________________________________________

764.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT A LIMITED ACCESS PROGRAM 
THAT REQUIRES SPECIES ENDORSEMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN FISHERIES TARGETING 
CERTAIN GROUNDFISH SPECIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of interim 
final rule comment period.

Abstract: Regulations would implement species-specific permit 
endorsement requirements for commercial groundfish fisheries. Limited 
entry permit holders would be either allowed to or prohibited from 
landing those species, based on historic dependence on those species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/00/99
Final Action                    10/00/99
Final Action Effective          11/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-0070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL65
_______________________________________________________________________

765.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ALLOW LIMITED ENTRY TRAWLERS TO 
RETAIN GROUNDFISH TAKEN IN EXCESS OF CUMULATIVE TRIP LIMITS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of interim 
final rule comment period.

Abstract: Regulations would allow limited entry groundfish trawlers to 
retain groundfish taken in excess of cumulative trip limits. Groundfish 
in excess of trip limits, ``overage,'' would be sold to designated 
processors, at no profit to the fisher. Proceeds from the sale of 
groundfish overages would be placed in a fund managed by the Pacific 
States Marine Fisheries Commission. This fund will be used to conduct 
research on Pacific coast groundfish stocks.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/00/99
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL68

[[Page 61586]]

_______________________________________________________________________

766.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ALLOCATE LINGCOD AND BOCACCIO 
ROCKFISH BETWEEN COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL GROUNDFISH FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of interim 
final rule comment period.

Abstract: Regulations would set allocations of lingcod and bocaccio 
rockfish between the commercial and recreational fisheries for Pacific 
Coast groundfish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/00/99
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-0070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL69
_______________________________________________________________________

767.  FRAMEWORK TO IMPLEMENT ANNUAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR 
NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation would implement annual management measures 
for the Northeast Multispecies fishery for the fishing year beginning 
May 1, 1999.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/99
Final Action Effective          05/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AL72
_______________________________________________________________________

768. INTERIM FINAL RULE FOR ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final Regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period

Abstract: This action would amend the regulations implementing the 
Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan for 90 days to include a 
prohibition on all trawl and dredge vessels fishing for and retaining 
scallops in the newly defined Hudson Canyon South closed area and 
Virginia Beach closed area.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/31/98                    63 FR 15324
Final Action                    04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: Action effective 04/03/98 through 09/27/98. 
Comments were received through April 30, 1998.

Agency Contact: Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg, Regional Administrator, 
Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9300

RIN: 0648-AK68
_______________________________________________________________________

769. CIVIL PROCEDURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 to 1882; 16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 
to 1407; 16 USC 3371 to 3378; 16 USC 1431 to 1439; 16 USC 773 to 773k; 
16 USC 951 to 961; 16 USC 1021 to 1032; 16 USC 3631 to 3644; 42 USC 
9101 et seq; 30 USC 1401 et seq; 16 USC 971 to 971i; 16 USC 781 et seq; 
16 USC 972 to 972b; 16 USC 916 to 916l; ...

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 904

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim final rule amends NOAA's regulations to make 
them consistent with a Federal District Court ruling on the Agency's 
consideration of a respondent's ability to pay when assessing a civil 
penalty. The amendment removed a provision which placed the burden on 
the respondent to raise and prove inability to pay an assessed penalty 
when the statute involved requires NOAA to take ability to pay into 
account. A subsequent amendment to the statute in the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act will require changes to the 
interim final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/02/93                    58 FR 58484
Final Action                    09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: This rule remains in interim final status. The 
final rule will reflect changes necessitated by recent statutory 
amendments enacted as part of the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries 
Conservation and Management Act.

Agency Contact: Hugh Schratwieser, Attorney Adviser, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of 
the Assistant General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation (GCEL), 
8484 Georgia Ave. 4th Fl, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 427-2202

RIN: 0648-AF96
_______________________________________________________________________

770. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR TUNA VESSEL OPERATORS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NOAA has established a system of performance standards for 
operators of U.S.-flag tuna purse seine fishing vessels that catch 
yellowfin

[[Page 61587]]

tuna associated with marine mammals in the eastern tropical Pacific 
Ocean.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/01/89                    54 FR 46086
NPRM Comment Period End         12/01/89
Interim Final Rule              05/17/90                    55 FR 20458
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/03/90
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hilda Diaz-Soltero, Regional Administrator, Southwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-
4213
Phone: 310 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AD03
_______________________________________________________________________

771. TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; DOLPHIN MORTALITY LIMITS 
DURING PURSE SEINE SETS ON MARINE MAMMALS IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL 
PACIFIC

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216.24

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim final rule will amend the current performance 
standards in the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulations to 
ensure that U.S. vessels can be legally prevented from making sets on 
tuna associated with dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean 
once the vessel's dolphin mortality limit is reached. This rule also 
implements portions of the International Dolphin Conservation Act of 
1992.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/19/93                    58 FR 29127
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hilda Diaz-Soltero, Regional Administrator, Southwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-
4213
Phone: 310 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AF07
_______________________________________________________________________

772. TAKE OF MARINE MAMMALS BY THE U.S. NAVY INCIDENTAL TO MILITARY 
ACTIVITIES IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC OF THE UNITED STATES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Navy has petitioned NMFS for regulations that would 
authorize a small take of marine mammals incidental to ship shock 
trials in oceanic waters offshore Florida or Virginia. Under the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act, NMFS is allowed to authorize these takings if 
certain findings are made and regulations are issued that include 
requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/14/96                    61 FR 30212
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/15/96
NPRM                            08/02/96                    61 FR 40377
NPRM Comment Period End         09/17/96
Final Action                    10/00/98
Final Action Effective          11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Kenneth Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, NMFS, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2055

RIN: 0648-AG55
_______________________________________________________________________

773. DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT; CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COAST AND SOUTHERN 
OREGON/NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST COHO SALMON

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1533

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 226

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, October 31, 1997.
Critical habitat designation for central California coast coho salmon 
is due one year after the listing, or 10/31/97. Critical habitat 
designation for Southern Oregon/Northern (cont)

Abstract: NMFS proposed to designate critical habitat for two 
Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus 
kisutch) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. Critical 
habitat for the Central California Coast ESU encompasses accessible 
reaches of all rivers (including estuarine areas and tributaries) 
between Punta Gorda and the San Lorenzo River (inclusive) in 
California. Also included are two rivers entering San Francisco Bay: 
Mill Valley Creek and Corte Madera Creek. Critical habitat for the 
Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast ESU encompasses accessible 
reaches of all rivers (including estuarine areas and tributaries) 
between the Mattole River in California and the Elk River in Oregon, 
inclusive.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/10/98                    63 FR 23710
Final Action                    10/00/98
Final Action Effective          11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Additional Information: LEGAL DEADLINE CONT: California coast coho 
salmon is due one year after the listing, or 5/6/98.

Agency Contact: Michelle Rogers, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of 
Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, F/PR3, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AG56
_______________________________________________________________________

774. TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS: PROPOSED RULE PROHIBITING 
U.S. CITIZENS FROM ENCIRCLING MARINE MAMMALS DURING TUNA FISHING 
OPERATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216.24

[[Page 61588]]

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory. Final, Statutory, March 1, 1994.

