[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 22376]]



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

Spring 2006 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 prerulemaking, proposed rules, final rules, long-
term actions, and rulemaking actions completed since the fall 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 spring 2006 regulatory agenda includes 
regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the 
period April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007.

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 January 6, 2006, the Office of 
Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the 
preparation and publication of the spring 2006 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 which contains a 
brief description of the subject area of any rule which is likely to 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The agenda also identifies those entries that have been 
selected for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act.

     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 greatest share of the Department's regulations.

     A large number of regulatory actions reported in the agenda 
deal with fishery management programs of NOAA's National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS). To avoid repetition of programs and 
definitions, as well as to provide some understanding of the 
technical and institutional elements of the NMFS programs, a 
section on ``Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS 
Regulatory Entries'' is provided below.

Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries

     The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) (Act) governs the management of fisheries 
within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ refers to those 
waters from the outer edge of the State boundaries, generally 3 
nautical miles, to a distance of 200 nautical miles. Fishery 
Management Plans (FMPs) are to be prepared for fisheries, which 
require conservation and management measures. Regulations 
implementing these FMPs regulate domestic fishing and foreign 
fishing where permitted. Foreign fishing can be conducted in a 
fishery 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 spring 2006 regulatory agenda follows.

 John J. Sullivan,

General Counsel.

                                Bureau of Economic Analysis--Proposed Rule Stage
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                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
303         Change in Reporting Requirements for BE-577, Direct Transactions of U.S. Reporter With    0691-AA57
            Foreign Affiliate.....................................................................
304         Benchmark Survey of Transactions Between U.S. and Foreign Persons in Selected Services    0691-AA60
            and in Intangible Assets..............................................................
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[[Page 22377]]


                                 Bureau of Economic Analysis--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
305         Change in Reporting Requirements for BE-11, Annual Survey of U.S. Direct Investment       0691-AA58
            Abroad................................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Bureau of the Census--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
306         Cutoff Dates for Recognition of Boundary Changes for Census 2000 and for the              0607-AA35
            Intercensal Period....................................................................
307         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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
308         Establishment of the 2010 Census Redistricting Program................................    0607-AA42
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Bureau of the Census--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
309         Annual Trade Survey...................................................................    0607-AA45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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


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


                                    General Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
312         Disclosure of Government Information; Addition of Designating Official................    0605-AA21
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[[Page 22378]]


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


                              International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
314         Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn............................................    0625-AA59
315         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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
316         Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis System...........................................    0625-AA64
317         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....................
318         Changes in the Insular Possessions Watch, Watch Movement, and Jewelry Programs........    0625-AA68
319         Procedures for Conducting Five-Year (``Sunset'') Reviews of Antidumping and               0625-AA69
            Countervailing Duty Orders............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Bureau of Industry and Security--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
320         Revisions to the DPAS Regulation and Associated Notices...............................    0694-AD69
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Bureau of Industry and Security--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
321         Short Supply Controls: Crude Oil Exports..............................................    0694-AC25
322         Additional Protocol Regulations.......................................................    0694-AD26
323         Clarification of Deemed Export Related Regulatory Requirements........................    0694-AD29
324         Removal of License Exception GBS and TSR Eligibility for Certain Microwave Monolithic     0694-AD36
            Integrated Circuit Power Amplifiers and Related Software and Technology...............
325         Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations: UDOC ``Change in Inspection Status Form''....    0694-AD53
326         Voluntary Disclosure Provisions and Administrative Case Settlement Guidance Related to    0694-AD63
            Restrictive Trade Practices or Boycotts...............................................
327         Removal of License Exception ``Additional Permissive Reexports'' (APR) Eligibility for    0694-AD70
            Reexports of Commodities Controlled for National Security Reasons to Country Group D:1
            Destinations..........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Bureau of Industry and Security--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
328         Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations...............................................    0694-AB06
329         De Minimis Expansion of Eligibility: U.S.-Origin Software Incorporated Into Foreign-      0694-AC17
            Made Commodities......................................................................
330         License Exception AVS: Clarifications.................................................    0694-AC33
331         Clarifications to Part 752: Special Comprehensive License Requirements................    0694-AC34

[[Page 22379]]

 
332         Imposition of License Requirement for Exports and Reexports of Missile Technology (MT)-   0694-AC48
            Controlled Items to Canada............................................................
333         Export and Reexport Controls on Iraq..................................................    0694-AC84
334         Knowledge Definition, Safe Harbor, Red Flags..........................................    0694-AC94
335         Clarification of ``Space-Qualified'' Parts, Components, and Technology Subject to the     0694-AD07
            Export Administration Regulations.....................................................
336         Cuba: Clarification of Personal Baggage Rules.........................................    0694-AD23
337         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............................................................
338         Revisions and Clarification of License Exception Availability for Certain Crime           0694-AD47
            Control Items and Removal of License Requirements on Other Crime Control Items........
339         Expansion of Requirement of People's Republic of China (PRC) End-User Certificates        0694-AD52
            Under the EAR; Elimination of Submission Requirement..................................
340         Technical Amendments to the Export Administration Regulations.........................    0694-AD54
341         Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations.................    0694-AD55
342         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..............
343         Implementation of the Understandings Reached at the 2004 Gotebarg and 2005 Oslo           0694-AD58
            Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) Plenary Meetings.........................................
344         Conforming Changes to Certain End-User/End-Use Based Controls in the EAR;                 0694-AD59
            Clarification of Export Clearance Requirements under the EAR..........................
345         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............
346         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...........................................................
347         Clarification of Licensing Requirements for Certain Photovoltaic Arrays and Related       0694-AD64
            Software and Technology...............................................................
348         Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations Based on the 2005 Missile              0694-AD65
            Technology Control Regime Plenary Agreements..........................................
349         Implementation of New Formula for Calculating Computer Performance: Adjusted Peak         0694-AD66
            Performance (APP) in Weighted TeraFLOPS; Bulgaria; XP and NP Controls.................
350         Clarification to the Export Administration Regulations; General Order To Implement the    0694-AD68
            Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act.....................................
351         Revisions to License Requirements for Certain Thermal Imaging Cameras Incorporating       0694-AD71
            Focal Plane Arrays....................................................................
352         Revisions to License Exceptions TMP and BAG: Expansion of Eligible Items..............    0694-AD72
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Bureau of Industry and Security--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
353         Export Administration Regulations: Support Documentation Consolidation and                0694-AC04
            Reorganization........................................................................
354         Exports and Reexports to Sudan........................................................    0694-AC05
355         Expansion of License Exception GOV; Exports and Reexports to International                0694-AC15
            Organizations.........................................................................
356         Mandatory Electronic Filing of License Applications, Classification Requests, and         0694-AC20
            License Exceptions Notifications Via BIS's Simplified Network Application Process
            (SNAP)................................................................................
357         Revision to the Export Administration Regulations: Replacement Licenses...............    0694-AC23
358         Chemical Weapons Convention: Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations.......    0694-AC35
359         General Order Providing for Notification To Stop Specific Export or Reexport Under        0694-AC47
            Designation NLR.......................................................................
360         Revisions of Aircraft Export Licensing Jurisdiction Based on Review of the U.S.           0694-AC74
            Munitions List........................................................................
361         Imposition of Foreign Policy Controls on Surreptitious Communications Intercepting        0694-AC82
            Devices...............................................................................
362         Export Administration Regulations: Removal of Country Groups..........................    0694-AD09
363         Implementation of the Wassenaar Arrangement Statement of Understanding on the Control     0694-AD10
            of Non-Listed Dual-Use Items..........................................................
364         Export Administration Regulations: Establish Special Intra-Company License (SIL)......    0694-AD22
365         December 2005 Wassenaar Arrangement Plenary Agreement Implementation: Categories 1, 2,    0694-AD73
            3, 5 Part I (telecommunications), 5 Part II (Information Security), 6, 8, and 9 of the
            Commerce Control List; W..............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 22380]]


                               Bureau of Industry and Security--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
366         License Exception APR for Reexports To, From, and Among Countries in Country Group A:1    0694-AC69
367         Revisions to License Exception TSR: Expansion to Scope of Eligible Countries..........    0694-AC71
368         Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations.................    0694-AD30
369         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..............................................................................
370         Removal of Certain Night Vision Devices From Eligibility for License Exception APR for    0694-AD34
            Reexports To, From, and Among Country Group A:1.......................................
371         Revisions to the Import Certificate Requirements in the Export Administration             0694-AD50
            Regulations...........................................................................
372         Removal of Restriction on Certain Exports of Crime Control Commodities When Being         0694-AD56
            Exported for Official Use of U.S. Government Agencies.................................
373         Revision of National Security Based License Requirements and Licensing Policy,            0694-AD61
            Increased Availability of License Exceptions for Certain NATO Member States...........
374         Corrections and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations...............    0694-AD67
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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


                      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
376         Amendment 18A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf      0648-AN09
            of Mexico.............................................................................
377         Measures To Prevent or Mitigate and Conserve, Manage, and Allow Full Utilization of       0648-AN76
            Sharks................................................................................
378         Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 9.......................    0648-AP60
379         Implementation of the Regulatory Changes Resulting From the Amendments and Extension      0648-AP61
            of the South Pacific Tuna Act.........................................................
380         Amendment 71A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering     0648-AP67
            Sea and Aleutian Islands Area.........................................................
381         Regulatory Amendment to Section 679 Permits or Permit-Related Issues..................    0648-AQ07
382         Regulatory Amendment To Adjust Permit Renewal Requirements and Transferability            0648-AQ20
            Restrictions in NWHI's Hoomalu Zone and Mau Limited Access Programs...................
383         Fisheries of the United States; National Standard 1...................................    0648-AQ63
384         Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan...........................    0648-AQ87
385         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)..........................................................
386         Regulatory Rulemaking To Revise Accounting for Externally Tagged Halibut and Sablefish    0648-AR09
387         Catcher Vessel Electronic Report......................................................    0648-AR30
388         Atlantic Striped Bass Fisheries in the EEZ; Modification of Federal Regulations.......    0648-AR33
389         Maximize Retention and Monitoring Program in the Shore-Based Pacific Whiting Fishery..    0648-AR63
390         Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska..    0648-AR72
391         Revisions to the Definitions of Exempted Fishing and Scientific Research..............    0648-AR78
392         Individual Fishing Quota for Guided Recreational Charter Halibut Fishery..............    0648-AR96
393         Community Development Quota Regulatory Amendment To Modify Several Fishery Management     0648-AS13
            Elements of the CDQ Program...........................................................
394         Amendment 13 to Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico,     0648-AS15
            U.S. Waters...........................................................................
395         Amendment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery.................    0648-AS22
396         Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery...................    0648-AS25
397         Regulatory Amendment To Establish Measures Authorizing the Optional Use of Electronic     0648-AS29
            Logbook Forms in the Western Pacific Fisheries........................................
398         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Reducing Sea Turtle Takes....................    0648-AS49
399         Revise Precious Coral Measures To Increase the Protection of Black Coral Resources in     0648-AS64
            Hawaii................................................................................

