[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]


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Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 64394]]



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

48 CFR Ch. 13

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

Fall 2005 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 (Department), in the spring and fall of each 
year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of regulations under 
development or review over the next 12 months. Rulemaking actions are 
grouped according to whether they are prerulemaking, proposed rules, 
final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed since 
the spring 2005 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 fall 2005 regulatory agenda includes 
regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the 
period October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006.

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 Daniel Cohen, Chief Counsel for 
Regulation, Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation 
and Regulation, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230; 
telephone: 202-482-3151.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to 
publish an agenda of those regulations that are under consideration 
pursuant to this order. By memorandum of June 28, 2005, the Office of 
Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the 
preparation and publication of the fall 2005 Unified Agenda of Federal 
Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires agencies to publish, in the spring and 
fall of each year, a regulatory flexibility agenda that contains a 
brief description of the subject area of any rule that 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.

     Within the Department, the Office of the Secretary and various 
operating units may issue regulations. Operating units, such as the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau 
of Industry and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office issue 
the largest 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, that 
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 in 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 Department's fall 2005 regulatory agenda follows.

 John J. Sullivan,

General Counsel.

                                Bureau of Economic Analysis--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
456         Change in Reporting Requirements for BE-577, Direct Transactions of U.S. Reporter With    0691-AA57
            Foreign Affiliate.....................................................................
457         Change in Reporting Requirements for BE-11, Annual Survey of U.S. Direct Investment       0691-AA58
            Abroad................................................................................
458         Benchmark Survey of Transactions Between U.S. and Foreign Persons in Selected Services    0691-AA60
            and in Intangible Assets..............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 64395]]


                                 Bureau of Economic Analysis--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
459         International Services Surveys: Cancellation of Five Annual Surveys...................    0691-AA59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Bureau of the Census--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
460         Annual Trade Survey...................................................................    0607-AA45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Bureau of the Census--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
461         Cutoff Dates for Recognition of Boundary Changes for Census 2000 and for the              0607-AA35
            Intercensal Period....................................................................
462         Mandatory Automated Export System (AES) Filing for Export Shipments Requiring             0607-AA38
            Shipper's Export Declaration Information..............................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Bureau of the Census--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
463         Establishment of the 2010 Census Redistricting Program................................    0607-AA42
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                                     Bureau of the Census--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
464         Requirement for Reporting the Kimberley Process Certificate Number for Exports            0607-AA44
            (Reexports) of Rough Diamonds.........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Economic Development Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
465         Economic Development Administration Regulations.......................................    0610-AA63
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    General Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
466         Disclosure of Government Information..................................................    0605-AA19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    General Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
467         Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, Technical Amendments.............    0605-AA17

[[Page 64396]]

 
468         Disclosure of Government Information; Change in Designated Official...................    0605-AA20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             International Trade Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
469         Procedures for Conducting Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews of Antidumping and Countervailing    0625-AA51
            Duty Orders...........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              International Trade Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
470         Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis System...........................................    0625-AA64
471         Imports of Certain Worsted Wool Fabric: Implementation of Tariff Rate Quota               0625-AA67
            Established Under Title V of the Trade and Development Act of 2000....................
472         Changes in the Insular Possessions Watch, Watch Movement, and Jewelry Programs........    0625-AA68
473         Procedures for Conducting Five-year (``Sunset'') Reviews of Antidumping and               0625-AA69
            Countervailing Duty Orders............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
474         Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn............................................    0625-AA59
475         Proposed Amendment to Regulation Concerning Certification of Factual Information to       0625-AA66
            Import Administration During Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings..........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              International Trade Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
476         Import of Certain Worsted Wool Fabric: Implementation of Tariff Rate Quota Established    0625-AA58
            Under Title V of the Trade and Development Act of 2000................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Bureau of Industry and Security--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
477         Short Supply Controls: Crude Oil Exports..............................................    0694-AC25
478         Additional Protocol Regulations.......................................................    0694-AD26
479         Export Administration Regulations: Clarifications to Deemed Export and Reexport Policy    0694-AD29
480         Removal of License Exception GBS and TSR Eligibility for Certain Microwave Monolithic     0694-AD36
            Integrated Circuit Power Amplifiers and Related Software and Technology...............
481         Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations: UDOC ``Change in Inspection Status Form''....    0694-AD53
482         Voluntary Disclosure Provisions and Administrative Case Settlement Guidance Related to    0694-AD63
            Restrictive Trade Practices or Boycotts...............................................
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[[Page 64397]]


                                Bureau of Industry and Security--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
483         Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations...............................................    0694-AB06
484         De Minimis Expansion of Eligibility: U.S.-Origin Software Incorporated Into Foreign-      0694-AC17
            Made Commodities......................................................................
485         License Exception AVS: Clarifications.................................................    0694-AC33
486         Clarifications to Part 752: Special Comprehensive License Requirements................    0694-AC34
487         Removal of Licensing Exemption for Exports and Reexports of Missile Technology-           0694-AC48
            Controlled Items Destined to Canada...................................................
488         Export and Reexport Controls on Iraq..................................................    0694-AC84
489         Knowledge Definition, Safe Harbor, Red Flags..........................................    0694-AC94
490         Clarification of ``Space-Qualified'' Parts, Components, and Technology Subject to the     0694-AD07
            Export Administration Regulations.....................................................
491         Cuba: Clarification of Personal Baggage Rules.........................................    0694-AD23
492         License Exception GOV Exports and Reexports for Official IAEA International Inspection    0694-AD27
            and Verification Use in Accordance With the U.S.-IAEA Safeguards Agreement, as Amended
            by the Additional Protocol............................................................
493         Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations.................    0694-AD30
494         Clarification on License Exception Restrictions as Relating to Exports and Reexports      0694-AD33
            of Crime Control and Detection Instrument Equipment, and Related Technology and
            Software..............................................................................
495         Removal of Certain Night Vision Devices From Eligibility for License Exception APR for    0694-AD34
            Reexports To, From, and Among Country Group A:1.......................................
496         Revisions and Clarification of License Exception Availability for Certain Crime           0694-AD47
            Control Items and Removal of License Requirements on Other Crime Control Items........
497         Revisions to the Import Certificate Requirements in the Export Administration             0694-AD50
            Regulations...........................................................................
498         Expansion of Requirement of People's Republic of China (PRC) End-User Certificates        0694-AD52
            under the EAR; Elimination of Submission Requirement..................................
499         Technical Amendments to the Export Administration Regulations.........................    0694-AD54
500         Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations.................    0694-AD55
501         Removal of Restriction on Certain Exports of Crime Control Commodities When Being         0694-AD56
            Exported for Official Use of U.S. Government Agencies.................................
502         Establishment of New License Exception for the Export or Reexport to Libya of Certain     0694-AD57
            Items Controlled for Anti-Terrorism Reasons on the Commerce Control List..............
503         Implementation of the Understandings Reached at the 2004 Gotebarg and 2005 Oslo           0694-AD58
            Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) Plenary Meetings.........................................
504         Conforming Changes to Certain End-User/End-Use Based Controls in the EAR;                 0694-AD59
            Clarification of Export Clearance Requirements under the EAR..........................
505         Revised Appeal Procedure for Persons Designated as Related Persons to Denial Orders       0694-AD60
            Issued Pursuant to section 766.25 of the Export Administration Regulations............
506         Revision of National Security Based License Requirements and Licensing Policy,            0694-AD61
            Increased Availability of License Exceptions for Certain NATO Member States...........
507         Implementation of Unilateral Chemical/Biological Controls on Certain Biological Agents    0694-AD62
            and Toxins Selected for Domestic Control by CDC and APHIS; Clarification of Controls
            on Certain Medical Products...........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Bureau of Industry and Security--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
508         Export Administration Regulations: Support Documentation Consolidation and                0694-AC04
            Reorganization........................................................................
509         Exports and Reexports to Sudan........................................................    0694-AC05
510         Expansion of License Exception GOV; Exports and Reexports to International                0694-AC15
            Organizations.........................................................................
511         Mandatory Electronic Filing of License Applications, Classification Requests, and         0694-AC20
            License Exceptions Notifications Via BIS's Simplified Network Application Process
            (SNAP)................................................................................
512         Revision to the Export Administration Regulations: Replacement Licenses...............    0694-AC23
513         Chemical Weapons Convention: Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations.......    0694-AC35
514         General Order Providing for Notification of License Requirement.......................    0694-AC47
515         License Exception APR for Reexports To, From, and Among Countries in Country Group A:1    0694-AC69
516         Revisions to License Exception TSR: Expansion to Scope of Eligible Countries..........    0694-AC71
517         Revisions of Aircraft Export Licensing Jurisdiction Based on Review of the United         0694-AC74
            States Munitions List.................................................................
518         Imposition of Foreign Policy Controls on Surreptitious Communications Intercepting        0694-AC82
            Devices...............................................................................
519         Export Administration Regulations: Removal of Country Groups..........................    0694-AD09

[[Page 64398]]

 
520         Implementation of the Wassenaar Arrangement Statement of Understanding on the Control     0694-AD10
            of Non-Listed Dual-Use Items..........................................................
521         Export Administration Regulations: Establish Special Intra-Company License (SIL)......    0694-AD22
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Bureau of Industry and Security--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
522         Adding Systems, Including Cameras, Incorporating Non-Space Qualified Non-Linear (2-       0694-AD06
            Dimensional), Infrared Focal Plane Arrays Based on Silicon (Including Silicon-
            Germanium) Microbolometer Materials...................................................
523         Revision of Export and Reexport Restrictions on Libya.................................    0694-AD14
524         Amendments to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) Implementing the ``Catch-       0694-AD15
            All'' Provisions in the Australia Group (AG) ``Guidelines for Transfers of Sensitive
            Chemical or Biological Items''........................................................
525         Licensing Policy for Entities Sanctioned Under Specified Statutes; License Requirement    0694-AD24
            for Certain Sanctioned Entities; and Imposition of License Requirement for Tula
            Instrument Design Bureau..............................................................
526         Exports of Nuclear-Grade Graphite: Change in Licensing Jurisdiction...................    0694-AD28
527         Expansion of the Country Scope of the License Requirements That Apply to Chemical/        0694-AD37
            Biological (CB) Equipment and Related Technology; Amendments to CB-Related End-User/
            End-Use and U.S. Person Controls......................................................
528         Removal of Advisory Notes.............................................................    0694-AD39
529         Editorial Corrections to Part 730 of the Export Administration Regulations............    0694-AD40
530         December 2004 Wassenaar Arrangement Plenary Agreement Implementation: Categories 1, 2,    0694-AD41
            3, 4, 5 Part I (Telecommunications), 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Commerce Control List;
            Wassenaar Reporting Requirement.......................................................
531         Entity List--India: Reduction in Scope of Items That Require a License for End-Users      0694-AD44
            Subject to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards.......................
532         Technical Corrections to the Export Administration Regulations........................    0694-AD46
533         Revision of Telephone Numbers, Addresses, and Nomenclature Change and Removal of          0694-AD48
            Redundant Reporting Requirement.......................................................
534         Restrictions on Exports and Reexports to China (and Transfers Within China) of Certain    0694-AD49
            Items Intended for Military End-Uses..................................................
535         Implementation of the Understandings Reached at the April 2005 Australia Group (AG)       0694-AD51
            Plenary Meeting.......................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        National Institute of Standards and Technology--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
536         Changes to Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) Publication 201, Standard       0693-AB56
            for Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        National Institute of Standards and Technology--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
537         Draft Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201, Personal Identification         0693-AB54
            Verification for Federal Employees and Contractors....................................
538         Fastener Quality Act..................................................................    0693-AB55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
539         Amendment 12 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Crustacean Fisheries of the           0648-AL67
            Western Pacific Region................................................................

[[Page 64399]]

 
540         Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish Fisheries of the Western    0648-AM98
            Pacific Region........................................................................
541         Amendment 18A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf      0648-AN09
            of Mexico.............................................................................
542         Measures to Prevent or Mitigate and Conserve, Manage, and Allow Full Utilization of       0648-AN76
            Sharks................................................................................
543         Revision of American Lobster Regulations for the EEZ..................................    0648-AP18
544         Regulatory Amendment To Implement Permit Stacking in the Limited-Entry Fixed-Gear         0648-AP38
            Sablefish Fishery in 2005 and Beyond..................................................
545         Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Sustainable Fisheries Act Requirements Regarding       0648-AP51
            Overfishing, Bycatch, Fishing Communities and Provisions for Fishery Management Plans
            for the Caribbean.....................................................................
546         Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 9.......................    0648-AP60
547         Implementation of the Regulatory Changes Resulting From the Amendments and Extension      0648-AP61
            of the South Pacific Tuna Act.........................................................
548         Amendment 71A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering     0648-AP67
            Sea and Aleutian Islands Area.........................................................
549         Regulatory Amendment to Section 679 Permits or Permit-Related Issues..................    0648-AQ07
550         Regulatory Amendment To Adjust Permit Renewal Requirements and Transferability            0648-AQ20
            Restrictions in NWHI's Hoomalu Zone and Mau Limited Access Programs...................
551         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Recreational Atlantic Blue and White Marlin      0648-AQ65
            Landings Limit; Amendments to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas,
            Swordfish, and Sharks and the Fishery.................................................
552         Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan...........................    0648-AQ87
553         Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Gulf of     0648-AR06
            Alaska and Amendment 62 to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and
            Aleutian Islands Area (BSAI)..........................................................
554         Regulatory Rulemaking To Revise Accounting for Externally Tagged Halibut and Sablefish    0648-AR09
555         Catcher Vessel Electronic Report......................................................    0648-AR30
556         Atlantic Striped Bass Fisheries in the EEZ; Modification of Federal Regulations.......    0648-AR33
557         Amendment 13B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the       0648-AR38
            South Atlantic Region.................................................................
558         Maximize Retention and Monitoring Program in the Shorebased Pacific Whiting Fishery...    0648-AR63
559         Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish Fisheries of the Western    0648-AR65
            Pacific Region........................................................................
560         Regulatory Amendment to Add and Revise Certain Species Codes..........................    0648-AR67
561         Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska..    0648-AR72
562         Revisions to the Definitions of Exempted Fishing and Scientific Research..............    0648-AR78
563         Individual Fishing Quota for Guided Recreational Charter Halibut Fishery..............    0648-AR96
564         Fish and Seafood Promotion Act Provisions; Seafood Marketing Councils.................    0648-AS09
565         Community Development Quota Regulatory Amendment To Modify Several Fishery Management     0648-AS13
            Elements of the CDQ Program...........................................................
566         Amendment 13 to Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico,     0648-AS15
            U.S. Waters...........................................................................
567         Amendment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery.................    0648-AS22
568         Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery...................    0648-AS25
569         Regulatory Amendment To Establish Measures Authorizing the Optional Use of Electronic     0648-AS29
            Logbook Forms in the Western Pacific Fisheries........................................
570         Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Precious Corals Fisheries of the       0648-AS31
            Western Pacific Region................................................................
571         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Reducing Sea Turtle Takes....................    0648-AS49
572         Establish Management Measures for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands        0648-AS63
            Bottomfish Fishery Under the Western Pacific Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish FMP...
573         Revise Precious Coral Measures To Increase the Protection of Black Coral Resources in     0648-AS64
            Hawaii................................................................................
574         Generic Amendment to Provide for Regulations of Offshore Aquaculture of Selected Fish.    0648-AS65
575         Generic Amendment for Addressing Essential Fish Habitat Requirements, Habitat Areas of    0648-AS66
            Particular Concern, and Gear Restrictions for All Fishery Management Plans of the Gulf
            of Mexico.............................................................................
576         Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of    0648-AS67
            Mexico to Establish a Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota Program....................
577         Amendment 25 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of      0648-AS68
            the Gulf of Mexico....................................................................
578         Amendment 17 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of    0648-AS70
            the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic.................................................
579         Establish Management Measures for the Western Pacific Squid Fishery...................    0648-AS71
580         Amendment to Regulations Implementing the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention    0648-AS75
            Act of 1984...........................................................................
581         Individual Fishing Quota Program; Restructure Date-Specific Quota Share Regulations...    0648-AS77
582         Halibut and Sablefish IFQ Program Amendments..........................................    0648-AS84
583         Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West Coast Salmon             0648-AS96
            Fisheries; Amendment 14; Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Descriptions for Pacific Salmon.
584         Identify and Manage Alaska Fishery Management Plans for EFH and HAPC..................    0648-AT09

[[Page 64400]]

 
585         Amendment 11 to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan...................    0648-AT11
586         Regulatory Amendment to the Reef Fish Management Plan To Set Commercial and               0648-AT12
            Recreational Management Measures for Grouper Starting in 2006.........................
587         Transfer of Management Authority for the Atlantic Coast Red Drum Resource From the        0648-AT13
            South.................................................................................
588         Specifications for the 2006 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries........    0648-AT19
589         Specifications for the 2006 Atlantic Bluefish Fishery.................................    0648-AT20
590         Specifications for the 2006 Atlantic Herring Fishery..................................    0648-AT21
591         Specifications for the 2006 Monkfish Fishery..........................................    0648-AT22
592         Framework 42 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery....................................    0648-AT24
593         Framework 18 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery......................................    0648-AT25
594         Framework 16 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries...............    0648-AT26
595         Specifications for the 2006 Fishing Year for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea     0648-AT27
            Bass Fisheries........................................................................
596         Specifications for the 2006 Recreational Fisheries for Summer Flounder, Scup, and         0648-AT28
            Black Sea Bass........................................................................
597         Framework 1 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan..............................    0648-AT29
598         American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures To Complement Interstate        0648-AT31
            Lobster Management Recommendations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
599         West Coast Highly Migratory Species, Correcting Amendment.............................    0648-AT32
600         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Commercial Management Measures    0648-AT37
601         Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Cost Recovery Program Amendments.......................    0648-AT43
602         Remove Regulations that Implement Seasonal Area Closures to Groundfish Fishing in         0648-AT54
            Waters off Cape Sarichef and in the Chiniak Gully Research Area.......................
603         Management Measures for Pacific Bigeye Tuna...........................................    0648-AT55
604         Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for 2006 and Beyond................................    0648-AT56
605         Omnibus Amendments to Fishery Management Plans to Address Essential Fish Habitat......    0648-AT57
606         Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan..    0648-AT58
607         Specifications for the 2006/2007 Fishing Year for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery...........    0648-AT59
608         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea     0648-AT60
            Bass Fisheries........................................................................
609         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery....    0648-AT61
610         Framework 1 to the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan..................    0648-AT62
611         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Tilefish Fishery.....................    0648-AT63
612         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and            0648-AT65
            Butterfish Fisheries..................................................................
613         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Herring Fishery.............    0648-AT66
614         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery............    0648-AT67
615         Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Pilot Program.........................................    0648-AT71
616         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); 2006 Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications and       0648-AT72
            Effort Controls.......................................................................
617         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North and South Atlantic Swordfish Commercial          0648-AT73
            Management Measures...................................................................
618         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Commercial Management Measures    0648-AT74
619         Regulatory Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of    0648-AT75
            the South Atlantic....................................................................
620         Implement Specification Management Measures for the 2006 Pacific Sardine Fishery          0648-AT76
            Coastal Pelagic Species FMP...........................................................
621         Revision of Critical Habitat for the Northern Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis).......    0648-AT84
622         2006 and 2007 Quota Specifications for Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery.....    0648-AT85
623         Framework Adjustment to the Bycatch Reduction Criteria for the Fishery Management Plan    0648-AT86
            for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico..........................................
624         Joint Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans for the Shrimp Fishery (Amendment 14)     0648-AT87
            and Reef Fish Fisheries (Amendment 27) of the Gulf of Mexico..........................
625         Control Date for the South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery...........................    0648-AT88
626         North Atlantic Whale Protection.......................................................    0648-AM85
627         Preventing Harassment From Human Activities Directed at Marine Mammals in the Wild....    0648-AN43
628         Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Taking Marine Mammals Incidental To Conducting       0648-AQ71
            Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in the Gulf of Mexico..............................
629         Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction.....................................................    0648-AS36
630         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Air      0648-AT39
            Force Precision Strike Weapons Exercises in the northern Gulf of Mexico...............
631          Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Coastal      0648-AT46
            Commercial Fireworks Displays at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, CA...........
632         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Assessing     0648-AT77
            Naval Ship Survivability..............................................................

[[Page 64401]]

 
633         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Deployment    0648-AT78
            of a Naval At-Sea Gunnery Scoring System..............................................
634         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the           0648-AT79
            Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures in the Gulf of Mexico........................
635         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Testing       0648-AT80
            and Training of the Navy's Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System-Low Frequency Active
            Sonar.................................................................................
636         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Naval         0648-AT81
            Training Operations at the East Coast Shallow Water Training Range....................
637         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Air      0648-AT82
            Force Air-to-Surface Gunnery Exercises in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.................
638         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Naval         0648-AT83
            Explosives Ordnance Testing and Training Exercises in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.....
639         Northwest Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Designation and Implementation      0648-AS83
            of Regulations (Reg Plan Seq No. 28)..................................................
640         Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review...............    0648-AT14
641         Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review.........................    0648-AT15
642         Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review......................    0648-AT17
643         Consideration of Marine Reserves and Marine Conservation Areas Within the Channel         0648-AT18
            Islands National Marine Sanctuary.....................................................
644         Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review.........................    0648-AT16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
645         Require Mandatory Observer Coverage in the At-Sea Processing Sector of the Whiting        0648-AK26
            Fishery...............................................................................
646         Proposed Highly Migratory Species Process.............................................    0648-AK40
647         Fisheries of the United States; National Standard 1 (Reg Plan Seq No. 29).............    0648-AQ63
648         Turtle Mitigation for Non-Hawaii-Based Pelagic Longline and Non-Longline Vessels......    0648-AQ91
649         Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the South            0648-AS16
            Atlantic Region.......................................................................
650         Measures To Reduce Interactions With Seabirds in the Hawaii-Based Longline Fishery....    0648-AS30
651         Fee System for Repayment of the Loan to Harvesters of Pacific Groundfish Fishery and      0648-AS38
            California, Washington, and Oregon Fisheries for Dungeness Crab and Pink Shrimp.......
652         Fee System for Repayment of the Loan to Harvestors of Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King    0648-AS46
            and Tanner Crabs......................................................................
653         Amendments 18 and 19 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands       0648-AS47
            King and Tanner Crabs--Crab Rationalization Program...................................
654         Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Mackerel..............    0648-AS59
655         List of Fisheries for 2005............................................................    0648-AS78
656         Correct and Clarify Amendment 13 and Framework 40-A to the Northeast Multispecies         0648-AS80
            Fishery Management Plan...............................................................
657         West Coast Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan, Correcting Amendment.....    0648-AS89
658         Changes to Regulations Governing the Observer Communications System...................    0648-AS93
659         Amendment 79 to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian         0648-AT04
            Islands Management Area Establishing a Groundfish Retention Standard..................
660         Framework Adjustment 41 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan.........    0648-AT08
661         Restrictions for 2005 and 2006 Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries for Tuna in the         0648-AT33
            Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP)..................................................
662         2006-2007 Management Measures for Commercial, Recreational, and Treaty Salmon             0648-AT34
            Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California........................
663         Temporary Rule to Address Haddock Bycatch in the 2005 Herring Fishery.................    0648-AT36
664         Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of      0648-AT45
            the Gulf of Mexico; Gulf Grouper Recreational Management Measures.....................
665         Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the     0648-AT48
            Northeastern U.S.; Fishery Closure Due to the Presence of the Toxin that Causes
            Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.........................................................
666         Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish and Summer Flounder        0648-AT50
            Fisheries; State Quota Transfers and Combinations.....................................

[[Page 64402]]

 
667         Establish a New Control Date for the Commercial Spanish Mackerel Fishery in the South     0648-AT64
            Atlantic Exclusive Economic Zone......................................................
668         2006 Scallop Research Set-Aside Request for Proposals.................................    0648-AT68
669         Closure of the U.S. Longline Bigeye Tuna Fishery for 2005 in the Eastern Tropical         0648-AT70
            Pacific Ocean.........................................................................
670         Hydropower/Mandatory Conditions Review Process (MCRP) Rule............................    0648-AS55
671         Taking of the Cook Inlet, Alaska, Stock of Beluga Whales by Alaska Natives............    0648-AO16
672         Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Rocket Launches From the Kodiak Launch Complex,       0648-AP62
            Kodiak Island, Alaska.................................................................
673         Regulations Implementing the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan...................    0648-AR39
674         Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Navy Operations...................................    0648-AR99
675         Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large      0648-AS01
            Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations.................................................
676         Sea Turtle Requirements for Commercial Scallop Fishing................................    0648-AS92
677         Threatened Status for Southern Resident Killer Whales.................................    0648-AS95
678         Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Operation of Offshore Oil Production Facilities in    0648-AS98
            Beaufort Sea..........................................................................
679         Proposed Threatened Status for Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American     0648-AT02
            Green Sturgeon........................................................................
680         Marine Mammals; Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals; Harvest Estimates...........    0648-AT49
681         Civil Procedures Governing Prosecution and Administrative Proceedings.................    0648-AS54
682         Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.................................................    0648-AQ41
683         Certification Requirements for NOAA Electronic Navigational Chart Distribution........    0648-AR87
684         Licensing of Private Land Remote-Sensing Space Systems................................    0648-AT00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
685         Provide Regulations for Permits for Capture, Transport, Import, and Export of             0648-AH26
            Protected Species for Public Display, and for Maintaining a Captive Marine Mammal
            Inventory.............................................................................
686         Procedural Changes to the Federal Consistency Process.................................    0648-AP98
687         Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Consistency Regulations...........................    0648-AR16
688         Regional Marine Research Program......................................................    0648-AF20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
689         Regulatory Amendment Modifying the Gulf of Mexico BRD Framework Under the Fishery         0648-AN84
            Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP)....................
690         Amendment 22 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan.................................    0648-AP02
691         Amendment 2 to Monkfish Fishery Management Plan.......................................    0648-AQ25
692         Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Pelagic Fisheries of the Western      0648-AQ92
            Pacific Region (American Samoa Longline Limited Access Permit Program)................
693         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Amendments to the Fishery Management Plan for          0648-AR60
            Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks and the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic
            Billfish..............................................................................
694         Gear Identification Markings on Buoys.................................................    0648-AR90
695         CDQ Transfer, Eligible Vessels, and Fishing Plan Regulations..........................    0648-AS00
696         Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Sardine...............    0648-AS17
697         Amendment 23 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan To Set Vermilion Snapper            0648-AS19
            Sustainable Fisheries Act Targets and Thresholds and To Establish a Plan To End
            Overfishing and Rebuild the Stock.....................................................
698         Annual Recreational Specifications for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass      0648-AS21
            Fishery for Fishing Year 2005.........................................................
699         Specifications for the 2005 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Herring Fishery.............    0648-AS23
700         Specifications for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery for Fishing Year 2005....................    0648-AS24
701         Framework 40B to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan...................    0648-AS33
702         Framework 1 to the Red Crab Fishery Management Plan...................................    0648-AS35

[[Page 64403]]

 
703         Amendment Number 15 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic      0648-AS53
            Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Region.............................
704         2005-2006 Management Measures for Commercial, Recreational, and Treaty Indian Salmon      0648-AS58
            Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California........................
705         Amendment 24 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources in      0648-AS69
            the Gulf of Mexico....................................................................
706         Annual Adjustment to Measures for the Monkfish Fishery for the 2005 Fishing Year......    0648-AS72
707         Adjustment of Quota Overages in the U.S./Canada Area..................................    0648-AS74
708         Seafood Dealer Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements...............................    0648-AS87
709         Commercial Grouper Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Establishment of a Control Date.....    0648-AS88
710         FMP for the Scallop Fishery Off Alaska Amendment 10...................................    0648-AS90
711         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); 2005 Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications and       0648-AT01
            Effort Controls.......................................................................
712         Area 4C/4D Selective IFQ/CDQ Boundary Permeability....................................    0648-AT03
713         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Lifting Trade Restrictive Measures.................    0648-AT05
714         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Commercial Management Measures    0648-AT07
715         Framework Adjustment 17 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan...........    0648-AT10
716         Limited Entry Program for Longline and Drift Gillnet Vessels..........................    0648-AT35
717         Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Routine Management Measure    0648-AT38
            Authority to Close the Pacific Coast Directed Groundfish Open Access Fisheries........
718         Spiny Dogfish Management Program and Trawl Individual Quota Program...................    0648-AT40
719         Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Subsistence Fishing; Correction............................    0648-AT44
720         Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Bottomfish    0648-AT47
            Fisheries; Main Hawaiian Islands; Control Date........................................
721         Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the     0648-AT51
            Northeastern U.S.; Fishery Closure Due to Presence of Toxin that Causes Paralytic
            Shellfish Poisoning; Correction.......................................................
722         Control Date for Non-Longline Commercial Pelagic Fisheries in EEZ Around Hawaii.......    0648-AT52
723         Control Date for Domestic Purse Seine and Longline Pelagic Fisheries in U.S. EEZ of       0648-AT53
            Western Pacific Region................................................................
724         Salmon Conservation Zone for the Pacific Coast Whiting Primary Fishing Season.........    0648-AT69
725         Designate Critical Habitat for 7 Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of Pacific       0648-AO04
            Salmon and Steelhead in California....................................................
726         Designate Critical Habitat for 12 Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of Pacific      0648-AQ77
            Salmon and Steelhead in Washington, Oregon and Idaho..................................
727         Listing Determinations for 27 Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of West Coast       0648-AR93
            Salmon and Oncorhynchus Mykiss........................................................
728         Sea Turtle Conservation; Exceptions to Taking Prohibitions for Endangered Sea Turtles.    0648-AS57
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
729         Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark         0651-AB55
            Office................................................................................
730         Changes in Trademark Rules of Practice in Inter Partes Proceedings Before the             0651-AB56
            Trademark Trial and Appeal Board......................................................
731         Revision of Patent and Trademark Fees for Fiscal Year 2007............................    0651-AB81
732         Amendment of Rules for Filing Intent To Use Documents in Section 1(b) Applications....    0651-AB90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
733         Changes To Implement the Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act     0651-AB76
            of 2004...............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 64404]]