Abstract: This rule proposes implementation of section 307 (a)(2) of 
the International Dolphin Conservation Act, which makes it unlawful for 
any person or vessel that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United 
States, intentionally to set a purse seine net or to encircle any 
marine mammal during any tuna fishing operation, with certain 
exceptions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/12/94                    59 FR 51552
NPRM Comment Period End         11/14/94
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hilda Diaz-Soltero, Regional Administrator, Southwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-
4213
Phone: 310 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AH04
_______________________________________________________________________

775. FINAL RULE TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES FOR NONLETHALLY DETERRING MARINE 
MAMMALS FROM ENDANGERING PERSONAL SAFETY OR DAMAGING PUBLIC OR PRIVATE 
PROPERTY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq The Marine Mammal Protection Act

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, January 1, 1995.

Abstract: On April 30, 1994, the President signed Pub. L. 103-238, the 
Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. One part of this law 
implemented a new section 101(a)(4) to authorize the nonlethal 
harassment takings by citizens of the United States to deter marine 
mammals from: (1) Damaging commercial fishing gear or catch; (2) 
damaging private property; (3) endangering public safety; or (4) 
damaging public property. The amendments require a list of guidelines 
for use in safely deterring marine mammals and provide for prohibiting 
certain deterrent measures that may have a significant adverse impact 
on marine mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/05/95                    60 FR 22345
NPRM Comment Period End         07/05/95
Final Action                    10/00/98
Final Action Effective          11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth R. Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of 
Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-
3226
Phone: 301 713-2055

RIN: 0648-AH19
_______________________________________________________________________

776. GENERAL AUTHORIZATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INVOLVING LEVEL B 
HARASSMENT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect State, local or tribal 
governments and the private sector.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1151 et seq Fur Seal Act; 16 USC 1631 et seq 
Marine Mammal Protection Act

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, August 30, 1994.

Abstract: This final rule is required by the 1994 amendments to the 
Marine Mammal Protection Act. These regulations establish a general 
authorization for bona fide scientific research on non-endangered and 
non-threatened marine mammals that may result in harassment with only 
the potential to disturb. Inclusion under the general authorization is 
achieved by letter of intent to the National Marine Fisheries Service 
and a letter of confirmation from the Service.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/03/94                    59 FR 50372
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/17/94
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Ruth Johnson, Marine Resources Management Specialist, 
Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910-3226
Phone: 301 713-2289

RIN: 0648-AH20
_______________________________________________________________________

777. DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT; GREEN AND HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1533

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 226

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, November 7, 1997. Final, Statutory, 
December 19, 1998.
Petition to designate critical habitat was received 11/07/96. According 
to regulations, we have 1-year to propose rulemaking.

Abstract: NOAA proposes to designate critical habitat for the 
threatened green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and endangered hawksbill 
turtle (Eretmochelys imbricatta) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act 
of 1973 (ESA). The geographic area proposed for critical habitat 
designation comprises the coastal waters surrounding the islands of 
Mona, Monito, and the Culebra archipelago, from the Mean High Water 
line seaward to 3 nautical miles (nm). This designation provides 
explicit notice to Federal agencies and the public that these areas and 
features are vital to the conservation of the species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/19/97                    62 FR 66584
NPRM Comment Period End         02/17/98
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Barbara Schroeder, National Sea Turtle Coordinator, 
Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401

[[Page 61589]]

Fax: 301 713-0376

RIN: 0648-AH88
_______________________________________________________________________

778. TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO COMMERCIAL FISHING 
OPERATIONS; TAKE REDUCTION PLAN REGULATIONS AND EMERGENCY REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq The Marine Mammal Protection Act

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 229

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Marine Mammal Protection Act amendments of 1994 (Public 
Law 103-238) provide for the development and implementation of take 
reduction plans to assist in the recovery or prevent the depletion of 
strategic marine mammal stocks. These take reduction plans shall be 
developed by take reduction teams, comprised of representatives of 
Federal, state, and other government agencies, as well as other non-
governmental organizations. In some cases, take reduction plans may 
recommend regulatory measures for effective implementation. NMFS must 
publish proposed regulations to implement such plans for public review 
and comment during a period not to exceed 90 days.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/22/97                    62 FR 39157
Interim Final Rule Atlantic 
Large Whale Take Reduction Plan 07/22/97                    62 FR 39157
NPRM Gulf of Maine Harbor 
Porpoise Take Reduction Plan    08/13/97                    62 FR 43302
NPRM                            08/15/97                    62 FR 43302
Final Action Pacific Offshore 
Cetacean Take Reduction Plan    10/03/97                    62 FR 51805
NPRM Comment Period End         10/14/97
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Vicki Cornish, Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 713-0376
  
Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 713-0376

RIN: 0648-AI84
_______________________________________________________________________

779. DRAFT POLICIES FOR SAFE HARBOR AND CANDIDATE SPECIES CONSERVATION 
(CCA) AGREEMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1531 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 222

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and 
Wildlife Service jointly proposed these policies to allow non-Federal 
landowners to obtain ESA section 10(a)(1)(A) enhancement of survival 
permits associated with a Safe Harbor or CSC Agreement. They would be 
between the Services and non-Federal landowners to provide a net 
conservation benefit to endangered species. After terms of the 
Agreement are completed, the enrolled lands could be returned to the 
baseline or agreed upon conditions through incidental taking authorized 
in the permit. These enhancement permits will provide non-Federal 
landowners, who take voluntary conservation activities agreed to in the 
agreements, assurances that future land use will not be restricted as a 
result of their conservation efforts. The enhancement of survival 
permits would authorize the incidental taking in performing management 
actions to achieve the net conservation benefit as well as incidental 
take authorized to return the land to target conditions upon the 
completion of all the management actions. Participating landowners will 
derive regulatory certainty, because the ESA will not prohibit them 
from returning their land to original or agreed upon conditions once 
the Agreement is fulfilled. The Agreements encourage beneficial land-
use, which helps imperiled species. The FWS has its own permit 
regulations and has made a similar request under E.O. 12866; the 
request number is RIN 108-AD95.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/12/97                      62 FR 113
NPRM Comment Period End         08/11/97
Final Action                    11/00/98
Final Action Effective          12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Margaret Lorenz, ESA Policy Coordinator, NMFS, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376

RIN: 0648-AJ54
_______________________________________________________________________

780. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES; STATUS OF CHINOOK SALMON IN 
WASHINGTON, IDAHO, OREGON AND CALIFORNIA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 226; 50 CFR 227

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Judicial, February 26, 1998. Final, Statutory, 
March 9, 1999.

Abstract: NMFS has completed a comprehensive status review of west 
coast chinook salmon populations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and 
California. NMFS has identified 15 evolutionarily significant units 
(ESUs) of chinook within this range. NMFS is now proposing critical 
habitat for the ESUs that will be proposed for listing under the 
Endangered Species Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/09/98                    63 FR 11482
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/98                    63 FR 30455
Final Action                    03/00/99
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Lisa Lierheimer, Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected

[[Page 61590]]

Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AK02
_______________________________________________________________________

781. NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE PROTECTION

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 229

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, July 15, 1997.
Court mandated deadline.