[[Page 22381]]

 
400         Generic Amendment To Provide for Regulations of Offshore Aquaculture of Selected Fish.    0648-AS65
401         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....................
402         Amendment 25 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of      0648-AS68
            the Gulf of Mexico....................................................................
403         Amendment 17 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of    0648-AS70
            the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic.................................................
404         Establish Management Measures for the Western Pacific Squid Fishery...................    0648-AS71
405         Amendment to Regulations Implementing the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention    0648-AS75
            Act of 1984...........................................................................
406         Individual Fishing Quota Program; Restructure Date-Specific Quota Share Regulations...    0648-AS77
407         Amendment 67 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska..    0648-AS84
408         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.
409         Identify and Manage Alaska Fishery Management Plans for EFH and HAPC..................    0648-AT09
410         Transfer of Management Authority for the Atlantic Coast Red Drum Resource From the        0648-AT13
            South.................................................................................
411         Specifications for the 2006 Monkfish Fishery..........................................    0648-AT22
412         Framework 42 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery....................................    0648-AT24
413         Framework 18 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery......................................    0648-AT25
414         Framework 6 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries................    0648-AT26
415         Specifications for the 2006 Recreational Fisheries for Summer Flounder, Scup, and         0648-AT28
            Black Sea Bass........................................................................
416         American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures To Complement Interstate        0648-AT31
            Lobster Management Recommendations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
417         West Coast Highly Migratory Species, Correcting Amendment.............................    0648-AT32
418         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Commercial Management Measures    0648-AT37
419         Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Cost Recovery Program Amendments.......................    0648-AT43
420         Management Measures for Pacific Bigeye Tuna...........................................    0648-AT55
421         Omnibus Amendments to Fishery Management Plans to Address Essential Fish Habitat......    0648-AT57
422         Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan..    0648-AT58
423         Specifications for the 2006/2007 Fishing Year for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery...........    0648-AT59
424         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea     0648-AT60
            Bass Fisheries........................................................................
425         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery....    0648-AT61
426         Framework 1 to the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan..................    0648-AT62
427         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Tilefish Fishery.....................    0648-AT63
428         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and            0648-AT65
            Butterfish Fisheries..................................................................
429         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Herring Fishery.............    0648-AT66
430         Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery............    0648-AT67
431         Amendment 68; Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Pilot Program...........................    0648-AT71
432         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); 2006 Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications and       0648-AT72
            Effort Controls.......................................................................
433         Amendment 13C to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the       0648-AT75
            South Atlantic........................................................................
434         Joint Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans for the Shrimp (Amendment 14) and Reef    0648-AT87
            Fish Fisheries (Amendment 27) of the Gulf of Mexico...................................
435         Interagency Electronic Reporting System (IERS)........................................    0648-AT91
436         Western Pacific Precious Corals FMP: Amendment To Manage Hawaii Black Coral Fishery...    0648-AT93
437         Western Pacific Bottomfish FMP: Amendment 9 to Limit Large Vessel Fishing Effort          0648-AT94
            Around Guam...........................................................................
438         Western Pacific Omnibus: Bottomfish Amendment 8, Amendment 12 Crustaceans, and            0648-AT95
            Amendment 6 Precious Corals...........................................................
439         Amendment 84-A to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian       0648-AU03
            Islands Management Area Implementing Salmon Bycatch Measures..........................
440         Regulatory Amendment to the Reef Fish Management Plan to Set Recreational Management      0648-AU04
            Measures for Grouper Starting in 2006.................................................
441         Amendment 20 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands       0648-AU06
            Crabs.................................................................................
442         American Lobster Fishery: Egg Production Measures as Approved in Addenda II Through       0648-AU07
            VII to Amendment 3 of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Interstate
            Fishery Management Plan...............................................................
443         Expansion of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Vessel Monitoring System to the Open    0648-AU08
            Access Fishery........................................................................
444         Sea Turtle Conservation: Additional Exception to Sea Turtle Take Prohibitions.........    0648-AU10
445         Amendment 18 (Bycatch Minimization) to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management    0648-AU12
            Plan..................................................................................
446         Specification of Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery    0648-AU13
            for Fishing Year 2006.................................................................
447         Subsistence Halibut Program Amendments................................................    0648-AU14
448         A Regulatory Amendment To Permit the Seasonal Closure of Chiniak Gully in the Gulf of     0648-AU15
            Alaska to Trawl Fishing...............................................................

[[Page 22382]]

 
449         BSAI Pacific Cod License Endorsement Requirements for the Trawl Catcher Vessel            0648-AU16
            Sectors; Notice of Control Date.......................................................
450         Regulatory Amendment To Revise Certain Species Codes in Table 2a and Table 2d.........    0648-AU20
451         Reorganize Western and Central Pacific Regulations Into New CFR Part..................    0648-AU21
452         Amendment 10 to the Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish FMP: Measures to End Bottomfish    0648-AU22
            Overfishing in the Hawaiian Archipelago...............................................
453         Regulatory Amendment Modifying Section 680.22 Sideboard Protections for the Gulf of       0648-AU24
            Alaska (GOA) Groundfish Fisheries.....................................................
454         Authorize an Exempted Fishing Permit Under the Highly Migratory Species FMP...........    0648-AU25
455         Amendment 12 to the Coastal Pelagic Species(CPS) Fishery Management Plan(FMP).........    0648-AU26
456         Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Quotas for Pacific Mackerel.............    0648-AU27
457         Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the        0648-AU28
            South Atlantic Region.................................................................
458         Amendment 15 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the        0648-AU29
            South Atlantic Region.................................................................
459         Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and             0648-AU31
            Butterfish............................................................................
460         Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan......................    0648-AU32
461         Framework 43 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan....................    0648-AU33
462         Framework 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for Monkfish...............................    0648-AU34
463         Amendment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.    0648-AU35
464         Amendment 15 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.    0648-AU36
465         Amendment 21 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands       0648-AU37
            Crabs.................................................................................
466         North Atlantic Whale Protection.......................................................    0648-AM85
467         Preventing Harassment From Human Activities Directed at Marine Mammals in the Wild....    0648-AN43
468         Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Taking Marine Mammals Incidental To Conducting       0648-AQ71
            Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in the Gulf of Mexico..............................
469         Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction.....................................................    0648-AS36
470         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...............
471         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Coastal       0648-AT46
            Commercial Fireworks Displays at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, CA...........
472         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental To Assessing     0648-AT77
            Naval Ship Survivability..............................................................
473         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental To Deployment    0648-AT78
            of a Naval At-Sea Gunnery Scoring System..............................................
474         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the           0648-AT79
            Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures in the Gulf of Mexico........................
475         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..........................................................................
476         Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Naval         0648-AT81
            Training Operations at the East Coast Shallow Water Training Range....................
477         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.................
478         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.....
479         Spinner Dolphins in the Main Hawaiian Islands.........................................    0648-AU02
480         List of Fisheries for 2006............................................................    0648-AU19
481         Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southern Resident Killer Whale (Orcinus orca).    0648-AU38
482         Northwest Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Designation and Implementation      0648-AS83
            of Regulations........................................................................
483         Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review...............    0648-AT14
484         Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review.........................    0648-AT15
485         Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review......................    0648-AT17
486         Consideration of Marine Reserves and Marine Conservation Areas Within the Channel         0648-AT18
            Islands National Marine Sanctuary.....................................................
487         Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review.........................    0648-AT16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 22383]]


                        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
488         Require Mandatory Observer Coverage in the At-Sea Processing Sector of the Whiting        0648-AK26
            Fishery...............................................................................
489         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.................................................
490         Fish and Seafood Promotion Act Provisions; Seafood Marketing Councils.................    0648-AS09
491         Fee System for Repayment of the Loan to Harvestors of Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King    0648-AS46
            and Tanner Crabs......................................................................
492         Amendments 18 and 19 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands       0648-AS47
            King and Tanner Crabs--Crab Rationalization Program...................................
493         West Coast Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan, Correcting Amendment.....    0648-AS89
494         Changes to Regulations Governing the Observer Communications System...................    0648-AS93
495         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..................
496         Amendment 11 to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan...................    0648-AT11
497         Specifications for the 2006 Fishing Year for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea     0648-AT27
            Bass Fisheries........................................................................
498         2006-2007 Management Measures for Commercial, Recreational, and Treaty Salmon             0648-AT34
            Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California........................
499         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.....................
500         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.........................................................
501         2006 Scallop Research Set-Aside Request for Proposals.................................    0648-AT68
502         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North and South Atlantic Swordfish Commercial          0648-AT73
            Management Measures...................................................................
503         Implement Specification Management Measures for the 2006 Pacific Sardine Fishery          0648-AT76
            Coastal Pelagic Species FMP...........................................................
504         Revision of Critical Habitat for the Northern Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis).......    0648-AT84
505         Amendment 19 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan..................    0648-AT98
506         Resource Agency Procedures for Conditions and Prescriptions in Hydropower Licenses....    0648-AU01
507         Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements;    0648-AU05
            Regulatory Amendment to Modify Seafood Dealer Reporting Requirements; Correction......
508         2006 Secretarial Action for Northeast Multispecies....................................    0648-AU09
509         Final Rule to Implement the 2006 Acceptable Biological Catch and Optimum Yield for        0648-AU39
            Pacific Whiting.......................................................................
510         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.............................................................................
511         Taking of the Cook Inlet, Alaska, Stock of Beluga Whales by Alaska Natives............    0648-AO16
512         Regulations Implementing the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan...................    0648-AR39
513         Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Navy Operations...................................    0648-AR99
514         Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large      0648-AS01
            Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations.................................................
515         Sea Turtle Requirements for Commercial Scallop Fishing................................    0648-AS92
516         Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations, Atlantic Large      0648-AU23
            Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP) and Endangered Species Conservation; Restrictions
            to Fishing Activities.................................................................
517         Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.................................................    0648-AQ41
518         Certification Requirements for NOAA Electronic Navigational Chart Distribution........    0648-AR87
519         Licensing of Private Land Remote-Sensing Space Systems................................    0648-AT00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
520         Procedural Changes to the Federal Consistency Process.................................    0648-AP98
521         Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Consistency Regulations...........................    0648-AR16
522         Regional Marine Research Program......................................................    0648-AF20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 22384]]


                       National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
523         Proposed Highly Migratory Species Process.............................................    0648-AK40
524         Amendment 12 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Crustacean Fisheries of the           0648-AL67
            Western Pacific Region................................................................
525         Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish Fisheries of the Western    0648-AM98
            Pacific Region........................................................................
526         Revision of American Lobster Regulations for the EEZ..................................    0648-AP18
527         Regulatory Amendment To Implement Permit Stacking in the Limited-Entry Fixed-Gear         0648-AP38
            Sablefish Fishery in 2005 and Beyond..................................................
528         Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Sustainable Fisheries Act Requirements Regarding       0648-AP51
            Overfishing, Bycatch, Fishing Communities and Provisions for Fishery Management Plans
            for the Caribbean.....................................................................
529         Turtle Mitigation for Non-Hawaii-Based Pelagic Longline and Non-Longline Vessels......    0648-AQ91
530         Amendment 13B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the       0648-AR38
            South Atlantic Region.................................................................
531         Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish Fisheries of the Western    0648-AR65
            Pacific Region........................................................................
532         Regulatory Amendment To Add and Revise Certain Species Codes..........................    0648-AR67
533         Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the South            0648-AS16
            Atlantic Region.......................................................................
534         Measures to Reduce Interactions with Seabirds in the Hawaii-Based Longline Fishery....    0648-AS30
535         Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Precious Corals Fisheries of the       0648-AS31
            Western Pacific Region................................................................
536         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.......
537         Civil Procedures Governing Prosecution and Administrative Proceedings.................    0648-AS54
538         Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Mackerel..............    0648-AS59
539         Establish Management Measures for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands        0648-AS63
            Bottomfish Fishery Under the Western Pacific Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish FMP...
540         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.............................................................................
541         Correct and Clarify Amendment 13 and Framework 40-A to the Northeast Multispecies         0648-AS80
            Fishery Management Plan...............................................................
542         Framework Adjustment 41 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan.........    0648-AT08
543         Regulatory Amendment to the Reef Fish Management Plan To Set Commercial and               0648-AT12
            Recreational Management Measures for Grouper Starting in 2006.........................
544         Specifications for the 2006 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries........    0648-AT19
545         Specifications for the 2006 Atlantic Bluefish Fishery.................................    0648-AT20
546         Specifications for the 2006 Atlantic Herring Fishery..................................    0648-AT21
547         Framework 1 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan..............................    0648-AT29
548         Restrictions for 2005 and 2006 Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries for Tuna in the         0648-AT33
            Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP)..................................................
549         Temporary Rule To Address Haddock Bycatch in the 2005 Herring Fishery.................    0648-AT36
550         Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish and Summer Flounder        0648-AT50
            Fisheries; State Quota Transfers and Combinations.....................................
551         Remove Regulations That Implement Seasonal Area Closures to Groundfish Fishing in         0648-AT54
            Waters off Cape Sarichef and in the Chiniak Gully Research Area.......................
552         Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for 2006 and Beyond................................    0648-AT56
553         Establish a New Control Date for the Commercial Spanish Mackerel Fishery in the South     0648-AT64
            Atlantic Exclusive Economic Zone......................................................
554         Closure of the U.S. Longline Bigeye Tuna Fishery for 2005 in the Eastern Tropical         0648-AT70
            Pacific Ocean.........................................................................
555         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Commercial Management Measures    0648-AT74
556         2006 and 2007 Quota Specifications for Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery.....    0648-AT85
557         Framework Adjustment to the Bycatch Reduction Criteria for the Fishery Management Plan    0648-AT86
            for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico..........................................
558         Control Date for the South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery...........................    0648-AT88
559         Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Pilot Program.........................................    0648-AT90
560         Regulatory Amendment To Implement Amendment 69 to the Fishery Management Plan for the     0648-AT92
            Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska......................................................
561         Effectiveness and Enforcement of Collection of Information Requirement................    0648-AT97
562         Reinstatement of Amendment 10 Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Closed Areas Under the         0648-AT99
            Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP)....................................
563         2005-2006 Pacific Coast Groundfish Specifications and Management Measures, Including      0648-AU00
            Inseason Actions and Corrections......................................................
564         Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Pelagic       0648-AU11
            Fisheries; Guam Longline Fishing Prohibited Area......................................
565         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Commercial Management Measures    0648-AU17
566         Hydropower/Mandatory Conditions Review Process (MCRP) Rule............................    0648-AS55