                                 Patent and Trademark Office--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
734         Changes To Implement Priority Application Exchange Between Intellectual Property          0651-AB75
            Offices...............................................................................
735         Revision of Ex Parte and Inter Partes Reexamination Practice..........................    0651-AB77
736         Changes To Implement the Refund Provisions of the United States Patent and Trademark      0651-AB79
            Fee Modernization Act of 2004.........................................................
737         Provisions for Claiming the Benefit of a Provisional Application with a Non-English       0651-AB85
            Specification and Other Miscellaneous Matters.........................................
738         Amendment of Trademark Rules of Practice..............................................    0651-AB89
739         Acceptance, Processing, Use and Dissemination of Chemical and Three-Dimensional           0651-AB91
            Biological Structural Data in Electronic Format.......................................
740         Revisions to Facilitate Web-Based Patent Correspondence and Amendment Requirements for    0651-AB92
            Reissue Applications and Reexamination Proceedings....................................
741         Changes to Practice for Continuing Applications, Requests for Continued Examination       0651-AB93
            Practice, and Applications Containing Patentably Indistinct Claims....................
742         Changes to Practice for the Examination of Claims in Patent Applications..............    0651-AB94
743         Changes to Information Disclosure Statement Requirements and Other Related Matters....    0651-AB95
744         Pre-Brief Appeal Conference for Patent Applications Under Appeal to the Board of          0651-AB96
            Patent Appeals and Interferences......................................................
745         Changes to Examination Practice for Means- (or Step-) Plus-Function Claim Elements in     0651-AB97
            Patent Applications...................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Patent and Trademark Office--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
746         Revision of Search and Examination Fees for Patent Cooperation Treaty Applications        0651-AB84
            Entering the National Stage in the United States......................................
747         Changes to the Practice for Handling Patent Applications Filed Without the Appropriate    0651-AB87
            Fees..................................................................................
748         Requirements To Receive a Reduced Fee for Filing an Application Through the Trademark     0651-AB88
            Electronic Application System.........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Technology Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
749         Licensing of Government-Owned Inventions..............................................    0692-AA19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Technology Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
750         Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under       0692-AA14
            Government Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements..............................
751         Acquisition and Protection of Foreign Rights in Inventions............................    0692-AA15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 64405]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)



_______________________________________________________________________




456. CHANGE IN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR BE-577, DIRECT TRANSACTIONS OF 
U.S. REPORTER WITH FOREIGN AFFILIATE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 806

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend 15 CFR 806.14 to change the reporting 
requirements for the BE-577, Direct Transactions of U.S. Reporter with 
Foreign Affiliate, and to bring the survey into conformity with the BE-
10, Benchmark Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad-2004.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/06
Final Action                    04/00/06
Final Action Effective          05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 
14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 606-9890
Fax: 202 606-5318
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0691-AA57
_______________________________________________________________________




457. CHANGE IN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR BE-11, ANNUAL SURVEY OF U.S. 
DIRECT INVESTMENT ABROAD

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 806

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend 15 CFR 806.14 to change the reporting 
requirements for the BE-11, Annual Survey of U.S. Direct Investment 
Abroad, and to bring the survey into conformity with the BE-10, 
Benchmark Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad-2004.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/22/05                    70 FR 48920
NPRM Comment Period End         10/21/05
Final Action                    12/00/06
Final Action Effective          01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 
14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 606-9890
Fax: 202 606-5318
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0691-AA58
_______________________________________________________________________




458. [bull] BENCHMARK SURVEY OF TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN U.S. AND FOREIGN 
PERSONS IN SELECTED SERVICES AND IN INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend 15 CFR 801.10 to provide for the 
conduct of the BE-20, Benchmark Survey of Transactions Between U.S. and 
Foreign Persons in Selected Services and in Intangible Assets--2006. 
The existing rule covers a related survey for 2001, which the new 
survey will update.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06
Final Action                    11/00/06
Final Action Effective          12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 606-9890
Fax: 202 606-5318
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0691-AA60
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)



_______________________________________________________________________




459. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SURVEYS: CANCELLATION OF FIVE ANNUAL SURVEYS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801.9

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action amends 15 CFR part 801 by revising section 
801.9(b) to remove the reporting requirements for five annual surveys 
that collect data covering international trade in services. These 
surveys have been replaced by quarterly surveys that collect 
essentially the same information.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/05/05                    70 FR 23811
NPRM Comment Period End         07/05/05
Final Action                    08/17/05                    70 FR 48270

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment 
Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 
14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 606-9890
Fax: 202 606-5318
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0691-AA59

[[Page 64406]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


Bureau of the Census (CENSUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




460. [bull] ANNUAL TRADE SURVEY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Census Bureau is proposing to expand the 2005 Annual 
Trade Survey to include agents, brokers, and electronic markets. The 
Census Bureau propose this expansion at the request of the Bureau of 
Economic Analysis (BEA). The BEA considers this information vital to 
its accurate measurement of sales and value added for wholesale trade.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: John R Trimble, Chief, Annual Trade and Special 
Projects Branch, Service Sector Statistics Div., Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Room 2633-3, 
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 763-7223
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0607-AA45
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


Bureau of the Census (CENSUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




461. CUTOFF DATES FOR RECOGNITION OF BOUNDARY CHANGES FOR CENSUS 2000 
AND FOR THE INTERCENSAL PERIOD

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 553(b)(3)(A); 5 USC 604(a); 44 USC 35

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 70

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is establishing 
cutoff dates for recognition of boundary changes to geographic entities 
for which the Census Bureau reports data in various surveys, estimates, 
censuses, programs, compilations, and publications throughout the 
period between decennial censuses (years 2001 through 2009).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/25/02                     67 FR 3631
NPRM Comment Period End         02/25/02
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Robert La Macchia, Chief, Geography Division, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Stop 7400, Washington 
Plaza, Room 651, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 763-1022

RIN: 0607-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________




462. MANDATORY AUTOMATED EXPORT SYSTEM (AES) FILING FOR EXPORT SHIPMENTS 
REQUIRING SHIPPER'S EXPORT DECLARATION INFORMATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-228, sec 1404

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 30

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of the Census is amending the Foreign Trade 
Statistics Regulations to require mandatory filing through the 
Automated Export System (AES) of all export information for shipments 
where filing of a Shipper's Export Declaration was formerly required. 
The AES is an electronic method by which export information is 
transmitted. This amendment will specify the provisions and filing 
responsibilities of parties exporting commodities from the United 
States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           10/22/03                    68 FR 60301
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/21/03
NPRM                            02/17/05                     70 FR 8200
NPRM Comment Period End         04/18/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stephanie Dunlap, Regulations, Outreach, & Education 
Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the 
Census, Room 3125, 4700 Silver Hill Road, FB-3, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 763-2238
Fax: 301 457-3765
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0607-AA29, Related to 0607-AA31, Related to 
0607-AA30
RIN: 0607-AA38
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


Bureau of the Census (CENSUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




463. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 2010 CENSUS REDISTRICTING PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: None

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          05/13/04                    69 FR 26547
Notice                          02/15/05                     70 FR 7713
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Catherine C. McCully

[[Page 64407]]

Phone: 301 763-4039

RIN: 0607-AA42
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


Bureau of the Census (CENSUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




464. REQUIREMENT FOR REPORTING THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS CERTIFICATE NUMBER 
FOR EXPORTS (REEXPORTS) OF ROUGH DIAMONDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 13 USC 301; 13 USC 302

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 30

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Census Bureau (Census Bureau) is amending the 
Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (FTSR) to incorporate the 
requirement for reporting the Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC) 
number for the exports (reexports) of rough diamonds filed through the 
Automated Export System (AES) in accordance with the Kimberley Process 
Certification Scheme (Kimberley Process) in the United States. This 
rule is issued to carry out the purposes of Executive Order 13312 of 
July 29, 2003, which implemented the Clean Diamond Trade Act and the 
Kimberley Process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/12/05                     70 FR 2072
NPRM Comment Period End         02/11/05
Final Action                    05/16/05                    70 FR 25773

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: C. Harvey Monk Jr., Chief, Foreign Trade Division, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 4700 Silver Hill Road FB-
3, Room 2104, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 763-2255
Fax: 301 457-2645
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0607-AA44
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


Economic Development Administration (EDA)



_______________________________________________________________________




465. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 3121 et seq; 19 USC 3121 et seq; 42 USC 6701; 
42 USC 184; 42 USC 5141; 42 USC 3123; 42 USC 6709; 42 USC 6101; 20 USC 
1681; 29 USC 794; 42 USC 2000d-1; . . .

CFR Citation: 13 CFR 300 to 318

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Economic Development Administration will be reviewing and 
reissuing all regulations in order to make them more user-friendly and 
effective, and in order to more directly align them with the reissued 
version of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, 
currently before Congress. EDA plans to have the regulations drafted 
within three months of reauthorization.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/11/05                    70 FR 47001
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/11/05
Final Rule                      09/30/05                    70 FR 57124
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Hina Shaikh, Attorney Advisor, Department of Commerce, 
Economic Development Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, 1401 
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-4687

RIN: 0610-AA63
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


General Administration (ADMIN)



_______________________________________________________________________




466. [bull] DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 553; 31 USC 
3717; 44 USC 3101

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule amends the Department of Commerce's 
(Department) Privacy Act (PA) regulations (15 CFR Part 4) by adding an 
additional method of authorization to determine the identification of 
individuals seeking access to records under the Privacy Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Brenda Dolan, Departmental Freedom of Information and 
Privacy Act Officer, Department of

[[Page 64408]]

Commerce, 1401 Constitution Ave, NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-3258
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0605-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


General Administration (ADMIN)



_______________________________________________________________________




467. FEDERAL POLICY FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS, TECHNICAL 
AMENDMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 42 USC 300v-1(b)

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 27

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Commerce amends its regulations concerning 
the Protection of Human Subjects to change all references to the Office 
for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR) to the Office for Human 
Research Protections (OHRP) and revises the footnote found at the end 
of section 15 CFR 27.101(i) by deleting references to research 
involving fetuses, pregnant women, or human in vitro fertilization and 
subpart B of 45 CFR part 46.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/23/05                    70 FR 36325
Final Action Effective          06/23/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tricia Choe, Attorney Advisor, Department of Commerce, 
1401 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-4265
Fax: 202 482-0512
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0605-AA17
_______________________________________________________________________




468. [bull] DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION; CHANGE IN DESIGNATED 
OFFICIAL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 5 USC 553; 31 USC 
3717; 44 USC 3101

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Department of Commerce's Freedom of 
Information Act regulations by changing the official authorized to deny 
both requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act and 
requests for correction or amendment under the Privacy Act, for the 
Bureau of the Census.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/15/05                    70 FR 47725

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Brenda Dolan, Departmental Freedom of Information and 
Privacy Act Officer, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Ave, 
NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-3258
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0605-AA20
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


International Trade Administration (ITA)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 19 USC 1671 et seq; 19 USC 1673 et seq; 19 USC 1303

CFR Citation: 19 CFR 351

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On May 19, 1997 (62 FR 27296), the Department of Commerce 
(the Department) published final rules on inter alia procedures for 
conducting antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings to conform 
the Department's existing regulations to the Uruguay Round Agreements 
Act (URAA). Although these regulations contain provisions on the 
conduct of sunset reviews, the Department is planning to amend the 
regulations to provide more guidance on the procedures for conducting 
sunset reviews. Specifically, the Department proposes to amend the 
procedural regulations for participation in, and conduct of, sunset 
reviews to add two definitions to provide shorthand expressions for 
120-day and 240-day sunset reviews; provide deadlines for certain 
submissions; clarify the information to be provided by parties 
participating in a sunset review; clarify when the Department will 
conduct a 120-day or a 240-day sunset review; and provide time limits 
for actions to be taken by the Department.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/20/98                    63 FR 13516
Interim Final Rule Effective    03/20/98
NPRM                            11/00/05
Final Action                    11/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Stacy Ettinger, Attorney, Department of Commerce, 
International Trade Administration, Room 3828, 14th & Pennsylvania 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-4618

RIN: 0625-AA51

[[Page 64409]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


International Trade Administration (ITA)



_______________________________________________________________________




470. STEEL IMPORT MONITORING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 13 USC 301(a); 13 USC 302

CFR Citation: 19 CFR 360

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Commerce amends its regulations to enhance 
the steel import monitoring and analysis system. The Department is 
seeking to improve the system in order to provide the public with 
accurate and timely information on imports of certain steel products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           08/25/04                    69 FR 52211
Interim Final Rule              03/11/05                    70 FR 12133
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Julie Al-Saadawi, Department of Commerce, International 
Trade Administration, 14th & Constitution Ave., NW., Room 3713, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-1930

RIN: 0625-AA64
_______________________________________________________________________




471. IMPORTS OF CERTAIN WORSTED WOOL FABRIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF TARIFF 
RATE QUOTA ESTABLISHED UNDER TITLE V OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 
2000

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-429

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 335; 15 CFR 340

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Commerce amends its regulation to implement 
the amendment to the Trade Act included in the Miscellaneous Trade Act 
of 2004 (Public Law 108-429). Principally, this rule amends the 
regulations to specify which HTS categories may be allocated as TRQs 
and to eliminate Commerce's authority to modify these quotas.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/16/05                    70 FR 25774
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sergio Botero, Industry Economist, Department of 
Commerce, International Trade Administration, HCHB Room 3119, Office of 
Textiles and Apparel, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20230
Phone: 202 482-4058
Fax: 202 482-0667

RIN: 0625-AA67
_______________________________________________________________________




472. [bull] CHANGES IN THE INSULAR POSSESSIONS WATCH, WATCH MOVEMENT, 
AND JEWELRY PROGRAMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 97-446; PL 103-465; PL 94-241; PL 106-36; PL 108-
429

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 303

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Commerce is proposing to amend 19 CFR 303 
in order to make technical changes required by passage of the 
miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004. Such changes 
include, for example, extending duty-refund benefits to include the 
value of usual and customary health and life insurance and pension 
benefits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/06/05                    70 FR 38828
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert E. Nielsen, Senior Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, International Trade Administration, 14th Street and 
Pennsylvania Ave, NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-5340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0625-AA68
_______________________________________________________________________




473. [bull] PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING FIVE-YEAR (``SUNSET'') REVIEWS OF 
ANTIDUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING DUTY ORDERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 19 USC 1671 et seq; 19 USC 3538

CFR Citation: 19 CFR 351

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department takes this action to revise and clarify 
current procedures for participation in, and conduct of, sunset 
reviews. Section 123 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA) governs 
the process for changes to the Department's regulations where a dispute 
settlement panel and/or the Appellate Body finds a regulatory provision 
to be inconsistent with any of the WTO agreements. Consistent with 
section 123(g)(1)(C), the Department is planning to publish proposed 
amendments to its regulations related to sunset reviews to conform the 
existing regulations to the U. S. obligations under Articles 6.1, 6.2, 
and 11.3 of the Antidumping Agreement. The regulations would amend the 
``waiver'' provisions which govern treatment of interested parties who 
do not provide a complete substantive response to the Department's 
notice of initiation of a sunset review and clarify the basis for 
parties' participation in a public hearing in an expedited sunset 
review.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/15/05                    70 FR 47738
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stacy Ettinger, Attorney, Department of Commerce, 
International Trade Administration, Room 3828, 14th & Pennsylvania 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-4618

RIN: 0625-AA69

[[Page 64410]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


International Trade Administration (ITA)



_______________________________________________________________________




474. COMMERCIAL AVAILABILITY OF FABRIC AND YARN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 345

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Janet Heinzen
Phone: 202 482-4006

RIN: 0625-AA59
_______________________________________________________________________




475. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO REGULATION CONCERNING CERTIFICATION OF 
FACTUAL INFORMATION TO IMPORT ADMINISTRATION DURING ANTIDUMPING AND 
COUNTERVAILING DUTY PROCEEDINGS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 19 CFR 351

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/22/04                    69 FR 56738


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert E. Nielsen
Phone: 202 482-5340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0625-AA66
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


International Trade Administration (ITA)



_______________________________________________________________________




476. IMPORT OF CERTAIN WORSTED WOOL FABRIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF TARIFF 
RATE QUOTA ESTABLISHED UNDER TITLE V OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 
2000

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 106-200, sec 501to 504; Presidential Proclamation 
No. 7383 (December 1, 2000)

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 335; 15 CFR 340

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 22, 2001, the Department of Commerce issued 
interim regulations implementing section 501(e) and section 504(b) of 
the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (the Act). Section 501(e) 
requires the President to fairly allocate tariff rate quotas on the 
import of certain worsted wool fabrics, tariff rate quotas which were 
established by sections 501(a) and 501(b) of the Act. Section 504(b) 
authorizes the President to modify the limitations on worsted wool 
fabric imports under the tariff rate quotas. The President has 
delegated to the Secretary of Commerce the authority to allocate the 
quantity of imports under the tariff rate quotas and to determine 
whether the limitations on the quantity of imports under the tariff 
rate quotas should be modified. Final regulations will be issued after 
the period for notice and comment has expired.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/22/01                     66 FR 6459
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/23/01
Final Action                    05/12/05                    70 FR 24941
Final Action                    06/10/05                    70 FR 33825

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Sergio Botero, Industry Economist, Department of 
Commerce, International Trade Administration, HCHB Room 3119, Office of 
Textiles and Apparel, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20230
Phone: 202 482-4058
Fax: 202 482-0667

RIN: 0625-AA58
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




477. SHORT SUPPLY CONTROLS: CRUDE OIL EXPORTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 10 USC 7420, 7430(e); 30 USC 185(s), 185(u); 42 USC 
6212; 43 USC 1354

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 750; 15 CFR 754

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security is amending the short 
supply provisions of the Export Administration Regulations to revise 
the restrictions on exports of crude oil.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________




478. ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 22 USC 6701; 50 USC 1601; 50 USC 1701; EO 13128; EO 
12938; EO 13094; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 781; 15 CFR 782; 15 CFR 783; 15 CFR 784; 15 CFR 
785; 15 CFR 786; 15 CFR 787; 15 CFR 788

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 64411]]

Abstract: Following ratification by the United States of the Protocol 
Additional to the Agreement Between the United States of America and 
the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of 
Safeguards in the United States of America (AP or Protocol), the Bureau 
of Industry and Security (BIS) proposes to establish the Additional 
Protocol Regulations (APR) to implement the provisions of the Protocol 
affecting U.S. industry and other U.S. persons.
In the aftermath of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, international inspectors 
determined that Iraq had been engaged in a clandestine nuclear weapons 
development program at locations not directly subject to International 
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. The international community 
determined that the safeguards system needed to be strengthened and 
negotiated a model Additional Protocol to amend existing bilateral 
safeguards agreements. The model Additional Protocol requires enhanced 
information collection and access to provide IAEA inspectors with 
greater ability to detect clandestine nuclear activities in non-nuclear 
weapons states (NNWS), and covers almost all of a state's nuclear fuel 
cycle. The United States, as a nuclear weapons state (NWS) party to the 
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), is not 
obligated to accept IAEA safeguards on its nuclear activities. However, 
the United States voluntarily signed the U.S. Additional Protocol on 
June 12, 1998. In this U.S. Additional Protocol, the United States 
accepts all of the measures of the Model Protocol, except where their 
application would result in access by the IAEA to activities with 
direct national security significance to the United States or to 
locations or information associated with such activities. By submitting 
itself to the same safeguards on all of its civil nuclear activities 
that NNWS are subject to (except those of national security 
significance), the United States intends to demonstrate that adherence 
to the model Additional Protocol does not place other countries at a 
commercial disadvantage.
Declarations submitted under the U.S. Additional Protocol would provide 
the IAEA with information about additional aspects of the U.S. nuclear 
fuel cycle, including mining and milling of nuclear materials, nuclear-
related equipment manufacturing, nuclear-related imports and exports, 
research and development not involving nuclear material, and other 
nuclear material activities not currently subject to the U.S. 
Safeguards Agreement. There are no routine inspections under the U.S. 
Additional Protocol, but IAEA inspectors may be provided access 
(referred to as ``complementary access'') to the U.S. nuclear fuel 
cycle to assure the absence of undeclared nuclear material and 
activities or where there is a question or an inconsistency about the 
completeness or correctness of the U.S. declaration, which could relate 
to declared or undeclared industrial locations. Access to most 
industrial locations is predicated upon an IAEA request for 
clarification of a declaration. As with the U.S.-IAEA Safeguards 
Agreement, the IAEA would not be required to seek access to any U.S. 
locations. In carrying out the responsibilities delegated to it for 
implementation of the U.S. Additional Protocol, the Bureau of Industry 
and Security (BIS) will apply a philosophy of ensuring compliance while 
minimizing intrusion and the burden on commercial activities and 
emphasizing the protection of confidential business, national security, 
and other critical information to the maximum extent possible.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0694-AD27
RIN: 0694-AD26
_______________________________________________________________________




479. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: CLARIFICATIONS TO DEEMED EXPORT 
AND REEXPORT POLICY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 1701; 50 USC 2401; EO 12938; EO 13020; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 734; 15 CFR 772

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is reviewing the 
recommendations contained in the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of 
Inspector General Report entitled ``Deemed Export Controls May Not Stop 
the Transfer of Sensitive Technology to Foreign Nationals in the U.S.'' 
(Final Inspection Report No, IPE-16176-March 2004). Certain of these 
recommendations would require regulatory changes that would affect 
existing requirements and policies for deemed export licenses. BIS is 
seeking comments on how these revisions would affect industry, the 
academic community, and U.S. Government agencies involved in research.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/28/05                    70 FR 15607
Comment Period Extended         05/27/05                    70 FR 30655
NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD29
_______________________________________________________________________




480. REMOVAL OF LICENSE EXCEPTION GBS AND TSR ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN 
MICROWAVE MONOLITHIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT POWER AMPLIFIERS AND RELATED 
SOFTWARE AND TECHNOLOGY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; EO 13026; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes to amend the Export Administration 
Regulations by removing License Exception GBS for certain microwave 
monolithic integrated circuit (MMICs) power amplifiers that can be used 
in phased

[[Page 64412]]

array radar systems and TSR eligibility for related software and 
technology controlled on the Commerce Control List. License Exception 
GBS authorizes exports and reexports to Country Group B destinations 
when a commodity requires a license to such destinations for national 
security reasons only. License Exception TSR permits exports and 
reexports of technology and software to Group B destinations where the 
Commerce Country Chart (Supplement No. 1 to part 738 of the EAR) 
indicates a license for national security reasons only. Such license 
exception changes are being made because these MIMIC devices could 
potentially be used in military radar, surveillance, communications, 
and electronic warfare by countries of concern and, thus, pose as a 
national security concern.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-3451
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD36
_______________________________________________________________________




481. [bull] CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION REGULATIONS: UDOC ``CHANGE IN 
INSPECTION STATUS FORM''

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 22 USC 6701; EO 13128

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 715; 15 CFR 716

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the Chemical Weapons Convention 
Regulations (CWCR) to expedite the collection of information concerning 
the inspection status of plant sites that produce unscheduled discrete 
organic chemicals (UDOCs) subject to the declaration requirements of 
the CWCR. The CWCR include requirements to report certain activities, 
involving scheduled chemicals and unscheduled discrete organic 
chemicals (UDOCs), and to provide access for on-site verification by 
international inspectors of certain facilities and locations in the 
United States. Specifically, this rule would amend the CWCR by revising 
the annual declaration requirements for UDOCs to permit a ``declared'' 
plant site, which anticipates that its production of UDOCs during the 
current calendar year will be below the inspection threshold level 
indicated in the CWCR, to submit a ``Change in Inspection Status Form'' 
to BIS by December 15th of the current calendar year. The information 
provided to BIS by this new form would facilitate the scheduling of 
UDOC facility inspections by eliminating a period of uncertainty, at 
the beginning of each calendar year, concerning the inspection status 
of ``declared'' UDOC plant sites.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD53
_______________________________________________________________________




482. [bull] VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE PROVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE CASE 
SETTLEMENT GUIDANCE RELATED TO RESTRICTIVE TRADE PRACTICES OR BOYCOTTS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 764; 15 CFR 766

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule sets forth procedures for making voluntary self 
disclosures of violations of part 760 of the Export Administration 
Regulations (Restrictive Trade Practices or Boycotts) and related 
recordkeeping violations (collectively referred to as antiboycott 
violations). This rule also provides guidance about BIS typically 
exercises its discretion regarding whether to pursue an administrative 
case regarding antiboycott violations, and what administrative 
sanctions to seek in settling such a case.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD63
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




483. CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 
3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 
13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 710 et seq

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998 
(the Act or CWCIA) (22 U.S.C. 6701 et seq.), enacted on October 21, 
1998, authorizes the United States to require the U.S. chemical 
industry and other private entities to submit declarations, 
notifications and other reports and also to provide access for

[[Page 64413]]

on-site inspections conducted by inspectors sent by the Organization 
for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Executive Order (E.O.) 
13128 delegates authority to the Department of Commerce to promulgate 
regulations, obtain and execute warrants, provide assistance to certain 
facilities, and carry out appropriate functions to implement the 
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), consistent with the Act. The 
Department of Commerce implements CWC import restrictions under the 
authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the 
National Emergencies Act, and E.O. 12938, as amended by E.O. 13128. The 
Departments of State and Commerce have implemented the CWC export 
restrictions under their respective export control authorities. E.O. 
13128 designates the Department of State as the United States National 
Authority (USNA) for purposes of the CWC and the Act.
On December 30, 1999, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. 
Department of Commerce, published an interim rule that established the 
Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR) (15 CFR parts 710-722). 
The CWCR implemented the provisions of the CWC, affecting U.S. industry 
and U.S. persons, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. This 
rule updates the CWCR to include additional requirements identified as 
necessary for the implementation of certain CWC provisions and amends 
the CWCR to clarify other CWC requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/21/99                    64 FR 39193
Interim Final Rule              12/30/99                    64 FR 73744
Second NPRM                     12/07/04                    69 FR 70754
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AB06
_______________________________________________________________________




484. DE MINIMIS EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY: U.S.-ORIGIN SOFTWARE 
INCORPORATED INTO FOREIGN-MADE COMMODITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 
3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 
13026; EO 13222; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 
by allowing foreign-made commodities that incorporate a de minimis, 
i.e., low percentage, value of controlled U.S.-origin software to be 
considered ``not subject'' to the Export Administration Regulations 
(EAR).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC17
_______________________________________________________________________




485. LICENSE EXCEPTION AVS: CLARIFICATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 
3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 
13026; EO 13222; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to clarify the scope of certain 
License Exception AVS provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC33
_______________________________________________________________________




486. CLARIFICATIONS TO PART 752: SPECIAL COMPREHENSIVE LICENSE 
REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 
3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 
13026; EO 13222; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 700 to 799