Abstract: NMFS issued an interim final rule implementing a take 
reduction plan to reduce serious injury and mortality to large whale 
species on July 22, 1997 (62 FR 3915). Fisheries covered by the plan 
are the multispecies groundfish gillnet fisheries in the Gulf of Maine; 
the Gulf of Maine lobster fisheries; the mid-Atlantic coastal gillnet 
fisheries; and the shark driftnet fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/22/97                     62 FR 3915
Final Action                    01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Greg Silber, Fisheries Biologist, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322

RIN: 0648-AK41
_______________________________________________________________________

782. TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO ACTIVITIES AT VANDENBERG AIR 
FORCE BASE, CA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS received a petition for regulations and an application 
from the 30th Space Wing, U.S. Air Force, for an incidental, small take 
exemption under section 101(a)(5)(A) of the Marine Mammal Protection 
Act (MMPA) for the potential harassment of marine mammals incidental to 
missile and rocket launches, aircraft flight test operations and 
helicopter operations at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
Noise generated by aircraft and by missile and rocket launches on 
Vandenberg may cause negligible short-term impacts to pinnipeds hauled 
out on the Vandenberg coastline. Because the noise may potentially 
result in disturbance of pinnipeds, an MMPA authorization is warranted. 
As a result of this request, NMFS has proposed regulations that would 
authorize the incidental taking of a small number of marine mammals. 
The taking can be authorized if certain findings are made that include 
requirements for monitoring and reporting the take.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/14/97                    62 FR 61077
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/14/97
NPRM                            07/21/98                    63 FR 39055
NPRM Comment Period End         09/04/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2055

RIN: 0648-AK42
_______________________________________________________________________

783. DEFINITION OF HARM UNDER THE ESA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1531 to 1543

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 227

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule defines the term ``harm'' which is 
contained in the Endangered Species Act. The purpose of this rulemaking 
is to help resolve uncertainty concerning the type of harm that may 
result in a take of a listed species under the ESA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/01/98                    63 FR 24148
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/98
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tracy Jordan, Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AK55
_______________________________________________________________________

784.  PACIFIC OFFSHORE CETACEAN TAKE REDUCTION PLAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 229

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim final rule would allow vessel operators 
participating in the California/Oregon drift gillnet fishery for 
thresher shark and swordfish to use longer lines to attach pingers to 
the nets.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/98
Final Action Effective          11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802-4213
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AL70

[[Page 61591]]

_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL OCEAN SURVEY/OFFICE OF COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
____________________________________________________
785. THUNDER BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1431 to 1445

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 922

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations will protect the ecological, recreational, 
and esthetic resources of the waters surrounding Thunder Bay if the 
area is designated as a national marine sanctuary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/23/97                    62 FR 33768
NPRM Comment Period End         09/22/97
Final Action                    01/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stephanie R. Thornton, Chief, Sanctuaries and Reserve 
Division, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1305 East-West Highway (N/ORM2), Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-3155

RIN: 0648-AE41
_______________________________________________________________________

786. PROHIBITING ANCHORING BY VESSELS 50 METERS OR GREATER IN LENGTH ON 
TORTUGAS BANK WITHIN THE FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1431 et seq

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 922

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is 
planning to amend the regulations for the Florida Keys National Marine 
Sanctuary to prohibit anchoring by vessels 50 meters or greater in 
registered length on Tortugas Bank. The preamble to this rule contains 
an environmental assessment for this proposed action. The intent of 
this rule is to protect the coral reef at Tortugas Bank.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/11/98                     63 FR 6883
NPRM Comment Period End         03/13/98
Final Action                    10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Billy Causey, Superintendent, Florida Keys National 
Marine Sanctuary, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 500368, Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: 305 743-2437

RIN: 0648-AK45
_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
____________________________________________________
787. LICENSING OF PRIVATE COMMERCIAL REMOTE-SENSING SATELLITE SYSTEMS

Regulatory Plan:  This entry is Seq. No. 16 in Part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0648-AC64
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Long-Term Actions
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
____________________________________________________
788. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT PERMIT, REPORTING, AND 
RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS FOR PROCESSING VESSELS OVER 125 FEET AND 
THEIR CATCHER VESSELS: PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/19/92                    57 FR 54552
NPRM Comment Period End         12/21/92
NPRM                            12/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/00
Final Action                    03/00/00
Final Action Effective          04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AE01
_______________________________________________________________________

789. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR DOMESTIC FISHERIES--STANDARD DEFINITIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 600

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Richard H. Schaefer
Phone: 301 427-2014
Fax: 301 427-2313

RIN: 0648-AG46
_______________________________________________________________________

790. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON FISHING BLACK 
ROCKFISH OFF OREGON

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/00
Final Action                    03/00/00
Final Action Effective          04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: William Stelle
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AG81

[[Page 61592]]

_______________________________________________________________________

791. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO REVISE THE PRODUCT RECOVERY RATE CODES FOR 
CERTAIN ALASKA GROUNDFISH PRODUCTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AI87
_______________________________________________________________________

792. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FMP REGARDING SALMON 
BYCATCH IN GROUNDFISH TRAWL

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/00
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/00
Final Action                    04/00/00
Final Action Effective          05/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AJ22
_______________________________________________________________________

793. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT BYCATCH REDUCTION MEASURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AJ47
_______________________________________________________________________

794. IMPLEMENTATION OF DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO THE 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 649

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AJ75
_______________________________________________________________________

795. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO DEVELOP A C. BAIRDI VESSEL INCENTIVE 
PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK08
_______________________________________________________________________

796. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ALLOCATE PACIFIC HALIBUT TO THE HALIBUT 
SUBSISTENCE FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 300

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK16
_______________________________________________________________________

797. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ALLOCATE PACIFIC HALIBUT TO THE CHARTER 
BOAT FLEET

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 300

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK17
_______________________________________________________________________

798. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT OBSERVER REQUIREMENTS FOR 
PROCESSING VESSELS OVER 125 FEET: PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/19/92                    57 FR 54552
NPRM Comment Period End         12/21/92
Final Action                    01/00/00
Final Action Effective          02/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AK26
_______________________________________________________________________

799. OBSERVER FUNDING POLICY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AL08

[[Page 61593]]

_______________________________________________________________________

800.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO FUND PURCHASE OF LIMITED ENTRY 
TRAWL PERMITS TO REDUCE EXCESS CAPACITY IN PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH 
FLEET

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: Regulations would authorize Federal purchase of Pacific Coast 
groundfish limited entry trawl permits, under section 312(b) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, ``Fishing 
Capacity Reduction Program.'' Federal purchase of trawl permits would 
be considered a ``loan'' to the trawl fleet, which would be repaid by 
that fleet through a tax on groundfish landings by limited entry trawl 
vessels. The goal of this program would be to match effort within the 
fishery more closely with available resources.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/00
Final Action                    03/00/00
Final Action Effective          04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, 
WA 98115-070
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AL66
_______________________________________________________________________

801.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH PROGRAM FOR COLLECTION 
AND USE OF FEES IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would establish a program for the 
collection and use, including the procedures, of fees in the Community 
Development Quota Program. The collection of fees would recover the 
costs of managing and enforcing the CDQ program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/00
Final Action                    03/00/00
Final Action Effective          04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AL71
_______________________________________________________________________

802. TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; ``DOLPHIN-SAFE'' TUNA 
LABELING

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216; 50 CFR 247

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/19/91                    56 FR 47418
Final Action                    12/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth
Phone: 562 980-4018