[[Page 22385]]

 
567         Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Rocket Launches From the Kodiak Launch Complex,       0648-AP62
            Kodiak Island, Alaska.................................................................
568         List of Fisheries for 2005............................................................    0648-AS78
569         Threatened Status for Southern Resident Killer Whales.................................    0648-AS95
570         Taking Marine Mammals Incidental To Operation of Offshore Oil Production Facilities in    0648-AS98
            Beaufort Sea..........................................................................
571         Proposed Threatened Status for Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American     0648-AT02
            Green Sturgeon........................................................................
572         Marine Mammals; Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals; Harvest Estimates...........    0648-AT49
573         Sea Turtle Requirements for Commercial Shrimp Fishing.................................    0648-AT89
574         Sea Turtle Requirements for Commercial Shrimp Fishing.................................    0648-AT96
575         Endangered and Threatened Species: Final Protective Regulations for Threatened Upper      0648-AU18
            Columbia River Steelhead..............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Patent and Trademark Office--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
576         Regulations Governing Duty of Disclosure in Patent Applications and the Doctrine of       0651-AC04
            Inequitable Conduct...................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
577         Changes to Representation of Others Before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.......    0651-AB55
578         Revision of Patent and Trademark Fees for Fiscal Year 2007............................    0651-AB81
579         Amendment of Rules for Filing Intent To Use Documents in Section 1(b) Applications....    0651-AB90
580         Changes to Practice for Continuing Applications, Requests for Continued Examination       0651-AB93
            Practice, and Applications Containing Patentably Indistinct Claims....................
581         Changes to Practice for the Examination of Claims in Patent Applications..............    0651-AB94
582         Changes to Information Disclosure Statement Requirements and Other Related Matters....    0651-AB95
583         Interim Guidelines for Examination of Patent Applications for Patent Subject Matter       0651-AB98
            Eligibility...........................................................................
584         Examination of Patent Applications That Include Claims Containing Markush or Other        0651-AC00
            Alternative Language..................................................................
585         Changes To Eliminate the Disclosure Document Program..................................    0651-AC01
586         Changes To Implement Preexamination Search Reports....................................    0651-AC03
587         Changes in the Requirements for Filing Requests for Reconsideration of Final Office       0651-AC05
            Actions in Trademark Cases............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
588         Changes in Trademark Rules of Practice in Inter Partes Proceedings Before the             0651-AB56
            Trademark Trial and Appeal Board......................................................
589         Clarification of Filing Date Requirements for Ex Parte and Inter Partes Reexamination     0651-AC02
            Proceedings...........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Patent and Trademark Office--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
590         Changes To Implement Priority Application Exchange Between Intellectual Property          0651-AB75
            Offices...............................................................................
591         Revision of Ex Parte and Inter Partes Reexamination Practice..........................    0651-AB77
592         Changes To Implement the Refund Provisions of the United States Patent and Trademark      0651-AB79
            Fee Modernization Act of 2004.........................................................
593         Amendment of Trademark Rules of Practice..............................................    0651-AB89

[[Page 22386]]

 
594         Acceptance, Processing, Use and Dissemination of Chemical and Three-Dimensional           0651-AB91
            Biological Structural Data in Electronic Format.......................................
595         Revisions To Facilitate Web-Based Patent Correspondence and Amendment Requirements for    0651-AB92
            Reissue Applications and Reexamination Proceedings....................................
596         Pre-Brief Appeal Conference for Patent Applications Under Appeal to the Board of          0651-AB96
            Patent Appeals and Interferences......................................................
597         Changes to Examination Practice for Means- (or Step-) Plus-Function Claim Elements in     0651-AB97
            Patent Applications...................................................................
598         Revision to the Time for Required Filing of a Biological Deposit and to the Date of       0651-AB99
            Availability of the Biological Deposit................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Patent and Trademark Office--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
599         Changes To Implement the Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act     0651-AB76
            of 2004...............................................................................
600         Provisions for Claiming the Benefit of a Provisional Application With a Non-English       0651-AB85
            Specification and Other Miscellaneous Matters.........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Technology Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
601         Licensing of Government-Owned Inventions..............................................    0692-AA19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)



_______________________________________________________________________




303. 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                            03/01/06                    71 FR 10454
NPRM Comment Period End         04/01/06
Final Action                    06/00/06
Final Action Effective          07/00/06

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-AA57
_______________________________________________________________________




304. 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

[[Page 22387]]

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)



_______________________________________________________________________




305. 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                    11/28/05                    70 FR 71238
Final Action Effective          12/28/05

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-AA58
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


Bureau of the Census (CENSUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




306. 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                    12/00/06

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, Washington Plaza, Room 
651, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 763-1022

RIN: 0607-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________




307. 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                    06/00/06

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, 4700 Silver Hill Road, FB-3, Washington, DC 20233
Phone: 301 763-2238
Fax: 301 457-3765

[[Page 22388]]

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)



_______________________________________________________________________




308. 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
Phone: 301 763-4039

RIN: 0607-AA42
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


Bureau of the Census (CENSUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




309. ANNUAL TRADE SURVEY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 13 USC 182; 13 USC 224; 13 USC 225

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Census Bureau is expanding the 2005 Annual Trade Survey 
to include agents, brokers, and electronic markets. The Census Bureau 
implements 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

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/20/05                    70 FR 55104
NPRM Comment Period End         10/20/05
Notice of Determination         11/15/05                    70 FR 69310

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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


Economic Development Administration (EDA)



_______________________________________________________________________




310. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 3121 et seq; 19 USC 2341 et seq; 42 USC 6701; 
42 USC 5184; 42 USC 5121 et seq; 42 USC 3123; 42 USC 6709; 42 USC 6101 
et seq; 29 USC 794; 42 USC 2000d-1

CFR Citation: 13 CFR 300 to 315

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Economic Development Administration will be considering 
and modifying its regulations to reflect the requirements of its 
reauthorizing legislation passed in 2004. The revisions will implement 
the changes made to PWEDA by the reauthorizing legislation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/11/05                    70 FR 47002
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/01/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/14/05
Second Interim Final Rule       12/15/05                    70 FR 74193
Second Interim Final Rule 
Effective                       12/15/05
Final Action                    07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

URL For More Information:
www.eda.gov

Agency Contact: Otto B Bird, Chief, Counsel, Department of Commerce, 
Economic Development Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, 1401 
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-4687
Fax: 202-482-5671
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0610-AA63

[[Page 22389]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


General Administration (ADMIN)



_______________________________________________________________________




311. 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                    04/00/06

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-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


General Administration (ADMIN)



_______________________________________________________________________




312.  DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION; ADDITION 
OF DESIGNATING OFFICIAL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 5 USC 553; 31 USC 
3717; 44 USC 3101; Reorg. Plan No. 5 of 1950; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule amends the Department of Commerce's 
(Department) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations (15 CFR Part 
4) by adding an official authorized to deny requests for records under 
the Freedom of Information Act, and requests for correction or 
amendment under the Privacy Act (PA), for the Technology 
Administration.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/21/05                    70 FR 75729

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Philip J Greene, Freedom of Information Officer, 
Department of Commerce, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, 
DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-1984
Fax: 202 482-0253
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0605-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


International Trade Administration (ITA)



_______________________________________________________________________




313. 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                            05/00/06
Final Action                    05/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

RIN: 0625-AA51

[[Page 22390]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


International Trade Administration (ITA)



_______________________________________________________________________




314. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




315. 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)



_______________________________________________________________________




316. 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 (SIMA). 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 Rule                      12/05/05                    70 FR 72373

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Additional Information: SIMA system expanded to cover all steel mill 
products and extended until March 2009.

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
_______________________________________________________________________




317. 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
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/15/05
Final Action                    10/24/05                    70 FR 61363

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0625-AA67
_______________________________________________________________________




318. 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                    11/08/05                    70 FR 67645

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Irene H. Chen, Attorney-Advisor, Department of 
Commerce, International Trade Administration, 14th Street & 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washinton, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-1411
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0625-AA68

[[Page 22391]]

_______________________________________________________________________




319. 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
NPRM Comment Period End         09/14/05
Final Action                    10/28/05                    70 FR 62061

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0625-AA69
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                              Prerule Stage


Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




320.  REVISIONS TO THE DPAS REGULATION AND ASSOCIATED 
NOTICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC App. 2061 et seq; 42 USC 5195 et seq.; 10 USC 
2538; 50 USC 82; EO 12919 ; EO 13286; EO 12742; EO 12656

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 700

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: BIS is reviewing and revising the Defense Priorities and 
Allocations Systems regulation to streamline the provisions of the 
regulation and remove outdated or obsolete sections. To ascertain the 
impact of possible deletions and amendments, BIS may be issuing notices 
of inquiry and requests for public comment, in addition to regulations 
in proposed form.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Mr. Michael J. Vacarro, Senior Program Manager, 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 1401 
Constitution Avenue, NW, Mailstop 3876, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-8232
Fax: 202-482-5650
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD69
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




321. 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                            12/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




322. 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

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

[[Page 22392]]

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                            12/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




323. CLARIFICATION OF DEEMED EXPORT RELATED REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

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) has reviewed the 
public comments received in response to the ``Advance Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking: Revision and Clarification of Deemed Export 
Related Regulatory Requirements'' (ANPR) published in the Federal 
Register on March 28, 2005 (70 FR 15607; comment period extended, 70 FR 
30655).
The ANPR identified recommendations contained in the U.S. Department of 
Commerce Office of Inspector General (OIG) 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). This notice states that the current BIS licensing 
requirement related to deemed exports is appropriate and confirms that 
the existing definition of ''use`` adequately reflects the underlying 
export controls policy rationale in the EAR. This notice also clarifies 
the scope of the fundamental research provisions in the EAR. In 
addition, this notice announces the proposed establishment of a Deemed 
Export Advisory Committee (DEAC) to ensure an ongoing dialogue between 
BIS and the regulated community.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/28/05                    70 FR 15607
Comment Period Extended         05/27/05                    70 FR 30655
NPRM                            10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marcus Cohen, Regulatory Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th St. & PA Ave., N.W., 
Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD29
_______________________________________________________________________




324. 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

[[Page 22393]]

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 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 a national security concern.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




325. 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 currently subject to inspection, 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 
ensure that the plant site would not be subject to inspection during 
the first 90 days of the next calendar year, which is the period when 
the United States compiles its annual declaration on past activities 
for submission to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical 
Weapons (OPCW). Any such plant site containing at least one plant that 
anticipates producing an individual PSF chemical, in quantities that 
exceed the declaration threshold for such chemicals, will have the 
option of submitting its ``Annual Declaration on Past Activities,'' in 
lieu of a ``Change in Inspection Status Form,'' by December 15th of the 
current calendar year; otherwise, the CWCR require that the ``Annual 
Declaration on Past Activities'' be submitted by February 28th of the 
following year. This rule would create an expedited mechanism for 
determining which UDOC plant sites would be subject to inspection, 
thereby allowing the United States to notify the OPCW concerning the 
inspection status of UDOC plant sites prior to the submission of the 
U.S. declaration to the OPCW and enabling the OPCW to schedule 
inspections of UDOC facilities in the United States on a year-round 
basis.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




326. 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                            04/00/06

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-AD63

[[Page 22394]]

_______________________________________________________________________




327.  REMOVAL OF LICENSE EXCEPTION ``ADDITIONAL 
PERMISSIVE REEXPORTS'' (APR) ELIGIBILITY FOR REEXPORTS OF COMMODITIES 
CONTROLLED FOR NATIONAL SECURITY REASONS TO COUNTRY GROUP D:1 
DESTINATIONS