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security administers the Special 
Comprehensive License (SCL) program to provide an effective export 
control mechanism for exporters who routinely ship to multiple end-
users. This rule amends the SCL provisions of the Export Administration 
Regulations (EAR) to conform with changes in the SCL licensing process 
and to provide SCL applicants and consignees with additional guidance 
on how to fill out the forms required to submit a license application 
or to request changes in their SCLs. This rule also creates two new 
elements for SCL internal control programs. These new elements require 
the establishment of procedures for screening customers and items to 
ensure that SCL transactions conform with the antiboycott provisions of 
the EAR and with EAR provisions concerning entities involved in weapons 
of mass destruction activities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 64414]]

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC34
_______________________________________________________________________




487. REMOVAL OF LICENSING EXEMPTION FOR EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS OF MISSILE 
TECHNOLOGY-CONTROLLED ITEMS DESTINED TO CANADA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 
7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2501 et seq; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 742

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule revises the existing license exemption in the 
Export Administration Regulations for the export of missile technology 
controlled items to Canada. It implements recommendations contained in 
the General Accounting Office report entitled Export Controls: 
Regulatory Change Needed to Comply with Missile Technology Licensing 
Requirements (GA-01-530).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/20/01                    66 FR 65666
NPRM                            05/24/05                    70 FR 29660
Comment Period End              06/23/05
Final Action                    02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich, Export Policy Analyst, Department 
of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, MS 2705, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC48
_______________________________________________________________________




488. EXPORT AND REEXPORT CONTROLS ON IRAQ

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 
7430; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 287; 22 USC 3201; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185; 42 
USC 2139; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC 466; 50 USC app 5; PL 106-
387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 
744; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 750; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 758; 15 CFR 762; 15 CFR 
774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule establishes the new export control policy for 
exports to Iraq under the licensing responsibility of the Bureau of 
Industry and Security. The new export control policy reflects the 
changed circumstances in Iraq and is consistent with changes in U.S. 
legal authorities concerning Iraq and actions taken by the United 
Nations Security Council with respect to the embargo against Iraq.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/30/04                    69 FR 46060
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue 
NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC84
_______________________________________________________________________




489. KNOWLEDGE DEFINITION, SAFE HARBOR, RED FLAGS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; EO 12938; 
EO 13020; EO 13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 
764; 15 CFR 772

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule revises the knowledge definition in the Export 
Administration Regulations to incorporate a ``reasonable person'' 
standard and replaces the phrase ``high probability'' with the phrase 
``more likely than not.'' It also updates the ``red flags'' guidance 
and would provide a safe harbor from liability arising from knowledge 
under that definition.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/13/04                    69 FR 60829
NPRM Comment Period Extended    11/15/04                    69 FR 65555
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC94
_______________________________________________________________________




490. CLARIFICATION OF ``SPACE-QUALIFIED'' PARTS, COMPONENTS, AND 
TECHNOLOGY SUBJECT TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 
7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201 et 
seq; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s) and 185(u); 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 
43 USC 1354; 46 USC app 466c; 50 USC app 5; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 
13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 
Commerce Control List entry for space launch vehicles and 
``spacecraft'' to remove outdated notes and to clarify that ``space 
qualified'' parts, components and technology subject to the EAR are 
controlled under other entries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 64415]]

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-3451
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD07
_______________________________________________________________________




491. CUBA: CLARIFICATION OF PERSONAL BAGGAGE RULES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; PL 106-
387; EO 13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule clarifies the policy implemented in a rule that BIS 
published on June 22, 2004 (RIN 0694-AD17, 69 FR 34565). That rule, 
inter alia, placed a limit of 44 pounds on the amount of baggage that 
most travelers to Cuba are allowed to take under License Exception BAG. 
This rule clarifies that restriction by excluding wearing apparel and 
articles of personal adornment worn by the traveler while traveling to 
Cuba, and personal safety and medical commodities for use by the 
traveler, including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, portable 
medical devices (e.g., oxygen tanks), and child safety seats and 
strollers for use by a child traveler from that 44 pound limit.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0694-AD17
RIN: 0694-AD23
_______________________________________________________________________




492. LICENSE EXCEPTION GOV EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS FOR OFFICIAL IAEA 
INTERNATIONAL INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION USE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 
U.S.-IAEA SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENT, AS AMENDED BY THE ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222; PL 106-
387; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the License Exception GOV provisions in the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to authorize exports and 
reexports of certain items for official International Atomic Energy 
Agency (IAEA) inspection and verification use in accordance with the 
terms of the Agreement Between the United States of America and the 
International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in 
the United States, and Protocol Thereto (U.S.-IAEA Safeguards 
Agreement), as amended by the U.S.-IAEA Additional Protocol (Additional 
Protocol). These new License Exception GOV provisions authorize exports 
and reexports of a broader range of items than those currently eligible 
under the IAEA-Euratom provisions of License Exception GOV, because 
exports and reexports under these new License Exception GOV provisions 
are authorized only in connection with official international 
inspection and verification activities by the IAEA under the terms of 
the U.S.-IAEA Safeguards Agreement, as amended by the Additional 
Protocol.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0694-AD26
RIN: 0694-AD27
_______________________________________________________________________




493. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION 
REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 2151; 10 USC 7420; 10 
USC 7430(e); . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 738; . . .

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 
by deleting a redundant paragraph and redesignating the remaining 
paragraphs in one section for clarity; inserting material inadvertently 
omitted from previous rules in three places in the EAR; clarifying 
instructions for applying for authorization to transfer items subject 
to the EAR in-country; adding an alias for a previously listed entity 
on the Entity List; and removing references to two Export Control 
Classification Numbers (ECCNs) that do not exist. This action is not 
intended to have a substantive effect on the rights or obligations of 
the public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney, Export Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue 
NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-3371
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD30

[[Page 64416]]

_______________________________________________________________________




494. CLARIFICATION ON LICENSE EXCEPTION RESTRICTIONS AS RELATING TO 
EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS OF CRIME CONTROL AND DETECTION INSTRUMENT 
EQUIPMENT, AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; PL 106-
387; EO 13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by clarifying the listing of 
countries which are exempt from the license exception restriction 
imposed on exports and reexports of specially designed crime control 
and detection instrument equipment. This rule also authorizes the usage 
of License Exception GOV on shipments of the aforementioned equipment. 
Finally, this rule expands the license exception restriction for crime 
control reasons to include all items (commodities, technology, and 
software) instead of only commodities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich, Export Policy Analyst, Department 
of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, MS 2705, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD33
_______________________________________________________________________




495. REMOVAL OF CERTAIN NIGHT VISION DEVICES FROM ELIGIBILITY FOR 
LICENSE EXCEPTION APR FOR REEXPORTS TO, FROM, AND AMONG COUNTRY GROUP 
A:1

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; PL 106-
387; EO 13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Paragraphs (a) and (b) of License Exception APR allow 
reexports of certain commodities to, from, and among destinations in 
Country Group A:1 (Supp. No. 1 to part 740 of the EAR) even in some 
situations in which no license exception would be eligible for similar 
exports from the United States to the same destination. Some 
commodities are excluded from the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) 
of License Exception APR. This rule adds some night vision related 
equipment to those exclusions. BIS is taking this action because of the 
importance of night vision equipment in military operations and its 
potential use by terrorists.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD34
_______________________________________________________________________




496. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATION OF LICENSE EXCEPTION AVAILABILITY FOR 
CERTAIN CRIME CONTROL ITEMS AND REMOVAL OF LICENSE REQUIREMENTS ON OTHER 
CRIME CONTROL ITEMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 
2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; 
PL 108-11; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule expands and clarifies the availability of License 
Exceptions for items listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL) for 
Crime Control reasons. It also removes some such items from the CCL 
altogether by removing four Export Control Classification Numbers 
(ECCN) from that list. BIS is making these changes because it has 
concluded that the License Exception exclusions that this rule removes 
and the license requirements that were imposed pursuant to the ECCNs 
that this rule removes from the CCL are not necessary for the continued 
support of U.S. foreign policy to promote human rights throughout the 
world. Such support is the basis for crime control export license 
requirements as stated in section 742.7 of the EAR. This rule also 
reiterates and emphasizes BIS policy of treating specially designed 
implements of torture and similar items differently than crime control 
items that have legitimate law enforcement uses by creating a separate 
paragraph in section 740.2 excluding the former from all license 
exceptions. Finally this rule makes technical corrections in several 
ECCNs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD47
_______________________________________________________________________




497. REVISIONS TO THE IMPORT CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS IN THE EXPORT 
ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security is removing the 
requirement to obtain an Import Certificate in support of an export or 
reexport licence when the ultimate consignee or purchaser is a foreign 
government or agency of India, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, 
Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. This requirement is being removed for 
India, because of its highly

[[Page 64417]]

effective export control program. The requirement is being removed for 
the other countries because of their membership in the North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization (NATO) and their commitment to export control, as 
is reflected by their membership in multiple export control regimes, 
such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group, the Missile 
Technology Control Regime, and Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney, Export Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue 
NW., Mail Stop 2705, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD50
_______________________________________________________________________




498. [bull] EXPANSION OF REQUIREMENT OF PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (PRC) 
END-USER CERTIFICATES UNDER THE EAR; ELIMINATION OF SUBMISSION 
REQUIREMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR), to expand the requirement for 
obtaining People's Republic of China (PRC) End-User Certificates for 
all license applications submitted that include controlled items that 
exceed a total value of $5,000. This expansion is necessary to allow 
BIS to conduct post shipment verifications on exports or reexports of 
any items requiring a license to the PRC. To minimize the impact that 
this expanded support document requirement will have on exporters, BIS 
is eliminating the current requirement that exporters need to submit a 
PRC End-User Certificate as a required support document with license 
applications. Instead, exporters are required now to maintain PRC End-
User Certificates in accordance with the recordkeeping provisions of 
the EAR. This rule also updates the name and contact information of the 
government entity in the People's Republic of China (PRC) that issues 
PRC End-User Certificates.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney, Export Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue 
NW., Mail Stop 2705, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD52
_______________________________________________________________________




499. [bull] TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION 
REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 
2151 (note); PL 108-175; EO 12938; EO 13020; EO 13026; EO 13222; EO 
13338

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 
748; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule removes an obsolete in-transit license requirement, 
makes BIS policy regarding certain exceptions to export and reexport 
license requirements more explicit, corrects some omissions in two 
sections that summarize license requirements regarding Iran, clarifies 
support document requirements regarding the People's Republic of China, 
removes two instances of two ECCN's applying to a single commodity, 
conforms some software and technology Export Control Classification 
Numbers (ECCNs) more closely to their related commodity ECCNs and makes 
technical changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD54
_______________________________________________________________________




500. [bull] REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION 
REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 
2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 50 USC app 5; PL 106-387, sec 901 to 
911 ; PL 107-56, sec 221; PL 108-11, sec 1503; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 
12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 
10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s); 
30 USC 185(u); 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app 466c; 
. . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule removes reference to ``Advisory Notes'' from 
the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This rule also removes the 
Advisory Note from the entry on the Commerce Control List (CCL) that 
controls specialized machinery, equipment, gear, and specially designed 
parts and for the examination, manufacture, testing, and checking of 
arms, appliances, machines, and implements of war. In addition, it 
revises License Exceptions GBS and CIV in that CCL entry to include 
certain equipment used to determine the safety data of explosives. 
Finally, it revises certain ECCN headings to reflect the current name 
of the Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions List.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marcus Cohen, Department of Commerce, Bureau of

[[Page 64418]]

Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Mail Stop 2705, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202-482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD55
_______________________________________________________________________




501. [bull] REMOVAL OF RESTRICTION ON CERTAIN EXPORTS OF CRIME CONTROL 
COMMODITIES WHEN BEING EXPORTED FOR OFFICIAL USE OF U.S. GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; PL 106-387; EO 13026; EO 
13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule allows items that are on the Commerce Control List 
for crime control reasons to be exported or reexported anywhere in the 
world under License Exception GOV if consigned to and for the official 
use of a U.S. Government agency. This rule exempts such exports and 
reexports from a geographical restriction that applies to the use of 
most License Exceptions with respect to crime control commodities. This 
rule will, among other things, enable exporters and reexporters to ship 
items controlled for crime control reasons to U. S. armed forces in 
Iraq under License Exception GOV rather than having to apply for a 
license.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________




502. [bull] ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW LICENSE EXCEPTION FOR THE EXPORT OR 
REEXPORT TO LIBYA OF CERTAIN ITEMS CONTROLLED FOR ANTI-TERRORISM REASONS 
ON THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: IEEPA

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 772; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In this interim rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security 
(BIS) amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement 
changes to export and reexport controls with respect to Libya. 
Specifically, in this rule, BIS establishes a License Exception 
authorizing the export or reexport to U.S. persons in Libya of certain 
items listed on the Commerce Control List and controlled for anti-
terrorism (AT) reasons. This rule is consistent with the President's 
decision to modify United States' sanctions against Libya, in response 
to Libya's continuing efforts to dismantle its weapons of mass 
destruction and missile programs and its renunciation of terrorism.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue 
NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0694-AD14
RIN: 0694-AD57
_______________________________________________________________________




503. [bull] IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNDERSTANDINGS REACHED AT THE 2004 
GOTEBARG AND 2005 OSLO NUCLEAR SUPPLIER GROUP (NSG) PLENARY MEETINGS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 
7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201 et 
seq; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s), 185(u); 42 U.S; 50 USC app 2401 et 
seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; Sec 901-911, PL 106-387; EO 13026; EO 13222; 
50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 
3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; Sec 901-911, PL 106-387; Sec 221, PL 107-56; 
Sec 1503, PL 108-11; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; EO 
13222; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 
7430(e); 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c, 22 USC 3201 et seq, 22 USC 
6004; 30 USC 185(s), 185(u)

CFR Citation: 15 CFR part 738; 15 CFR part 740; 15 CFR part 742 ; 15 
CFR part 772 ; 15 CFR part 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is publishing this 
rule to amend the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement 
the understandings reached at the 2004 Gotebarg and 2005 Oslo Nuclear 
Supplier Group (NSG) Plenary Meetings. This rule amends the EAR to 
reflect the addition of Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Malta, and the 
Peoples Republic of China to the Nuclear Supplier Group and updates the 
definition of ``Nuclear Supplier Group'' in the EAR to include a 
current listing of all participating countries. This rule amends the 
EAR licensing policies for items that require a license for NP reasons 
by adding an additional licensing factor. The rule also amends the EAR 
to implement changes to the NSG Annex to the ``Guidelines for Transfer 
of Nuclear-Related Dual-Use Equipment, Materials, Software and Related 
Technology'' (The Annex) by revising heading for the Technical Notes at 
the beginning of Category 2, Section B (TEST, INSPECTION, AND 
PRODUCTION) on the Commerce Control List (CCL). It also revises two 
entries in Category 2 on the CCL that control dimensional inspection or 
measuring systems and equipment and machine tools for removing or 
cutting metals, ceramics, or ``composites.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

[[Page 64419]]

Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-3451
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD58
_______________________________________________________________________




504. [bull] CONFORMING CHANGES TO CERTAIN END-USER/END-USE BASED 
CONTROLS IN THE EAR; CLARIFICATION OF EXPORT CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS 
UNDER THE EAR

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 22 USC 3201; 42 USC 2139a; 
EO 12058; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 758

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by making conforming changes in 
certain end-user/end-use controls in the EAR to ensure that the 
terminology used to describe each type of end-user/end-use control is 
consistent, to the fullest extent possible, with the terminology in 
other such controls in the EAR. In addition, this rule amends the EAR 
to clarify that a party cannot proceed with an export, reexport, or 
transfer (in-country) that is in transit at the time the party is 
informed by BIS that a license is required (in accordance with certain 
end-user/end-use controls in the EAR), unless that party first obtains 
a license from BIS authorizing the completion of the transaction.
This rule also amends the export clearance requirements in the EAR to 
clarify that BIS has the authority to order the return or unloading of 
U.S.-origin items that are being transshipped to another country, when 
there are reasonable grounds to believe a violation of the EAR may 
occur, and that this authority extends to U.S.-origin items that may 
have briefly entered the territory of a foreign country, but that have 
yet to be considered in the official jurisdiction of that foreign 
country.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney, Export Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue 
NW., Mail Stop 2705, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD59
_______________________________________________________________________




505. [bull] REVISED APPEAL PROCEDURE FOR PERSONS DESIGNATED AS RELATED 
PERSONS TO DENIAL ORDERS ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 766.25 OF THE EXPORT 
ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 756; 15 CFR 766

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule revises section 766.23(c) of the EAR to provide 
that a person named as a related person to an order issued pursuant to 
section 766.25 may appeal that decision to the Under Secretary for 
Industry and Security pursuant to part 756 of the EAR rather than to an 
administrative law judge. A person named as a related person to an 
order issued pursuant to any other provision of part 766 of the EAR 
will continue to have a right to appeal to an administrative law judge. 
Section 766.25 of the EAR provides the procedure for denial of export 
privileges of persons convicted of one of the statutes specified in 
section 11(h) of the Export Administration Act. This change will have 
the effect of making the appeals procedure for any person who BIS names 
as a related person to a denial order identical to the appeals 
procedure for the respondent in that denial order.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD60
_______________________________________________________________________




506. [bull] REVISION OF NATIONAL SECURITY BASED LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND 
LICENSING POLICY, INCREASED AVAILABILITY OF LICENSE EXCEPTIONS FOR 
CERTAIN NATO MEMBER STATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 
2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; 
PL 108-11,117; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 
774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule revises certain provisions of the Export 
Administration Regulations (EAR) that affect Bulgaria, Czech Republic, 
Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia to 
treat those counties in the same manner as other NATO members with 
respect to national security based license requirements, national 
security licensing policy, availability of License Exceptions, and in-
transit license requirements. This rule removes the license requirement 
for items listed on the Commerce Control List with a reason for control 
of NS (national security) Column 2 for exports and reexports to 
Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Romania, 
Slovakia and Slovenia. This rule removes the restriction on use of 
license exceptions to export or reexport commodities listed on the 
Commerce Control List for crime control reasons to Bulgaria, Czech 
Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. 
This rule makes License Exceptions LVS, GBS and TSR available for 
exports and reexports to Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and 
Romania that meet all of the requirements of those License Exceptions 
and that are not prohibited by the restrictions on all license 
exceptions in section 740.2 of the EAR. This rule removes from 
Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, or Romania from country Group 
D:1. That action removes certain restriction on use of

[[Page 64420]]

four license exceptions (section 740.9, Temporary imports, exports and 
reexport (TMP), section 740.10 Servicing and replacement of parts and 
equipment (RPL); section 740.12 Gift parcels and humanitarian donations 
(GFT); section 740.14, Baggage (BAG) and section 740.15 Aircraft and 
vessels (AVS)) when exporting or reexporting to those countries. 
Removal from Country Group D:1 also means that application for items 
controlled for national security reasons will no longer be evaluated 
based on the likelihood of diversion to of contribution to the military 
potential of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, or Romania. This 
rule removes Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from a list of 
countries for which a license is required for an item to travel through 
that country if a license would be required to send that same item to a 
final destination in that country.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD61
_______________________________________________________________________




507. [bull] IMPLEMENTATION OF UNILATERAL CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS ON 
CERTAIN BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND TOXINS SELECTED FOR DOMESTIC CONTROL BY 
CDC AND APHIS; CLARIFICATION OF CONTROLS ON CERTAIN MEDICAL PRODUCTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; 42 
USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 
to establish export and reexport controls on certain biological agents 
and toxins (i.e., ``select agents and toxins'') that have been 
determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, to 
have the potential to pose a severe threat to human, animal and plant 
life, as well as certain sectors of the U.S. economy (e.g., 
agriculture). Specifically, this rule adds a new entry to the Commerce 
Control List (CCL) to control those CDC and/or APHIS ``select agents 
and toxins'' (including associated genetic elements, recombinant 
nucleic acids, and recombinant organisms) not specified elsewhere on 
the CCL. The export/reexport controls imposed by this rule complement 
the controls that CDC and APHIS have imposed on the transfer and 
possession of these items within the United States. This rule also 
amends the EAR to clarify controls on certain medical products 
containing Australia Group (AG) controlled toxins, other than ricin or 
saxitoxin, by defining them to include pharmaceutical formulations, 
prepackaged for distribution as clinical or medical products, that have 
been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an 
``Investigational New Drug'' (IND). This clarification is consistent 
with the AG exemption for such clinical and medical products, which may 
be designed for testing, as well as human administration, in the 
treatment of medical conditions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD62
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




508. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION 
CONSOLIDATION AND REORGANIZATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748; . . .

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________




509. EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TO SUDAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 
774

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC05

[[Page 64421]]

_______________________________________________________________________




510. EXPANSION OF LICENSE EXCEPTION GOV; EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TO 
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC15
_______________________________________________________________________




511. MANDATORY ELECTRONIC FILING OF LICENSE APPLICATIONS, CLASSIFICATION 
REQUESTS, AND LICENSE EXCEPTIONS NOTIFICATIONS VIA BIS'S SIMPLIFIED 
NETWORK APPLICATION PROCESS (SNAP)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 743; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 
754; 15 CFR 772

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/12/03                    68 FR 64009
NPRM Comment Period End         01/12/04
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________




512. REVISION TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: REPLACEMENT 
LICENSES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748 to 750

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC23
_______________________________________________________________________




513. CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION: REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION 
REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 700 to 799

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC35
_______________________________________________________________________




514. GENERAL ORDER PROVIDING FOR NOTIFICATION OF LICENSE REQUIREMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 
758

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney
Phone: 202 482-3371
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC47
_______________________________________________________________________




515. LICENSE EXCEPTION APR FOR REEXPORTS TO, FROM, AND AMONG COUNTRIES 
IN COUNTRY GROUP A:1

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                            To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________




516. REVISIONS TO LICENSE EXCEPTION TSR: EXPANSION TO SCOPE OF ELIGIBLE 
COUNTRIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC71
_______________________________________________________________________




517. REVISIONS OF AIRCRAFT EXPORT LICENSING JURISDICTION BASED ON REVIEW 
OF THE UNITED STATES MUNITIONS LIST

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AC74

[[Page 64422]]

_______________________________________________________________________




518. IMPOSITION OF FOREIGN POLICY CONTROLS ON SURREPTITIOUS 
COMMUNICATIONS INTERCEPTING DEVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 
752; . . .

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0694-AB41
RIN: 0694-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________




519. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: REMOVAL OF COUNTRY GROUPS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 724; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 
740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 750; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 
758; 15 CFR 770; 15 CFR 772; 15 CFR 774

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD09
_______________________________________________________________________




520. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT STATEMENT OF 
UNDERSTANDING ON THE CONTROL OF NON-LISTED DUAL-USE ITEMS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 748

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD10
_______________________________________________________________________




521. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: ESTABLISH SPECIAL INTRA-COMPANY 
LICENSE (SIL)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730; 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 753; . . .

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD22
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




522. ADDING SYSTEMS, INCLUDING CAMERAS, INCORPORATING NON-SPACE 
QUALIFIED NON-LINEAR (2-DIMENSIONAL), INFRARED FOCAL PLANE ARRAYS BASED 
ON SILICON (INCLUDING SILICON-GERMANIUM) MICROBOLOMETER MATERIALS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 
7430(e); 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 
185(s) and 185(u); 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app 
466c; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule imposes unilateral ``National Security'' (NS) and 
``Anti-Terrorism'' (AT) controls on the export and reexport of (1) 
Systems, including cameras, Incorporating Non-Space Qualified non-
linear (2-dimensional), infrared focal plane arrays based on silicon 
(including silicon-germanium) microbolometer material (SIIRFPA); (2) 
software related to the production and development of these systems; 
and (3) technology related to the production and development of these 
systems and software. This rule places these items, previously 
classified as EAR99, on the Commerce Control List.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/01/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-3451
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Merged with 0694-AD41
RIN: 0694-AD06
_______________________________________________________________________




523. REVISION OF EXPORT AND REEXPORT RESTRICTIONS ON LIBYA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 
7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201 et 
seq; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s), 185(u); 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 
USC 1354; 46 USC app 466c; 50 USC app 5; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 
13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 
744; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 762; 15 CFR 772

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 64423]]

Abstract: This rule implements the President's decision to revise U. S. 
sanctions against Libya. It also transfers licensing jurisdiction for 
exports to Libya of items subject to the EAR from the Department of 
Treasury to the Department of Commerce.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/29/04                    69 FR 23626
Final Action                    03/22/05                    70 FR 14387

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue 
NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD14
_______________________________________________________________________




524. AMENDMENTS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS (EAR) 
IMPLEMENTING THE ``CATCH-ALL'' PROVISIONS IN THE AUSTRALIA GROUP (AG) 
``GUIDELINES FOR TRANSFERS OF SENSITIVE CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL ITEMS''

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 22 USC 3201; 42 USC 
2139a ; PL 106-387; PL 107-56 ; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 12947; 
EO 13026; EO 13099; EO 13222; EO 13224

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the ``end-user/end-use'' controls in section 
744.4(a) of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to conform with 
the country scope of the ``catch-all'' provisions in the Australia 
Group's ``Guidelines for Transfers of Sensitive Chemical or Biological 
Items.'' Currently, section 744.4(a) of the EAR requires a license only 
to countries of concern for chemical and/or biological weapons reasons 
(i.e., Country Group D:3 in Supplement No. 1 to Part 740 of the EAR). 
This rule would amend section 744.4(a) of the EAR by expanding the 
number of countries subject to this EAR ``end-user/end-use'' license 
requirement to include all destinations, worldwide, including the 
countries identified in Country Group A:3 (i.e., the AG-participating 
countries).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/30/05                    70 FR 16110

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD15
_______________________________________________________________________




525. LICENSING POLICY FOR ENTITIES SANCTIONED UNDER SPECIFIED STATUTES; 
LICENSE REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN SANCTIONED ENTITIES; AND IMPOSITION OF 
LICENSE REQUIREMENT FOR TULA INSTRUMENT DESIGN BUREAU

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app. 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 
3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387 sec 901 to 911; PL 107-56 sec 
221; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 12947; EO 13026; EO 13099; EO 
13222; EO 13224

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Several statutes authorize or require the United States 
Government to impose export sanctions on entities if such entities have 
engaged in activities that contribute to the proliferation of weapons 
of mass destruction or are otherwise contrary to the foreign policy 
interests of the United States. This rule sets forth BIS's licensing 
policy for entities subject to sanctions imposed by the State 
Department under the Iran-Iraq Arms Nonproliferation Act of 1992 (Pub. 
L. 102-484), the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 107-178) 
and section 11B(b)(1) of the Export Administration Act of 1979. This 
rule also sets forth a new license requirement for certain entities 
sanctioned by the State Department, and imposes a license requirement 
for a specific entity, Tula Instrument Design Bureau of Russia, 
pursuant to the new license requirement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/07/05                    70 FR 10865
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      05/06/05
Final Rule                      06/09/05                    70 FR 33693

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD24
_______________________________________________________________________




526. EXPORTS OF NUCLEAR-GRADE GRAPHITE: CHANGE IN LICENSING JURISDICTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430; 18 
USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; PL 106-387; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule implements the transfer of licensing jurisdiction, 
from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to the Bureau of Industry 
and Security (BIS), of nuclear-grade graphite intended for non-nuclear 
end-uses.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      07/21/05                    70 FR 41952

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-3451
Fax: 202 482-3355

[[Page 64424]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD28
_______________________________________________________________________




527. EXPANSION OF THE COUNTRY SCOPE OF THE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS THAT 
APPLY TO CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL (CB) EQUIPMENT AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY; 
AMENDMENTS TO CB-RELATED END-USER/END-USE AND U.S. PERSON CONTROLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; 42 
USC 2139a; PL 107-56; PL 108-11; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 
13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule increases the country scope of chemical/biological 
(CB) controls on those Commerce Control List (CCL) entries that control 
chemical/biological equipment and related technology included on the 
Australia Group (AG) ``Control List of Dual-Use Chemical Manufacturing 
Facilities and Equipment and Related Technology.'' Specifically, this 
rule expands the country scope of the CB license requirements for these 
CCL entries from certain countries of concern for chemical/biological 
weapons reasons to all destinations, worldwide, except for those 
countries that participate in the Australia Group (AG). The changes 
made by this rule are intended to make the EAR license requirements 
that apply to AG-listed chemical/biological equipment and related 
technology conform with the AG ``Guidelines for Transfers of Sensitive 
Chemical or Biological Items.'' This rule also expands the CB-related 
end-user/end-use controls in Section 744.4 of the EAR to include in-
country transfers, as well as exports and reexports. In addition, this 
rule expands the country scope of the CB-related U.S. person 
restrictions in Section 744.6 of the EAR from countries of concern for 
CB weapons reasons (i.e., Country Group D:3) to any country or 
destination, worldwide.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/14/05                    70 FR 19688

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD37
_______________________________________________________________________




528. REMOVAL OF ADVISORY NOTES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; PL 
106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 
by removing all references to ``Advisory Notes'' from the provisions of 
the EAR. In addition, this rule amends Export Control Classification 
Number (ECCN) 2B018 on the Commerce Control List (CCL) by removing the 
Advisory Note from this ECCN and making conforming changes to the 
License Exception GBS and License Exception CIV paragraphs in this 
ECCN. Advisory Notes were included in the CCL to indicate favorable 
licensing treatment for strategic items included on the control lists 
of the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM), 
a multilateral export control organization that existed during the Cold 
War era. Strategic items included on the control lists of the COCOM 
successor regime, the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), do not have Advisory 
Notes. Therefore, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amends the 
EAR to remove the only remaining Advisory Note and all references to 
Advisory Notes, wherever located.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/01/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marcus Cohen, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Mail Stop 2705, 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202-482-3355
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Duplicate of 0694-AD39
RIN: 0694-AD39
_______________________________________________________________________




529. EDITORIAL CORRECTIONS TO PART 730 OF THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION 
REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 18 USC 2510; . 
. .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule amends the Export Administration Regulations 
(EAR) by making editorial corrections to update the organization 
descriptions and contact information of the offices in the Bureau of 
Industry and Security. In addition, this rule updates the list of 
Paperwork Collections that authorize the collection of information 
under the requirements of the EAR.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/22/05                    70 FR 14385

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD40
_______________________________________________________________________




530. DECEMBER 2004 WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT PLENARY AGREEMENT 
IMPLEMENTATION: CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 PART I (TELECOMMUNICATIONS), 6, 
7, 8, AND 9 OF THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST; WASSENAAR REPORTING 
REQUIREMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 
. . .