RIN: 0648-AF08
_______________________________________________________________________

803. PROPOSED RULE TO REQUIRE CERTAIN FISH FROM MEXICO TO RETAIN HEADS 
AND TAILS INTACT IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE ENDANGERED TOTOABA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 227

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth R. Hollingshead
Phone: 301 713-2055

RIN: 0648-AF32
_______________________________________________________________________

804. TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO FISHERIES-RELATED RESEARCH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 228; 50 CFR 216

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/09/91                    56 FR 64234
ANPRM Comment Period End        01/08/92


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Kenneth Hollingshead
Phone: 301 713-2055

RIN: 0648-AF50
_______________________________________________________________________

805. DIRECT TAKE OF THREATENED SALMON BY NATIVE AMERICANS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 227.21

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Lisa Lierheimer
Phone: 301 713-0376

RIN: 0648-AG15
_______________________________________________________________________

806. PROPOSED RULE TO AUTHORIZE LETHAL TAKINGS OF MARINE MAMMALS BY 
STATE AUTHORITIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

[[Page 61594]]

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Kenneth R. Hollingshead
Phone: 301 713-2055

RIN: 0648-AG79
_______________________________________________________________________

807. FINAL RULE TO AMEND MARINE MAMMAL REGULATIONS TO AUTHORIZE 
INCIDENTAL TAKINGS OF MARINE MAMMALS BY HARASSMENT AS AUTHORIZED BY 
PUBLIC LAW 103-238

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/31/95                    60 FR 28379
NPRM Comment Period End         10/16/95                    60 FR 35891
Interim Final Rule              04/10/96                    61 FR 15884
Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Kenneth R. Hollingshead
Phone: 301 713-2055

RIN: 0648-AG80
_______________________________________________________________________

808. NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE PROTECTION; INTERIM FINAL RULE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 222; 50 CFR 217

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/27/94                    59 FR 66513
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/27/95
NPRM                            08/07/96                    61 FR 41116
NPRM Comment Period End         11/07/96
Interim Final Rule              02/13/97                     62 FR 6729
Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Margot Bohan
Phone: 301 713-2322

RIN: 0648-AH47
_______________________________________________________________________

809. SHRIMP VESSEL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 227

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/13/95                    60 FR 47597
NPRM                            00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Therese Conant
Phone: 301 713-1401

RIN: 0648-AH87
_______________________________________________________________________

810. SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION; SHRIMP TRAWLING REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 222; 50 CFR 223

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/13/98                    63 FR 17948
Final Action                    10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Therese Conant
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AK66
_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL OCEAN SURVEY/OFFICE OF COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
____________________________________________________
811. OPERATIONS OF MOTORIZED PERSONAL WATERCRAFT IN THE GULF OF THE 
FARALLONES NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 922

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Stephanie R. Thornton
Phone: 301 713-3155

RIN: 0648-AK01
_______________________________________________________________________

812. MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY--MINOR BOUNDARY REVISION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 922

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stephanie Thornton
Phone: 301 713-3155

RIN: 0648-AL07
_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
____________________________________________________
813. REGIONAL MARINE RESEARCH PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Don Scavia
Phone: 301 713-3338

RIN: 0648-AF20
_______________________________________________________________________

814. NATIONAL UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM FUNDING REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  None

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Henry Frey
Phone: 301 713-2448

RIN: 0648-AH90

[[Page 61595]]

_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Completed Actions
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________

815. SECRETARIAL AMENDMENT TO THE FMP FOR ATLANTIC SWORDFISH

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 630

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Combined With Rule 
for HMS FMP (0648-AJ67)         08/18/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AE09
_______________________________________________________________________

816. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE ATLANTIC SURF 
CLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/19/98                    63 FR 27481
Final Action Effective          05/21/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AF41
_______________________________________________________________________

817. AMENDMENT 8 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR COASTAL MIGRATORY 
PELAGIC RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC (FMP)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/04/98                    63 FR 10561
Final Action Effective          04/03/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AG25
_______________________________________________________________________

818. AMENDMENT 8 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER-GROUPER 
FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/16/98                    63 FR 38298
Final Action Effective          08/17/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AG27
_______________________________________________________________________

819. REGULATORY AMENDMENT FOR THE GULF OF ALASKA SEAMOUNT FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Legal Issues 
Unresolved                      08/17/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AG94
_______________________________________________________________________

820. AMENDMENT 9 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY 
OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/14/98                    63 FR 18139
Final Action Effective          05/14/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AH52
_______________________________________________________________________

821. PLAN AMENDMENT TO FMP FOR SHARKS OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN THAT WOULD 
LIMIT ENTRY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 678

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Combined With Rule for HMS FMP - 
(RIN 0648-AJ67)                 08/18/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C.Matlock
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AH78
_______________________________________________________________________

822. CONSOLIDATION OF ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 902; 50 CFR 285; 50 CFR 630; 50 CFR 644; 50 CFR 
678

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Combined With Rule for HMS FMP - 
(RIN 0648-AJ67)                 08/18/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary Matlock
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AI28
_______________________________________________________________________

823. REGULATORY AMENDMENT REQUIRING LONGLINE VESSEL OPERATORS IN THE 
WESTERN PACIFIC PELAGIC FISHERIES TO CARRY OBSERVERS AT NO COST TO U.S. 
GOVERNMENT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - There is no national 
policy for observer funding     08/11/98

[[Page 61596]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AI31
_______________________________________________________________________

824. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH LIMITS FOR 
THE ATLANTIC AND GULF OF MEXICO GROUPS OF KING AND SPANISH MACKEREL FOR 
THE 1997-98 FISHING YEAR

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/19/98                     63 FR 8353
Final Action Effective          02/19/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew Kemmerer
Phone: 727 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AJ12
_______________________________________________________________________

825. AMENDMENT 11 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH 
RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO - RESUBMITTED MEASURE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/04/98                    63 FR 24522

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AJ16
_______________________________________________________________________

826. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO RESTRICT FREQUENCY OF LIMITED ENTRY PERMIT 
TRANSFERS AND REQUIRE THE SORTING OF CATCH BY SPECIES AND THE RETENTION 
OF FISH TICKETS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/25/98                    63 FR 34606
Final Action Effective          07/27/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AJ20
_______________________________________________________________________

827. IMPLEMENTATION OF USE OF INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE (IVR) SYSTEM TO 
MONITOR COMMERCIAL LANDINGS OF QUOTA MANAGED SPECIES ON WEEKLY BASIS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/01/98                    63 FR 52639
Final Action Effective          11/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AJ37
_______________________________________________________________________

828. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO PREVENT OVERFISHING AND REBUILD STOCKS

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Duplicate RIN       08/17/98

RIN: 0648-AJ46
_______________________________________________________________________

829. AMENDMENTS TO THE BSAI AND GOA FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS TO 
IMPLEMENT A DATA COLLECTION PROGRAM FOR RECREATIONAL, CHARTER, AND 
COMMERCIAL FISHING

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/17/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AJ49
_______________________________________________________________________

830. AMENDMENT 3 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SCALLOP FISHERY 
OFF ALASKA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/17/98                    63 FR 38501
Final Action Effective          07/14/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AJ51
_______________________________________________________________________

831. MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT PROVISIONS; NATIONAL STANDARDS GUIDELINES

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 600

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/01/98                    63 FR 24212

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AJ58
_______________________________________________________________________