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

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: Section 740.16 Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 
provides some exceptions to license requirements that apply to 
reexports (transmission or shipment from one foreign country to another 
) of an item that is subject to the EAR but not to exports from the 
United States. This proposed rule addresses the reexport exception set 
forth in Section 740.16(a)(3)(ii), which authorizes items controlled on 
the Commence Control List for national security reasons to be 
reexported from Countries listed in Country Group A:1 and cooperating 
countries to destinations listed in country Group D:1 other than 
Cambodia, Laos or North Korea. Country Groups A:1 and D:1 are listed in 
Supplement No. 1 to part 740 of the EAR. Country Group A:1 and 
Cooperating countries generally are countries that implement export 
controls for national security reasons consistent with U.S. controls. 
Country Group D:1 countries are countries of concern for national 
security reasons.
The License Exception set forth in section 740.16(a)(3)(ii) was 
originally implemented when the predecessor organization to the 
Wassenaar Arrangement, the Coordinating Committee (COCOM) harmonized 
national security-based export controls through, among other things, a 
list of countries that were the objects of export controls by all 
members. The U.S. Government chose to rely on the license decisions of 
COCOM members in lieu of U.S. Government review for certain reexports 
of national security- controlled commodities to destinations that are 
currently listed in Country Group D:1, with certain exceptions. In 
addition, reexports of sensitive national security controlled 
commodities (generally the kinds of commodities that currently are 
controlled on the Commerce Control List with a reason for control of NS 
Column 1) to destinations that are now part of Country Group D:1 were 
subject to COCOM consensus reviews in which the United States 
participated. Any member of COCOM, including the United States, could 
block such a sale. The ``successor'' to COCOM is the Wassenaar 
Arrangement. However, the Wassenaar Arrangement includes among its 
members countries that are not in Country Group A:1 or Cooperating 
Countries, and the Wassenaar Arrangement has neither a common list of 
countries that its controls target nor a practice of consensus review 
of very sensitive items prior to export.
Because the underlying rationale for this license exception no longer 
exists, BIS is proposing to abolish it.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/06

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-AD70
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




328. 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 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 to 
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

[[Page 22395]]

Final Rule                      04/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




329. 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              07/00/06

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

RIN: 0694-AC17
_______________________________________________________________________




330. 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              12/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




331. 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                    12/00/06

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-AC34
_______________________________________________________________________




332. IMPOSITION OF LICENSE REQUIREMENT FOR EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS OF 
MISSILE TECHNOLOGY (MT)-CONTROLLED ITEMS 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                    04/00/06

[[Page 22396]]

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

RIN: 0694-AC48
_______________________________________________________________________




333. 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                    06/00/06

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-AC84
_______________________________________________________________________




334. 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                    12/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




335. 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                    08/00/06

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-AD07
_______________________________________________________________________




336. 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                      04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 22397]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




337. 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                      12/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




338. 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                    04/00/06

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-AD47
_______________________________________________________________________




339. 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 as 
support documents for license applications. This final rule requires 
that exporters obtain an End-User Certificate, issued by the PRC 
Ministry of Commerce, for all items that require a license to the PRC 
for any reason on the Commerce Control List (CCL) and that exceed a 
total value of $5,000. This expansion is necessary to allow BIS to 
conduct end-use checks (pre-license checks or post-shipment 
verifications) on exports or reexports of such items, consistent with 
an agreement with the Government of the PRC. To minimize the impact 
that this expanded support document requirement will have on exporters, 
this rule eliminates the requirement that exporters submit the PRC End-
User Certificate as a required support document to BIS with the license 
application. Instead, this rule requires exporters to include the 
serial number of the PRC End-User certificate in the

[[Page 22398]]

appropriate field of the license application, and to retain the PRC 
End-User Certificate 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. This rule removes and reserves a paragraph 
that is obsolete since it was primarily used for the Import 
Certificate/Delivery Verification (IC/DV) system implemented during the 
Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM), which 
is no longer in operation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




340. 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                    07/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




341. 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                    08/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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]

RIN: 0694-AD55
_______________________________________________________________________




342. 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: 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et 
seq; 42 USC 2139; 50 USC App 2401 et seq; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; PL 
108-11,117; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222

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              11/16/05                    70 FR 69432
Final Action                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 22399]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




343. 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 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                    04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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
_______________________________________________________________________




344. 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                    06/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




345. 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: Section 766.23 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 
provides that ``[i]n order to prevent evasion'' orders denying export 
privileges may be made applicable to ``persons then or thereafter 
related to the respondent [in a denial order proceeding] by ownership, 
control, position of responsibility, affiliation, or other connection 
in the conduct of trade or business.'' Section 766.23 may be used to 
make applicable to a related person an order denying export privileges 
issued pursuant to any provision of part 766. Prior to

[[Page 22400]]

publication of this rule, section 766.23(c) provided that any such 
related person ``may file an appeal with the administrative law judge'' 
and that ``[t]he recommended decision and order of the administrative 
law judge shall be reviewed by the Under Secretary in accordance with 
the procedures set forth in section 766.22 of this part.'' This rule 
revises section 766.23(c) to eliminate three procedural inconsistencies 
involving either appeal by a related person of an order imposed under 
section 766.25 for violation of a specified statute, a decision by the 
administrative law judge that makes an order issued for a violation of 
part 760 applicable to a related person, or an order issued pursuant to 
section 766.24 to prevent an imminent violation of the Export 
Administration Act, the Export Administration Regulations, or any 
order, license or authorization issued thereunder.
Prior to publication of this rule, a person named as a related person 
to an order issued pursuant to section 766.25 had a right of appeal to 
the administrative law judge. However, the respondent in an order 
issued pursuant to section 766.25 had a right of appeal to the Under 
Secretary under part 756 of the EAR. These separate and distinct 
appeals procedures could unnecessarily bifurcate administrative 
proceedings. Section 766.25 provides the procedure for imposing denials 
of export privileges for up to ten years for persons convicted of 
statutes specified in section 11(h) for the Export Administration Act.
Prior to publication of this rule, section 766.23(c) provided that any 
decision of the administrative law judge making an order applicable to 
a related person ``shall be reviewed by the Under Secretary'' in 
accordance with the procedures set forth in section 766.22 . . . 
(emphasis added).`` Such procedure for related persons is consistent 
with the procedure for respondents in orders issued for violations of 
the EAR that are not related to part 760. However, the provision for 
the respondent to appeal the administrative law judge's order for a 
violation related to part 760 (restrictive trade practices and 
boycotts) is section 766.21, which provides that such decision may be 
appealed to the Under Secretary. This situation could also create 
unnecessarily inconsistent and bifurcated proceedings, as the 
administrative law judge decision making an order issued for a 
violation related to part 760 applicable to a related person would be 
subject to mandatory Under Secretary review whereas the decision of the 
administrative law judge with respect to the respondent in that same 
order would become the final agency action absent an appeal to the 
Under Secretary.
Prior to publication of this rule, section 766.24(d)(3)(ii) stated that 
a person designated as a related person to a denial order issued 
pursuant to section 766.24 might file an appeal in accordance with 
section 766.2(3)(c) (sic). Section 766.23(c) provided that recommended 
decisions of the administrative law judge be reviewed in accordance 
with the procedures set forth in section 766.22. Those procedures 
differ from the procedures for review of recommended decisions by the 
administrative law judge with respect to orders issued pursuant to 
section 766.24.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      04/00/06

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-AD60
_______________________________________________________________________




346. 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 possession, use, 
and transfer 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. In addition, this rule removes license 
requirements for exports and reexports to St. Kitts and Nevis of items 
that require a license for export or reexport only to countries of 
concern for chemical and biological weapons reasons, since St. Kitts 
and Nevis is not listed among the countries of concern in Country Group 
D:3. Finally, this rule updates the list of countries that currently 
are States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) by adding 
Antigua and Barbuda, Bhutan, Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of the 
Congo, Grenada, Honduras, and Vanuatu.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 22401]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




347.  CLARIFICATION OF LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR 
CERTAIN PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAYS AND RELATED SOFTWARE AND TECHNOLOGY

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 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 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 
to clarify that the term ``photovoltaic arrays'' as used in three 
Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) in the Commerce Control 
List applies to any individual cell, array of cells or panel of arrays 
that otherwise meet the specifications of those ECCNs. This rule also 
clarifies that the word ``photovoltaic'' and ``solar'' have the same 
meaning in those ECCNs when describing a cell, array or panel. This 
clarification is needed to promote understanding that license 
requirements apply to a photovoltaic array that includes only one cell 
when it meets the relevant specification and that in the ECCNs modified 
by this rule, the word ``solar'' is synonymous with the word 
``photovoltaic.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      06/00/06

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-AD64
_______________________________________________________________________




348.  REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION 
REGULATIONS BASED ON THE 2005 MISSILE TECHNOLOGY CONTROL REGIME PLENARY 
AGREEMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app. 2401 et seq;; 50 USC 1701 et seq;; Sec. 
901-911, Pub. L. 106-387;; EO 13026, 61 FR 58767, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 
228; . . .

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to reflect changes to the 
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex that were agreed to by 
MTCR member countries at the September 2005 Plenary in Madrid, Spain. 
The amendments set forth in this rule also reflect a change taken at 
national discretion by the United States to make one additional missile 
technology (MT) controlled item available for certain license 
exceptions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/06

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-AD65
_______________________________________________________________________




349.  IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW FORMULA FOR CALCULATING 
COMPUTER PERFORMANCE: ADJUSTED PEAK PERFORMANCE (APP) IN WEIGHTED 
TERAFLOPS; BULGARIA; XP AND NP CONTROLS

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 734; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; . . .

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 implements the 
Wassenaar Arrangement agreement to revise the formula for calculating 
computer performance from Composite Theoretical Performance (CTP) 
measured in Millions of Operations Per Second (MOPS) to Adjusted Peak 
Performance (APP) measured in Weighted TeraFLOPS (WT). In addition, the 
rule makes conforming changes to the EAR based on the new computer 
parameter, such as revising the name of License Exception CTP to 
License Exception APP, as well as, the parameters for eligibility.
This rule also moves Bulgaria from Computer Tier 3 to Computer Tier 1.
Additionally, this rule removes High Performance Computer (XP) and 
Nuclear Non-proliferation (NP) controls from certain Export Control 
Classification Numbers (ECCNs) in Category 4 of the Commerce Control 
List. This rule also removes and reserves section 742.12, which was 
dedicated to high performance computer controls.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/06

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, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-2440
Fax: 202 482-3355

[[Page 22402]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0694-AD66
_______________________________________________________________________




350.  CLARIFICATION TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION 
REGULATIONS; GENERAL ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE SYRIA ACCOUNTABILITY AND 
LEBANESE SOVEREIGNTY ACT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC App 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 
3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; PL 108-11,117; EO 
12058; EO 13222; . . .

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 746

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule amends the Export Administration Regulations 
(EAR) by adding two cross-references to the General Order Implementing 
the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act (Syria General 
Order) to clarify that provisions of the Syria General Order set forth 
special controls on exports and reexports to Syria and supersede other 
provisions in the EAR specific to Syria.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/06

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-AC99
RIN: 0694-AD68
_______________________________________________________________________




351.  REVISIONS TO LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN 
THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS INCORPORATING FOCAL PLANE ARRAYS

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

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 742; 15 CFR 744

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule removes the regional stability reason for control 
from certain thermal imaging cameras that incorporate focal plane 
arrays and the regional stability reason for control for other such 
cameras. This rule describes the cameras affected by this change in 
terms of performance level measured by frame rate and pixel count. 
These reductions in unilateral U.S. license requirements for exports 
and reexports of certain thermal imaging cameras are warranted by 
increased foreign production of cameras with performance capabilities 
equal to or better than the cameras affected by this rule.
BIS has concluded that these circumstances warrant a limited revision, 
based on performance level, of regional stability controls on thermal 
imaging cameras that incorporate focal plane arrays. Accordingly, this 
rule removes regional stability as a reason for control from certain 
relatively lower performance level cameras and replaces the RS 1 reason 
for control with a RS 2 reason for control for certain higher 
performance level cameras. This rule retains the RS 1 reason for 
control for cameras with high levels of performance. These revised 
licensing requirements remove the license requirement for exports and 
reexports of certain thermal imaging cameras to regions that already 
produce thermal imaging cameras in significant volumes or can readily 
obtain such cameras from other countries without an export license.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      07/00/06

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-AD71
_______________________________________________________________________




352.  REVISIONS TO LICENSE EXCEPTIONS TMP AND BAG: 
EXPANSION OF ELIGIBLE ITEMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq;; Sec 901-
911, Pub L 106-387; EO 13026, 61 FR 58767, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp, p 228;; EO 
13222, 66 FR 44025, 3 CFR, 2001 Comp, p 783; Notice of August 2, 2005, 
70 FR 45273 (August 5, 2005)

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 the 
tools of trade provisions of License Exceptions TMP and BAG.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/06

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-AD72

[[Page 22403]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




353. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




354. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




355. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




356. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




357. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




358. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




359. GENERAL ORDER PROVIDING FOR NOTIFICATION TO STOP SPECIFIC EXPORT OR 
REEXPORT UNDER DESIGNATION NLR

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
_______________________________________________________________________




360. REVISIONS OF AIRCRAFT EXPORT LICENSING JURISDICTION BASED ON REVIEW 
OF THE U.S. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




361. 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; . . .