[[Page 64425]]

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 743; 15 CFR 772; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) maintains the 
Commerce Control List (CCL), which identifies items subject to 
Department of Commerce export controls. This final rule revises certain 
entries controlled for national security reasons in Categories 1, 2, 3, 
4, 5 part I (telecommunications), 6, 7, 8, and 9 to conform with 
changes in the List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies maintained and 
agreed to by governments participating in the Wassenaar Arrangement on 
Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and 
Technologies (Wassenaar Arrangement). The Wassenaar Arrangement focuses 
on implementation of effective export controls on strategic items with 
the objective of improving regional and international security and 
stability.
The purpose of this final rule is to make the necessary changes to the 
Commerce Control List, definitions of terms used in the EAR, and 
Wassenaar reporting requirements to implement Wassenaar List revisions 
that were agreed upon in the December 2004 meeting. In addition, this 
rule adds Slovenia to the list of Wassenaar member countries in the 
EAR.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/26/05                    70 FR 43041

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD41
_______________________________________________________________________




531. ENTITY LIST--INDIA: REDUCTION IN SCOPE OF ITEMS THAT REQUIRE A 
LICENSE FOR END-USERS SUBJECT TO INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY 
(IAEA) SAFEGUARDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 42 USC 2139(a); EO 12947; . 
. .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 12, 2004, President George W. Bush announced the 
Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) with India. The proposed 
cooperation outlined in the NSSP will progress through a series of 
reciprocal steps that build on each other, including steps related to 
enhancing cooperation in peaceful uses of space technology and steps to 
create the appropriate environment for successful high technology 
commerce. This rule implements a revision the United States has agreed 
to take under the NSSP by reducing the scope of the items that 
exporters are informed require a license for facilities subject to 
International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards (Rajasthan 1 & 2 and 
Tarapur 1 & 2).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/30/05                    70 FR 51251

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, 
Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD44
_______________________________________________________________________




532. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app. 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 
7420; 10 USC 7430(e); . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 734; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 
742; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule clarifies the requirements of several license 
exceptions, replaces supplements to the EAR with codified text, removes 
several provisions that have no legal effect and revises several 
software and technology Commerce Control List entries to make them more 
closely track related commodity entries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       06/15/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of 
Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Previously reported as 0694-AC93, Merged with 0694-AD54
RIN: 0694-AD46
_______________________________________________________________________




533. REVISION OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS, ADDRESSES, AND NOMENCLATURE CHANGE 
AND REMOVAL OF REDUNDANT REPORTING REQUIREMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app. 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 
2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; 
PL 108-11; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 762; 15 CFR 
764

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule revises addresses, telephone, and facsimile 
numbers; makes a nomenclature change; removes a redundant notification 
requirement; and corrects a citation error.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/27/05                    70 FR 22247

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of

[[Page 64426]]

Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD48
_______________________________________________________________________




534. RESTRICTIONS ON EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TO CHINA (AND TRANSFERS 
WITHIN CHINA) OF CERTAIN ITEMS INTENDED FOR MILITARY END-USES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 22 USC 3201; EO 13026; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to impose a license requirement 
on exports and reexports to China (and transfers within China) of 
certain aircraft engines intended for military end-uses.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 0694-AD10           09/01/05

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 Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 
14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Merged with 0694-AD10
RIN: 0694-AD49
_______________________________________________________________________




535. [bull] IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNDERSTANDINGS REACHED AT THE APRIL 
2005 AUSTRALIA GROUP (AG) PLENARY MEETING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; 42 
USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12938; EO 13026

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 745; 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 
to implement the understandings reached at the April 2005 plenary 
meeting of the Australia Group (AG), which was held in Sydney, 
Australia, on April 18-21, 2005. Specifically, this rule amends the EAR 
to implement changes to the AG ``Control List of Dual-Use Chemical 
Manufacturing Facilities and Equipment and Related Technology'' by 
revising Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 2B350 on the 
Commerce Control List (CCL) to clarify controls on pumps usable for 
making precursor chemicals. This rule also amends the EAR to implement 
changes to the AG ``Control List of Dual-Use Biological Equipment'' by 
revising ECCN 2B352 on the CCL to control complete spraying and fogging 
systems, spray booms and arrays of aerosol generating units, and 
components therefor, having specified delivery capabilities and 
specially designed or modified for fitting to aircraft, lighter-than-
air vehicles, or unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition, this rule 
amends ECCN 1C353 on the CCL by revising the Technical Note in the 
entry to clarify the scope of the chemical/biological (CB) controls 
that apply to genetic elements and genetically modified organisms that 
contain nucleic acid sequences associated with the pathogenicity of any 
AG-controlled microorganisms in 1C351.a to .c, 1C352, or 1C354 on the 
CCL. This rule also amends the EAR to reflect the addition of Ukraine 
as the newest participating country in the Australia Group (AG) by 
amending the Country Groups in Supplement No. 1 to Part 740 to add 
Ukraine to Country Group A:3 (Australia Group) and remove Ukraine from 
Country Group D:3 (Countries of Concern for Chemical and Biological 
Reasons) and by amending the Commerce Country Chart in Supplement No. 1 
to Part 738 to remove the licensing requirements for Ukraine, under CB 
Column 2 and CB Column 3, in conformance with the CB licensing policy 
that applies to AG participating countries. Finally, this rule amends 
the list of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 
Supplement No. 2 to Part 745 by adding ``Niue,'' which recently became 
a State Party. This rule clarifies the entry for ``Netherlands'' by 
adding a footnote to indicate that, for CWC purposes only, the 
Netherlands includes ``Aruba'' and the ``Netherlands Antilles.'' This 
rule also updates the list of States Parties by removing ``Yugoslavia 
(Federal Republic of)'' and replacing it with ``Serbia and 
Montenegro.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/05/05                    70 FR 45276

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD51

[[Page 64427]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)



_______________________________________________________________________




536. [bull] CHANGES TO FEDERAL INFORMATION PROCESSING STANDARD (FIPS) 
PUBLICATION 201, STANDARD FOR PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF FEDERAL 
EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 40 USC 11331(a); 15 USC 278g-3(a)(c); HSPD 12

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 
announces proposed changes to Federal Information Processing Standard 
(FIPS) Publication 201, Standard for Personal Identity Verification of 
Federal Employees and Contractors. The changes to Section 2.2, PIV 
Identify Proofing and Registration Requirements, and to Section 5.3.1, 
PIV Card Issuance, will clarify the identity proofing and registration 
process that departments and agencies should follow when issuing 
identity credentials. These changes are required to make FIPS 201 
consistent with the Memorandum for All Departments and Agencies (M-05-
24), issued by the Office of Management and Budget on August 5, 2005, 
Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 -- 
Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and 
Contractors. Before recommending these proposed changes to FIPS 201 to 
the Secretary of Commerce for review and approval, NIST invites 
comments from the public, users, the information technology industry, 
and Federal, State and local government organizations concerning the 
proposed changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          09/08/05                    70 FR 53346
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Michael R. Rubin, Deputy Chief Counsel, Department of 
Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Room 811, 
Admin Building, Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Phone: 301 975-2803

RIN: 0693-AB56
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)



_______________________________________________________________________




537. DRAFT FEDERAL INFORMATION PROCESSING STANDARD (FIPS) 201, PERSONAL 
IDENTIFICATION VERIFICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: HSPD 12; PL 107-347

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The President tasked the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate, 
in accordance with applicable law, a Federal standard for secure and 
reliable forms of identification for Federal employees. The Federal 
Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201, Personal Identification 
Verification for Federal Employees and Contractors (FIPS 201) would 
specify the minimum necessary technical and operational requirements 
for such Federal identification credentials.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          11/23/04                    69 FR 68128
Final Action                    04/08/05                    70 FR 17975

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Barker, Computer Security Division, Department 
of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Phone: 301 975-8443
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0693-AB54
_______________________________________________________________________




538. [bull] FASTENER QUALITY ACT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 15 USC 5401 et seq

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 280

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Director of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology amends its regulations that implement the Fastener Quality 
Act of 1999 to update the mailing address where all documents submitted 
in connection with the recordal of fastener insignia must be sent.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/26/05                    70 FR 50180
Final Action Effective          09/26/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ari Leifman, Department of Commerce, National Institute 
of Standards and Technology, Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks, 
P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
Phone: 571 272-9572

RIN: 0693-AB55

[[Page 64428]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE


                    ________________________________



539. AMENDMENT 12 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE CRUSTACEAN 
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, September 2005, Final regulations to 
be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period.

Abstract: Amendment 12 to the Crustaceans FMP would establish the U.S. 
EEZs around the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. 
Pacific remote island areas as crustaceans management areas and 
establish permit and reporting requirements for the crustacean 
fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AL67
_______________________________________________________________________




540. AMENDMENT 7 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BOTTOMFISH 
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, October 2005, Final regulations to be 
published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period.

Abstract: Amendment 7 to the Bottomfish FMP would close all Federal 
waters within 50 nm around Guam to bottomfish fishing vessels greater 
than 50 feet in length and establish permit and reporting requirements 
for these vessels.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AM98
_______________________________________________________________________




541. AMENDMENT 18A 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, February 2006, Final regulations to 
be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period.

Abstract: Amendment 18A would address several administrative, 
enforcement, and monitoring issues in the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish 
Fishery including: (1) The use of VMS, (2) the use of reef fish as 
bait, (3) the simultaneous possession of commercial and charter vessel 
permits on a vessel, and (4) maximum crew size on a charter vessel when 
fishing commercially. Additionally, the amendment would address release 
gear and protocols for releasing sea turtles.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AN09
_______________________________________________________________________




542. MEASURES TO PREVENT OR MITIGATE AND CONSERVE, MANAGE, AND ALLOW 
FULL UTILIZATION OF SHARKS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, March 2006, Final regulations to be 
published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period.

Abstract: Implement Amendment 9 to the western Pacific pelagics FMP, 
which would establish trip limit for non-blue sharks in the Hawaii-
based longline fishery, establish a new definition for bottom longline 
and prohibit its use in the Hawaiian Islands and other management 
measures to protect and conserve shark resources in the region.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05
Final Action                    02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AN76
_______________________________________________________________________




543. REVISION OF AMERICAN LOBSTER REGULATIONS FOR THE EEZ

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697

[[Page 64429]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In accordance with the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative 
Management Act (Act), 16 U.S.C. et seq., NMFS announces that it is 
considering, and seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal 
American lobster regulations for the Exclusive Economic Zone in 
response to recommendations from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries 
Commission to NMFS in Addenda II and III to Amendment 3 to the 
Interstate Fishery Management Plan (ISFMP)for American Lobster. This 
action would develop regulations relative to Addendum III to the ISFMP, 
and combine those with Addendum II (ANPRM and NOI published May and 
September of 2001, respectively) into a single environmental impact 
statement. Addendum II management measures would include minimum gauge 
size increases in five of the seven Lobster Conservation Management 
Areas (LCMA), lobster trap gear modifications, a 4-year lobster trap 
reduction schedule for LCMA 3, and a logbook requirement for LCMA 3 
lobster vessels. Addendum III would further modify Addendum II's gauge 
increase schedule and include new management measures for the majority 
of the LCMAs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/24/01                    66 FR 28726
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/25/01
ANPRM                           09/05/02                    67 FR 56801
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/07/02
NPRM                            09/02/05                    70 FR 52346
NPRM Comment Period End         10/17/05
Final Action                    01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AP18
_______________________________________________________________________




544. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT PERMIT STACKING IN THE LIMITED-
ENTRY FIXED-GEAR SABLEFISH FISHERY IN 2005 AND BEYOND

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would implement the following 
Amendment 14 provisions: permit owners will be required to provide 
detailed ownership information to ensure that no person has ownership 
interest in or holds more than three permits; current permit owners who 
were not permit owners before November 1, 2000, will be required to be 
on board the vessel fishing against the sablefish cumulative limits 
associated with that vessel's permit(s); vessels landing sablefish 
against their primary season limits will be required to contact 
enforcement officials before making sablefish landings; vessel owners 
wishing to freeze sablefish at sea will be required to provide proof of 
a history of freezing sablefish at sea in the years 1998, 1999, or 
2000.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AP38
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 2005, Final regulations to 
be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period.

Abstract: NMFS amends its regulations to implement the Comprehensive 
Amendment Addressing the Sustainable Fisheries Act provisions of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) in 
the fishery management plans (FMPs) of the U.S. Caribbean. 
Specifically, the amendment includes actions to define fishery 
management units and sub-units; specifies biological reference points 
and stock status determination criteria; regulates fishing mortality; 
rebuilds overfished fisheries; conserves and protects yellowfin 
grouper; and achieves the MSFCMA bycatch mandates. Also incorporated 
into this FMP amendment are alternatives to describe and identify 
essential fish habitat (EFH), and alternatives to address adverse 
effects of fishing on EFH. The intended effect of this action is to 
ensure the stewardship of living marine resources for the benefit of 
the Nation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          06/16/05                    70 FR 35053
NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AP51

[[Page 64430]]

_______________________________________________________________________




546. ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERIES; AMENDMENT 9

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic 
mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries would address essential fish 
habitat and revise the Illex quota procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AP60
_______________________________________________________________________




547. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGULATORY CHANGES RESULTING FROM THE 
AMENDMENTS AND EXTENSION OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC TUNA ACT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would implement the regulatory changes 
resulting from the recently renegotiated Treaty on Fisheries between 
the governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the government of 
the United States of America, as authorized under the South Pacific 
Tuna Act. These changes include the implementation of an electronic 
vessel monitoring system for U.S. purse seine vessels licensed to fish 
within the Treaty Area. The location information will be provided to 
the Forum Fisheries Agency, located in Honiara, Solomon Islands, as 
well as NOAA Fisheries. This rule would eliminate the prohibition of 
duly authorized U.S. longline vessels from fishing in the high seas 
areas within the Treaty Area. Additionally, it will impose minor 
modifications in the various reporting requirements, as well as modify 
the areas of fishing allowed in the exclusive economic zones of the 
Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Charles Karnella, Pacific Islands Area Office, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 
96814-4700
Phone: 808 973-2985

RIN: 0648-AP61
_______________________________________________________________________




548. AMENDMENT 71A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH 
FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would revise regulations governing the process 
under which a portion of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands quotas for 
groundfish, prohibited species, crab, and halibut are allocated to 
groups representing Western Alaska communities eligible for the 
Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. The action also would revise 
administrative regulations for the economic development aspects of the 
CDQ Program. It would also allow the CDQ groups to invest in non-
fisheries projects.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AP67
_______________________________________________________________________




549. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO SECTION 679 PERMITS OR PERMIT-RELATED 
ISSUES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would revise several sections of regulations 
that pertain to permits or permit-related issues by technical edits and 
clarifications to existing requirements, removal of obsolete text, and 
clarification and simplification of text. In addition, this rulemaking 
would combine the registered buyer permit with the Federal processor 
permit when a shoreside processor does both IFQ and groundfish. This 
would be accomplished by adding an endorsement to the Federal processor 
permit.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AQ07

[[Page 64431]]

_______________________________________________________________________




550. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ADJUST PERMIT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS AND 
TRANSFERABILITY RESTRICTIONS IN NWHI'S HOOMALU ZONE AND MAU LIMITED 
ACCESS PROGRAMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the Bottomfish FMP would 
remove annual landings requirement for permit renewal, revise permit 
transferability restrictions, establish permit eligibility for the Mau 
Zone, and establish a mechanism to facilitate permits through a 
community development program in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands 
bottomfish limited access programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05
Final Action                    02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

Related RIN: Merged with 0648-AK82
RIN: 0648-AQ20
_______________________________________________________________________




551. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); RECREATIONAL ATLANTIC BLUE 
AND WHITE MARLIN LANDINGS LIMIT; AMENDMENTS TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
PLAN FOR ATLANTIC TUNAS, SWORDFISH, AND SHARKS AND THE FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would withdraw the proposed rule published on 
September 17, 2003 (68 FR 54410), and proposes new management measures 
to implement domestic management measures based upon recommendations of 
the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas 
(ICCAT) regarding a recreational landings of Atlantic blue and white 
marlin to 250 fish. This rule also addresses numerous issues for the 
Atlantic tunas, swordfish, shark, and billfish fisheries. These issues 
include reviewing data for updates as part of a 5-year review of 
essential fish habitat; considering workshops to reduce bycatch and 
bycatch mortality, increase regulatory compliance, and increase 
communication with fishermen; reviewing current time/area closures and 
the need for modifications; addressing overfishing of finetooth sharks, 
northern albacore tuna, and Atlantic billfish; adjusting bluefin tuna 
effort controls and quota allocations to improve management; 
considering changes to the fishing year definition and currently 
authorized gear types; and correcting incorrect or outdated sections of 
the regulations. This rule also combines the two fishery management 
plans into one document.
This action would affect fishermen fishing for highly migratory species 
in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. 
Many of the actions in this rule will simplify or improve the 
management of the fisheries to help fishermen understand the 
regulations and the management process. Other actions in this rule 
could change quota allocations, but would not likely change overall 
quotas. Additionally, while the actions may establish new requirements, 
such as workshops, or modify existing requirements, such as the time/
area closures, the actions are not expected to reduce the number of 
people fishing for highly migratory species. Some actions - for 
example, modifications to time/area closures - could have negative or 
positive economic impacts, depending on the extent of the changes 
needed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/17/03                    68 FR 54410
NPRM Comment Period End         10/24/03
NPRM                            08/19/05                    70 FR 48804
NPRM Comment Period End         10/18/05
Final Action                    01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AQ65
_______________________________________________________________________




552. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would implement a limited access program, 
implement management measures to management area 1A, and make other 
adjustments to the Atlantic Herring FMP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06
Final Action                    10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AQ87
_______________________________________________________________________




553. AMENDMENT 62 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH 
FISHERY OF THE GULF OF ALASKA AND AMENDMENT 62 TO THE FMP FOR THE 
GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA (BSAI)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

[[Page 64432]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would implement American Fisheries Act (AFA) 
single geographic location allowing AFA-qualified inshore floating 
processors the flexibility to relocate between reporting weeks rather 
than between fishing years for the purpose of processing targeted 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands pollock. In addition, this rulemaking 
would address obsolete and inconsistent inshore/offshore language in 
both the BSAI and GOA groundfish FMPs and recommend removing the GOA 
inshore/offshore allocation sunset date.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AR06
_______________________________________________________________________




554. REGULATORY RULEMAKING TO REVISE ACCOUNTING FOR EXTERNALLY TAGGED 
HALIBUT AND SABLEFISH

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would revise accounting procedures when 
deducting halibut catch or sablefish catch from the Individual Fishing 
Quota (IFQ) or Community Development Quota (CDQ). Only those halibut or 
sablefish with external tags are excluded from IFQ or CDQ deduction.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AR09
_______________________________________________________________________




555. CATCHER VESSEL ELECTRONIC REPORT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS revises it regulations to allow the operator of a 
catcher vessel the option of using an NMFS-approved electronic version 
of the logbook in place of the paper logbook. Currently, paper daily 
fishing logbooks are required from catcher vessels greater than 60 feet 
in length overall. Requirements for completion and submittal of the 
logbooks exist in the regulations at 50 CFR part 679. Recent advances 
in technology have allowed catcher vessels to use an electronic version 
of the logbook to record the required information. The current 
regulations would be changed to reflect the different options available 
to catcher vessels when submitting data. The use of the electronic 
logbooks would not be required by NMFS at this time.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AR30
_______________________________________________________________________




556. ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS FISHERIES IN THE EEZ; MODIFICATION OF FEDERAL 
REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1851

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS announces that it is considering, and seeking public 
comment on, revisions to Federal Atlantic striped bass regulations for 
the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in response to recommendations 
from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) to 
the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). The Commission recommended that 
the Secretary remove the moratorium on the harvest of Atlantic striped 
bass in the EEZ after a 13-year closure; implement a 28-inch minimum 
size limit for the recreational and commercial Atlantic striped bass 
fisheries in the EEZ; and allow States the ability to adopt more 
restrictive rules for fishermen and vessels licensed in their 
jurisdiction. NMFS is soliciting comments with this notice regarding 
possible management measures and issues that NMFS should consider 
relative to these recommendations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/21/03                    68 FR 43074
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/20/03
Comment Period Extended         08/26/03                    68 FR 51232
Notice of Intent                10/20/03                    68 FR 59906
NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AR33

[[Page 64433]]

_______________________________________________________________________




557. AMENDMENT 13B TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 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: None

Abstract: Amendment 13B will: (1) Redefine, as needed, the snapper-
grouper fishery management unit (FMU) and FMU sub-units; (2) define 
biomass-based estimates of biological reference points and status 
determination criteria for all stocks/complexes that comprise the FMU; 
(3) establish rebuilding schedules based on biomass-based estimates of 
status determination criteria for all overfished stocks/complexes in 
the FMU; (4) implement management measures to decrease fishing 
mortality; (5) assess the practicability of additional bycatch 
reduction measures; (6) assess the practicability of changes to the 
renewal period on commercial snapper-grouper permits; and (7) assess 
the practicability of allowing one-to-one transfer of commercial 
permits from an individual to a family held corporation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AR38
_______________________________________________________________________




558. MAXIMIZE RETENTION AND MONITORING PROGRAM IN THE SHOREBASED PACIFIC 
WHITING 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 (Pacific Council) at 
their October 21 to 25, 1996, meeting in San Francisco, California 
addressed the treatment and disposition of salmon in the groundfish 
trawl fisheries, specifically the shore-based whiting fishery. At that 
meeting, the Pacific Council discussed the retention of salmon in the 
shore-based whiting fishery and took action to maintain a viable shore-
based whiting fishery by using exempted fishing permits (EFPs). These 
EFPs allowed the shore-based whiting fleet to temporarily deliver 
unsorted catch to processing plants and provided for the monitoring of 
incidentally taken salmon until a permanent monitoring program could be 
implemented. In keeping with the Pacific Council's recommendation, NMFS 
is proceeding with implementing a monitoring program for the shore-
based whiting fishery. This action will aid in the sustainable 
management of Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fisheries while 
providing an important economic opportunity to those associated with 
the harvest, processing, and selling of whiting taken by the shore-
based whiting fleet. The need for implementing a permanent monitoring 
program in the shore-based Pacific whiting fishery is to provide for a 
full retention fishery by enabling the shore-based whiting fleet, 
comprised exclusively of catcher vessels, to deliver unsorted catch to 
processing plants. This practice is necessary to ensure that whiting 
landings are of market quality, while abiding by Federal groundfish 
regulations and those implementing the Pacific Coast salmon and 
groundfish fishery management plans (FMPs).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AR63
_______________________________________________________________________




559. AMENDMENT 8 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BOTTOMFISH 
FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 8 would establish bottomfish management areas in 
Federal waters around the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
and the Pacific Remote Island Areas, add 48 bottomfish management unit 
species, and establish permit and reporting requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AR65
_______________________________________________________________________




560. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ADD AND REVISE CERTAIN SPECIES CODES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would add or revise species codes 
to an existing collection. These changes are done in coordination with 
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The species codes currently in use 
are presented in table 2 to part 679. Code 112, Pacific hake, would be 
added because fishermen in the EEZ off the coast of Alaska are now 
catching more

[[Page 64434]]

of this fish species and need a way to document the weight. Code 702, 
Big Skate, would be added because State of Alaska and NMFS management 
need to identify the catch of this species specifically rather than in 
the miscellaneous code 700, General Skates. Code 932, Opilio Tanner 
Crab, would be renamed as Snow Tanner Crab because this revised name is 
more common among the fishing industry. These changes in the species 
codes are not controversial and are expected to be supported by all 
interested entities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/01/05                    70 FR 52060
NPRM Comment Period End         10/03/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AR67
_______________________________________________________________________




561. AMENDMENT 72 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN 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: None

Abstract: This action would eliminate an existing requirement under the 
Improved Retention/Improved Utilization (IR/IU) program that groundfish 
fisheries retain shallow water flatfish in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). 
This action may relieve some harvesting and utilization restrictions on 
GOA groundfish harvesting and processing operations. It follows a 
parallel action taken in the BSAI to relieve those groundfish fisheries 
from requirements to retain all IR/IU flatfish species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AR72
_______________________________________________________________________




562. REVISIONS TO THE DEFINITIONS OF EXEMPTED FISHING AND SCIENTIFIC 
RESEARCH

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS amends the regulations at 50 CFR 600.745. The action is 
intended to provide clearer guidance to the public for obtaining 
appropriate acknowledgments and permits and to facilitate the timely 
conduct of research to address bycatch and habitat issues in the 
fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AR78
_______________________________________________________________________




563. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA FOR GUIDED RECREATIONAL CHARTER HALIBUT 
FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 1540

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would modify the Individual Fishing 
Quota (IFQ) Program by incorporating the guided recreational charter 
halibut fishery (Charter fishery) into the existing IFQ program for the 
fixed-gear commercial fishery (Commercial fishery) as defined by 
specific elements of the proposed action.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AR96
_______________________________________________________________________




564. FISH AND SEAFOOD PROMOTION ACT PROVISIONS; SEAFOOD MARKETING 
COUNCILS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 4001 to 4017

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 270

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1989, NOAA issued a final rule implementing the Fish and 
Seafood Promotion Act of 1986 (Act), as it pertains to seafood 
marketing councils for one or more species of fish or fish products. 
The rule was stricken from the Code of Federal Regulations as part of a 
Presidential regulatory reform effort along with a large number of 
other rules and regulations unused or little used. In light of evidence 
that seafood marketing councils may be a valuable tool in the near 
future NOAA now plans to reissue this rule which

[[Page 64435]]

governs the establishment and operations of such councils. This rule is 
intended to implement the Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gordon Helm, Deputy Director, Office of Constituent 
Affairs, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2379

RIN: 0648-AS09
_______________________________________________________________________




565. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO MODIFY SEVERAL 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT ELEMENTS OF THE CDQ PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would modify several fishery 
management elements of the CDQ Program, including: how to address which 
annual CDQ reserves should be allocated among CDQ groups; relaxing 
strict quota accountability standards; and determining a means to 
accommodate changes made in the annual specifications process to 
preexisting CDQ percentage allocations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AS13
_______________________________________________________________________




566. AMENDMENT 13 TO FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY OF 
THE GULF OF MEXICO, U.S. WATERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is developing 
Amendment 13 to establish a permitting system for the royal red shrimp 
fishery that is complementary to the existing permit system for the 
penaeid shrimp fishery. In accordance with requirements of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Amendment 
also will establish or revise stock status thresholds and targets 
including MSY, OY, as well as the ``overfished'' and ``overfishing'' 
definitions for the shrimp species in the management unit, and a 
bycatch reporting methodology.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS15
_______________________________________________________________________




567. AMENDMENT 14 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS 
FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 
Fishery Management would revise the allocation of summer flounder 
quota.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AS22
_______________________________________________________________________




568. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE TILEFISH FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish 
Fishery would implement Individual Transferable Quotas in the tilefish 
fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AS25

[[Page 64436]]

_______________________________________________________________________




569. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH MEASURES AUTHORIZING THE OPTIONAL 
USE OF ELECTRONIC LOGBOOK FORMS IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC FISHERIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, March 2006, Final, Statutory, Final 
regulations must be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period.