832. ATLANTIC SHARK FISHERIES; AMENDMENT 2 (INCLUDING REBUILDING 
SCHEDULE)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 630

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Combined With Rule for HMS FMP - 
(RIN 0648-AJ67)                 08/18/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AJ64

[[Page 61597]]

_______________________________________________________________________

833. WITHDRAWAL OF THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE AMERICAN LOBSTER 
FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 649

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Action Being 
Processed Under RIN 0648-AH41   08/17/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AJ73
_______________________________________________________________________

834. INTERIM FINAL RULE TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE AMERICAN 
LOBSTER FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 697

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/02/98                    63 FR 10154
Final Action Effective          03/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AJ74
_______________________________________________________________________

835. PROPOSED RULE TO IMPLEMENT OBSERVER PROVISIONS REQUIRED BY THE 
MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT AS AMENDED 
OCTOBER 11, 1996

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 600

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/18/98                    63 FR 27213
Final Action Effective          06/17/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Bellows
Phone: 301 713-2344
Fax: 301 713-0596

RIN: 0648-AJ76
_______________________________________________________________________

836. HALIBUT DONATION PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/12/98                    63 FR 32144
Final Action Effective          07/13/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AJ87
_______________________________________________________________________

837. IMPLEMENT A FRAMEWORK TO THE FMP FOR THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES 
FISHERIES TO PROTECT WINTER FLOUNDER

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With RIN 0648-AL31       08/17/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AJ92
_______________________________________________________________________

838. ANTARCTIC MARINE LIVING RESOURCES CONVENTION ACT OF 1984; 
CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 300

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/03/98                    63 FR 30145
Final Action Effective          06/03/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robin Tuttle
Phone: 301 713-2282
Fax: 301 713-1875
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AJ94
_______________________________________________________________________

839. FINAL RULE TO IMPLEMENT FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 24 TO THE FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/10/98                    63 FR 11591
Final Action Effective          04/09/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg
Phone: 978 281-9300

RIN: 0648-AJ96
_______________________________________________________________________

840. FMP AMENDMENT 53 TO BSAI GROUNDFISH TO ALLOCATE SHORTRAKER AND 
ROUGHEYE ROCKFISH BETWEEN GEAR TYPES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/28/98                    63 FR 40190

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AJ99
_______________________________________________________________________

841. AMENDMENTS TO FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS TO IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE 
FISHERIES ACT AMENDMENTS TO THE MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622; 50 CFR 630; 50 CFR 648; 50 CFR 660; 50 CFR 
679

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock

[[Page 61598]]

Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AK03
_______________________________________________________________________

842. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ALLOW RETENTION OF UNDERSIZED HALIBUT IN 
CDQ FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 300

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/05/98                    63 FR 24751
Final Action Effective          06/04/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK06
_______________________________________________________________________

843. ADJUSTMENT OF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN 
ISLANDS CRUSTACEAN FISHERIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/27/98                    63 FR 20539
Final Action Effective          05/27/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AK22
_______________________________________________________________________

844. NORTHERN ANCHOVY FISHERY; QUOTAS FOR THE 1998-99 FISHING YEAR 
(ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/19/98                    63 FR 44409
Final Action Effective          08/15/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AK24
_______________________________________________________________________

845. 1998-1999 MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR COMMERCIAL, RECREATIONAL, AND 
TREATY INDIAN SALMON FISHERIES OFF THE COASTS OF WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND 
CALIFORNIA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/06/98                    63 FR 24973
Final Action Effective          05/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AK25
_______________________________________________________________________

846. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT 1998 NONTRAWL SABLEFISH HARVEST 
REGIME

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/15/98                    63 FR 38101
Final Action Effective          07/10/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Stelle
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AK27
_______________________________________________________________________

847. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ADJUST MANAGEMENT MEASURES UNDER THE 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REEF FISH SPECIES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO 
(FMP) FOR THE 1998 FISHING SEASON

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Substituted-Interim 
Rule Published 04/14/98 63 FR 
18145                           08/18/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK28
_______________________________________________________________________

848. FINAL RULE TO MODIFY THE REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE NORTHEAST 
MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/29/98                    63 FR 40375
Final Action Effective          07/24/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg
Phone: 978 281-9300

RIN: 0648-AK35
_______________________________________________________________________

849. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO REVISE THE RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING 
REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUNDFISH FISHERIES OF THE EEZ OFF OF ALASKA FOR 1998

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/04/98                    63 FR 47348
Final Action Effective          10/05/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK36
_______________________________________________________________________

850. TAKE OF THREATENED CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COAST, SOUTH CENTRAL 
CALIFORNIA COAST, AND SNAKE RIVER BASIN ESUS OF STEELHEAD SALMON UNDER 
THE ESA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 227

[[Page 61599]]

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Incorporated Into RIN 0648-AK94 08/17/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joe Blum
Phone: 301 713-1401

RIN: 0648-AK54
_______________________________________________________________________

851. EXTENSION FOR SIX YEARS OF MORATORIUM ON FISHING IN SEAMOUNT 
GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF WESTERN PACIFIC REGION TO PROMOTE REBUILDING OF 
STOCKS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/29/98                    63 FR 35162
Final Action Effective          09/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AK59
_______________________________________________________________________

852. IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDMENT 3 TO FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
PRECIOUS CORALS FISHERIES OF WESTERN PACIFIC REGION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/19/98                    63 FR 55809
Final Action Effective          11/18/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AK60
_______________________________________________________________________

853. ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA (ABT) FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 285

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/07/98                      63 FR 667

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AK63
_______________________________________________________________________

854. SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS OF POLLOCK TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH IN WESTERN 
AND CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/11/98                    63 FR 31939
Final Action Effective          06/10/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK71
_______________________________________________________________________

855. AMENDMENT 53 TO FMP FOR GROUNDFISH OF GULF OF ALASKA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/28/98                    63 FR 40190
Final Action Effective          07/22/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK72
_______________________________________________________________________

856. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO REDEFINE AN INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA 
DEFINITION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 679

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Incorporated Into RIN 0648-AK70 08/14/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven Pennoyer
Phone: 907 586-7228

RIN: 0648-AK75
_______________________________________________________________________

857. FINAL RULE TO IMPLEMENT FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 25 TO THE FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 
1998

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/31/98                    63 FR 15326
Final Action Effective          05/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg
Phone: 978 281-9300

RIN: 0648-AK77
_______________________________________________________________________

858. 1998 RECREATIONAL FISHERY MEASURES FOR SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND 
BLACK SEA BASS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/21/98                    63 FR 27866
Final Action Effective          05/18/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AK78

[[Page 61600]]

_______________________________________________________________________

859. SECRETARIAL AMENDMENT TO STANDARDIZE FISHING VESSEL TRANSFER, 
REPLACEMENT, AND UPGRADE REGULATIONS IN THE NORTHEAST REGION FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLANS

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Duplicate of RIN 
0648-AL36                       08/17/98

RIN: 0648-AK81
_______________________________________________________________________

860. 1998 HARVEST GUIDELINE FOR NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS LOBSTER 
FISHING

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/03/98                    63 FR 30147
Final Action Effective          07/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AK85
_______________________________________________________________________

861. ESTABLISH RULES TO COMPENSATE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERMEN 
FOR ASSISTANCE IN RESOURCES ASSESSMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action - (Emergency Rule - 
Effective 7/1/98 to 1/4/99)     07/07/98                    63 FR 36614