[[Page 22404]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




362. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




363. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




364. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




365.  DECEMBER 2005 WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT PLENARY 
AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION: CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 5 PART I 
(TELECOMMUNICATIONS), 5 PART II (INFORMATION SECURITY), 6, 8, AND 9 OF 
THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST; W

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 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, 
5 part I (telecommunications), 5 part II (Information Security), 6, 8, 
and 9, and Definitions to conform with changes in the Wassenaar 
Arrangement's List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies and Statements of 
Understanding 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 
CCL, definitions of terms used in the Export Administration Regulations 
(EAR), and Wassenaar reporting requirements to implement Wassenaar List 
revisions that were agreed upon in the December 2005 Wassenaar 
Arrangement Plenary Meeting. In addition, this rule adds Croatia, 
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, South Africa, and Malta to the list of 
Wassenaar participating states in the EAR, which brings the total 
number of participating states to 39.
This rule also adds or expands unilateral U.S. controls, nuclear 
nonproliferation controls, and national security controls on certain 
items consistent with the amendments made to implement the Wassenaar 
Arrangement's decisions.

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, Policy Analyst, 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-AD73

[[Page 22405]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; PL 106-387; EO 13026; EO 
13222; 67 FR 53721

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will solicit public comments on the potential 
impact of proposals to amend the Export Administration Regulations to 
clarify the scope of items for which License Exception APR is available 
and, possibly, to narrow the scope of this license exception. The 
transactions that such an amendment could affect are all described in 
15 CFR 740.16(a) and (b). These paragraphs deal with transactions to, 
from, and among countries in Country Group A:1 and cooperating 
countries as defined in 15 CR part 740, supp. no. 1.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/06/06

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]

Related RIN: Related to 0694-AD71
RIN: 0694-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 
to increase the number of countries to which certain technology and 
software may be exported or reexported under License Exception TSR.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       01/25/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich, Export Policy Analyst, 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-AC71
_______________________________________________________________________




368. 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; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; . . .

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. The purpose of these 
amendments is to make corrections and clarifications to the EAR so the 
public will find them easier to use.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/16/05                    70 FR 54626
Final Action                    10/31/05                    70 FR 62237

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
_______________________________________________________________________




369. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With                     01/25/06

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

Related RIN: Merged with 0694-AD47
RIN: 0694-AD33

[[Page 22406]]

_______________________________________________________________________




370. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/06/06

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]

Related RIN: Related to 0694-AD71
RIN: 0694-AD34
_______________________________________________________________________




371. 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 Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, 
Romania, Slovakia, and India. The requirement is being removed for 
Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia 
because of their membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 
(NATO) and their commitment to export controls, 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. This requirement is being 
removed for India because of the actions it has taken under the U.S.-
India Next Steps in Strategic Partnership.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/01/05                    70 FR 72073

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
_______________________________________________________________________




372. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/06/06

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]

Related RIN: Merged with 0694-AD47
RIN: 0694-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________




373. 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

[[Page 22407]]

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 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 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 Rule                      11/07/05                    70 FR 67346

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
_______________________________________________________________________




374.  CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE EXPORT 
ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS

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; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; 
EO 12938; EO 12947; EO 13026; EO 13099; EO 13222; EO 13224

CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 744 ; 15 CFR 766; 15 CFR 770

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security proposes this rule to 
correct two transposition errors that incorrectly restricted use of two 
license exceptions based on country of destination and reason for 
control of the item being exported; correct two citation errors in a 
section that describes license application review policy for exports 
and reexports to certain entities sanctioned by the Department of 
State; correct the address for serving papers on the administrative law 
judge in proceedings related to temporary denial orders; and remove an 
interpretation that is obsolete because the commodities to which it 
applied are no longer on the Commerce Control List.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/21/06                    71 FR 14097

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-AD67
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)



_______________________________________________________________________




375. 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

[[Page 22408]]

Notice                          03/31/06                    71 FR 16289
Final Action                    04/00/06

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, Admin 
Building, Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Phone: 301 975-2803

RIN: 0693-AB56
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE


                    ________________________________



376. 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 and update the framework 
procedure for setting total allowable catch.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/06
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, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AN09
_______________________________________________________________________




377. 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: None

Abstract: This rule would 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                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AN76
_______________________________________________________________________




378. 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                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




379. 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, 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

[[Page 22409]]

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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




380. 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                            01/00/07
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

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

RIN: 0648-AP67
_______________________________________________________________________




381. 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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AQ07
_______________________________________________________________________




382. 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                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06

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: 808 944-2207

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




383. FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES; NATIONAL STANDARD 1

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS is considering revisions to the national standard 
guidelines for National Standard 1 (NS1) that specify criteria for 
determining overfishing and establishing rebuilding schedules. There 
have been concerns expressed by the scientific community, fisheries 
managers, the fishing industry, and environmental groups regarding the

[[Page 22410]]

appropriateness of some aspects of these guidelines.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           02/14/03                     68 FR 7492
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/17/03
Comment Period Extended         03/03/03                     68 FR 9967
NPRM                            06/22/05                    70 FR 36240
Comment Period Extended         08/15/05                    70 FR 47777
NPRM Comment Period End         08/22/05
Proposed Rule                   10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mark Millikin, Fishery Management Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2341

RIN: 0648-AQ63
_______________________________________________________________________




384. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




385. 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

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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AR06
_______________________________________________________________________




386. 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                            03/29/06                    71 FR 15687
NPRM Comment Period End         04/28/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AR09
_______________________________________________________________________




387. 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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 22411]]

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

RIN: 0648-AR30
_______________________________________________________________________




388. 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                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




389. MAXIMIZE RETENTION AND MONITORING PROGRAM IN THE SHORE-BASED 
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 21-25, 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                            12/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/07

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
_______________________________________________________________________




390. 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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802

[[Page 22412]]

Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AR72
_______________________________________________________________________




391. 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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AR78
_______________________________________________________________________




392. 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 action would establish a control date announcing that 
anyone entering the Charter sport fishery for Pacific halibut in and 
off Alaska after December 9, 2005, (control date), will not be assured 
of future access to that fishery if a management regime that limits the 
number of participants is developed and implemented under the authority 
of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982 (Halibut Act).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           02/08/06                     71 FR 6442
NPRM                            09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AR96
_______________________________________________________________________




393. 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                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AS13
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

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

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          11/23/05                    70 FR 70780
Comment Period End              01/23/06
NPRM                            04/05/06                    71 FR 17062
NPRM Comment Period End         05/22/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

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

RIN: 0648-AS15
_______________________________________________________________________




395. 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 establish a rebuilding plan for scup.

[[Page 22413]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




396. 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                            01/00/07
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/07

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
_______________________________________________________________________




397. 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: None

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

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AS29
_______________________________________________________________________




398. 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           08/12/04                    69 FR 49858
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/12/04
NPRM                            01/00/07
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AS49
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

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

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AS64
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

[[Page 22414]]

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                            01/00/07
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/07

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

RIN: 0648-AS65
_______________________________________________________________________




401. 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, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

RIN: 0648-AS67
_______________________________________________________________________




402. 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 replaces the current moratorium (which expires 
June 16, 2006) on the issuance of reef fish charter vessel/headboat 
(recreational for-hire) permits with a limited access system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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

RIN: 0648-AS68
_______________________________________________________________________




403. 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 replaces the current moratorium (which expires 
on June 16, 2006) on the issuance of coastal migratory pelagic charter 
vessel/headboat (recreational for-hire) permits with a limited access 
system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          02/21/06                     71 FR 8831
NPRM                            03/13/06                    71 FR 12662
NPRM Comment Period End         04/27/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

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

RIN: 0648-AS70
_______________________________________________________________________




404. 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                            05/00/06

[[Page 22415]]

NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AS71
_______________________________________________________________________




405. 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 (AMLR) implements measures adopted by the parties to the 
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources 
(CCAMLR). More specifically, it would require the use of the 
Centralized satellite-linked vessel monitoring system (VMS) by all U.S. 
vessels harvesting AMLR and would be a condition of export for all 
dealers seeking to import shipments of toothfish. It would also exempt 
all shipments of fresh toothfish from the NMFS preapproval process and 
allow importers of frozen toothfish to submit the U.S. Customs 7501 
entry number subsequent to their initial application for preapproval. 
The proposed rule would require the use of Electronic Catch Documents, 
after a 60-day transition period, for all U.S. dealers seeking to 
import shipments of toothfish into the United States. The proposed rule 
would also amend certain definitions including ``import'' and 
``export.'' Use of a seal excluder device would be required on krill 
vessels using trawl gear in CCAMLR waters. Regulations governing 
scientific observers and vessel information would be modified.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

RIN: 0648-AS75
_______________________________________________________________________




406. 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AS77
_______________________________________________________________________




407. AMENDMENT 67 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH OF 
THE GULF OF ALASKA

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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




408. 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

[[Page 22416]]

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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




409. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          02/06/06                     71 FR 6031
 Notice Comment Period End      04/07/06
NPRM                            03/21/06                    71 FR 14470
NPRM Comment Period End         05/08/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT09
_______________________________________________________________________




410. 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 the 
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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

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

RIN: 0648-AT13
_______________________________________________________________________




411. 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                            03/21/06                    71 FR 14467
NPRM Comment Period End         04/03/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

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-AT22
_______________________________________________________________________




412. 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                            08/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 22417]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




413. 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                            03/30/06                    71 FR 16091
NPRM Comment Period End         04/14/06
Final Action                    11/00/06

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-AT25
_______________________________________________________________________




414. FRAMEWORK 6 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                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




415. 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                            03/27/06                    71 FR 15147
NPRM Comment Period End         04/11/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




416. 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 Plan(ISFMP)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                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




417. 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.

[[Page 22418]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

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, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AT32
_______________________________________________________________________




418. 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 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. Ths rule 
would also implement measures complementary to the closures in the 
Caribbean SFA Amendment to minimize adverse impacts to EFH mutton 
snapper, red hind, and other reef-dwelling species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/29/06                    71 FR 15680
NPRM Comment Period End         06/27/06
Final Action                    08/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT37
_______________________________________________________________________




419. 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                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT43
_______________________________________________________________________




420. 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                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AT55
_______________________________________________________________________




421. 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                            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

[[Page 22419]]

Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One 
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AT57
_______________________________________________________________________




422. 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 implement a rebuilding program for 
butterfish.