Abstract: This regulatory amendment, under the western Pacific Pelagics 
FMP, would allow fishermen the option of using logbook forms in 
substitution of paper logbook forms for Federal data recording and 
reporting requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06
Final Action                    02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AS29
_______________________________________________________________________




570. AMENDMENT 6 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PRECIOUS CORALS 
FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

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

Abstract: Amendment 6 to the Precious Corals FMP would designate the 
U.S. EEZ around the Northern Mariana Islands as an exploratory X-P-C 
and establish permit and reporting requirements, and harvest quota.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AS31
_______________________________________________________________________




571. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); REDUCING SEA TURTLE TAKES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend the regulations governing the 
Atlantic pelagic longline fishery based upon a June 1, 2004, Biological 
Opinion regarding Atlantic sea turtles. This amendment could include 
framework mechanisms that would allow the Agency to take action, such 
as partial or rolling closures or gear or effort restrictions, if the 
number of sea turtle interactions or mortalities exceed anticipated 
levels during a certain period of time. This action would not change 
established quotas for target species and is not expected to change 
overall effort in the fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           08/12/04                    69 FR 49858
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/12/04
NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AS49
_______________________________________________________________________




572. ESTABLISH MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN 
MARIANA ISLANDS BOTTOMFISH FISHERY UNDER THE WESTERN PACIFIC BOTTOMFISH 
AND SEAMOUNT GROUNDFISH FMP

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, February 2005.
Final, Statutory, April 2005.
Final, Statutory, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of 
end of NPRM comment period.

Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the western Pacific 
Bottomfish/Seamount Groundfish FMP would establish measures including 
limits on bottomfish harvest, reporting requirements, area closures, 
and gear vessel restrictions in the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06
Final Action                    04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AS63
_______________________________________________________________________




573. REVISE PRECIOUS CORAL MEASURES TO INCREASE THE PROTECTION OF BLACK 
CORAL RESOURCES IN HAWAII

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

[[Page 64437]]

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, February 2005.
Final, Statutory, May 2005.
Final, Statutory, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of 
end of NPRM comment period.

Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the western Pacific Precious 
Corals FMP would revise the minimum harvest size for black corals and 
other measures to protect and conserve Hawaii black corals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AS64
_______________________________________________________________________




574. GENERIC AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATIONS OF OFFSHORE 
AQUACULTURE OF SELECTED FISH

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of the amendment is to develop a regulatory 
permitting process for regulating and promoting environmentally sound 
and economically sustainable aquaculture in the Gulf EEZ. Possible 
management actions include: 1) Types of aquaculture permits required; 
2) duration aquaculture permits are effective; 3) conditions for permit 
issuance; 4) species allowed for aquaculture; 5) allowable aquaculture 
systems; 6) designation of sites or areas for conducting aquaculture; 
7) buffer zones for aquaculture facilities; 8) recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements; and 9) regulations to aid in the enforcement of 
marine aquaculture facilities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS65
_______________________________________________________________________




575. GENERIC AMENDMENT FOR ADDRESSING ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT 
REQUIREMENTS, HABITAT AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN, AND GEAR RESTRICTIONS 
FOR ALL FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, April 2005.
Final, Statutory, June 2005.

Abstract: This action would amend all seven of the Council's fishery 
management plans and proposes alternatives that will: (1) Describe and 
identify essential fish habitat (EFH) and habitat areas of particular 
concern (HAPC) for all species and life stages in the fishery 
management unit of the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) minimize to the extent 
practicable the adverse effects of fishing gear or activities on EFH.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS66
_______________________________________________________________________




576. AMENDMENT 26 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH 
RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO TO ESTABLISH A RED SNAPPER INDIVIDUAL 
FISHING QUOTA PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish the Individual Fishing Quota 
Program (IFQ) for the Gulf commercial red snapper fishery. The 
amendment contains alternatives developed by the Ad Hoc Snapper 
Advisory Panel and the Council that provide for: (1) IFQ Program; (2) 
IFQ program donation; (3) eligibility for initial IFQ allocation; (4) 
initial apportionment of IFQ shares; (5) ownership caps and 
restrictions on IFQ share certificates or allocations; (6) transfer of 
eligibility requirements; (7) use-or-lose IFQ shares or allocations; 
(8) appeals process; (9) adjustments in commercial quota program; (10) 
vessel monitoring system; and (11) cost recovery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS67

[[Page 64438]]

_______________________________________________________________________




577. AMENDMENT 25 TO THE REEF FISH 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 25 would address whether to allow the current 
moratorium on the issuance of reef fish charter vessel/headboat 
(recreational for-hire) permits to expire on June 16, 2006, to extend 
the moratorium for a finite period (5 or 10 years), or replace the 
moratorium with a limited access system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS68
_______________________________________________________________________




578. AMENDMENT 17 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 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: None

Abstract: Amendment 17 would address whether to allow the current 
moratorium on the issuance of coastal migratory pelagic charter vessel/
headboat (recreational for-hire) permits to expire on June 16, 2006, or 
to extend the moratorium for a finite period (5 or 10 years), or 
replace the moratorium with a limited access system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS70
_______________________________________________________________________




579. ESTABLISH MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC SQUID FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under an amendment to the Western Pacific Pelagics FMP, 
pelagic squid would be designated as a management unit species and 
measures would be established, governing the pelagic squid fishery in 
the western Pacific region.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AS71
_______________________________________________________________________




580. AMENDMENT TO REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE ANTARCTIC MARINE LIVING 
RESOURCES CONVENTION ACT OF 1984

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 2431 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 subpart G

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This amendment to regulations for Antarctic Marine Living 
Resources implements measures adopted by the parties to the Convention 
on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1917
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AS75
_______________________________________________________________________




581. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA PROGRAM; RESTRUCTURE DATE-SPECIFIC QUOTA 
SHARE REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 to 773k; 16 USC 1801; 16 USC 3631

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679; 50 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would restructure date-specific regulations 
governing the halibut U.S. Individual Fishing Quota fishery to 
reference a time, relative to the season opening and closing dates, 
when operational events should occur relative to certain fishing season 
milestones. This action is necessary to provide the International 
Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) with flexibility to adjust fishing 
season durations and time periods to meet fishery management needs.

[[Page 64439]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AS77
_______________________________________________________________________




582. HALIBUT AND SABLEFISH IFQ PROGRAM AMENDMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300; 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed action would amend regulations for the Halibut 
and Sablefish IFQ Program by: (1) Instituting an emergency medical 
transfer program; (2) tightening criteria for the use of hired masters; 
(3) adding vessel clearance requirements to the sablefish fisheries in 
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; (4) changing product recovery 
rates for sablefish; (5) adjusting the halibut QS block program; and 
(6) amending vessel classification QS use allowances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

Related RIN: Merged with 0648-AR90
RIN: 0648-AS84
_______________________________________________________________________




583. FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES AND IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; WEST 
COAST SALMON FISHERIES; AMENDMENT 14; ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT (EFH) 
DESCRIPTIONS FOR PACIFIC SALMON

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would implement Amendment 14 to the Pacific 
Salmon Fishery Management Plan (Salmon FMP) to identify and describe 
Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for Pacific salmon. The intent of this 
rule is to codify the EFH identifications and descriptions for 
freshwater and marine habitats of Pacific salmon managed under the 
Salmon FMP, including chinook, coho, and pink salmon in Washington, 
Oregon, and California. In addition, the intent of this rule is to 
comply with the October 1, 2003, court order of the U.S. District Court 
for the District of Idaho, and to promote the conservation and 
enhancement of Pacific salmon EFH.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AS96
_______________________________________________________________________




584. IDENTIFY AND MANAGE ALASKA FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR EFH AND 
HAPC

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: Final, Judicial, August 13, 2006, Court settlement 
deadline.

Abstract: This rulemaking would implement Amendments 65 and 78 to the 
FMP for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management 
area; Amendments 65 and 73 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of 
Alaska; Amendments 12 and 16 to the FMP for BSAI King and Tanner Crabs; 
Amendments 7 and 8 to the FMP for the Scallop Fishery of Alaska; and 
Amendments 7 and 8 to the FMP for the Salmon Fisheries in the EEZ off 
the Coast of Alaska. This rulemaking would identify essential fish 
habitat (EFH).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AT09
_______________________________________________________________________




585. AMENDMENT 11 TO THE COASTAL PELAGIC SPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 2005.
Final, Statutory, December 2005.

Abstract: Amendment 11 would implement a comprehensive, long-term 
allocation framework for annual apportionment of the Pacific sardine 
harvest guideline. Objectives of the action would include ensuring 
optimal utilization of the resource and equitably allocating harvest 
opportunity.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

[[Page 64440]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, 
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AT11
_______________________________________________________________________




586. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO THE REEF FISH MANAGEMENT PLAN TO SET 
COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR GROUPER STARTING IN 
2006

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Secretarial amendment 1 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management 
Plan was implemented in 2004 and established a rebuilding plan, 
commercial quota, and a recreational target catch level for red 
grouper. Secretarial Amendment 1 also reduces the commercial quotas for 
deep-water and shallow-water grouper. In 2004, the commercial deep-
water and shallow-water grouper fisheries were closed to prevent quota 
overruns. At the industry's request, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council (Council) requested that NMFS develop an emergency 
rule establishing trip limits in 2005 to prolong the commercial fishing 
season. In March 2005, the Council also requested that NMFS implement 
interim regulations for the recreational red grouper fishery to return 
landings to the recreational target catch level. Recreational red 
grouper landings were slightly above the target catch level in 2003 and 
well above the target catch level in 2004. The purpose of this 
regulatory amendment is to adjust regulatory management measures for 
the Gulf of Mexico red grouper fishery. The regulatory amendment 
evaluates commercial grouper trip limit alternatives to reduce the 
adverse socioeconomic effects of derby fishing. The regulatory 
amendment also evaluates a range of management measures to return 
recreational landings to levels specified in the red grouper rebuilding 
plan.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AT12
_______________________________________________________________________




587. TRANSFER OF MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE ATLANTIC COAST RED DRUM 
RESOURCE FROM THE SOUTH

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this action is to repeal the South Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council's (Council's) Atlantic Coast Red Drum 
Fishery Management Plan (Red Drum FMP) and transfer the Secretary's 
authority to regulate harvest and possession of red drum in and from 
the Atlantic Coast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from under the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act to under the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries 
Cooperative Management Act (ACA), as requested by the Council, and 
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. This action will maintain 
the prohibition on possession and harvest of red drum in the EEZ.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AT13
_______________________________________________________________________




588. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND 
BUTTERFISH FISHERIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the 2006 
fishing year for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish 
fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT19
_______________________________________________________________________




589. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 ATLANTIC BLUEFISH FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would implement specifications for the 2006 
fishing year for the Atlantic bluefish fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

[[Page 64441]]

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT20
_______________________________________________________________________




590. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the Atlantic 
herring fishery for the 2006 fishing year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT21
_______________________________________________________________________




591. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 MONKFISH FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the 2006 
fishing year for the Monkfish fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT22
_______________________________________________________________________




592. FRAMEWORK 42 TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would make biennial adjustments to the Northeast 
multispecies fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT24
_______________________________________________________________________




593. FRAMEWORK 18 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would make biennial adjustments to the Atlantic 
sea scallop fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT25
_______________________________________________________________________




594. FRAMEWORK 16 TO THE 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: None

Abstract: Framework 16 would provide alternatives for use of 
recreational data in setting specifications and to allow regional 
conservation equivalency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT26
_______________________________________________________________________




595. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 FISHING YEAR FOR THE 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: None

Abstract: This action will establish specifications for the 2006 
fishing year for the Summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass 
fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

[[Page 64442]]

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT27
_______________________________________________________________________




596. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 RECREATIONAL FISHERIES FOR SUMMER 
FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would implement the specifications for the 2006 
fishing year for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass 
recreational fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT28
_______________________________________________________________________




597. FRAMEWORK 1 TO THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Framework 1 would provide for multiple year specifications 
for the spiny dogfish fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT29
_______________________________________________________________________




598. AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY; FISHING EFFORT CONTROL MEASURES TO 
COMPLEMENT INTERSTATE LOBSTER MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE ATLANTIC 
STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS announces that it is considering, and seeking public 
comment on, revisions to Federal American lobster regulations for the 
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) associated with effort control measures 
as recommended for Federal implementation by the Atlantic States Marine 
Fisheries Commission (ASFMC) as outlined in the Interstate Fishery 
Management (ISFMP) Plan for American Lobster. This action will evaluate 
effort control measures in certain Lobster Conservation Management 
Areas including: Limits on future access based on historic 
participation criteria; procedures to allow trap transfers among 
qualifiers and impose a trap reduction or conservation tax on any trap 
transfers; and a trap reduction schedule to meet the goals of the 
ISFMP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/10/05                    70 FR 24495
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/09/05
NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

URL For More Information:
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/statefedoff

URL For Public Comments:
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/comments/index.html

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT31
_______________________________________________________________________




599. WEST COAST HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES, CORRECTING AMENDMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will make clarifications and corrections to the 
final rules published to implement the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. 
West Coast Highly Migratory Species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, 
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AT32
_______________________________________________________________________




600. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); ATLANTIC SHARK 
COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 64443]]

Abstract: This rule would require vessels fishing for sharks with 
bottom longline gear to have NMFS-approved dehooking devices and 
materials on board during fishing activities. These devices are 
intended to reduce post-hooking mortality of sea turtles that may 
interact with this fishing gear and are already required on vessels 
using pelagic longline gear fishing for Highly Migratory Species, 
including sharks. In addition, these measures may reduce the post-
release mortality of marine mammals, sharks, and other fishes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AT37
_______________________________________________________________________




601. [bull] INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA (IFQ) COST RECOVERY PROGRAM 
AMENDMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The action would amend regulations for the Individual Fishing 
Quota (IFQ) Cost Recovery Fee Program under the Halibut and Sablefish 
IFQ Program and the Crab Rationalization Program. The action would 
provide a revised structure for determining the fee percentage 
applicable to a given fishery. The revised structure would remove any 
discretionary authority for determining fees from the Regional 
Administrator, making fee administration purely ministerial.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AT43
_______________________________________________________________________




602. [bull] REMOVE REGULATIONS THAT IMPLEMENT SEASONAL AREA CLOSURES TO 
GROUNDFISH FISHING IN WATERS OFF CAPE SARICHEF AND IN THE CHINIAK GULLY 
RESEARCH AREA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would remove regulations that seasonally 
close a portion of waters located near Cape Sarichef in the Bering Sea 
subarea to directed groundfish fishing by vessels using trawl, pot, or 
hook-and-line gear. NMFS has concluded its research on the effects of 
commercial fishing on the localized abundance of Pacific cod so this 
closure is no longer needed. This rule would also remove expired 
regulations that seasonally closed waters in the Chiniak Gully area to 
Pacific cod.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AT54
_______________________________________________________________________




603. [bull] MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR PACIFIC BIGEYE TUNA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 14 to the Pelagics FMP would implement management 
measures to address overfishing of bigeye tuna in the Pacific Ocean. 
The amendment would include non-regulatory procedures for the 
management of international fisheries that harvest bigeye tuna, and 
regulatory measures for fisheries managed under the FMP. These measures 
include a program of Federal permits and data collection for non-
longline Hawaii-based commercial pelagic vessels (troll, handline, and 
pole and line). The amendment may include other regulatory measures, 
possibly including effort controls.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AT55
_______________________________________________________________________




604. [bull] PACIFIC HALIBUT CATCH SHARING PLAN FOR 2006 AND BEYOND

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the Pacific halibut catch sharing plan 
to provide more flexibility in managing the recreational fisheries 
inseason in order to fully utilize the available halibut; allocate 
halibut fishing opportunities between the May and June recreational 
fisheries off

[[Page 64444]]

Washington's north coast; and prohibit fishing for halibut in areas 
where yelloweye rockfish, an overfished species, are commonly found. 
This rule would also propose sport fishing seasons for 2006 that 
implement the catch sharing plan based on the expected total allowable 
catch in 2006 that is established by the International Pacific Halibut 
Commission.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AT56
_______________________________________________________________________




605. [bull] OMNIBUS AMENDMENTS TO FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS TO ADDRESS 
ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This generic action would address issues related to essential 
fish habitat in certain Northeast fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT57
_______________________________________________________________________




606. [bull] AMENDMENT 10 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish a limited access program for the 
Atlantic mackerel fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT58
_______________________________________________________________________




607. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006/2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE SPINY 
DOGFISH FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFRV 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the spiny 
dogfish fishery for the 2006/2007 fishing year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT59
_______________________________________________________________________




608. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE 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: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the 2007 
fishing year for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass 
fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT60
_______________________________________________________________________




609. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE SURFCLAM 
AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the 2007 
fishing year for the surfclam and ocean quahog fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

[[Page 64445]]

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT61
_______________________________________________________________________




610. [bull] FRAMEWORK 1 TO THE SURFCLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Framework 1 would require Vessel Monitoring Systems in the 
surfclam and ocean quahog fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT62
_______________________________________________________________________




611. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE TILEFISH 
FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the 2007 
fishing year for the tilefish fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT63
_______________________________________________________________________




612. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE ATLANTIC 
MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the Atlantic 
mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries for the 2007 fishing year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT65
_______________________________________________________________________




613. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE ATLANTIC 
HERRING FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the Atlantic 
herring fishery for the 2007 fishing year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT66
_______________________________________________________________________




614. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE ATLANTIC 
BLUEFISH FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the Atlantic 
bluefish fishery for the 2007 fishing year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT67
_______________________________________________________________________




615. [bull] CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA ROCKFISH PILOT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would implement a pilot program that would 
recognize the historic participation of fishing vessels (1996 to 2002, 
best 5 of 7 years)

[[Page 64446]]

and historic participation of fish processors (1996 to 2000, best 4 of 
5 years) for Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and pelagic shelf 
rockfish harvested in Central Gulf of Alaska. This pilot program would: 
(1) Provide for a set-aside of up to 5 percent for the total allowable 
catch of such fisheries for catcher vessels not eligible to participate 
in the pilot program, which shall be delivered to shore-based fish 
processors not eligible to participate in the pilot program; (2) 
establish catch limits for non-rockfish species and non-target rockfish 
species currently harvested with Pacific ocean perch, northern 
rockfish, and pelagic shelf rockfish, which shall be based on 
historical harvesting of such bycatch species. The pilot program would 
sunset when a Gulf of Alaska Groundfish comprehensive rationalization 
plan is authorized by the Council and implemented by the Secretary, or 
2 years from date of implementation, whichever is earlier.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AT71
_______________________________________________________________________




616. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); 2006 BLUEFIN TUNA 
QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS AND EFFORT CONTROLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS proposes specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna 
(BFT) fishery to set BFT quotas General category effort controls, and 
seasonal management measures for the 2006 fishing year (June 1, 2006--
May 31, 2007). This action will implement the U.S. annual BFT quota as 
recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of 
Atlantic tunas and allocate that quota among the domestic fishing 
categories. General category effort controls will allocate time-period 
subquotas and set certain restricted fishing days. The seasonal 
management measures would propose daily retention limits and their 
duration for both the General and Angling categories. NMFS would also 
amend the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan which could 
potentially amend the duration the 2006 fishing year (June 1, 2006--
December 31, 2006). An abbreviated 2006 fishing year, from June 1, 2006 
through December 31, 2006, would be necessary to transition BFT from 
the current fishing year to a calendar year. Overall impacts to BFT 
fisheries from abbreviated 2006 fishing year are anticipated to be 
minimal since BFT fisheries are already strictly managed with seasons, 
size limits, and subquotas, any impacts are expected to be minor.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AT72
_______________________________________________________________________




617. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; NORTH AND SOUTH ATLANTIC 
SWORDFISH COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would adjust the 2005 North and South Atlantic 
swordfish quotas to account for the underharvest from the 2004 fishing 
year. Based on the most recent landings data, 3,955.7 mt dw and 334.3 
mt dw of the 2004 North and South Atlantic swordfish quotas remain 
unharvested, respectively. The underharvests would be added to the 2005 
North and South Atlantic swordfish quotas. This action is necessary to 
ensure that current quotas are based on the most recent landings 
information and account for any underharvests from the 2004 fishing 
year, consistent with the regulations at 50 CFR part 635.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AT73
_______________________________________________________________________




618. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); ATLANTIC SHARK 
COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would establish regional quotas and announce season 
lengths for large and small coastal sharks, and pelagic sharks managed 
under the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and 
Sharks. This action is necessary to ensure that quotas are based upon 
the most recent landings information and account for any over- or 
underharvests from the 2005 first trimester season.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

[[Page 64447]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AT74
_______________________________________________________________________




619. [bull] REGULATORY AMENDMENT 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: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would: (1) Establish management 
measures to end overfishing of vermillion snapper, black sea bass, 
snowy grouper, and golden tilefish, and (2) establish management 
measures to allow increased harvest of red porgy.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AT75
_______________________________________________________________________




620. [bull] IMPLEMENT SPECIFICATION MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE 2006 
PACIFIC SARDINE FISHERY COASTAL PELAGIC SPECIES FMP

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will announce the annual harvest guideline for 
Pacific sardine in the exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast. 
The Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and its 
implementing regulations require NMFS to set an annual harvest 
guideline for Pacific sardine based on a formula in the FMP. The 
intended effect of this action is to establish allowable harvest levels 
for Pacific sardine off the Pacific coast and to minimize the impact on 
other coastal pelagic fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AT76
_______________________________________________________________________




621. [bull] REVISION OF CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE 
(EUBALAENA GLACIALIS)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would revise the current designation of 
critical habitat for the Northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), 
listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is currently analyzing the 
physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the 
Northern right whale, and outlined steps it will take to propose any 
revisions to designated critical habitat that might be supported by new 
information and analysis. In October 2000, NMFS was petitioned by the 
Center for Biological Diversity to designate critical habitat for right 
whales in the North Pacific. In February 2002, NMFS announced its 
decision that critical habitat could not be designated at that time 
because the essential biological requirements of the population were 
not sufficiently understood. However, in June 2005, a Federal judge 
found this reasoning invalid and ordered the Agency to publish a 
proposed rule designating critical habitat for the Northern right whale 
in the North Pacific Ocean by 28th October 2005. In compliance with 
that order, NMFS is proposing to revise the current critical habitat 
for this species by designating areas within the Gulf of Alaska and 
Bering Sea as critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AT84
_______________________________________________________________________




622. [bull] 2006 AND 2007 QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS FOR ATLANTIC SURFCLAM AND 
OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will specify the allowable quota to be harvested 
for the 2006 and 2007 fishing years for the surfclam and ocean quahog 
fisheries. It is expected that the 2005 status quo will be recommended 
for both surfclams and ocean quahogs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

[[Page 64448]]

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT85
_______________________________________________________________________




623. [bull] FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT TO THE BYCATCH REDUCTION CRITERIA FOR 
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: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) 
developed Amendment 9 to the Shrimp FMP, which established a 
requirement for the use of Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) in the 
shrimp fishery of the western Gulf of Mexico. Amendment 9 additionally 
established criteria by which BRDs would be tested and certified for 
use in the shrimp fishery of the western Gulf of Mexico. Since that 
time, many changes have occurred in both the directed red snapper 
fishery and the shrimp fishery to affect the fishing mortality 
reduction requirements. Because of changes in the shrimp fishery, 
existing certified BRDs reduce fishing mortality by a lesser amount 
than originally documented, and no new BRDs have been developed for use 
in the shrimp fishery. The Council is taking this framework action to 
modify the existing BRD certification criteria. The intent of the 
change is to better address reductions in bycatch of red snapper, and 
to better address National Standard 9 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AT86
_______________________________________________________________________




624. [bull] JOINT AMENDMENT TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE 
SHRIMP FISHERY (AMENDMENT 14) AND REEF FISH FISHERIES (AMENDMENT 27) OF 
THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Shrimp and reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico are managed under 
their respective FMPs. Both fisheries contribute to fishing mortality 
on reef fish, especially juvenile and undersized red snapper. Age 0 and 
Age 1 red snapper are taken by shrimp trawls, and Age 2 and older red 
snapper are caught in the directed commercial and recreational red 
snapper fishery. Red snapper is overfished and undergoing overfishing, 
and reducing fishing mortality on these younger age classes is needed 
to help rebuild the stock. Actions to reduce bycatch of red snapper are 
anticipated to reduce bycatch fishing mortality for other reef fish 
species as well. The joint amendment will consider a variety of 
harvesting and gear restrictions to further reduce fishing mortality 
and fishing effort in the shrimp and reef fish fisheries. Approval and 
implementation of the joint amendment would better address National 
Standards 1 and 9 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AT87
_______________________________________________________________________




625. [bull] CONTROL DATE FOR THE SOUTH ATLANTIC SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 5101et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is considering 
management measures to further limit participation or effort in the 
commercial snapper grouper fishery in the exclusive economic zone of 
the South Atlantic. In order to avoid speculative entry into the 
fishery, the Council is considering establishment of a control date. 
Anyone entering the fishery after this date may not be assured of 
future participation in the fishery. This notice announces the control 
date.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AT88
_______________________________________________________________________




626. NORTH ATLANTIC WHALE PROTECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq; 16 USC 1531 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216; 50 CFR 222

[[Page 64449]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action investigates the need to adopt regulations to 
decrease the negative impacts of whale watching.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/04/00                      65 FR 270
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/06/00
NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AM85
_______________________________________________________________________




627. PREVENTING HARASSMENT FROM HUMAN ACTIVITIES DIRECTED AT MARINE 
MAMMALS IN THE WILD

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would prohibit the public from swimming with or 
otherwise interacting with dolphins and other marine mammals in the 
wild.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/30/02                     67 FR 4379
ANPRM Comment Period End        04/01/02
NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Trevor Spradlin, Marine Mammal 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
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AN43
_______________________________________________________________________




628. TAKING AND IMPORTING MARINE MAMMALS: TAKING MARINE MAMMALS 
INCIDENTAL TO CONDUCTING OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES IN THE GULF 
OF MEXICO

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371(a)(5)(A)

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101 to 216.108

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service has received an 
application from the U.S. Minerals Management Service for regulations 
under section 101(a)(5)(A) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) 
to authorize the taking of marine mammals incidental to conducting oil 
and gas exploration activities by U.S. citizens in the Gulf of Mexico. 
Without this authorization, the taking of marine mammals is prohibited 
by the MMPA. In order to authorize the taking and issue authorizations, 
NMFS must, through regulations, determine that the proposed activity 
will have no more than a negligible impact on the affected species and 
stocks of marine mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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 20912
Phone: 301 713-2055
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AQ71
_______________________________________________________________________




629. RIGHT WHALE SHIP STRIKE REDUCTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 224

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations are to implement a strategy to reduce the 
known mortalities to North Atlantic right whales as a result of 
collisions with vessels, which account for more confirmed right whale 
deaths than any other human-related activity. The strategy addresses 
the lack of recovery of the endangered North Atlantic right whale by 
reducing the likelihood and threat of ship strike mortalities to the 
species. NMFS has developed a framework of proposed, new operational 
measures for the shipping industry as an element of this strategy, 
including consideration of routing and speed restrictions. These 
operational measures would be limited to areas and times when North 
Atlantic right whales and ships overlap to reduce the likelihood of 
ship strikes to the extent practicable.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/01/04                    69 FR 30857
ANPRM Comment Period Extended   07/09/04                    69 FR 41446
ANPRM Comment Period Extended   09/13/04                    69 FR 55135
NPRM                            01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

URL For More Information:
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pr2

Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AS36
_______________________________________________________________________




630. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE 
MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO U.S. AIR FORCE PRECISION STRIKE WEAPONS EXERCISES 
IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO.

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a 
request from the U.S. Air Force, Eglin Air Force Base for an 
authorization under the MMPA to take marine mammals, by harassment, 
incidental

[[Page 64450]]

conducting precision strike weapons testing and training exercises 
within the waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico adjacent to Eglin AFB. 
As a result of this request, NMFS proposes regulations, that if 
implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by 
Eglin AFB for this activity. In order to promulgate regulations and 
issue an LOA thereunder, NMFS must determine that the takings will have 
a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine 
mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 502 980-4015
Fax: 502 980-4027

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AK76
RIN: 0648-AT39
_______________________________________________________________________




631. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE 
MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO COASTAL COMMERCIAL FIREWORKS DISPLAYS AT MONTEREY 
BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY, CA.