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Stelle
Phone: 206 526-6150

RIN: 0648-AK86
_______________________________________________________________________

862. ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA ANNUAL QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS AND EFFORT 
CONTROLS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 285

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/21/98                    63 FR 27862

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock
Phone: 301 713-2334
Fax: 301 713-0596

RIN: 0648-AK87
_______________________________________________________________________

863. RESEARCH AND MONITORING PLAN TO SUPPORT THE CONSERVATION AND 
MANAGEMENT OF HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 630

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       10/20/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary C. Matlock
Phone: 301 713-2334
Fax: 301 713-0596

RIN: 0648-AK92
_______________________________________________________________________

864. INTERIM FINAL RULE TO ADJUST THE GULF OF MEXICO RED SNAPPER TAC AND 
ASSOCIATED MANAGEMENT MEASURES IN THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE 
REEF FISH RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/14/98                    63 FR 18144

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK98
_______________________________________________________________________

865. INTERIM FINAL RULE TO EXPAND THE OCULINA HAPC BY AN ADDITIONAL 2 
MILES ON ALL SIDES TO INCLUDE EXISTING HAPC RESTRICTIONS IN THE SNAPPER-
GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       03/19/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AK99
_______________________________________________________________________

866. IFR TO IMPLEMENT MARCH-APRIL BAG LIMIT AND COMMERCIAL CATCH 
RESTRICTIONS FOR RED PORGY, GAG, BLACK GROUPER, AND GREATER AMBERJACK 
FOR THE SNAPPER-GROUPER-FISHERY OF THE S. ATLANTIC

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 622

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       05/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew J. Kemmerer
Phone: 813 570-5301

RIN: 0648-AL01
_______________________________________________________________________

867. INTERIM FINAL RULE TO ADJUST THE GULF OF MEXICO RED SNAPPER TOTAL 
ALLOWABLE CATCH AND ASSOCIATED MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Duplicate of RIN 
0648-AK98                       08/17/98

RIN: 0648-AL03

[[Page 61601]]

_______________________________________________________________________

868. COMPENSATION OF PRIVATE VESSELS FOR THEIR CONDUCT OF RESOURCE 
ASSESSMENTS THROUGH EXEMPTED FISHING

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Duplicate of RIN 
0648-AK84                       08/10/98

RIN: 0648-AL04
_______________________________________________________________________

869.  1998 ABORIGINAL SUBSISTENCE WHALING QUOTAS FOR MEMBERS OF 
THE ALASKA WHALING COMMISSION AND THE MAKAH INDIAN TRIBE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 916 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 230

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS announces aboriginal subsistence whaling quotas and 
other limitations deriving from regulations adopted at the 1997 Annual 
Meeting of the International Whaling Commission. For 1998, the quotas 
are 77 bowhead whales struck and 5 gray whales landed. These quotas and 
other limitations will govern the harvest of bowhead whales by members 
of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission and the harvest of gray whales 
by members of the Makah Indian tribe. These are initial quotas that 
will remain in effect for the 1998 season unless they are revised as a 
result of the completion of arrangements with the Russian Federation. 
Any revisions to the quotas will be published in the Federal Register.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/06/98                    63 FR 16701
Final Action Effective          04/06/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Catherine Corson, Marine Mammal Division, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322

RIN: 0648-AL11
_______________________________________________________________________

870.  FINAL RULE TO IMPLEMENT MEASURES CONTAINED IN FRAMEWORK 
ADJUSTMENT NUMBER 10 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FMP

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulations implemented under Framework 10 would extend the 
closures of a 9 mile squared site to transiting and fishing with other 
than handgear for an 18-month period to allow for the conduct of a 
NMFS-sponsored sea scallop aquaculture research project, provide for 
exemptions from the closures for vessels using certain gear types and 
for vessels participating in the project, and provide for the temporary 
exemptions for vessels participating in the project from certain 
fishing regulations that might inhibit or prevent their participation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/28/98                    63 FR 45939
Final Action Effective          08/28/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9300

RIN: 0648-AL17
_______________________________________________________________________

871.  ATLANTIC SWORDFISH FISHERY; SOUTH ATLANTIC QUOTAS; QUOTA 
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 630

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS proposes to amend regulations governing the Atlantic 
swordfish fishery to establish annual quotas for the South Atlantic 
Swordfish stock. Additionally, NMFS proposes changes to the quota 
adjustment procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/10/98                    63 FR 31710
NPRM Comment Period End         08/10/98
Final Action                    09/29/98                    63 FR 51856
Final Action Effective          10/08/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AL24
_______________________________________________________________________

872.  HALIBUT AND SABLEFISH QUOTA-SHARE LOAN PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 253

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To establish a halibut and sablefish quota-share loan program 
as required by the Sustainable Fisheries Act. Only entry level or 
fishermen who fish from small vessels are eligible.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/27/98                    63 FR 28989

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Michael L. Grable, Chief, Financial Services Division, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2390
Fax: 301 713-1939
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AL25
_______________________________________________________________________

873.  ESTABLISHMENT OF BANK/AREA-SPECIFIC HARVEST GUIDELINES FOR 
THE 1998 NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS LOBSTER FISHERY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

[[Page 61602]]

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory.
Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment 
period.

Abstract: This final rule implements Regulatory amendment under the 
framework procedures of the Fishery Management Plan for the Crustacean 
Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region. This rule allocates the 
overall 1998 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) harvest guidelines of 
286,000 lobsters (spiny and slipper combined) among three individual 
fishing banks and a fourth combined area. Specifically, no more than 
70,000 lobsters may be harvested from Necker Island; no more than 
20,000 lobsters may be harvested from Gardner Pinnacles; no more than 
80,000 lobsters may be harvested from Maro Reef; and no more than 
116,000 lobsters may be harvested from all the other remaining NWHI 
banks combined within Crustaceans Permit Area 1. This rule is intended 
to protect the lobster resources at each fishing ground, to obtain 
better data on the lobster stocks, and to conserve the resource.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/09/98                    63 FR 31406
NPRM Comment Period End         06/24/98
Final Action Effective          07/23/98
Final Action                    07/29/98                    63 FR 40377

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth, Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802-4213
Phone: 562 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AL33
_______________________________________________________________________

874.  FINAL RULE FOR THE LOLIGO SQUID/BUTTERFISH, SCUP, BLACK 
SEA BASS, AND LILEX SQUID FISHERIES; MORATORIUM VESSEL PERMIT 
ELIGIBILITY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule was implemented so that vessel owners would 
be provided with a 12-month opportunity to apply for an initial 
moratorium permit as was originally intended by the regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action Effective          06/09/98
Final Action                    06/12/98                    63 FR 32143

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9135

RIN: 0648-AL34
_______________________________________________________________________

875.  FINAL RULE TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN TO MODIFY THE 
REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
PLAN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would allow the retention of herring as an 
incidental species in addition to the list of approved species in the 
Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery. The intent of this action is to 
maximize fishing opportunities in a manner that is consistent with the 
conservation objectives of the FMP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action Effective          08/25/98
Final Action                    08/28/98                    63 FR 45965

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jon Rittgers, Acting Regional Administrator, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One 
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AL37
_______________________________________________________________________