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
_______________________________________________________________________




423. 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 CFR 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                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




424. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




425. 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

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
_______________________________________________________________________




426. 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                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         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-AT62
_______________________________________________________________________




427. 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

[[Page 22420]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




428. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




429. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




430. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




431. AMENDMENT 68; 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) 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                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT71
_______________________________________________________________________




432. 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

[[Page 22421]]

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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/24/06                     71 FR 9507
NPRM Comment Period End         04/11/06
Final Action                    05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT72
_______________________________________________________________________




433. AMENDMENT 13C 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 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                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

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

RIN: 0648-AT75
_______________________________________________________________________




434. JOINT AMENDMENT TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE SHRIMP 
(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 red snapper 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: None

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

Related RIN: Merged with 0648-AT86
RIN: 0648-AT87
_______________________________________________________________________




435.  INTERAGENCY ELECTRONIC REPORTING SYSTEM (IERS)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will incorporate into the IERS, landings and 
production data reports for groundfish, and other species fisheries. 
The IERS will replace the Shoreside Processor Electronic Logbook Report 
(SPELR) used by many shoreside processors and stationary floating 
processors to report groundfish and will provide a new option for those 
processors using the paper logbooks and forms to record and report 
groundfish. The SPELR was created as an option for paper logbooks and 
reports of the groundfish fisheries. The IERS will also replace the IFQ 
Internet System used by Registered Buyers to record and report IFQ 
Pacific halibut, halibut CDQ, and IFQ sablefish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT91

[[Page 22422]]

_______________________________________________________________________




436.  WESTERN PACIFIC PRECIOUS CORALS FMP: AMENDMENT 
TO MANAGE HAWAII BLACK CORAL FISHERY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS is taking action to reduce fishing impacts on black 
coral in the Auau Channel, Hawaii. The biomass of black coral there has 
declined from several factors, including fishing. This action would 
remove an exemption that allows the harvest of black corals with a 
minimum base diameter of 0.75 inch or minimum height of 36 inches by 
persons who reported harvest to the State of Hawaii within the five 
years prior to April 17, 2002. The current minimum base requirement of 
1 inch and minimum height of 48 inches would remain in effect.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Related RIN: Merged with 0648-AS64
RIN: 0648-AT93
_______________________________________________________________________




437.  WESTERN PACIFIC BOTTOMFISH FMP: AMENDMENT 9 TO 
LIMIT LARGE VESSEL FISHING EFFORT AROUND GUAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS is taking action to close Federal waters within 50 
nautical miles around Guam to bottomfish fishing by vessels longer than 
50 feet, and to require these vessels that land bottomfish management 
unit species in Guam to comply with Federal permitting and logbook 
reporting requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AT94
_______________________________________________________________________




438.  WESTERN PACIFIC OMNIBUS: BOTTOMFISH AMENDMENT 8, 
AMENDMENT 12 CRUSTACEANS, AND AMENDMENT 6 PRECIOUS CORALS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (WPFMC) is 
establishing new permitting and reporting requirements for the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the Pacific 
Remote Island Areas (PRIAs). They do this by including domestic 
fisheries that offload or operate in Federal waters around the CNMI and 
PRIAs under the WPFMC's fishery management plans for crustaceans, 
precious corals and bottomfish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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: 808 944-2207

Related RIN: Merged with 0648-AL67, Merged with 0648-AR65, Merged with 
0648-AS31, Merged with 0648-AS63
RIN: 0648-AT95
_______________________________________________________________________




439.  AMENDMENT 84-A TO THE FMP FOR THE GROUNDFISH 
FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS MANAGEMENT AREA 
IMPLEMENTING SALMON BYCATCH MEASURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would exempt Pollock and CDQ vessels that 
participate in a voluntary rolling hotspot closure system (VHRS) from 
chum and Chinook salmon savings area closures. The VRHS utilizes 
inseason data and a private contractor to determine and avoid high 
salmon bycatch areas. The VRHS encourages salmon bycatch reduction 
through internal enforcement of a civil agreement between cooperatives 
and third party groups. This rulemaking would also exempt vessels 
participating in the trawl cod and/or flatfish targets from closures of 
the chum salmon savings area.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AU03

[[Page 22423]]

_______________________________________________________________________




440.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO THE REEF FISH MANAGEMENT 
PLAN TO SET 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: This regulatory amendment originally contained both 
commercial and recreational management measures for Gulf of Mexico 
grouper. However, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council 
(Council) voted to split commercial and recreational actions into two 
regulatory amendments at their October 2005 meeting. Secretarial 
Amendment 1 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan was implemented by 
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on July 15, 2004, and 
established a rebuilding plan, a 5.31 MP GW commercial quota, and a 
1.25 MP GW recreational target catch level for red grouper. NMFS 
implemented interim regulations to reduce recreational grouper landings 
in August 2005. These regulations were extended in January 2006 for an 
additional 180 days. The purpose of this regulatory amendment is to 
establish more permanent management measures for the recreational 
grouper fishery. These management measures are needed to return 
recreational red grouper landings to levels specified in the rebuilding 
plan and prevent or minimize impacts on gag and other grouper resulting 
from more restrictive recreational red grouper regulations. Actions 
considered in this regulatory amendment include changes to recreational 
management measures, such as bag limits, size limits, vessel limits, 
and closed seasons.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/31/06                    71 FR 16275
NPRM Comment Period End         05/01/06
Final Action                    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, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Fax: 727 824-5308

Related RIN: Split from 0648-AT12
RIN: 0648-AU04
_______________________________________________________________________




441.  AMENDMENT 20 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS CRABS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: It has been determined that the Bering Sea District Tanner 
crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) are in two geographically separate stocks, 
which should be managed as two separate fisheries. This rule would 
determine the allocations of quota share, processor quota share, 
individual fishing quotas, and individual processing quotas under the 
Crab Rationalization Program for these two fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          02/27/06                     71 FR 9770
 Notice Comment Period End      04/28/06
NPRM                            03/21/06                    71 FR 14153
NPRM Comment Period End         05/05/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AU06
_______________________________________________________________________




442.  AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY: EGG PRODUCTION 
MEASURES AS APPROVED IN ADDENDA II THROUGH VII TO AMENDMENT 3 OF THE 
ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION'S INTERSTATE FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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, the implementation of further minimum carapace length 
(gauge) increases and escape vent size increases in the Federal lobster 
fishery, consistent with recommendations for Federal action in Addenda 
II-VII of Amendment 3 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries 
Commission's (Commission) Interstate Fishery Management Plan (ISFMP)for 
American Lobster. (These include gauge increases scheduled annually 
from 2005 through 2008 in Lobster Conservation Management Areas (LCMA) 
3 and the Outer Cape Lobster Conservation Management Area (OCLMA), as 
well as an escape vent size increase for LCMA 1 scheduled for 2007. 
These measures are in addition to those addressed by NMFS in a proposed 
rule, published in the Federal Register on September 2, 2005 (70 FR 
52346), which proposes gauge increases and escape vent size increases 
as scheduled through 2004 in Addenda II and III to Amendment 3 of the 
ISFMP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/13/05                    70 FR 73717
ANPRM Comment Period End        01/12/06
NPRM                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06

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.htm

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast

[[Page 22424]]

Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AU07
_______________________________________________________________________




443.  EXPANSION OF THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH 
FISHERY VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM TO THE OPEN ACCESS FISHERY.

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1851, sec 301

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action expands the current VMS program by requiring all 
vessels fishing pursuant to the harvest guidelines, quotas, and other 
management measures governing the open access groundfish fishery to 
provide declaration reports and to activate and use a VMS transceiver 
while fishing off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. Any 
commercial fishing vessel that is not registered to a limited entry 
groundfish permit and that is used to take and retain groundfish in 
from the Exclusive Economic Zone (3-200 nm from shore) that possess 
groundfish while transiting the EEZ, or that lands groundfish taken in 
the EEZ is considered to be participating in the open access groundfish 
fishery. Vessel using non-groundfish trawl gear to fish in the EEZ will 
be included, whether or not groundfish is retained, for the purpose of 
monitoring vessel activity in relation to essential fish habitat.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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-AU08
_______________________________________________________________________




444.  SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION: ADDITIONAL EXCEPTION TO 
SEA TURTLE TAKE PROHIBITIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 222 ; 50 CFR 223

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS proposes to open an area currently closed to offshore 
pound nets and require these nets within this area to use a modified 
leader. This area includes the Virginia waters of the mainstem 
Chesapeake Bay, to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel at the mouth of the 
Chesapeake Bay, and the portion of the James River downstream of the 
Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the York River downstream of the 
Coleman Memorial Bridge. Within this area, pound net leaders would be 
comprised of mesh and vertical lines. The leader mesh would be 
restricted to a height of one third the depth of the water at the 
average mean low tide. The allowable leader mesh size would be 
restricted to less than 8 inches stretched mesh. The panel of the mesh 
would be held in place with vertical lines greater than or equal to 5/
16`` in diameter strung vertically a minimum of every two feet and 
attached to a top line. The vertical lines would be ''hard lay`` lines 
which are purposefully stiff. Additionally, the proposed rule includes 
maintaining a restriction on mesh size and prohibition of stringers on 
all nearshore leaders in the area described above and all offshore 
leaders in the Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay outside the 
aforementioned closed area, extending to the Maryland-Virginia State 
line and the Rappahannock River downstream of the first bridge. These 
measures would be in effect from May 6 to July 15 each year. The 
purpose of this action is to respond to new information generated by 
research on modified pound net gear while continuing to protect 
threatened and endangered sea turtles.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Therese Conant, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1431
Fax: 301 713-0376

RIN: 0648-AU10
_______________________________________________________________________




445.  AMENDMENT 18 (BYCATCH MINIMIZATION) TO THE 
PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 18 modifies the Pacific Coast groundfish FMP to 
implement a bycatch minimization program. Over the past several years, 
the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has used a broad suite 
of informal bycatch minimization policies that have been formally 
organized and brought into the FMP through Amendment 18. This FMP 
amendment also sets the Council's future plans for bycatch minimization 
programs into the FMP to provide comprehensive direction for its 
current and future bycatch minimization efforts in Pacific Coast 
groundfish fishery management. Amendment 18 is intended to respond to 
court orders in Pacific Marine Conservation Council v. Evans, 200 
F.Supp.2d 1194 (N.D. Calif. 2002) to establish a bycatch minimization 
program in the FMP. NMFS has previously complied with the court's 
orders from this same case under Amendment 16-1 to the FMP, in which it 
established a standardized bycatch reporting methodology as a required 
element of the FMP. Regulations to implement Amendment 18 would: 
Establish that species co-occurrence ratios will be used in setting 
trip limits and other management measures; revise routine management 
measures authority to allow the use of area closures to protect all 
species, not just overfished species, and; revise observer regulations 
to clarify NMFS's authority to place observers on board vessels that 
participate in non-target fisheries that take groundfish incidentally 
to their target fishing operations.

[[Page 22425]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

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-AU12
_______________________________________________________________________




446.  SPECIFICATION OF TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCHES (TACS) 
FOR THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2006

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 1, 2006, TACs specified for each 
fishing year; fishing year begins May 1, 2006.

Abstract: This action would implement three types of total allowable 
catches (TACs) for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery for the 2006 
fishing year: (1) Hard TACs for three Georges Bank stocks, which are 
shared with Canada, and managed in coordination with Canada cod, 
haddock and yellowtail flounder); (2) Target TACs for 18 stocks of 
groundfish; and (3) Incidental Catch TACs for 10 groundfish stocks of 
concern.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/13/06                    71 FR 12665
NPRM Comment Period End         04/12/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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-AU13
_______________________________________________________________________




447.  SUBSISTENCE HALIBUT PROGRAM AMENDMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679; 50 CFR 300; 50 CFR 902

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The action would amend regulations for the Subsistence 
Halibut Program by: (1) Revising the subsistence gear restrictions in 
Kodiak and adding seasonal gear and vessel limits in the Sitka Sound 
Local Area Management Plan (LAMP) area; (2) adding the village of 
Naukati to the list of eligible subsistence halibut communities; (3) 
implementing a possession limit equal to two daily bag limits to 
enhance enforcement; (4) revising the definition of charter vessel; (5) 
revising regulations allowing customary trade; and (6) allowing the use 
of special permits within non-subsistence use areas by tribes eligible 
for the permits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AK16, Related to 0648-AR88
RIN: 0648-AU14
_______________________________________________________________________




448.  A REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO PERMIT THE SEASONAL 
CLOSURE OF CHINIAK GULLY IN THE GULF OF ALASKA TO TRAWL FISHING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The amendment would impose a seasonal ban on all commercial 
trawl fishing in the Chiniak Gully region on the east side of Kodiak 
Island. The closure would be in effect from August 1 to a date no later 
than September 20 in 3 of the 5 years from 2006 through 2010. The 
regulatory changes are needed to permit NMFS to conduct controlled 
experiments on the effects of fishing on pollock distribution and 
abundance as part of a comprehensive research program on sea lion/
fishery interactions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/27/06                    71 FR 15152
NPRM Comment Period End         04/26/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AU15
_______________________________________________________________________