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.01

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a 
request from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary for an 
authorization under the MMPA to take marine mammals, by harassment, 
incidental to permitting professional fireworks displays within 
Sanctuary waters. As a result of this request, NMFS will propose 
regulations, that if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of 
marine mammals by Eglin Air Force Base for this activity. In order to 
promulgate regulations and issue an LOA thereunder, NMFS must determine 
that the takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species 
and stocks of marine mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 502 980-4015
Fax: 502 980-4027

RIN: 0648-AT46
_______________________________________________________________________




632. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE 
MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO ASSESSING NAVAL SHIP SURVIVABILITY.

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) expects to 
receive a request from the U.S. Navy for an authorization under the 
MMPA to take marine mammals, by harassment, injury and possible 
mortality, incidental conducting a shock trial along the U.S. East 
Coast/Gulf of Mexico. Shock trials are required to test the 
survivability of naval ship assets in accordance with section 2366, 
Title 10 United States Code. As a result of this request, NMFS will 
propose new regulations, that if implemented, would govern the 
incidental taking of marine mammals by the Navy for this activity. In 
order to promulgate regulations and issue an LOA thereunder, NMFS must 
determine that the takings will have a negligible impact on the 
affected species and stocks of marine mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 502 980-4015
Fax: 502 980-4027

RIN: 0648-AT77
_______________________________________________________________________




633. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE 
MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO DEPLOYMENT OF A NAVAL AT-SEA GUNNERY SCORING 
SYSTEM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a 
request from the U.S. Navy for an authorization under the MMPA to take 
marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to deployment of a Naval At-
Sea Gunnery Scoring System for the purpose of proficiency certification 
of U.S. Atlantic Fleet ships for naval surface fire support both within 
and seaward of established military operating areas. As a result of 
this request, NMFS is proposing regulations, that if implemented, would 
govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by the Navy. In order to 
promulgate regulations and issue LOAs thereunder, NMFS must determine 
that these takings will have a negligible impact on the affected 
species and stocks of marine mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W.

[[Page 64451]]

Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 502 980-4015
Fax: 502 980-4027

RIN: 0648-AT78
_______________________________________________________________________




634. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE 
MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO THE EXPLOSIVE REMOVAL OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES IN 
THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a 
request from the Minerals Management Service (MMS), U.S. Department of 
the Interior, on behalf of offshore operators, for authorization to 
harass marine mammals incidental to explosive severance activities at 
offshore oil and gas structures in the Gulf of Mexico outer continental 
shelf. In compliance with Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act regulations 
and MMS guidelines, operators are required to remove sea-floor 
obstructions from their leases within one year of lease termination or 
after a structure has been deemed obsolete or unusable. As a result of 
this request, NMFS is proposing regulations, that if implemented, would 
govern the incidental taking of marine mammals under individual Letters 
of Authorization (LOAs) issued to participants in this industry to take 
marine mammals by harassment and non-serious auditory impairment. In 
order to promulgate regulations and issue LOAs thereunder, NMFS must 
determine that these takings will have a negligible impact on the 
affected species and stocks of marine mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 502 980-4015
Fax: 502 980-4027

RIN: 0648-AT79
_______________________________________________________________________




635. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE 
MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO TESTING AND TRAINING OF THE NAVY'S SURVEILLANCE 
TOWED ARRAY SENSOR SYSTEM-LOW FREQUENCY ACTIVE SONAR

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) expects to 
receive a request from the U.S. Navy for an authorization under the 
MMPA to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to testing and 
training activities related to the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor 
System-Low Frequency Active Sonar. The Navy is currently issued Letters 
of Authorization (LOA) under rulemaking scheduled to end on August 15, 
2007. As a result of this request, NMFS will propose new regulations 
that, if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine 
mammals by the Navy for this activity. In order to promulgate 
regulations and issue LOAs thereunder, NMFS must determine that these 
takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and 
stocks of marine mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 502 980-4015
Fax: 502 980-4027

RIN: 0648-AT80
_______________________________________________________________________




636. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE 
MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO NAVAL TRAINING OPERATIONS AT THE EAST COAST 
SHALLOW WATER TRAINING RANGE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a 
request from the U.S. Navy for an authorization under the MMPA to take 
marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to naval vessels conducting 
shallow water anti-submarine training exercises in a specified area 
along the U.S. East Coast. As a result of this request, NMFS is 
proposing regulations, that if implemented, would govern the incidental 
taking of marine mammals by harassment and non-serious auditory 
impairment. In order to promulgate regulations and issue LOAs 
thereunder, NMFS must determine that these takings will have a 
negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 502 980-4015
Fax: 502 980-4027

RIN: 0648-AT81

[[Page 64452]]

_______________________________________________________________________




637. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE 
MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO U.S. AIR FORCE AIR-TO-SURFACE GUNNERY EXERCISES IN 
THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO.

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a 
request from the U.S. Air Force, Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), for an 
authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to take marine 
mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting air-to-surface gunnery 
testing and training exercises from an AC-130 gunship within the waters 
of the northern Gulf of Mexico adjacent to Eglin AFB. As a result of 
this request, NMFS will propose regulations, that if implemented, would 
govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by Eglin AFB for this 
activity. In order to promulgate regulations and issue a Letter of 
Authorization (LOA) thereunder, NMFS must determine that the takings 
will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of 
marine mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 502 980-4015
Fax: 502 980-4027

RIN: 0648-AT82
_______________________________________________________________________




638. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE 
MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO NAVAL EXPLOSIVES ORDNANCE TESTING AND TRAINING 
EXERCISES IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a 
request from the U.S. Air Force, Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) for an 
authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to take marine 
mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting naval explosives 
ordnance disposal school exercises within the waters of the northern 
Gulf of Mexico adjacent to Eglin AFB. As a result of this request, NMFS 
will propose regulations, that if implemented, would govern the 
incidental taking of marine mammals by Eglin AFB for this activity. In 
order to promulgate regulations and issue a Letter of Authorization 
(LOA) thereunder, NMFS must determine that the takings will have a 
negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 502 980-4015
Fax: 502 980-4027

RIN: 0648-AT83



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



639. NORTHWEST HAWAIIAN ISLANDS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY; DESIGNATION 
AND IMPLEMENTATION OF REGULATIONS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 28 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0648-AS83
_______________________________________________________________________




640. GULF OF THE FARALLONES NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN 
REVIEW

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 (H)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend the existing regulations and 
designation document, and add several new prohibitions to address 
specific resource management issues in the Gulf of the Farallones 
National Marine Sanctuary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Maria Brown, Manager, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Gulf of the Farallones National 
Marine Sanctuary, Fort Mason, Building 201, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415 561-6622
Fax: 415 561-6616
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT14
_______________________________________________________________________




641. MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 (M)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend the existing regulations and 
designation document, and add several new prohibitions to address 
specific resource management issues in the

[[Page 64453]]

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William J. Douros, Superintendent, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Monterey Bay 
National Marine Sanctuary, 299 Foam Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: 831 647-4201
Fax: 831 647-4250
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT15
_______________________________________________________________________




642. CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 (G)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend the existing regulations and 
designation document to address specific resource management issues in 
the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Christopher Mobley, Superintendent, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Channel 
Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 150, Santa 
Barbara, CA 93109
Phone: 805 966-7107
Fax: 805 568-1582
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT17
_______________________________________________________________________




643. CONSIDERATION OF MARINE RESERVES AND MARINE CONSERVATION AREAS 
WITHIN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 (G)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend the existing regulations and 
designation document for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 
This action, which would complement existing marine protected areas 
designated by the State of California, seeks to further protect 
sanctuary resources by regulating certain extractive activities within 
the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Christopher Mobley, Superintendent, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Channel 
Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 150, Santa 
Barbara, CA 93109
Phone: 805 966-7107
Fax: 805 568-1582
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT18



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR


                    ________________________________



644. CORDELL BANK NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 (K)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend the existing regulations and 
designation document to address specific resource management issues in 
the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dan Howard, Manager, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Cordell Bank National Marine 
Sanctuary, P. O. Box 159, Olema, CA 94950
Phone: 415 663-0314
Fax: 415 663-0315
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT16

[[Page 64454]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE


                    ________________________________



645. REQUIRE MANDATORY OBSERVER COVERAGE IN THE AT-SEA PROCESSING SECTOR 
OF THE WHITING FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 2006, Final regulations to be 
published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period.

Abstract: This action amends the regulations implementing the Pacific 
Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to provide for a mandatory, 
vessel-financed observer program on at-sea processing vessels.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/10/03                    68 FR 53334
NPRM Comment Period End         10/10/03
Interim Final Rule              06/07/04                    69 FR 31751
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/07/04
Final Action                    04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AK26
_______________________________________________________________________




646. PROPOSED HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES PROCESS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS revises the administrative procedures it follows to 
prepare and issue highly migratory species (HMS) fishery 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

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          09/18/97                    62 FR 48990
Comment Period End              10/15/97
To Be Withdrawn                 11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1917
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AK40
_______________________________________________________________________




647. FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES; NATIONAL STANDARD 1

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 29 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0648-AQ63
_______________________________________________________________________




648. TURTLE MITIGATION FOR NON-HAWAII-BASED PELAGIC LONGLINE AND NON-
LONGLINE VESSELS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the western Pacific pelagics 
FMP would establish the following sea turtle mitigation measures: Gear 
and handling requirements, protected species workshop attendance, and 
shallow-setting restrictions for vessels registered for use with 
western Pacific longline general permits and non-longline vessels using 
hooks to target pelagic management unit species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/15/05                    70 FR 47777
NPRM Comment Period End         09/14/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AQ91
_______________________________________________________________________




649. AMENDMENT 6 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY 
OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is developing 
Amendment 6 to refine and revise the management strategy for the 
various shrimp stocks. A permitting and reporting system will be 
established for the shrimp fishery of the South Atlantic exclusive 
economic zone. In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act, the amendment will revise or establish 
stock status thresholds and targets including MSY, OY, as well as the 
``overfished'' and ``overfishing'' definitions for the shrimp species 
in the management unit. Additional actions will address bycatch 
reduction in the fisheries, as well as establish bycatch reporting 
requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          03/07/05                    70 FR 10931
Comment Period End              05/06/05
NPRM                            05/27/05                    70 FR 30666
NPRM Comment Period End         07/11/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine

[[Page 64455]]

Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS16
_______________________________________________________________________




650. MEASURES TO REDUCE INTERACTIONS WITH SEABIRDS IN THE HAWAII-BASED 
LONGLINE FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the western Pacific pelagics 
FMP would revise current seabird interaction mitigation measures 
governing the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery that may include 
longline gear side-setting methods, as well as other equally or more 
effective measures, to reduce the take of seabirds.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/13/05                    70 FR 40302
NPRM Comment Period End         08/12/05
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AS30
_______________________________________________________________________




651. FEE SYSTEM FOR REPAYMENT OF THE LOAN TO HARVESTERS OF PACIFIC 
GROUNDFISH FISHERY AND CALIFORNIA, WASHINGTON, AND OREGON FISHERIES FOR 
DUNGENESS CRAB AND PINK SHRIMP

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action implements a fee system for repayment of the 
fishing capacity reduction loans in the Pacific coast groundfish 
fishery and California, Oregon, and Washington dungeness crab and pink 
shrimp fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/16/04                    69 FR 67100
NPRM Comment Period End         12/16/04
Second NPRM                     04/08/05                    70 FR 17949
Second NPRM Comment Period End  05/09/05
Final Action                    07/13/05                    70 FR 40225
Notice                          08/08/05                    70 FR 45695
Correction                      11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

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
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AS38
_______________________________________________________________________




652. FEE SYSTEM FOR REPAYMENT OF THE LOAN TO HARVESTORS OF BERING SEA/
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1861a; 46 USC 1279f; PL 106-554

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would implement a fee system for repayment of the 
fishing capacity reduction loans in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands 
king and tanner crab fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/28/05                    70 FR 43673
NPRM Comment Period End         08/29/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

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
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AS46
_______________________________________________________________________




653. AMENDMENTS 18 AND 19 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA/
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS--CRAB RATIONALIZATION PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679; 50 CFR 680

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, January 1, 2005, Secretary approval 
of statutorily mandated FMP Amendment.

Abstract: This action would rationalize the Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands crab fisheries in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone off 
Alaska by amending the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs. The goal of rationalization is 
to end the race for fish and solve the problems of overcapacity while 
providing for a balanced distribution of benefits and improving 
fisheries management and resource conservation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          09/01/04                    69 FR 53359
NPRM                            10/29/04                    69 FR 63200
NPRM Comment Period End         12/13/04
Final Action                    03/02/05                    70 FR 10174
Correction                      03/18/05                    70 FR 13097
Correction                      06/08/05                    70 FR 33390
Correction                      11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221

[[Page 64456]]

Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AS47
_______________________________________________________________________




654. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OPTIMUM YIELD AND HARVEST LIMIT FOR PACIFIC 
MACKEREL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, July 1, 2005.

Abstract: NMFS announces the annual harvest guideline for Pacific 
mackerel in the exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast. The 
Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and its 
implementing regulations require NMFS to set an annual harvest 
guideline for Pacific mackerel based on a formula in the FMP. The 
intended effect of this action is to establish allowable harvest levels 
for Pacific mackerel off the Pacific coast and to minimize the impact 
on other coastal pelagic fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/29/05                    70 FR 51004
NPRM Comment Period End         09/13/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, 
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AS59
_______________________________________________________________________




655. LIST OF FISHERIES FOR 2005

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: With this action, NMFS publishes the annual List of Fisheries 
(LOF), as required by section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act 
(MMPA). The proposed LOF for 2005 reflects new information on 
interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must 
categorize each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three 
categories under the MMPA based upon the levels of mortality and 
serious injury of marine mammals that occurs within each fishery. The 
categorization of a fishery in the LOF determines whether participants 
in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as 
registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/02/04                    69 FR 70094
NPRM Comment Period End         01/03/05
Other/Comment Period Extended   01/05/05                      70 FR 776
Other/Comment Period Extended   08/25/05                    70 FR 49902
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AS78
_______________________________________________________________________




656. CORRECT AND CLARIFY AMENDMENT 13 AND FRAMEWORK 40-A TO 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 action makes corrections and clarifications to the final 
rule implementing Amendment 13, as well as previous groundfish actions. 
These corrections are administrative in nature and are intended to 
correct inaccurate references and other inadvertent errors and to 
clarify specific regulations to maintain consistency with the intent of 
Amendment 13.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/08/05                    70 FR 45628
NPRM Comment Period End         09/07/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AS80
_______________________________________________________________________




657. WEST COAST HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN, 
CORRECTING AMENDMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS publishes a correction to the final rule published in 
the Federal Register on April 7, 2004 (69 FR 18444) to implement the 
Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly 
Migratory Species. The final rule should have contained the language 
defining a loggerhead conservation area in which drift gillnet fishing 
would be prohibited during a declared El Nino year, as published in the 
Federal Register on December 16, 2003 (68 FR 69962). The intended 
effect of this action is to ensure that loggerhead sea turtles will 
receive the necessary protection from excessive takes in El Nino years.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, 
Long Beach, CA 90802

[[Page 64457]]

Phone: 562 980-4040

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AP42
RIN: 0648-AS89
_______________________________________________________________________




658. CHANGES TO REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE OBSERVER COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 to 773k; 16 USC 1801; 16 USC 3631

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679; 50 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would revise minimum operating system 
requirements for the Observer Communications System (OCS). The OCS 
consists of custom software and communications equipment that 
groundfish observers use to enter data collected in the course of their 
duties and communicate this data by satellite link to observer program 
staff. This action is intended to update requirements in support of the 
observer program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/08/05                    70 FR 45638
NPRM Comment Period End         09/07/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AS93
_______________________________________________________________________




659. AMENDMENT 79 TO THE FMP FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING 
SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS MANAGEMENT AREA ESTABLISHING A GROUNDFISH 
RETENTION STANDARD

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The rule implementing Amendment 79 to the Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands Groundfish FMP would establish a groundfish retention 
standard (GRS) for non-AFA catcher/processors that are 125 ft or 
greater in length overall (LOA). This rule would establish a year-round 
GRS of 75 percent in 2006 (that is, vessels would be required to retain 
at least 75 percent of their groundfish catch in the initial year of 
the program); 80 percent in 2007; and 85 percent in 2008. This action 
is intended to further minimize discards in the BSAI.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          06/02/05                    70 FR 32287
NPRM                            06/16/05                    70 FR 35054
NPRM Comment Period End         08/01/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AT04
_______________________________________________________________________




660. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 41 TO 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 action would allow greater participation in the Closed 
Area I Hook Gear Haddock Special Access Program approved under 
Framework Adjustment 40 A to the Northeast Multispecies FMP. 
Specifically, limited access vessels would be able to use Category B 
DAS to target healthy stocks of groundfish (haddock) in an area 
previously closed to fishing. The intended effect of this action would 
be to provide fishing opportunities that would mitigate some of the 
negative economic and social impacts caused by the effort reductions in 
Amendment 13.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/18/05                    70 FR 41189
NPRM Comment Period End         08/17/05
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT08
_______________________________________________________________________




661. RESTRICTIONS FOR 2005 AND 2006 PURSE SEINE AND LONGLINE FISHERIES 
FOR TUNA IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN (ETP)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 951 to 961 ; 16 USC 971 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, July 1, 2005, agreement under IATTC.

Abstract: NMFS announces the 2005 conservation and management measures 
for international tuna fisheries in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. 
These are a six-week closure of purse seine fisheries and a closure of 
any national longline fishery which reaches a catch level for bigeye 
tuna equal to the catch made by that fleet in 2001. The intended effect 
of the rule is to establish prohibition of U.S. vessels purse seine 
fishing for tuna in the IATTC Convention Area for the November 20 to 
December 31 period and to announce that the U.S. longline fishery in 
the Convention Area will be closed if the catch in 2005 reaches the 
catch level of 2001. This will conform to the IATTC recommendation that 
was approved by the Department of State.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/15/05                    70 FR 47774
Final Rule                      09/02/05                    70 FR 52324
NPRM Comment Period End         09/14/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

[[Page 64458]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, 
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AT33
_______________________________________________________________________




662. 2006-2007 MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR COMMERCIAL, RECREATIONAL, AND 
TREATY 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: Final, Statutory, May 2006, The fishery must open on 
May 1.

Abstract: This action establishes annual management measures for the 
2006-2007 fishing year for commercial, recreational and treaty salmon 
fisheries off the coast of Washington, Oregon and California. In 
particular, this action specifies 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                    04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AT34
_______________________________________________________________________




663. [bull] TEMPORARY RULE TO ADDRESS HADDOCK BYCATCH IN THE 2005 
HERRING FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Due to concerns regarding the potential for significant 
increases of bycatch of undersized haddock in the herring fishery the 
New England Fishery Management Council voted at its March 29-31, 2005, 
meeting to request emergency action to implement a haddock incidental 
catch allowance for Category 1 herring vessels in the 2005 fishing 
year. This temporary rule would make a haddock incidental catch 
allowance for the herring fishery effective June--December 2005.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/13/05                    70 FR 34055
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/13/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT36
_______________________________________________________________________




664. [bull] FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH 
ATLANTIC; REEF FISH FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO; GULF GROUPER 
RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This temporary rule implements management measures for the 
recreational grouper fishery in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 
the Gulf of Mexico, as requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council (Council), to reduce overfishing of red grouper. 
This rule establishes a seasonal closure of the recreational fishery 
for all Gulf grouper species and reduces both the recreational bag 
limit for red grouper and the aggregate grouper bag limit. The intended 
effects are to reduce overfishing of red grouper in the Gulf of Mexico 
and to minimize potential adverse impacts on other grouper stocks that 
could result from a shift in fishing effort from red grouper to other 
grouper species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/25/05                    70 FR 42510
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AT45
_______________________________________________________________________




665. [bull] MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT 
PROVISIONS; FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN U.S.; FISHERY CLOSURE DUE TO 
THE PRESENCE OF THE TOXIN THAT CAUSES PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISONING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1855(c)

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is promulgating 
this rule to close portions of Federal waters of the Gulf of Maine, 
Georges Bank, and southern New England to the harvest of shellfish 
(bivalves), with the exception of sea scallop adductor muscles 
harvested and shucked at sea, due to the presence of the toxin that 
causes paralytic shellfish poisoning. The concentrations of the toxins 
in state and adjacent Federal waters is great enough to warrant a 
public health emergency. The closure will remain in effect until the 
circumstances that created the emergency no longer exist.

[[Page 64459]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/16/05                    70 FR 35047
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/18/05
Comment Period Extended         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT48
_______________________________________________________________________




666. [bull] FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES; ATLANTIC 
BLUEFISH AND SUMMER FLOUNDER FISHERIES; STATE QUOTA TRANSFERS AND 
COMBINATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend the regulations implementing the 
Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the bluefish fishery and the FMP for 
the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. This rule 
would make administrative changes that would allow NMFS to process 
state quota transfer and combination requests submitted through the end 
of the fishing year for the bluefish and summer flounder fisheries, 
i.e., December 31. The intent is to provide flexibility and efficiency 
to the management of the commercial bluefish and summer flounder 
fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/26/05                    70 FR 43111
NPRM Comment Period End         08/10/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT50
_______________________________________________________________________




667. [bull] ESTABLISH A NEW CONTROL DATE FOR THE COMMERCIAL SPANISH 
MACKEREL FISHERY IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 2005.

Abstract: This notice would inform the industry the South Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council is considering future action to control the 
number of participants in the Spanish mackerel fishery of the South 
Atlantic. The Council has concerns about increasing fishing effort and 
the possibility of the development of an excess harvesting capacity for 
the Spanish mackerel fishery of the region. If management measures to 
limit participation or effort in the fisheries are determined to be 
necessary, the Council is considering June 15, 2004, as a new control 
date. The old control date is July 2, 1993. Publication of the control 
date in the Federal Register will inform the commercial Spanish 
mackerel fishery the Council is considering potential management 
measures that would limit the number of participants in the fishery. 
Anyone entering that fishery after the control date will not be assured 
of future access should a management regime be implemented that limits 
the number of participants in the fishery. Establishment of a control 
date also is intended to discourage new entry into the fisheries based 
on economic speculation while the Council considers the issues and 
appropriate remedies. Implementation of any such program would require 
preparation of an amendment to the respective FMP and publication of a 
notice of availability and proposed rule with pertinent public comment 
periods.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AT64
_______________________________________________________________________




668. [bull] 2006 SCALLOP RESEARCH SET-ASIDE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This notice is a solicitation for research projects to be 
conducted in accordance with requirements of Amendment 10 to the 
Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan, Framework 16 to the 
Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP and Framework 39 to the Northeast Multispecies 
FMP (Joint Framework); and with NOAA grant-review and award procedures. 
Amendment 10 established a procedure through which 2% of the overall 
Days-At-Sea (DAS) for use in open areas and 2% of the overall Total 
Available Catch (TAC) in Sea Scallop Access Areas for a given fishing 
year are set-aside by the New England Fishery Management Council as a 
mechanism to fund sea scallop research. Each year, NOAA Fisheries 
Service and the Councils issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) that 
identifies priorities for sea scallop research projects to be conducted 
under a RSA Program. The total value of the set-asides available for 
scallop-related research in fishing year 2006 is approximately $4.46 
million dollars (79 percent from the open area DAS set-aside, 6 percent 
from the Closed Area I Access Area and 15 percent from the Nantucket 
Lightship Access Area). NOAA Fisheries anticipates issuing Letters of 
Authorization to allow participating vessels to harvest scallops used 
as compensation to fund the research project, as well as Letters of 
Acknowledgment for research trips where appropriate.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          11/00/05

[[Page 64460]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT68
_______________________________________________________________________




669. [bull] CLOSURE OF THE U.S. LONGLINE BIGEYE TUNA FISHERY FOR 2005 IN 
THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will close the U.S. longline bigeye tuna fishery in 
the ETP. NMFS determined that the U.S. longline bigeye catch was 
reached July 2005. These measures are intended to limit 2005 fishing 
effort and fishing mortality and contribute to maintaining tuna stocks 
at levels that will sustain the stocks at maximum sustainable yield. 
The measures are proposed consistent with a recommendation made by the 
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and approved by the 
Department of State. The U.S. fleets in the ETP will be subject to 
these management measures on an equal footing with vessels from nations 
party to the IATTC Convention. U.S. longline bigeye tuna fishing 
vessels fishing in the Convention Area will continue to be able to fish 
outside of the Convention Area. Therefore, the economic impacts would 
not be expected to be significant. Further, all member nations' fleets 
would be subject to the same limits so the U.S. would not be 
disadvantaged relative to foreign fleets. There has historically been 
little U.S. longline fishing in the Convention Area and the limit on 
catch to 2001 levels is not expected to affect those vessels 
significantly.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, 
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AT70
_______________________________________________________________________




670. HYDROPOWER/MANDATORY CONDITIONS REVIEW PROCESS (MCRP) RULE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 811

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 221

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Pursuant to Part I of the Federal Power Act (Act), 16 U.S.C. 
791a et seq., the Department of Commerce (Department), acting through 
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), provides input to the 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) on a number of issues 
related to licensing non-federal hydroelectric generating facilities. 
Among others, NMFS' authorities include the authority to prescribe 
fishways pursuant to section 18 of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 811. Pursuant to 
its section 18 authority, NMFS reviews applications for hydropower 
licenses before the Commission, and after consultation with license 
applicants, prescribes new or modified fishways where such facilities 
are warranted based on studies and other information in the 
administrative record of the licensing proceeding. This action codifies 
the existing MCRP, providing for public review of NMFS' mandatory 
section 18 fishway prescriptions, and an opportunity to modify 
prescriptions if warranted based on public review, prior to their being 
included in a final license order.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/09/04                    69 FR 54615
NPRM Comment Period End         11/08/04
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rolland Schmitten, 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-AS55
_______________________________________________________________________




671. TAKING OF THE COOK INLET, ALASKA, STOCK OF BELUGA WHALES BY ALASKA 
NATIVES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS is regulating subsistence harvest of Cook Inlet Beluga 
to ensure that the harvest is sustainable and does not substantially 
delay the recovery of this marine mammal stock. Specific harvest levels 
and distribution of the harvest will be based upon cooperative 
agreements with Alaska native organizations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/04/00                    65 FR 59164
NPRM Comment Period End         11/27/00
Final Rule                      04/06/04                    69 FR 17973
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Organizations, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Thomas C. Eagle, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Room 13725, 
Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2055
Fax: 301 713-4060
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AO16

[[Page 64461]]

_______________________________________________________________________




672. TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO ROCKET LAUNCHES FROM THE KODIAK 
LAUNCH COMPLEX, KODIAK ISLAND, ALASKA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Aerospace 
Development Corporation (AADC) for a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to 
take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to rocket launches from 
the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC), Kodiak Island, Alaska. As a result of 
that request, NMFS is proposing regulations that would authorize the 
incidental taking of a small number of marine mammals. In order to 
issue such regulations, NMFS must determine that these takings will 
have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine 
mammals and will not have an unmitigatable adverse impact on the 
availability of marine mammal species or stocks for subsistence uses.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/05/01                    66 FR 55909
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/05/01
NPRM                            10/29/04                    69 FR 63114
NPRM Comment Period End         12/13/04
Final Action                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Kenneth Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of 
Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13600, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AP62
_______________________________________________________________________




673. REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN TAKE REDUCTION PLAN

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 2003.
Final, Statutory, January 2004.
There is a deadline under the MMPA, but noting that we cannot meet this 
deadline because of requirements related to compliance with other laws, 
such as NEPA and the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Abstract: This action would implement management measures to (1) reduce 
the incidental mortality and serious injury (bycatch) of the western 
North Atlantic coastal bottlenose dolphin stock (dolphins) (Tursiops 
truncatus) in the mid-Atlantic coastal gillnet fishery and eight other 
coastal fisheries operating within the dolphin's distributional range; 
and (2) amend current, seasonal restrictions on large mesh gillnet 
fisheries operating in the mid-Atlantic region to reduce the incidental 
take of sea turtles in North Carolina and Virginia State waters. This 
action would use effort reduction measures, gear proximity rules, gear 
or gear deployment modifications, fishermen training, and outreach and 
education measures to reduce dolphin bycatch below the marine mammal 
stock's potential biological removal level (PBR); and time/area 
closures and size restrictions on large mesh fisheries to reduce 
incidental takes of endangered and threatened sea turtles as well as to 
reduce dolphin bycatch below the stock's PBR.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/10/04                    69 FR 65127
NPRM Comment Period End         02/08/05
Final Action                    01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AR39
_______________________________________________________________________




674. TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO NAVY OPERATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS is amending its regulations governing the taking of 
marine mammals incidental to operations of the U.S. Navy's SURTASS LFA 
sonar to implement provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act 
of 2004 (NDAA). The President signed into law the NDAA (P.L. 108-136) 
on November 24, 2003. Included in this law were amendments to the 
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) that apply where a ``military 
readiness activity'' is concerned. NMFS and the Navy have determined 
that the Navy's SURTASS LFA sonar testing and training operations that 
are the subject of NMFS' July 16, 2002 (67 FR 46712) final rule 
constitute a military readiness activity because those activities 
constitute ``training and operations of the Armed Forces that relate to 
combat'' and constitute ``adequate and realistic testing of military 
equipment, vehicles, weapons and sensors for proper operation and 
suitability for combat use.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/29/04                    69 FR 38873
NPRM Comment Period End         07/29/04
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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 20912
Phone: 301 713-2055
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AR99

[[Page 64462]]

_______________________________________________________________________




675. TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO COMMERCIAL FISHING 
OPERATIONS; ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 224

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would implement modifications of the Atlantic 
Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP). The ALWTRP was developed 
pursuant to section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The 
commercial fishery requirements provided in this rule are intended to 
implement the additional requirements recommended by the Atlantic Large 
Whale Take Reduction Team and NMFS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/21/05                    70 FR 35894
Comment Period Extended         07/13/05                    70 FR 40301
NPRM Comment Period End         07/21/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AS01
_______________________________________________________________________




676. SEA TURTLE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL SCALLOP FISHING

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS is preparing a rule to require sea turtle conservation 
measures for all scallop vessels fishing in the mid-Atlantic from May 1 
through November 30 each year. Implemented under the Endangered Species 
Act, the purpose of this rulemaking is to minimize the take of sea 
turtles in scallop gear. This rule would require all scallop vessels, 
regardless of size or permit category, to modify their dredge(s) when 
fishing south of 41 deg.9.0' N. latitude, from the shoreline to the 
Exclusive Economic Zone. All dredges used for fishing must be modified 
with evenly spaced ``tickler'' chains and ``vertical'' (up-and-down) 
chains with the configuration dependent on the size of the dredge frame 
width.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/27/05                    70 FR 30660
Hearing                         06/08/05                    70 FR 33440
NPRM Comment Period End         06/27/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AS92
_______________________________________________________________________




677. THREATENED STATUS FOR SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq; 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 224

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, December 17, 2004.