876.  ATLANTIC TUNA FISHERY; ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 971 et seq

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 285

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Rescission of prohibition on use of spotter aircraft in 
Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery. Prohibition had been implemented under 
RIN 0648-AJ04.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action Effective          06/10/98
Final Action                    07/07/98                    63 FR 36611

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AL39
_______________________________________________________________________

877. FOREIGN NATIONS' MARINE MAMMAL PROGRAM AMENDMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216.24(e)(5)(v)(B)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Merged With RIN 
0648-AI85                       08/17/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. William T. Hogarth
Phone: 310 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AG05
_______________________________________________________________________

878. TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS 
UNDER THE ATA PERMIT AFTER FEBRUARY 28, 1994

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  50 CFR 216

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With RIN 0648-AI85       08/17/98

[[Page 61603]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hilda Diaz-Soltero
Phone: 310 980-4001

RIN: 0648-AG36
_______________________________________________________________________

879. ALLOWANCE OF SMALL-SCALE NON-INTRUSIVE JADE COLLECTING IN MONTEREY 
BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 944

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/30/98                    63 FR 15083
Final Action Effective          06/16/98                    63 FR 36339

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Elizabeth Moore
Phone: 301 713-3145

RIN: 0648-AI06
_______________________________________________________________________

880.  NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE REGULATIONS--
CLARIFICATION OF ASSISTANCE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1451 et seq

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 921

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is 
making a correction to its regulations concerning the National 
Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) to clarify that certain types 
of financial assistance awards are not subject to specified limits on 
amounts. The Coastal Zone Protection Act of 1996 amended the Coastal 
Zone Management Act (CZMA) by, among other things, eliminating the 
State match requirement in cases where financial assistance was coming 
from proceeds of a natural resource damage action. In 1997, NOAA issued 
a rule to amend the NERRS regulations to conform to the statutory 
amendments. That rule specified that the State match requirement was 
eliminated in cases where natural resource damage proceeds were being 
used to fund NERRS activities. However, the rule did not address what 
the effects of other limits on financial assistance (caps on funding, 
rather than State match) would be in these cases. This final rule 
clarifies that, in cases where financial assistance is coming from 
natural resource damage funds, the caps on financial assistance do not 
apply.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/14/98                    63 FR 26716
Final Action Effective          05/14/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mary O'Brien, Attorney Adviser, Department of Commerce, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2967

RIN: 0648-AL16
_______________________________________________________________________

881. NOAA CLIMATE AND GLOBAL CHANGE PROGRAM--PROPOSAL SUBMISSION 
GUIDELINES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/28/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Irma DuPree
Phone: 301 427-2089

RIN: 0648-AG51
_______________________________________________________________________

882. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING USE OF THE NOAA-BASED DATA 
COLLECTION SYSTEMS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 911

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/06/98                    63 FR 24917
Final Action Effective          06/05/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Dane Clark
Phone: 301 457-5678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AK04
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Long-Term Actions
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
_______________________________________________________________________

883. IMPROVEMENT OF TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT OF INTERNET NAMES AND ADDRESSES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  None

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice; Request for Comment 
Registration and Administration 
of Internet Domain              07/02/97                    62 FR 35896
NPRM                            02/20/98                     63 FR 8826
NPRM Comment Period End         03/23/98
Notice of Policy Statement      06/10/98                    63 FR 31741
Notice: Request for Public 
Public Comment                  08/04/98                    63 FR 41547
Final Action                    00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: J. Beckwith Burr
Phone: 202 482-1304
Fax: 202 482-1865
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0660-AA11

[[Page 61604]]

_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Completed Actions
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
_______________________________________________________________________

884.  ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE SELF REGULATION AND OTHER QUESTIONS 
RELATED TO PRIVACY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  47 USC 902(b)(2)(H)

CFR Citation:  None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Clinton Administration supports private sector efforts to 
implement meaningful, consumer-friendly, self regulatory regimes to 
protect privacy. Effective self regulation involves principles of fair 
information practices--awareness, choice, data security, data 
integrity, consumer access and accountability--and enforcement 
mechanisms of consumer recourse, verification, and consequences.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice; Staff Discussion Paper  06/05/98                    63 FR 30729
Final Action - Meetings Held 
June 23 and 24, 1998            06/18/98                    63 FR 33355

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Paula Bruening, Attorney-Advisor, Department of 
Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-1816
Fax: 202 501-8013
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0660-AA13
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                        Prerule Stage
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
_______________________________________________________________________

885.  CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT THE PATENT BUSINESS GOALS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  35 USC 6

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1.27; 37 CFR 1.52; 37 CFR 1.53; 37 CFR 1.75; 37 
CFR 1.84; 37 CFR 1.85; 37 CFR 1.96; 37 CFR 1.98; 37 CFR 1.103; 37 CFR 
1.111; 37 CFR 1.121; 37 CFR 1.141; 37 CFR 1.173; 37 CFR 1.177; 37 CFR 
1.192; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has established 
business goals for the organizations reporting to the Assistant 
Commissioner for Patents (Patent Business Goals). The Patent Business 
Goals have been established in response to the Vice-President's 
designation of the PTO as an agency that has a high impact on the 
public, and they are designed to make the PTO a more business-like 
agency. The focus of the Patent Business Goals is to increase the level 
of service to the public by raising the efficiency and effectiveness of 
the PTO's business processes. The PTO is considering a number of 
changes to the rules of practice and procedure to support the Patent 
Business Goals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           10/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hiram H. Bernstein, Senior Legal Advisor, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, BOX DAC, Assistant Commissioner 
for Patents, Washington, DC 20231
Phone: 703 305-9285
Fax: 703 308-6916

RIN: 0651-AA98
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                  Proposed Rule Stage
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
_______________________________________________________________________

886.  CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT THE STANDARD FORMAT FOR PATENT 
APPLICATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  35 USC 6

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1; 37 CFR 5; 37 CFR 10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has developed a 
standard format for patent applications and related papers. These 
changes to the rules of practice would permit and encourage, but not 
require, applicants to file patent applications and related papers in 
this standard format. The submission of application and related papers 
in this standard format will permit the PTO to automate the capture of 
the information contained in these papers. This will permit the PTO to 
improve the accuracy of information capture and speed of application 
processing for applicants who submit their patent applications and 
related papers in this standard format.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Legal Advisor, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Box DAC, Assistant Commissioner 
for Patents, Washington, DC 20231
Phone: 703 305-9285
Fax: 703 308-6906

RIN: 0651-AA99

[[Page 61605]]

_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                     Final Rule Stage
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
_______________________________________________________________________

887. MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES TO TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD RULES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1123

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 2.76; 37 CFR 2.85; 37 CFR 2.87; 37 CFR 2.101; 37 
CFR 2.102; 37 CFR 2.111; 37 CFR 2.119; 37 CFR 2.120; 37 CFR 2.121; 37 
CFR 2.123; 37 CFR 2.125; 37 CFR 2.127; 37 CFR 2.134; 37 CFR 2.146; 37 
CFR 3.141

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These changes clarify Trademark Trial and Appeal Board rules, 
conform the rules to current practice, make minor modifications to 
simplify practice, and make minor corrections.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/05/97                    62 FR 30802
NPRM Comment Period End         08/04/97
Final Action                    10/00/98
Final Action Effective          11/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Sams, Chief Administrative Trademark Judge, 
Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, 2900 Crystal 
Drive, BOX TTAB, Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: 703 308-9300
Fax: 703 308-9333

RIN: 0651-AA87
_______________________________________________________________________

888.  REVISION OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority:  35 USC 41; 15 USC 1115; 35 USC 6; 35 USC 376; 15 USC 
1051; 15 USC 1113; 15 USC 1123; PL 101-508; PL 102-204; PL 103-66

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1.16 to 1.21; 37 CFR 1.26; 37 CFR 1.445; 37 CFR 
1.482; 37 CFR 1.492; 37 CFR 2.6

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, October 1, 1999.