449.  BSAI PACIFIC COD LICENSE ENDORSEMENT 
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRAWL CATCHER VESSEL SECTORS; NOTICE OF CONTROL 
DATE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This would set a control date to limit access to the Pacific 
cod resource if a management regime is developed and implemented that 
limits the number of participants, licenses or vessels in the fishery. 
To reduce uncertainty and provide stability for these participants, 
allocations would be adjusted to better reflect historic use by sector. 
The basis for determining sector allocations will be catch history as 
well as consideration of socio-economic and community factors. As other 
fisheries in the BSAI and GOA are incrementally rationalized, 
historical participants in

[[Page 22426]]

the BSAI Pacific cod fishery may be put at a disadvantage. Each sector 
in the BSAI Pacific cod fishery currently has different degrees of 
license requirements and levels of participation. Allocations to the 
sector level are a necessary step on the path towards comprehensive 
rationalization.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           02/16/06                     71 FR 8268
NPRM                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AU16
_______________________________________________________________________




450.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO REVISE CERTAIN SPECIES 
CODES IN TABLE 2A AND TABLE 2D

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would add and revise species codes 
to table 2 to part 679. Table 2a would be revised by removing species 
code 154 Dusky rockfish (S. ciliatus) and by adding in its place 154 
Dark rockfish (S. ciliatus) and a new species code for Dusky rockfish 
(S. variabilis). This change will allow managers to account for catches 
of each of these species separately. Table 2d would be revised by 
removing an unnecessary species code for Albacore tuna. 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                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AU20
_______________________________________________________________________




451.  REORGANIZE WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC 
REGULATIONS INTO NEW CFR PART

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would move regulations governing the Central and 
Western Pacific, currently in 50 CFR 660, into a new part located at 50 
CFR 665, leaving current 50 CFR 660 to comprise West Coast fisheries. 
This action would make the regulations more concise, better organized 
and easier to use for managers, the regulated community, and the 
general public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AU21
_______________________________________________________________________




452.  AMENDMENT 10 TO THE BOTTOMFISH AND SEAMOUNT 
GROUNDFISH FMP: MEASURES TO END BOTTOMFISH OVERFISHING IN THE HAWAIIAN 
ARCHIPELAGO

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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Pacific Islands Regional Administrator notified the 
Western Pacific Council in May 2005 that the bottomfish species complex 
in the Hawaiian Archipelago is in a state of overfishing. This action 
would amend the fishery management plan to implement measures to end 
overfishing in the bottomfish complex.

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: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AU22
_______________________________________________________________________




453.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT MODIFYING SECTION 680.22 
SIDEBOARD PROTECTIONS FOR THE GULF OF ALASKA (GOA) GROUNDFISH FISHERIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory amendment modifies the crab sideboards 
provisions of section 680.22 to conform with the statutory requirements 
of the crab rationalization program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

[[Page 22427]]

Fax: 907 586-7249

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AS47
RIN: 0648-AU24
_______________________________________________________________________




454.  AUTHORIZE AN EXEMPTED FISHING PERMIT UNDER THE 
HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES FMP

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would implement regulations authorizing an Exempted 
Fishing Permit, under the HMS FMP, to allow a limited number of drift 
gillnet vessels to fish in a zone currently closed under ESA and 
Magnuson regulations. The action is pending review and approval by the 
Pacific Council and must undergo an ESA section 7 consultation prior to 
adoption.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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-AU25
_______________________________________________________________________




455.  AMENDMENT 12 TO THE COASTAL PELAGIC SPECIES 
(CPS) FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, July 1, 2006, Final, Statutory. 
Amendment 12 to the CPS FMP would implement measures to prohibit 
fishing for krill in the Exclusive Economic Zone off the West Coast.

Abstract: The Pacific Fishery Management Council proposed to amend its 
CPS FMP to ensure the protection of krill and the resources which 
depend on or are sensitive to the abundance and availability of krill 
off the West Coast. The Amendment would add krill to the management 
unit species of the CPS FMP, establish a ``prohibited harvest'' 
category of management unit species in the CPS FMP, place krill in the 
``prohibited harvest'' category and thus prohibit the harvest and 
retention of krill in the EEZ, and deny the use of the exempted fishing 
permit process under the CPS FMP to allow krill fishing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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-AU26
_______________________________________________________________________




456.  ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OPTIMUM YIELD AND HARVEST 
QUOTAS FOR PACIFIC MACKEREL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, July 1, 2006, The CPS fisheries 
regulations require that the annual specifications for Pacific mackerel 
be published before July 1, the start of the fishing year.

Abstract: This rule will announce 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                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

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-AU27
_______________________________________________________________________




457.  AMENDMENT 14 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 14 will establish marine protected areas (MPAs) in 
Federal waters of the South Atlantic.

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: None

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

RIN: 0648-AU28

[[Page 22428]]

_______________________________________________________________________




458.  AMENDMENT 15 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 15 would: Establish biological reference points and 
status determination criteria, where needed, for five snapper grouper 
species; and establish rebuilding schedules and strategies, where 
needed, for five snapper grouper species; assess the practicability of 
prohibiting the sale of recreationally-caught fish; ensure parity among 
users in different states by changing the golden tilefish fishing year 
and trip limit; eliminate the queen snapper size limit; assess the 
practicability of changes to the renewal period on commercial snapper 
grouper permits; and 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                            08/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/06

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

RIN: 0648-AU29
_______________________________________________________________________




459.  AMENDMENT 10 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic 
mackerel, squid, and butterfish would implement a rebuilding program 
for the butterfish fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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-AU31
_______________________________________________________________________




460.  AMENDMENT 11 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulations implementing Amendment 11 would control 
effort in the General Category sector of the scallop fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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-AU32
_______________________________________________________________________




461.  FRAMEWORK 43 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 action would implement a haddock bycatch 
provision in the Atlantic herring fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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-AU33
_______________________________________________________________________




462.  FRAMEWORK 4 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
MONKFISH

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This framework would modify the annual adjustment process for 
the monkfish fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06

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-AU34
_______________________________________________________________________




463.  AMENDMENT 14 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND 
BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

[[Page 22429]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 14 would implement a rebuilding program for scup.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06

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-AU35
_______________________________________________________________________




464.  AMENDMENT 15 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND 
BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 15 would address allocation and other issues in 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: 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-AU36
_______________________________________________________________________




465.  AMENDMENT 21 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS CRABS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 680

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 21 to the king and Tanner crab Fishery Management 
Plan in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (FMP) would make minor 
changes to the FMP necessary for the management of the arbitration 
system under the crab rationalization program. If approved, Amendment 
21 to the FMP would modify the timing for initiating an arbitration 
proceeding to the issuance of individual fishing quota (IFQ ) and 
individual processor quota (IPQ), providing participants with a 
reasonable and reliable opportunity to fully utilize the arbitration 
system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          05/30/06                    71 FR 16278
NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AU37
_______________________________________________________________________




466. 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

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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




467. 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

[[Page 22430]]

_______________________________________________________________________




468. 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                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




469. RIGHT WHALE SHIP STRIKE REDUCTION

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 224

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations would 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                            09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Public Compliance Cost: ; Yearly Recurring Cost: $116000000; Base Year 
for Dollar Estimates: 2005

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

Agency Contact: Lecky James H., 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

Peter Robbins, Attorney Advisor, Department of Commerce, 14th & 
Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-0846
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AS36
_______________________________________________________________________




470. 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 to 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                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




471. 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

[[Page 22431]]

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                            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
_______________________________________________________________________




472. 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 to 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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Kenneth Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-
West Highway, Room 13600, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT77
_______________________________________________________________________




473. 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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

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-AT78
_______________________________________________________________________




474. 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

[[Page 22432]]

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                            04/07/06                    71 FR 17790
NPRM Comment Period End         05/07/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Kenneth Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-
West Highway, Room 13600, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT79
_______________________________________________________________________




475. 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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Kenneth Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-
West Highway, Room 13600, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 713-0376
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT80
_______________________________________________________________________




476. 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                            11/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Lecky James H., 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-AT81
_______________________________________________________________________




477. 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

[[Page 22433]]

Fax: 502 980-4027

RIN: 0648-AT82
_______________________________________________________________________




478. 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, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring , MD 20910
Phone: 301 712-2332

RIN: 0648-AT83
_______________________________________________________________________




479.  SPINNER DOLPHINS IN THE MAIN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS is considering whether to propose regulations to protect 
wild spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in the main Hawaiian 
Islands from human activities that have the potential to cause 
``take,'' as defined in the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and its 
implementing regulations, or to otherwise adversely affect the 
dolphins. The scope of this ANPR encompasses the activities of any 
person or conveyance that may result in the unauthorized taking of 
spinner dolphins and/or that may diminish the value to the dolphins of 
habitat routinely used by them for resting and/or that may cause 
detrimental individual-level and population-level impacts. NMFS 
requests comments on whether --and if so, what type of-- conservation 
measures, regulations, and, if necessary, other measures would be 
appropriate to protect spinner dolphins in the main Hawaiian Islands 
from the effects of these activities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/12/05                    70 FR 73426
ANPRM Comment Period End        01/11/06
NPRM                            05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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-AU02
_______________________________________________________________________




480.  LIST OF FISHERIES FOR 2006

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed LOF for 2006 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                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Kristy Long, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East 
West Highway, Rm 13738, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301-427-2522
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AU19
_______________________________________________________________________




481.  DESIGNATION OF CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE SOUTHERN 
RESIDENT KILLER WHALE (ORCINUS ORCA)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, July 18, 2006, Early enough to allow 
for a 60-day comment period and revisions.
Final, Statutory, November 18, 2006, Statutory under ESA.

Abstract: NMFS is proposing to designate critical habitat for the 
endangered Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca), as required 
under the Endangered Species Act. Three specific areas proposed for 
designation comprise about 2,567 square miles of marine habitat in 
Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and San Juan Islands areas. We are 
soliciting public comment on this proposal. The final determination is 
due November 18, 2006.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06

[[Page 22434]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Energy Effects:  Statement of Energy Effects planned as required by 
Executive Order 13211.

Agency Contact: Marta Nammack, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301-427-2523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AU38



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 106-513; 16 USC 1431 et seq

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Marine Sanctuaries Program, together with State 
and Federal partners and other stakeholders, designates the Northwest 
Hawaiian Islands as a national marine sanctuary and implements 
regulations that best reflect the goals and objectives of the proposed 
sanctuary.

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: Federal, Local, State

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: Aulani Wilhelm, Acting Superintendent, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 6700 
Kalaniana' Ole Highway, Honolulu, HI 96825
Phone: 808 397-2657
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AS83
_______________________________________________________________________




483. 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                            04/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




484. 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 Monterey Bay National Marine 
Sanctuary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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
_______________________________________________________________________




485. 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                            04/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Christopher Mobley, Superintendent, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and

[[Page 22435]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




486. 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                            04/00/06

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


                    ________________________________



487. 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                            04/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE


                    ________________________________



488. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




489. 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

[[Page 22436]]

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
Hearing                         09/07/05                    70 FR 53146
Correction                      09/23/05                    70 FR 55618
Correction                      10/05/05                    70 FR 58177
NPRM Comment Period End         10/18/05
Hearing                         12/27/05                    70 FR 76441
Final Action                    07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AQ65
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/24/06                     71 FR 3797
NPRM Comment Period End         02/23/06
Final Action                    06/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




491. 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 Rule                      09/16/05                    70 FR 54656
Second NPRM                     03/01/06                    71 FR 10451
Second NPRM Comment Period End  03/31/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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: NMFS proposes to amend its regulations to include a new 
subsection that would apply sideboard restrictions to the state waters 
parallel fishery. If adopted, any vessel owner or LLP holder subject to 
the sideboard

[[Page 22437]]

restrictions who holds a Federal Fisheries Permit and/or LLP license 
would be subject to the sideboard regulations while participating in 
any groundfish fishery in state waters adjacent to the Gulf of Alaska.