Abstract: NMFS has completed an update on the status review of Southern 
Resident killer whales under the Endangered Species Act and is seeking 
to list this distinct population segment as threatened.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          03/02/04                        69 9809
NPRM                            12/22/04                    69 FR 76673
NPRM Comment Period End         03/22/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AS95
_______________________________________________________________________




678. TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO OPERATION OF OFFSHORE OIL 
PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN BEAUFORT SEA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 200 to 210

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NOAA Fisheries is amending its regulations governing the 
taking of marine mammals incidental to operations at the Northstar oil 
production facility in the U.S. Beaufort Sea off Alaska. These revised 
regulations authorize the incidental, but not intentional, taking of 
small numbers of six species of marine mammals in the event that such 
taking occurred during the operation of the Northstar facility. Takings 
are limited to harassment and no injury or mortality of marine mammals 
is anticipated. Potential effects on native subsistence could result 
also from direct actions of oil development upon the biological 
resources or from associated changes in human behavior. As a result, in 
compliance with regulations, mitigation measures have been implemented 
that mitigate impacts on subsistence uses of marine resources.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/25/05                    70 FR 42520
NPRM Comment Period End         08/24/05
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources,

[[Page 64463]]

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AM09
RIN: 0648-AS98
_______________________________________________________________________




679. PROPOSED THREATENED STATUS FOR SOUTHERN DISTINCT POPULATION SEGMENT 
OF NORTH AMERICAN GREEN STURGEON

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, April 1, 2005, District Court remanded 
``not warranted'' determination to NMFS.
Due to a court remand of our ``not warranted'' determination.

Abstract: This is a rule to list the Southern Distinct Population 
Segment (DPS) of green sturgeon as threatened under the Endangered 
Species Act. We conclude that the Southern DPS is not endangered 
because of actions being taken that provide some possible benefits to 
the DPS. However, the Southern DPS is threatened based on: (1) The 
reduction of potential spawning habitat; (2) the threats to the single 
remaining spawning population remaining severe and unlikely to be 
sufficiently alleviated by conservation measures currently in place; 
and (3) the downward trend of sturgeon salvage estimates from State 
(1968-2003) and Federal (1980-2003) facilities. The Northern DPS is 
neither endangered nor threatened, but remaining uncertainties have led 
us to retain the DPS on the ``species of concern'' list. Section 4(d) 
provides that the Secretary shall issue such regulations as he deems 
necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of threatened 
species. We intend to publish a regulation under section 4(d) for the 
conservation of the Southern DPS of green sturgeon. We also may 
designate critical habitat, as long as we find that it is both prudent 
and determinable.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/06/05                    70 FR 17386
Public Hearing                  06/20/05                    70 FR 35391
NPRM Comment Period End         07/05/05
NPRM Comment Period Extended    07/06/05                    70 FR 38861
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AT02
_______________________________________________________________________




680. [bull] MARINE MAMMALS; SUBSISTENCE TAKING OF NORTHERN FUR SEALS; 
HARVEST ESTIMATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1151 et seq; 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.72

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Pursuant to the regulations governing the subsistence taking 
of northern fur seals, this action summarizes the annual fur seal 
subsistence harvests on St. George and St. Paul Islands (the Pribilof 
Islands) for 2002 to 2004 and proposes annual estimates of fur seal 
subsistence needs for 2005 through 2007 on the Pribilof Islands, 
Alaska. NMFS solicits public comments on the proposed estimates.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/18/05                    70 FR 41187
NPRM Comment Period End         08/17/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Thomas C. Eagle, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Room 13725, 
Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2055
Fax: 301 713-4060
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AO40
RIN: 0648-AT49
_______________________________________________________________________




681. CIVIL PROCEDURES GOVERNING PROSECUTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROCEEDINGS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 
to 1407; 16 USC 3371 to 3378; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 904

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the procedures governing NOAA's 
administrative proceedings for the assessment of civil penalties, 
suspension, revocation, modification, or denial of permits, issuance 
and use of written warnings, and release of forfeiture of seized 
property.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/12/04                    69 FR 60569
NPRM Comment Period End         12/13/04
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Meggan Walls Engelke-Ros, Attorney Advisor, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8484 
Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 427-2202
Fax: 301 427-2211
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AS54

[[Page 64464]]




_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



682. GRAY'S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922.90 to 922.92

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend regulations and designation document 
for the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary to clarify that the 
sanctuary boundary includes submerged lands; revise regulations on 
placing structures on the seabed, fishing, anchoring, discharges, and 
cultural resources; and revise procedure for issuing sanctuary permits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/31/03                    68 FR 62033
NPRM Comment Period End         12/31/03
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Reed Bohne, Manager, Gray's Reef National Marine 
Sanctuary, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411
Phone: 912 598-2345
Fax: 912 598-2367
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AQ41
_______________________________________________________________________




683. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NOAA ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL CHART 
DISTRIBUTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 33 USC 892(a) to 892(b); HSIA 2002, sec 303; HSIA 
2002, sec 304

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 995

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, December 19, 2004, By not later than 2 
years after the date of enactment of the HSIA Amendments of 2002.
Mandate to certify hydrographic products that satisfy the standards 
promulgated by the Administrator no later than 2 years after the date 
of enactment of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 
2002.

Abstract: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
amends its regulations to add certification requirements with standards 
for applicants who want to distribute NOAA Electronic Navigational 
Charts (NOAA ENCs) as official data. NOAA intends to offer two types of 
certification. The first type, ``Certified NOAA ENC Distributor,'' is 
for NOAA ENCs downloading, exact copying, and redistribution of those 
copies of NOAA ENCs data. The second type, ``Certified NOAA ENC Value 
Added Distributor,'' permits reformatting official NOAA ENCs into a 
System Electronic Navigational Chart (SENC) using type-approved 
software, and distribution of that SENC. Both types of certification 
result in products that meet Federal chart carriage regulations. Both 
types of certification permit, but do not require, compression, 
encryption, and packaging with other data. NOAA intends by this action 
to assure that quality official NOAA ENC data is offered to the public 
in support of safe navigation on U.S. waters.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/15/04                    69 FR 61165
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

URL For More Information:
nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/enc/indes.htm

URL For Public Comments:
nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/enc/indes.htm

Agency Contact: Michael Brown, Electronic Chart Products Manager, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, N/CS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2645
Fax: 301 713-4501
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AR87



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR


                    ________________________________



684. LICENSING OF PRIVATE LAND REMOTE-SENSING SPACE SYSTEMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 15 USC 5621

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 960

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
amends its regulations governing the licensing of private Earth remote 
sensing space systems under title II of the Land Remote Sensing Policy 
Act of 1992 (the Act). The amendments update the regulations to 
reflect: (1) The new U.S. policy on commercial remote sensing issued in 
April 2003, (2) experience gained since August 2000 with respect to the 
licensing of commercial remote sensing space systems, and (3) 
improvements that take into account public comments received on the 
regulations. This rule will allow NOAA to more effectively license 
Earth remote sensing space systems and help to ensure their compliance 
with the requirements of the Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/20/05                    70 FR 29380
NPRM Comment Period End         06/20/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Glenn E. Tallia, Senior Counselor for Atmospheric and 
Space Services and Research, NOAA, GC, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA GCW, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Room 15861, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1337

[[Page 64465]]

Fax: 301 713-1494

RIN: 0648-AT00
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE


                    ________________________________



685. 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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/03/01                    66 FR 35209
NPRM Comment Period Extended    08/22/01                    66 FR 44109
NPRM Comment Period End         09/04/01
Comment Period Extended         11/02/01
Final Action                    12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tanya Dobrzynski
Phone: 301 713-2289

RIN: 0648-AH26



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



686. PROCEDURAL CHANGES TO THE FEDERAL CONSISTENCY PROCESS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 930

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/02/02                    67 FR 44407
ANPRM Comment Period End        09/03/02


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: David W. Kaiser
Phone: 301 713-3155
Fax: 301 713-4367
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AP98



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF MINERAL ENERGY


                    ________________________________



687. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT FEDERAL CONSISTENCY REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 930

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/11/03                    68 FR 34851
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David W. Kaiser
Phone: 301 713-3155
Fax: 301 713-4367
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AR16



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR


                    ________________________________



688. REGIONAL MARINE RESEARCH PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Don Scavia
Phone: 301 713-3060

RIN: 0648-AF20

[[Page 64466]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________




689. REGULATORY AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE GULF OF MEXICO BRD FRAMEWORK 
UNDER THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY OF THE GULF OF 
MEXICO (FMP)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, September 2005, Final regulations to 
be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period.

Abstract: In accordance with the FMP's framework procedure for 
regulatory adjustments, the Gulf Council requested that NMFS develop 
alternative data collection procedures and statistical tests to certify 
bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for use in the shrimp fishery of the 
Gulf of Mexico. The regulation would provide additional flexibility in 
sampling procedures to facilitate BRDs meeting the testing/certifying 
protocol's requirements while maintaining the scientific and 
statistical credibility in achieving the FMP's established bycatch 
reduction criterion for certified BRDs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/09/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AN84
_______________________________________________________________________




690. AMENDMENT 22 TO THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

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 plan amendment establishes a revised red snapper stock 
rebuilding plan and red snapper overfishing targets and thresholds, all 
intended to meet requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries 
Act of 1996. In addition, this amendment will address bycatch reporting 
requirements of the reef fish fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          08/04/04                    69 FR 46518
NPRM                            11/23/04                    69 FR 68119
NPRM Comment Period End         01/07/05
Final Action                    06/02/05                    70 FR 32266

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AP02
_______________________________________________________________________




691. AMENDMENT 2 TO MONKFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 2 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan would 
address essential fish habitat and bycatch issues and revise the 
management program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/14/05                     70 FR 2586
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/05
Comment Period Extended         02/24/05                     70 FR 9029
NPRM Comment Period Extended    03/07/05
Final Action                    04/28/05                    70 FR 21927

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AQ25
_______________________________________________________________________




692. AMENDMENT 11 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PELAGIC 
FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION (AMERICAN SAMOA LONGLINE LIMITED 
ACCESS PERMIT PROGRAM)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 11 would establish a limited access program for the 
pelagic longline fishery for the EEZ around American Samoa.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          06/23/04                    69 FR 34988
NPRM                            07/22/04                    69 FR 43789
NPRM Comment Period End         09/07/04
Final Action                    05/24/05                    70 FR 29646
Correction                      06/09/05                    70 FR 33719
Correction                      07/18/05                    70 FR 41163

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AQ92
_______________________________________________________________________




693. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; AMENDMENTS TO THE FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC TUNAS, SWORDFISH, AND SHARKS AND THE 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC BILLFISH

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

[[Page 64467]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will address numerous issues for the Atlantic 
tunas, swordfish, shark, and billfish fisheries. These issues include 
reviewing data for updates as part of a five-year review of essential 
fish habitat; considering workshops to reduce bycatch and bycatch 
mortality, increase regulatory compliance, and increase communication 
with fishermen; reviewing current time/area closures and the need for 
modifications; preventing overfishing of finetooth sharks and albacore 
tuna; adjusting bluefin tuna effort controls and quota allocations to 
improve management; considering changes to the fishing year definition 
and currently authorized gear types; and strengthening measures to 
reduce billfish mortality across all highly migratory species 
fisheries. This rule will also consider combining the two fishery 
management plans into one document.
This action would affect fishermen fishing for highly migratory species 
in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. 
Many of the actions in this rule will simplify or improve the 
management of the fisheries to help fishermen understand the 
regulations and the management process. Other actions in this rule 
could change quota allocations, but would not likely change overall 
quotas. Additionally, while the actions may establish new requirements, 
such as workshops, or modify existing requirements, such as the time/
area closures, the actions are not expected to reduce the number of 
people fishing for highly migratory species. Some actions, for example, 
modifications to time/area closures, could have negative or positive 
economic impacts, depending on the extent of the changes needed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 0648-AQ65           08/05/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

Related RIN: Merged with 0648-AR61
RIN: 0648-AR60
_______________________________________________________________________




694. GEAR IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS ON BUOYS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would revise requirements for markings on buoys as 
described at 679.24(a) by removing the requirement to mark the vessel's 
name on all hook and line, longline pot, and pot and line marker buoys 
carried on board or used by any vessel regulated by 50 CFR part 679. 
The buoys could then be marked with either the vessel's Federal 
fisheries permit number or the vessel's ADF&G vessel registration 
number.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 0648-AS84           06/10/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AR90
_______________________________________________________________________




695. CDQ TRANSFER, ELIGIBLE VESSELS, AND FISHING PLAN REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would implement revisions to regulations governing 
the Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program. The revisions 
would simplify the process for making quota transfers, identifying 
eligible vessels, and obtaining approval of alternative fishing plans 
by removing some information requirements and by removing the 
requirement that applications for these actions be approved by the 
State of Alaska before being submitted to NMFS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/26/04                    69 FR 68865
NPRM Comment Period End         12/27/04
Final Action                    03/24/05                    70 FR 15010

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AS00
_______________________________________________________________________




696. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OPTIMUM YIELD AND HARVEST LIMIT FOR PACIFIC 
SARDINE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC. 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, January 1, 2005, The CPS fisheries 
regulations require that the annual specs for Pacific sardine be 
published in the FR before January 1, the start of the fishing year.

Abstract: This action announces the annual harvest guideline for 
Pacific sardine in the exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast. 
The Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and its 
implementing regulations require NMFS to set an annual harvest 
guideline for Pacific sardine based on a formula in the FMP. The 
intended effect of this action is to establish allowable harvest levels 
for Pacific sardine off the Pacific coast and to minimize the impact on 
other coastal pelagic fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/07/04                    69 FR 70973

[[Page 64468]]

NPRM Comment Period End         12/23/04
Final Action                    06/22/05                    70 FR 36053

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, 
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AS17
_______________________________________________________________________




697. AMENDMENT 23 TO THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN TO SET 
VERMILION SNAPPER SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES ACT TARGETS AND THRESHOLDS AND 
TO ESTABLISH A PLAN TO END OVERFISHING AND REBUILD THE STOCK

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In October 2003, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 
issued a determination that the Gulf of Mexico vermilion snapper stock 
is overfished. The stock had been previously determined to be 
undergoing overfishing in November 1999. These determinations were 
based on vermilion snapper stock assessments conducted in 1999 and 
2001. Once a stock has been determined to be overfished, the Magnuson-
Stevens Act requires the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council 
within one year to submit a plan to NMFS to end overfishing and rebuild 
the stock to a level capable of sustaining maximum sustainable yield on 
a continuing basis. This rebuilding plan contains alternatives that 
would rebuild the stock in less than 10 years. Measures to reduce 
commercial and recreational fishing mortality so that the stock can 
rebuild include vermilion snapper size limits, bag limits, trip limits, 
quotas, and closed seasons. In addition, alternatives for establishing 
vermilion snapper biological reference points and status determination 
criteria are included in the plan.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          02/24/05                     70 FR 9028
Notice Comment Period End       04/25/05
NPRM                            03/09/05                    70 FR 11600
NPRM Comment Period End         04/25/05
Final Action                    06/08/05                    70 FR 33385

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS19
_______________________________________________________________________




698. ANNUAL RECREATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, 
AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish the recreational specifications 
for fishing year 2005 for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass 
fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/15/05                    70 FR 12639
NPRM Comment Period End         03/30/05
Final Action                    06/16/05                    70 FR 35042

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AS21
_______________________________________________________________________




699. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2005 FISHING YEAR FOR THE ATLANTIC HERRING 
FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would implement specifications for the 2005 
fishing year (January 1, 2005-December 31, 2005) for the Atlantic 
herring fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/31/05                     70 FR 4808
NPRM Comment Period End         03/02/05
Final Action                    04/28/05                    70 FR 21971

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AS23
_______________________________________________________________________




700. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the Spiny 
Dogfish Fishery for fishing year 2005 (May 1, 2005-April 30, 2006).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/28/05                    70 FR 12168
NPRM Comment Period End         03/28/05
Final Action                    05/03/05                    70 FR 22806

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of

[[Page 64469]]

Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One 
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AS24
_______________________________________________________________________




701. FRAMEWORK 40B TO 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 framework would implement measures to provide for use of 
regular B days-at-sea, new special access programs, and other measures 
related to the management of the Northeast Multispecies fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/29/05                    70 FR 15803
NPRM Comment Period End         04/18/05
Final Action                    06/01/05                    70 FR 31323

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AS33
_______________________________________________________________________




702. FRAMEWORK 1 TO THE RED CRAB FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This framework would implement a multi-year specification 
process for the deep sea red crab fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/20/05                    70 FR 29265
NPRM Comment Period End         06/20/05
Final Action                    08/01/05                    70 FR 44066

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AS35
_______________________________________________________________________




703. AMENDMENT NUMBER 15 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE COASTAL 
MIGRATORY PELAGIC RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC 
REGION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 15 provides alternatives to address the current 
commercial king mackerel permit moratorium that will be expiring on 
October 15, 2005. Alternatives include possible extensions of the 
moratorium for a finite period of time or to establish a limited access 
license for an indefinite period of time. Amendment 15 also provides 
alternatives to potentially change the fishing year for Atlantic 
migratory group king and Spanish mackerel from an April 1 through March 
31 period to a March 1 through February 28/29 period or a January 1 
through December 31 period.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          03/07/05                    70 FR 10933
Comment Period End              05/06/05
NPRM                            03/18/05                    70 FR 13152
NPRM Comment Period End         05/02/05
Final Action                    07/07/05                    70 FR 39187

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS53
_______________________________________________________________________




704. 2005-2006 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: Final, Statutory, May 1, 2005, The fishery must open on 
May 1.

Abstract: The annual management measures for the 2004-20005 fishing 
year 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                    05/04/05                    70 FR 23054

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AS58
_______________________________________________________________________




705. AMENDMENT 24 TO THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF 
FISH RESOURCES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 24 will address whether to allow the current 
moratorium on the issuance of reef fish permits to expire on December 
31, 2005, and the reef fish fishery to revert to open access, to extend 
the moratorium for a finite period (5 or 10

[[Page 64470]]

years), or to replace the moratorium with a limited access system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/06/05                    70 FR 17401
NPRM Comment Period End         06/06/05
NPRM                            04/23/05                    70 FR 21170
NPRM Comment Period End         06/09/05
Final Action                    07/18/05                    70 FR 41161

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS69
_______________________________________________________________________




706. ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT TO MEASURES FOR THE MONKFISH FISHERY FOR THE 2005 
FISHING YEAR

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action makes annual adjustments to measures for the 2005 
fishing year for the Monkfish Fishery. The fishing year begins May 1, 
2005. This action will make necessary adjustments in total allowable 
catch levels and trip limits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/18/05                    70 FR 13156
NPRM Comment Period End         04/04/05
Final Action                    04/28/05                    70 FR 22242

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AS72
_______________________________________________________________________




707. ADJUSTMENT OF QUOTA OVERAGES IN THE U.S./CANADA AREA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would adjust any overages of quotas for Georges 
Bank cod, haddock, and/or yellowtail flounder in the U.S./Canada 
Management Area, as required by Amendment 13.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/14/05                    70 FR 19724
NPRM Comment Period End         05/16/05
Final Action                    07/07/05                    70 FR 39190

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AS74
_______________________________________________________________________




708. SEAFOOD DEALER REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would modify reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements for dealers federally permitted in the summer flounder, 
scup, black sea bass, Atlantic sea scallop, Northeast multispecies, 
monkfish, Atlantic mackerel, squid, butterfish, Atlantic surfclam, 
ocean quahog, Atlantic herring, Atlantic deep-sea red crab, tilefish, 
Atlantic bluefish, skate and/or spiny dogfish fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/04/05                    70 FR 10585
NPRM Comment Period End         03/21/05
Final Action                    04/28/05                    70 FR 21976

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AS87
_______________________________________________________________________




709. COMMERCIAL GROUPER FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO; ESTABLISHMENT OF 
A CONTROL DATE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In anticipation of future action to establish regulations 
limiting participation in the grouper fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, 
the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has voted to 
establish a control date of October 15, 2004, for the commercial 
grouper fishery. The establishment of a control date does not commit 
the Council or the National Marine Fisheries Service to any particular 
management regime. A control date may be used as part of the qualifying 
criteria for entry into the fishery. Fishermen, however, are not 
guaranteed future participation in the fishery regardless of their 
entry date or intensity of participation in the fishery before or after 
the control date under consideration. The Council may choose to use a 
different control date or they may choose a management regime that does 
not make use of such a date. The Council may choose to give variably 
weighted consideration to fishermen active in the fishery before and 
after the control date. Other qualifying criteria, such as 
documentation of landings and sales, may be applied for entry. The 
Council also may choose to take no further action to control entry or 
access to the fishery, in which case the control date may be rescinded.

[[Page 64471]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/16/04                    69 FR 67106
Comment Period End              12/16/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue 
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS88
_______________________________________________________________________




710. FMP FOR THE SCALLOP FISHERY OFF ALASKA AMENDMENT 10

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would modify the gear endorsements under a 
license limitation program (scallop LLP) for the scallop fishery. The 
LLP limits access to the commercial scallop fisheries in the exclusive 
economic zone (EEZ) off Alaska. This rulemaking would change the 6-foot 
dredge restriction endorsement in the scallop LLP to a two 10-foot 
dredge (or two dredges with a combined width of 20 ft) restriction 
endorsement. This change would allow two LLP holders with the current 
endorsement to fish in Federal waters outside Cook Inlet with a maximum 
of two ten-foot dredges.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

PR/Notice of Availability       03/24/05                    70 FR 15063
NOA/Comment Period End          05/23/05
NPRM                            04/13/05                    70 FR 19409
NPRM Comment Period End         05/31/05
Final Action                    07/11/05                    70 FR 39664

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AS90
_______________________________________________________________________




711. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); 2005 BLUEFIN TUNA QUOTA 
SPECIFICATIONS AND EFFORT CONTROLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would implement specifications for the Atlantic 
bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery to set BFT quotas and General category 
effort controls for the 2005 fishing year. The purpose of this action 
is to implement the U.S. annual BFT quota as recommended by the 
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and 
allocate that quota among the domestic fishing categories. Effort 
controls for the General category would allocate monthly quotas and set 
certain restricted fishing days.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/23/05                    70 FR 14630
NPRM Comment Period End         04/18/05
Final Action                    06/07/05                    70 FR 33033

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AT01
_______________________________________________________________________




712. AREA 4C/4D SELECTIVE IFQ/CDQ BOUNDARY PERMEABILITY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300; 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would allow holders of Area 4C halibut Individual 
Fishing Quota (IFQ) and Community Development Quota (CDQ) to harvest 
such halibut IFQ/CDQ in Area 4D. Currently, halibut IFQ and CDQ 
allocated in a particular area may only be harvested in that same area, 
in accordance with biomass-based quotas, except that halibut CDQ (only) 
allocated in Area 4D may be harvested in Area 4E. This action would 
also allow additional fishing opportunities to attain the assigned Area 
4C IFQ and CDQ quotas for two Pribilof Island communities (St. Paul and 
St. George) in Area 4C, which are managed by two CDQ groups.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/05/05                    70 FR 23829
NPRM Comment Period End         06/06/05
Final Action                    07/27/05                    70 FR 43328

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AT03
_______________________________________________________________________




713. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; LIFTING TRADE RESTRICTIVE 
MEASURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would modify trade restriction measures pursuant to 
recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of 
Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) approved during the 2004 meeting. This rule 
would lift the trade restrictions on import of bigeye tuna from 
Cambodia; the ban on the import of bigeye tuna and bluefin tuna from 
Equatorial Guinea; and the trade restrictions on the import of bigeye 
tuna, bluefin tuna, and swordfish from Sierra Leone. This

[[Page 64472]]

rule would also correct section reference conflicts between two rules 
that published in the Federal Register on November 17, 2004, and 
December 6, 2004.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/08/05                    70 FR 11190
NPRM Comment Period End         04/07/05
Final Action                    05/17/05                    70 FR 28218

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AT05
_______________________________________________________________________




714. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); ATLANTIC SHARK COMMERCIAL 
MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would establish regional quotas and announce season 
lengths for large and small coastal sharks, and pelagic sharks managed 
under the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic tunas, swordfish and 
sharks. This action is necessary to ensure that current management 
measures are consistent with the most recent landings information.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/10/05                    70 FR 11922
NPRM Comment Period End         03/25/05
Final Action                    04/27/05                    70 FR 21673

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AT07
_______________________________________________________________________




715. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 17 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Framework Adjustment 17 would revise a provision included in 
the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan that allows vessels to 
terminate special access area trips early for unforeseen events. The 
revised provision eliminates an automatic charge and associated 
reduction in possession limit by allowing vessels to resume trips into 
the special access areas without loss of allowed scallop possession 
limit. Framework Adjustment 17 would also require that all vessels 
issued open access, General Category scallop permits that intend to 
land more than 40 pounds of scallops be equipped with electronic vessel 
monitoring systems to allow fishing activity to be monitored and 
tracked for enforcement and fishery evaluation purposes. General 
Category scallop vessels operating vessel monitoring systems would be 
allowed to turn off the vessel monitoring systems if the vessel does 
not have any scallops on board and while the vessel is secured to a 
fixed dock or mooring.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/02/05                    70 FR 32282
NPRM Comment Period End         06/17/05
Final Action                    08/22/05                    70 FR 48860

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT10
_______________________________________________________________________




716. LIMITED ENTRY PROGRAM FOR LONGLINE AND DRIFT GILLNET VESSELS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 2005, Final rule must be 
published within 60 days of end of comment period on the proposed rule.