Abstract: This rulemaking revises certain patent and trademark fees to 
reflect fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) consistent with 
the Patent and Trademark Authorization Act of 1991 (PL 102-204).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/00/99
Final Action Effective          10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Matthe Lee, Systems Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC 20231
Phone: 703 305-8051

RIN: 0651-AB01
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Long-Term Actions
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
_______________________________________________________________________

889. PATENT APPLICATION ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION RULES

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1; 37 CFR 2

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/30/92                    57 FR 56537
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/01/93


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peter Fowler
Phone: 703 305-8600

RIN: 0651-AA50
_______________________________________________________________________

890. CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT 18-MONTH PUBLICATION OF PATENT APPLICATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Public Hearing and 
Request for Public Comments     12/12/94                    59 FR 63966
NPRM                            08/15/95                    60 FR 42352
NPRM Comment Period End         09/19/95
Procedures for Amending Patent Applications  Final Rule 08/19/96 (61 FR 
42790)  Final Rule Effective 09/23/96


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr
Phone: 703 305-8850
Fax: 703 305-8825

RIN: 0651-AA75
_______________________________________________________________________

891. RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES; REEXAMINATION PROCEEDINGS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1.901 to 1.907; 37 CFR 1.909; 37 CFR 1.911; 37 
CFR 1.913; 37 CFR 1.915; 37 CFR 1.917; 37 CFR 1.919; 37 CFR 1.921; 37 
CFR 1.923

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/11/95                    60 FR 41035
NPRM Comment Period End         09/22/95


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gerald A. Dost
Phone: 703 305-9282
Fax: 703 305-8825

RIN: 0651-AA79
_______________________________________________________________________

892. LIMITATIONS IN PATENT CLAIMS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing

[[Page 61606]]

Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1.75

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth Corsello
Phone: 202 305-9041
Fax: 703 305-9373
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AA91
_______________________________________________________________________

893. REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE PTO IN PATENT 
CASES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1.21; 37 CFR 10.7; 37 CFR 10.11

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/30/96                    61 FR 51072
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/06/96


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen L. Bovard
Phone: 703 306-4097

RIN: 0651-AA93
_______________________________________________________________________

894. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE PTO 
IN PATENT CASES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 10.7

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen L. Bovard
Phone: 703 306-4097

RIN: 0651-AA95
_______________________________________________________________________

895.  TRADEMARK LAW TREATY RULES CHANGES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1123; 35 USC 6

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 2.6; 37 CFR 2.20 to 2.21; 37 CFR 2.32 to 2.33; 37 
CFR 2.39 to 2.40; 37 CFR 2.51 to 2.52; 37 CFR 2.66; 37 CFR 2.71; 37 CFR 
2.76; 37 CFR 2.86; 37 CFR 2.88; 37 CFR 2.161 to 2.166; 37 CFR 2.168; 37 
CFR 2.181 to 2.185; 37 CFR 3.11 to 3.16; 37 CFR 3.31; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These rule changes would implement the Trademark Law Treaty 
(TLT) and the pending Trademark Law Treaty Implementation Act. The 
purpose of the TLT is to harmonize procedures of national trademark 
offices by establishing maximum requirements that each country can 
impose for trademark applications.

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mary Hannon, Staff Attorney, Department of Commerce, 
Patent and Trademark Office, 2900 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202-
3513
Phone: 703 308-8900
Fax: 703 308-9395

RIN: 0651-AB00
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Completed Actions
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
_______________________________________________________________________

896. CHANGES IMPLEMENTING INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTABLE NUCLEOTIDE AND/OR 
AMINO ACID SEQUENCE LISTINGS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1.77; 37 CFR 1.821; 37 CFR 1.822; 37 CFR 1.823; 
37 CFR 1.824; 37 CFR 1.825

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/01/98                    63 FR 29620
Final Action Effective          06/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Esther M. Kepplinger
Phone: 703 308-2339
Fax: 703 308-3601
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AA88
_______________________________________________________________________

897. 1998 CHANGES TO PATENT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1; 37 CFR 5

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/13/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hiram H. Bernstein
Phone: 703 305-9285
Fax: 703 308-6916

RIN: 0651-AA94
_______________________________________________________________________

898. REVISION OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1.16 to 1.21; 37 CFR 1.26; 37 CFR 1.445; 37 CFR 
1.482; 37 CFR 1.492; 37 CFR 2.6

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/24/98                    63 FR 39731
Final Action Effective          10/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Matthew Lee
Phone: 703 305-8051

RIN: 0651-AA96

[[Page 61607]]

_______________________________________________________________________

899. CHANGES TO CONTINUED PROSECUTION APPLICATION PRACTICES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 1

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/02/98                    63 FR 36184
Final Action Effective          07/02/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hiram H Bernstein
Phone: 703 305-9285

RIN: 0651-AA97
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                     Final Rule Stage
Technology Administration (TA)
_______________________________________________________________________

900. RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE BY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND SMALL 
BUSINESS FIRMS UNDER GOVERNMENT GRANTS, CONTRACTS, AND COOPERATIVE 
AGREEMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  35 USC 206

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 401

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are evaluating the comments and will be making minor 
changes to the regulation which permitted electronic reporting of 
inventions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/14/95                    60 FR 41811
Comment Period End              09/13/95
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Jon Paugh, Acting Director, Technology Competitiveness, 
Department of Commerce, Technology Administration, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2100

RIN: 0692-AA14
_______________________________________________________________________

901. ACQUISITION AND PROTECTION OF FOREIGN RIGHTS IN INVENTIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  EO 10096; 15 USC 3710d

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 101; 37 CFR 501

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On August 7, 1996, 37 CFR part 101 was abolished and 37 CFR 
part 501 expanded to cover foreign rights of inventions made by Federal 
employees.
We are evaluating the comments received on the interim final rule and 
will be making minor changes to the regulation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/07/96                    61 FR 40997
Final Action                    12/00/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: John H. Raubitschek, Patent Counsel, Department of 
Commerce, Technology Administration, RH4613, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-8010
Fax: 202 482-0523

RIN: 0692-AA15
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)                    Long-Term Actions
Technology Administration (TA)
_______________________________________________________________________

902. PROMOTION OF PRIVATE SECTOR INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  15 CFR 1160 subpart A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           00/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Mark Bohannon
Phone: 202 482-1984

RIN: 0692-AA13
_______________________________________________________________________

903. LICENSING OF GOVERNMENT-OWNED INVENTIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  37 CFR 404

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Raubitschek
Phone: 202 482-8010
Fax: 202 482-0523

RIN: 0692-AA17
[FR Doc. 98-25576 Filed 11-06-98; 8:45 am]
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