Abstract: This rule will establish a limited entry program and 
associated management measures for vessels fishing with longline and 
drift gillnet gear under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West 
Coast Highly Migratory Species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/11/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, 
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AT35
_______________________________________________________________________




717. [bull] FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES AND IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; 
ROUTINE MANAGEMENT MEASURE AUTHORITY TO CLOSE THE PACIFIC COAST DIRECTED 
GROUNDFISH OPEN ACCESS FISHERIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This emergency rule establishes routine management measure 
authority, under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan 
(Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP), to reduce trip limits to incidental 
levels in the open access fishery for groundfish before the sector has 
taken its full target groundfish species' allocations, to minimize 
impacts on overfished species. This action establishes a mechanism that 
can be

[[Page 64473]]

used to quickly restrict the directed open access groundfish fishery if 
NMFS estimates that the incidental catch of an overfished species is 
too high.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/05/05                    70 FR 23804

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AT38
_______________________________________________________________________




718. [bull] SPINY DOGFISH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND TRAWL INDIVIDUAL QUOTA 
PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) is 
considering implementing management measures for the spiny dogfish 
(Squalus acanthias) fishery off Washington, Oregon and California. This 
document announces a control date of April 8, 2005, for the spiny 
dogfish fishery. The control date for the spiny dogfish fishery is 
intended to discourage increased fishing effort in the limited entry 
and open access groundfish fisheries targeting spiny dogfish based on 
economic speculation while the Pacific Council develops and considers 
management measures for the spiny dogfish fishery. In addition, this 
document provides supplemental information on a control date for a 
limited entry groundfish trawl individual quota (IQ) program announced 
in the Federal Register on January 9, 2004 by clarifying that the 
control date does not preclude processors from being eligible to own 
quota as part of the trawl IQ program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/24/05                    70 FR 29713
Comment Period End              06/23/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AT40
_______________________________________________________________________




719. [bull] PACIFIC HALIBUT FISHERIES; SUBSISTENCE FISHING; CORRECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 77S et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document corrects a final rule published in the Federal 
Register amending the Subsistence Halibut Program. This correcting 
amendment corrects the description, geographic coordinates, and 
associated figures for the Anchorage/Matsu/Kenai non-subsistence marine 
waters area and the Local Area Management Plan (LAMP) for the halibut 
fishery in Sitka Sound in the Gulf of Alaska.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/18/05                    70 FR 41159

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AR88
RIN: 0648-AT44
_______________________________________________________________________




720. [bull] FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES AND IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; 
WESTERN PACIFIC BOTTOMFISH FISHERIES; MAIN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS; CONTROL 
DATE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS announces that persons who enter the bottomfish fishery 
in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the main Hawaiian 
Islands (MHI) after June 2, 2005, (``control date'') are not guaranteed 
future participation in the fishery if the Western Pacific Fishery 
Management Council (Council) prepares and NMFS approves a program 
limiting entry or effort. This action does not commit the Council or 
NMFS to limit entry, or prevent any other date from being selected for 
eligibility to participate in the MHI bottomfish fishery. The Council 
or NMFS may also use other criteria to limit fishing effort or 
participation in a limited entry program that is developed in the 
future.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/13/05                    70 FR 40305

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AT47
_______________________________________________________________________




721. [bull] MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT 
PROVISIONS; FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN U.S.; FISHERY CLOSURE DUE TO 
PRESENCE OF TOXIN THAT CAUSES PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISONING; CORRECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1855(c)

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS is clarifying emergency regulations that closed

[[Page 64474]]

portions of Federal waters of the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and 
southern New England to the harvest of bivalve shellfish due to the 
presence of the toxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). 
This correction will allow for the collection and testing of samples 
for the toxin that causes PSP. In addition, this rule will correct the 
effective date for the definition of a ``Category 1 herring vessel'' 
and reinstate a prohibition on the sale of certain haddock that was 
inadvertently overwritten by the emergency rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/07/05                    70 FR 39192

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, 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-AT51
_______________________________________________________________________




722. [bull] CONTROL DATE FOR NON-LONGLINE COMMERCIAL PELAGIC FISHERIES 
IN EEZ AROUND HAWAII

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS announces that persons who enter the non-longline 
commercial pelagic fisheries (e.g., troll, handline, pole and line, 
etc.) in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Hawaiian 
Islands after June 2, 2005 (``control date'') are not guaranteed future 
participation in the fishery if the Western Pacific Fishery Management 
Council (WPFMC) recommends, and NMFS approves, a program limiting entry 
or effort. This action does not commit the WPFMC or NMFS to limit 
entry, or prevent any other date from being selected for eligibility to 
participate in the non-longline commercial pelagic fisheries. The WPFMC 
or NMFS may also use other criteria to limit fishing effort or 
participation in a limited entry program that is developed in the 
future.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/15/05                    70 FR 47781

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AT52
_______________________________________________________________________




723. [bull] CONTROL DATE FOR DOMESTIC PURSE SEINE AND LONGLINE PELAGIC 
FISHERIES IN U.S. EEZ OF WESTERN PACIFIC REGION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS announces that persons who enter the pelagic purse seine 
and longline fisheries in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the 
western Pacific region after June 2, 2005 (``control date'') are not 
guaranteed future participation in the fishery if the Western Pacific 
Fishery Management Council (WPFMC) recommends, and NMFS approves, a 
program limiting entry or effort. This action does not commit the WPFMC 
or NMFS to limit entry, or prevent any other date from being selected 
for eligibility to participate in the pelagic purse seine or longline 
fisheries. The WPFMC or NMFS may also use other criteria to limit 
fishing effort or participation in a limited entry program that is 
developed in the future.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/15/05                    70 FR 47782

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 973-2937

RIN: 0648-AT53
_______________________________________________________________________




724. [bull] SALMON CONSERVATION ZONE FOR THE PACIFIC COAST WHITING 
PRIMARY FISHING SEASON

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would prohibit vessels participating in the primary 
Pacific whiting fishery from fishing shoreward of a boundary line 
approximating the 100 fm depth contour. This action is intended to 
reduce bycatch of endangered and threatened Chinook salmon in the 
whiting fishery. To constrain further impacts from the 2005 whiting 
fishery on ESA-listed salmon, NMFS is implementing an emergency closure 
of nearshore waters, where salmon are more likely to be taken in common 
with Pacific whiting.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/31/05                    70 FR 51682

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AT69
_______________________________________________________________________




725. DESIGNATE CRITICAL HABITAT FOR 7 EVOLUTIONARILY SIGNIFICANT UNITS 
(ESUS) OF PACIFIC SALMON AND STEELHEAD IN CALIFORNIA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, November 30, 2004.
Final, Judicial, June 15, 2005.

Abstract: This action would designate critical habitat for seven 
Pacific salmon and O. mykiss Evolutionarily

[[Page 64475]]

Significant Units (ESUs) listed under the Endangered Species Act of 
1973. The geographic area proposed for designation include riverine and 
estuarine habitat in California.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/19/00                    65 FR 79328
NPRM Comment Period End         02/20/01
NPRM                            12/10/04                    69 FR 71880
NPRM Comment Period End         01/24/05
Comment Period Extended         02/07/05                     70 FR 6394
Second NPRM Comment Period End  03/14/05
Final Action                    09/02/05                    70 FR 52488

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802
Phone: 502 980-4015
Fax: 502 980-4027

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AQ77
RIN: 0648-AO04
_______________________________________________________________________




726. DESIGNATE CRITICAL HABITAT FOR 12 EVOLUTIONARILY SIGNIFICANT UNITS 
(ESUS) OF PACIFIC SALMON AND STEELHEAD IN WASHINGTON, OREGON AND IDAHO

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226; 50 CFR 424

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, September 30, 2004.
Final, Judicial, June 15, 2005.

Abstract: This action would designate critical habitat for 12 Pacific 
salmon and O. mykiss Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) listed 
under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The geographic areas proposed 
for designation include lakes, riverine, and estuarine habitat in 
Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and marine nearshore habitat in 
Washington.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/29/03                    68 FR 55926
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/13/03
NPRM                            12/14/04                    69 FR 74572
NPRM Comment Period End         01/28/05
Comment Period Extended         02/07/05                     70 FR 6394
Second NPRM Comment Period End  03/14/05
Final Action                    09/02/05                    70 FR 52630

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AQ77
_______________________________________________________________________




727. LISTING DETERMINATIONS FOR 27 EVOLUTIONARILY SIGNIFICANT UNITS 
(ESUS) OF WEST COAST SALMON AND ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223; 50 CFR 224

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, March 31, 2004.
NMFS has requested an extension to the court-ordered deadline, but no 
decision has been made as of April 23, 2004.

Abstract: NMFS has completed status reviews for 26 West Coast salmon 
and O. mykiss (inclusive of anadromous steelhead and co-occurring 
resident rainbow trout) Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) 
previously listed as threatened and endangered species under the ESA, 
as well as one ESU that was designated as a candidate species. 
Following a September 2001 U.S. District Court ruling that rejected how 
NMFS treats hatchery populations in its listing determinations, the 
agency received several petitions seeking to delist, or to redefine and 
list several ESUs on the basis of the Court's ruling. In response to 
these petitions, NMFS initiated status reviews for 16 ESUs, and elected 
to conduct status reviews for an additional 11 ESUs. Based on these 
reviews, NMFS is taking this action to list ESUs as endangered or 
threatened, and also to delist ESUs as necessary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/14/04                    69 FR 33102
NPRM Comment Period End         09/13/04
NPRM                            08/31/04                    69 FR 53031
NPRM Comment Period Extended    10/20/04
Final Action                    06/28/05                    70 FR 37160

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Laurie K. Allen, Acting Director, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of 
Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AR93
_______________________________________________________________________




728. SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION; EXCEPTIONS TO TAKING PROHIBITIONS FOR 
ENDANGERED SEA TURTLES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq; 16 USC 742a et seq; 31 USC 9701

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 222

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS proposes to allow any agent or employee of NMFS, the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the U.S. Coast Guard, or any 
other Federal land or water management agency, or any agent or employee 
of a State agency responsible for fish and wildlife who is designated 
by his or her agency for such purposes, when acting in the course of 
his or her official duties, to take endangered sea turtles if such 
taking is necessary to aid a sick, injured, entangled or stranded 
endangered sea turtle or dispose of such specimen or salvage such 
specimen which may be useful for scientific and educational purposes. 
This action is necessary to provide

[[Page 64476]]

equal conservation and protection measures to sick, injured, entangled 
and stranded endangered sea turtles as is afforded for threatened sea 
turtles under 50 CFR 223.206.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/29/05                    70 FR 15800
NPRM Comment Period End         04/28/05
Final Action                    07/25/05                    70 FR 42508

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AS57
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________




729. CHANGES TO REPRESENTATION OF OTHERS BEFORE THE UNITED STATES PATENT 
AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 500(a); 35 USC 2(b) 2(D)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1; 37 CFR 2; 37 CFR 10; 37 CFR 11

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) amends 
its regulations to update the procedures regarding enrollment and 
discipline. The office also replaces the current USPTO Code of 
Professional Responsibility, which is based on the Model Code of 
Professional Responsibility of the American Bar Association, with USPTO 
Rules of Professional Conduct, which are based largely on the Model 
Rules of Professional Conduct of the American Bar Association.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/12/03                    68 FR 66648
NPRM Comment Period End         02/12/04
Notice                          03/03/04                     69 FR 9986
Comment Period End              06/11/04
Final Action - Part I           06/24/04                    69 FR 35428
NPRM                            10/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06
Final Action - Part II          06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: See 69 FR 9986-9987.

Agency Contact: Harry I. Moatz, Director of Enrollment and Discipline, 
Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Office of 
Enrollment and Discipline, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-4097

Related RIN: Related to 0651-AB38
RIN: 0651-AB55
_______________________________________________________________________




730. CHANGES IN TRADEMARK RULES OF PRACTICE IN INTER PARTES PROCEEDINGS 
BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 15 USC 1067; 35 USC 2(8)(2)(A)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2.99(b) to (d); 37 CFR 2.101(a), (b) and (d); 37 
CFR 2.105(a) and (c); 37 CFR 2.111(a) to (c); 37 CFR 2.113(a), (c) and 
(e); 37 CFR 2.116(a) and (g); 37 CFR 2.118; 37 CFR 2.119(a) and (b); 37 
CFR 2.120(a), (d) and (j); 37 CFR 2.121(a), (d) and (e); 37 CFR 
2.123(e); 37 CFR 2.126 (a) and (b); 37 CFR 2.127(a), (c) and (e); 37 
CFR 2.129(a); 37 CFR 2.133 (a) and (b); 37 CFR 2.142(e); 37 CFR 
2.173(a); 37 CFR 2.176

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office amends its 
rules of practice in connection with inter partes proceedings before 
the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to require that plaintiffs serve 
notice of their claims directly on defendants, to follow the Federal 
Rules of Civil Procedure insofar as they require disclosure by parties 
of certain types of discoverable information and pre-trial disclosures, 
and to permit service of documents by e-mail.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James David Sams, Chief Administrative Trademark Judge, 
Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, ST-9A03, Trademark 
Trial and Appeal Board, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-4304
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB56
_______________________________________________________________________




731. REVISION OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 41; 35 USC 376; 35 USC 2(b)(2)

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 41.20; 37 CFR 2.6

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 1, 2006, Final Action 
Effective Date.

Abstract: This rulemaking revises certain patent and trademark fees to 
reflect fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) consistent with 
PL105-358, as amended by PL108-447.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06
Final Action                    07/00/06
Final Action Effective          10/00/06

[[Page 64477]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: C/OF Tamara McClure, Department of Commerce, Patent and 
Trademark Office, 2051 Jamieson Ave., Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 571 272-6345
Fax: 571 273-6500
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________




732. AMENDMENT OF RULES FOR FILING INTENT TO USE DOCUMENTS IN SECTION 
1(B) APPLICATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 15 USC 1123; 35 USC 2

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2.76, 2.87, 2.88, 2.89

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office amends the rules to (1) change the deadline for 
filing second and subsequent requests for extensions of time to file a 
statement of use under section 1(d)(2) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. 
1051(d)(2), from six months to one year; and (2) simplify and clarify 
procedures pertaining to the filing of intent-to-use documents in 
applications under section 1(b) of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 1051(b).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05
Final Action                    01/00/06
Final Action Effective          02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mary E. Hannon, Attorney Advisor, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 
22313-1451
Phone: 571 272-9569
Fax: 571 273-9569
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB90
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________




733. CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT THE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY 
ENHANCEMENT (CREATE) ACT OF 2004

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) 
Act of 2004 amends the patent laws to provide that subject matter 
developed by another person shall be considered treated as owned by the 
same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same 
person for purposes of determining obviousness if the claimed invention 
was made by or on behalf of parties to a joint research agreement that 
was in effect on or before the date the claimed invention was made, and 
the claimed invention was made as a result of activities undertaken 
within the scope of the joint research agreement. The CREATE Act of 
2004 also requires that the application for patent for the claimed 
invention disclose or be amended to disclose the names of the parties 
to the joint research agreement. The United States Patent and Trademark 
Office (Office) would in this action change its rules of practice in 
patent cases to implement the CREATE Act of 2004.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/11/05                     70 FR 1818
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/10/05
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Office of the Deputy 
Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, 
VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-8090
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________




734. CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT PRIORITY APPLICATION EXCHANGE BETWEEN 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr
Phone: 571 272-8090
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB75

[[Page 64478]]

_______________________________________________________________________




735. REVISION OF EX PARTE AND INTER PARTES REEXAMINATION PRACTICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr
Phone: 571 272-8090
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB77
_______________________________________________________________________




736. CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT THE REFUND PROVISIONS OF THE UNITED STATES 
PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2004

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/21/05                    70 FR 35571
NPRM Comment Period End         08/22/05
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr
Phone: 571 272-8090
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0651-AB54, Related to 0651-AB69
RIN: 0651-AB79
_______________________________________________________________________




737. PROVISIONS FOR CLAIMING THE BENEFIT OF A PROVISIONAL APPLICATION 
WITH A NON-ENGLISH SPECIFICATION AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1, 3 and 10

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/07/05                    70 FR 17629
NPRM Comment Period End         06/06/05
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0651-AB63
RIN: 0651-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________




738. AMENDMENT OF TRADEMARK RULES OF PRACTICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2.6, 2.21, 2.26, 2.32, 2.33, 2.34; 37 CFR 2.44, 
2.45, 2.47, 2.52, 2.53, 2.56, 2.; 37 CFR 2.65, 2.67, 2.74, 2.76, 2.77, 
2.85; 37 CFR 2.86, 2.87, 2.88, 2.89, 2.99, 2.145; 37 CFR 2.146, 2.153, 
2.161, 2.171, 2.172; 37 CFR 2.173, 2.175, 2.184, 2.198, 3.31; 37 CFR 
3.85, 7.14, 7.25

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mary E. Hannon
Phone: 571 272-9569
Fax: 571 273-9569
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB89
_______________________________________________________________________




739. [bull] ACCEPTANCE, PROCESSING, USE AND DISSEMINATION OF CHEMICAL 
AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURAL DATA IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action informs the public that the U.S. Patent and 
Trademark Office (USPTO) is considering amending its rules of practice 
to require submission of chemical and three-dimensional (3-D) 
biological structural data in electronic format. The USPTO anticipates 
that requiring submission of chemical and 3-D biological structural 
data in electronic format in patent applications will improve the 
processing and examination of patent applications that include such 
data, as well as the dissemination of such data to searchable public 
databases. The purpose of this notice is to encourage comments on this 
topic, in the form of responses to the questions posed in this action, 
from industry, academia, the patent bars, and members of the public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/21/05                    70 FR 35573
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/22/05
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________




740. [bull] REVISIONS TO FACILITATE WEB-BASED PATENT CORRESPONDENCE AND 
AMENDMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR REISSUE APPLICATIONS AND REEXAMINATION 
PROCEEDINGS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) plans 
to provide for the electronic submission of various papers typically 
submitted after an application is filed via a revised electronic filing 
system. The system is anticipated to permit electronic documents in the 
``pdf'' file format to be submitted electronically. This action 
proposes changes consistent with the revisions to the electronic filing 
system and to promote use of the electronic filing system. For example, 
the certificate of mailing practice is proposed to be changed to 
provide for submissions using the Electronic Filing System in the same 
manner as submissions by facsimile transmission. In addition, changes 
to the practice

[[Page 64479]]

related to amendment of reissue applications and reexamination 
proceedings are proposed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________




741. [bull] CHANGES TO PRACTICE FOR CONTINUING APPLICATIONS, REQUESTS 
FOR CONTINUED EXAMINATION PRACTICE, AND APPLICATIONS CONTAINING 
PATENTABLY INDISTINCT CLAIMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office revises the rules of practice to share the burden 
of examining an application if the applicant has filed multiple 
continuing applications or multiple requests for continued examination. 
The revised rules would require that second or subsequent continuation 
applications and second or subsequent requests for continued 
examination of an application include a showing as to why the 
amendment, argument, or evidence presented were not previously 
submitted. The revised rules would also ease the burden of examining 
multiple applications that have the same effective filing date, 
overlapping disclosure, a common inventor, and common assignee by 
requiring that all patentably indistinct claims in such applications be 
submitted in a single application absent good and sufficient reason. 
These changes would allow the Office to apply the patent examining 
resources currently absorbed by multiple continuing applications and 
requests for continued examination that simply recycle earlier 
applications to the examination of new applications and thus allow the 
Office to reduce the backlog of unexamined applications. This will mean 
faster more efficient examination for the typical applicant without any 
additional work on the applicant's part but a small minority of 
applicants who consume a disproportionate share of Agency resources 
will be required to share the burden they place on the Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________




742. [bull] CHANGES TO PRACTICE FOR THE EXAMINATION OF CLAIMS IN PATENT 
APPLICATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A small but significant minority of applications contain an 
excessive number of claims, which makes effective examination of such 
applications problematic. The United States Patent and Trademark Office 
(Office) revises the rules of practice to share the burden of examining 
applications containing an excessive number of claims. Specifically, 
the Office amends the rules to provide that if an application contains 
more than ten independent claims, the applicant must provide a 
patentability report that covers all of the independent claims in the 
application. In addition, the Office amends the rules to provide that 
the Office will give a separate examination only to those dependent 
claims expressly elected for separate examination, and that the 
applicant must provide a patentability report that covers all of the 
independent claims and elected dependent claims in the application if 
the number of independent claims plus the number of dependent claims 
elected for examination is greater than ten. The changes would allow 
the Office to apply the patent examining resources currently absorbed 
by applications that contain an excessive number of claims to the 
examination of new applications, and thus allow the Office to reduce 
the backlog of unexamined applications. This would mean faster more 
effective examination for the typical applicant without any additional 
work on the applicant's part, but a small minority of applicants who 
consume a disproportionate share of agency resources will be required 
to share the burden they place on the agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB94
_______________________________________________________________________




743. [bull] CHANGES TO INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND 
OTHER RELATED MATTERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) amends 
its regulations on information disclosure statement (IDS) requirements 
and other related matters to improve the quality and efficiency of the 
examination process. These changes would enable the examiner to focus 
in on the relevant portions of submitted prior art at the very 
beginning of the examination process, give higher quality first 
actions, and minimize wasted steps. This action would make the 
following changes relating to submissions of IDS's by applicants: 
impose a requirement for the personal review of, and to provide 
information about, certain citations; eliminate the fees for, but 
permit only timely, IDS submissions; and only

[[Page 64480]]

permit the filing of an IDS after the mailing of a notice of allowance 
if a claim is admitted to be unpatentable and a narrowing amendment is 
also submitted. The Office would also permit third parties to submit 
prior art up until the mailing of a notice of allowance after 
application publication; to no longer permit an IDS to meet the 
submission requirement for a request for continued examination (RCE); 
to permit, after payment of the issue fee, certain amendments and 
petitions so applicants will not have to file a continuation 
application or an RCE for such items; and to revise the protest rule to 
better set forth options that applicants have for dealing with 
unsolicited information received from third parties.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB95
_______________________________________________________________________




744. [bull] PRE-BRIEF APPEAL CONFERENCE FOR PATENT APPLICATIONS UNDER 
APPEAL TO THE BOARD OF PATENT APPEALS AND INTERFERENCES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 41

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) has 
established a pilot pre-brief appeal conference program. This action 
would change the rules of practice to implement a more permanent pre-
brief appeal conference program. The pre-brief appeal conference 
program offers patent applicants an avenue to request that a panel of 
examiners review the legal and factual basis of the rejections in their 
patent application prior to the filing of an appeal brief. The pre-
brief appeal conference program is designed to spare applicants the 
added time and expense of preparing an appeal brief if a panel review 
determines that there is no legal or factual basis for the rejections 
in an application under appeal. Although the pre-brief appeal 
conference program would not be appropriate for every application under 
appeal, in proper situations it can save the resources of both the 
applicant and the Office. Applicants continue to have available to them 
the current practice and procedures for appeals before the Board of 
Patent Appeals and Interferences, regardless of whether the applicant 
requests a pre-brief appeal conference or the result of the pre-brief 
appeal conference.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________




745. [bull] CHANGES TO EXAMINATION PRACTICE FOR MEANS- (OR STEP-) PLUS-
FUNCTION CLAIM ELEMENTS IN PATENT APPLICATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is 
revising the rules of practice to provide for the treatment of means- 
(or step-) plus-function claim elements under 35 U.S.C. 112, 6, in 
proceedings before the Office. The Office is proposing that an 
applicant must use the phrase ``means for'' or ``step for'' to have a 
claim element considered a means- (or step-) plus-function claim 
element under 35 U.S.C. 112, 6, during a proceeding before the Office. 
The Office also is proposing that the specification of a patent 
application that includes one or more means- (or step-) plus-function 
claim elements under 35 U.S.C. 112, 6, must contain or be amended to 
contain a separate section that specifies the structure, material, or 
acts that correspond to each such means- (or step-) plus-function claim 
element under 35 U.S.C. 112, 6. The Office is also proposing to provide 
for the conditions under which a prior art element may be presumed to 
be an equivalent of a means- (or step-) plus-function claim element 
under 35 U.S.C. 112, 6, and how an applicant must rebut a presumption 
that a prior art element is the equivalent of a means- (or step-) plus-
function claim element under 35 U.S.C. 112, 6, during proceedings 
before the Office. These changes will reduce the burden of examining 
means- (or step-) plus-function claim elements under 35 U.S.C. 112, 6, 
and result in a clearer prosecution record in applications containing 
means- (or step-) plus-function claim elements under 35 U.S.C. 112, 6.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB97

[[Page 64481]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________




746. REVISION OF SEARCH AND EXAMINATION FEES FOR PATENT COOPERATION 
TREATY APPLICATIONS ENTERING THE NATIONAL STAGE IN THE UNITED STATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2) and 376

CFR Citation: 36 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Among other changes to patent and trademark fees, the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Consolidated Appropriations 
Act), splits the national fee for Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) 
applications entering the national stage into a separate national fee, 
search fee and examination fee, during fiscal years 2005 and 2006. This 
action revises the search and examination fee for PCT applications 
entering the national stage.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/01/05                     70 FR 5053
Interim Final Rule Effective    02/01/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/04/05
Final Action                    06/20/05                    70 FR 35375

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Office of the Deputy 
Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, 
VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-8090
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________




747. CHANGES TO THE PRACTICE FOR HANDLING PATENT APPLICATIONS FILED 
WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE FEES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2) and 41

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Among other changes to patent and trademark fees, the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Consolidated Appropriations 
Act), splits the patent application filing fee into a separate filing 
fee, search fee and examination fee, and requires an additional fee 
(application size fee) for applications whose specification and 
drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper, during fiscal years 2005 and 2006. 
The United States Patent and Trademark Office is in this action 
changing the Office's practice for handling patent applications filed 
without the appropriate filing, search, and examination fees. The 
Office has implemented the changes to the patent fees provided in the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act in a separate rulemaking.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/28/05                     70 FR 9570
NPRM Comment Period End         03/30/05
Final Action                    05/26/05                    70 FR 30360

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Office of the Deputy 
Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, 
VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-8090
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0651-AB54
RIN: 0651-AB87
_______________________________________________________________________




748. REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE A REDUCED FEE FOR FILING AN APPLICATION 
THROUGH THE TRADEMARK ELECTRONIC APPLICATION SYSTEM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-447 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005; 15 
USC 1113(a); 35 USC 2

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2.22, 2.6, 2.23, 2.62, 7.25

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) amends 
its rules to provide applicants with an additional filing fee option. 
Currently, an applicant may file a trademark application on paper and 
pay a filing fee of $375.00 per class or file an application through 
the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) and pay a filing fee 
of $325.00 per class. The Office amends its rules to offer applicants 
the option of paying a reduced fee of $275.00 per class for filing an 
application through TEAS if the application meets certain filing 
requirements and the applicant responds to Office actions within two 
months of the mailing date, files communications regarding the 
application through TEAS, and agrees to receive communications 
concerning the application by electronic mail (e-mail).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/07/05                    70 FR 17636
NPRM Comment Period End         05/09/05
Final Action                    07/06/05                    70 FR 38768

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cheryl L. Black, Department of Commerce, Patent and 
Trademark Office, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 571 272-9565
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0651-AB83
RIN: 0651-AB88

[[Page 64482]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


Technology Administration (TA)



_______________________________________________________________________




749. LICENSING OF GOVERNMENT-OWNED INVENTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 208

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 404

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action incorporates several changes made by the Federal 
Technology Commercialization Act of 2000 with respect to the granting 
of licenses by Federal agencies on federally owned inventions. It also 
streamlines the licensing procedures to focus primarily on statutory 
requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/07/05                     70 FR 1403
Final Action                    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: John Raubitscheck, Patent Counsel, Department of 
Commerce, Technology Administration, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
HCHB Room 4835, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-8010
Fax: 202 482-0607
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0692-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


Technology Administration (TA)



_______________________________________________________________________




750. RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE BY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND SMALL 
BUSINESS FIRMS UNDER GOVERNMENT GRANTS, CONTRACTS, AND COOPERATIVE 
AGREEMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 206

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 401

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend the regulations to authorize the 
electronic reporting of inventions and the filing of provisional patent 
applications.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/14/95                    60 FR 41811
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/13/95

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: John H. Raubitschek, Patent Counsel, Department of 
Commerce, Technology Administration, HCHB Room 4613, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-8010
Fax: 202 482-0253
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0692-AA14
_______________________________________________________________________




751. 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. The Technology Administration will be 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
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/07/96

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: John H. Raubitschek, Patent Counsel, Department of 
Commerce, Technology Administration, HCHB Room 4613, 14th & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-8010
Fax: 202 482-0253
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0692-AA15
[FR Doc. 05-18122 Filed 10-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-BW-S