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                      12/20/05                    70 FR 75419
Correction                      05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

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

RIN: 0648-AS47
_______________________________________________________________________




493. 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                    11/00/06

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, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AP42
RIN: 0648-AS89
_______________________________________________________________________




494. 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                    11/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AS93
_______________________________________________________________________




495. 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                    11/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT04
_______________________________________________________________________




496. 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

[[Page 22438]]

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

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          10/28/05                    70 FR 62087
NPRM                            11/16/05                    70 FR 69502
NPRM Comment Period End         12/16/05
Comment Period End              12/27/05
Final Action                    05/00/06

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, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AT11
_______________________________________________________________________




497. 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                            11/17/05                    70 FR 69722
NPRM Comment Period End         12/02/05
Final Rule                      12/29/05                    70 FR 77060
Final Action                    07/00/06

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-AT27
_______________________________________________________________________




498. 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                    05/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




499. 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: These rules implement 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
Interim Final Rule              01/19/06                     71 FR 3018
Final Action                    10/00/06

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

RIN: 0648-AT45
_______________________________________________________________________




500. 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

[[Page 22439]]

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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/16/05                    70 FR 35047
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/18/05
Final Rule                      09/09/05                    70 FR 53580
Correction                      10/03/05
Final Rule                      10/18/05                    70 FR 60450
Final Rule                      12/28/05                    70 FR 76713
Final Rule                      06/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




501. 2006 SCALLOP RESEARCH SET-ASIDE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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 percent of the 
overall Days-At-Sea (DAS) for use in open areas and 2 percent 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

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




502. 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                            02/13/06                     71 FR 7499
NPRM Comment Period End         03/30/06
Final Action                    05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT73
_______________________________________________________________________




503. 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                            01/17/06                     71 FR 2510
NPRM Comment Period End         02/01/06
Final Action                    05/00/06

[[Page 22440]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




504. REVISION OF CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE 
(EUBALAENA GLACIALIS)

Priority: Other Significant

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                            11/02/05                    70 FR 66332
NPRM Comment Period End         12/19/05
Final Action                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT84
_______________________________________________________________________




505.  AMENDMENT 19 TO THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq.

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 19 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP) would implement a comprehensive strategy to 
conserve essential fish habitat (EFH) through a fishery management plan 
amendment and Federal regulations. Amendment 19 is intended to (1) 
describe and identify essential fish habitat (EFH) for the fishery, (2) 
designate Habitat Areas of Particular Concern, (3) minimize to the 
extent practicable the adverse effects of fishing on EFH, and (4) 
identify other actions to encourage the conservation and enhancement of 
EFH, while ensuring compliance with section 303(a)(7) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Of these actions, only 
measures to minimize adverse effects of fishing would require 
regulation. Amendment 19 is also intended to partially respond to a 
court order in American Oceans Campaign et. al. v. Daley et. al., Civil 
Action No. 99-982 (GK)(D.D.C. September 14, 2000).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Comment Period End              02/06/05
Notice                          12/07/05                    70 FR 72777
NPRM                            01/12/06                     71 FR 1998
Correction                      01/30/06                     71 FR 4886
NPRM Comment Period End         02/27/06
Final Action                    05/00/06

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-AT98
_______________________________________________________________________




506.  RESOURCE AGENCY PROCEDURES FOR CONDITIONS AND 
PRESCRIPTIONS IN HYDROPOWER LICENSES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 797(e)

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 221

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), the 
Departments of Agriculture, Commerce and Interior are establishing 
jointly procedures for a new category of expedited trial-type hearings. 
The hearings will resolve disputed issues of material fact with respect 
to conditions or prescriptions that one or more of the Departments 
develop for inclusion in a hydropower license issued by the Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Federal Power Act. The 
three Departments are also establishing procedures for the 
consideration of alternative conditions and prescriptions submitted by 
any party to a license proceeding, as provide in the EPAct.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/17/05                    70 FR 69803
Final Action                    11/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Melanie Harris, Marine Habitat Resource Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric

[[Page 22441]]

Administration, NMFS, Office of Habitat Conservation, 1315 East-West 
Hgwy., Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-4300
Fax: 301-713-4305
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AC42, Related to 0648-AS55
RIN: 0648-AU01
_______________________________________________________________________




507.  FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES; 
RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO MODIFY 
SEAFOOD DEALER REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; CORRECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 18 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS published a document in the Federal Register on April 
28, 2005, revising regulations for seafood dealer reporting 
requirements. That rule also contained a measure authorizing vessel 
operator permits issued by the NMFS Southeast (SE) Region under 
regulations governing the Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf, and South 
Atlantic to satisfy NMFS Northeast (NE) Region vessel operator 
permitting requirements. However, when amending the operator permit 
section of the regulations to reflect the reciprocal arrangement, NMFS 
inadvertently removed the summer flounder fishery from the list of 
fisheries requiring a NE operator permit. This document corrects the 
April 28, 2005, regulations by adding the summer flounder fishery to 
the list of fisheries requiring a NE operator permit.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/00/06

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

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AS87
RIN: 0648-AU05
_______________________________________________________________________




508.  2006 SECRETARIAL ACTION FOR NORTHEAST 
MULTISPECIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is 
currently developing Framework 42 (FW 42) to the Northeast Multispecies 
FMP, to implement measures that would reduce the fishing mortality rate 
of several groundfish stocks to maintain the Amendment 13 rebuilding 
program for several stocks. This action is very complex and 
controversial in its development, as it has numerous and far-reaching 
measures. Council completion of FW 42 has been delayed beyond its 
scheduled May 1, 2006 implementation deadline. As a result, NOAA 
Fisheries Service is considering Secretarial action to implement the 
most critical measures to reduce fishing mortality on keystocks by the 
beginning of the 2006 fishing year on May 1, 2006. Failure to do so 
would jeopardize the rebuilding programs for several stocks and allow 
certain programs (e.g. DAS Leasing Program) to expire. The major 
measures being considered for Secretarial action include charging days 
fished at a higher rate (differential DAS), trip limits, and 
commensurate recreational measures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/03/06                    71 FR 11060
NPRM Comment Period End         03/06/06
Correction                      03/13/06                    71 FR 12669
Correction Comment Period End   03/09/06
Final Action                    07/00/06

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-AU09
_______________________________________________________________________




509.  FINAL RULE TO IMPLEMENT THE 2006 ACCEPTABLE 
BIOLOGICAL CATCH AND OPTIMUM YIELD FOR PACIFIC WHITING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will implement the 2006 ABC and OY for Pacific 
whiting.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

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

RIN: 0648-AU39
_______________________________________________________________________




510. 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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1372 (c)

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/03/01                    66 FR 35209
NPRM Comment Period Extended    08/22/01                    66 FR 44109
NPRM Comment Period End         09/04/01

[[Page 22442]]

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, Marine Resource Manager, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2289

RIN: 0648-AH26
_______________________________________________________________________




511. 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                    11/00/06

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, 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
_______________________________________________________________________




512. 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                    08/00/06

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: Lecky James H., 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
_______________________________________________________________________




513. 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                    11/00/06

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 22443]]

_______________________________________________________________________




514. 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                    11/00/06

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: Lecky James H., 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
_______________________________________________________________________




515. 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                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Lecky James H., 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
_______________________________________________________________________




516.  TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO 
COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS, ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN 
(ALWTRP) AND ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION; RESTRICTIONS TO FISHING 
ACTIVITIES.

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq; 16 USC 1351 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: With this action, NMFS issues a temporary rule to restrict 
gillnet fishing activity in the Southeast U.S. Restricted Area through 
March 31, 2006 under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act 
(MMPA). NMFS is taking this action because the Agency has determined 
that a right whale mortality, documented on January 22, 2006, was the 
result of an entanglement by gillnet gear within the Southeast U.S. 
Restricted Area. This action is necessary to protect North Atlantic 
right whales from further serious injury or mortality due to 
entanglement in gillnet gear in the Southeast U.S. Restricted Area.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      02/16/06                     71 FR 8223
Final Action                    10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kristy Long, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East 
West Highway, Rm 13738, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301-427-2522
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AU23

[[Page 22444]]




_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



517. 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 documents 
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                    11/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




518. 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                    11/00/06

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


                    ________________________________



519. 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) 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                    04/00/06

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, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 
15861, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-9681

[[Page 22445]]

Fax: 301 713-1494
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT00
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



520. 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


                    ________________________________



521. 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


                    ________________________________



522. 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
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________




523. 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
Withdrawn                       11/03/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




524. 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

[[Page 22446]]

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

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 0648-AT95           02/01/06

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AL67
_______________________________________________________________________




525. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/01/06

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AM98
_______________________________________________________________________




526. REVISION OF AMERICAN LOBSTER REGULATIONS FOR THE EEZ

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In accordance with the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative 
Management Act (Act), 16 U.S.C. 5101 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                    03/14/06                    71 FR 13027

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
_______________________________________________________________________




527. 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; and 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                            10/12/05                    70 FR 59296
NPRM Comment Period End         12/12/05
Final Action                    03/02/06                    71 FR 10614

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 22447]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




528. 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                            09/13/05                    70 FR 53979
NPRM Comment Period End         09/28/05
Final Action                    10/28/05                    70 FR 62073

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

RIN: 0648-AP51
_______________________________________________________________________




529. 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                    11/15/05                    70 FR 69282

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AQ91
_______________________________________________________________________




530. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/07/06

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

RIN: 0648-AR38
_______________________________________________________________________




531. 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.

[[Page 22448]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 0648-AT95           02/01/06

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AR65
_______________________________________________________________________




532. 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 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                    12/19/05                    70 FR 75080

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AR67
_______________________________________________________________________




533. 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                    12/12/05                    70 FR 73383

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

RIN: 0648-AS16
_______________________________________________________________________




534. 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                    12/19/05                    70 FR 75075

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AS30
_______________________________________________________________________




535. 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: None

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

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 0648-AT95           02/01/06

[[Page 22449]]

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AS31
_______________________________________________________________________




536. 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                      01/03/06                       71 FR 27

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
_______________________________________________________________________




537. 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                    03/10/06                    71 FR 12440

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
_______________________________________________________________________




538. 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                    10/21/05                    70 FR 61235

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, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AS59
_______________________________________________________________________




539. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 0648-AT95           02/01/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator,

[[Page 22450]]

Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AS63
_______________________________________________________________________




540. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          09/15/05                    70 FR 54518
NPRM                            09/26/05                    70 FR 56157
NPRM Comment Period End         11/10/05
Comment Period End              11/14/05
Final Action                    12/23/05                    70 FR 76216

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

RIN: 0648-AS66
_______________________________________________________________________




541. 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                    12/27/05                    70 FR 76422

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
_______________________________________________________________________




542. 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                    09/14/05                    70 FR 54302

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
_______________________________________________________________________




543. 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 by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 
on July 15, 2004, and established a rebuilding plan, a 5.31 MP GW 
commercial quota, and a 1.25 MP GW recreational target catch level for 
red grouper. Secretarial Amendment 1 also reduced the quotas for deep-
water grouper (DWG) and shallow-water grouper (SWG). The commercial DWG 
and SWG fisheries were closed on July 15, 2004, and November 15, 2004, 
respectively. In November 2004, the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management 
Council, at the request of industry, asked NMFS to develop an emergency 
rule establishing trip limits for the commercial grouper fishery in 
2005. Trip limits were implemented by NMFS through emergency rule in 
March 2005, and will expire in February 2006. These trip limits were 
implemented to prolong the SWG and DWG fishing seasons in 2005 and

[[Page 22451]]

reduce the adverse effects associated with derby fishing. However, the 
emergency trip limits were not restrictive enough to extend the fishing 
season and reduce the effects of a derby fishery, and resulted in 
earlier closures to the DWG and SWG fisheries in 2005 (June 23, 2005, 
and October 10, 2005, respectively). The purpose of this regulatory 
amendment is to establish more permanent trip limits for the commercial 
grouper fishery. New trip limits are needed if the Council intends to 
reduce the adverse socioeconomic effects of derby fishing in the 
commercial fishery and prolong the commercial grouper fishing season.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/22/05                    70 FR 70575
NPRM Comment Period End         12/07/05
Final Action                    12/29/05                    70 FR 77057

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

RIN: 0648-AT12
_______________________________________________________________________




544. 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                            12/27/05                    70 FR 76436
NPRM Comment Period End         01/11/06
Final Action                    03/02/06                    71 FR 10612

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

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
_______________________________________________________________________




545. 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                            12/19/05                    70 FR 75111
NPRM Comment Period End         01/03/06
Final Action                    02/24/06                     71 FR 9471

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-AT20
_______________________________________________________________________




546. 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                            12/15/05                    70 FR 74285
NPRM Comment Period End         01/17/06
Final Action                    03/03/06                    71 FR 10867

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-AT21
_______________________________________________________________________




547. 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                            12/01/05                    70 FR 72100
NPRM Comment Period End         12/16/05
Final Action                    01/19/06                     71 FR 3016

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
_______________________________________________________________________




548. 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

[[Page 22452]]

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                    11/22/05                    70 FR 70549

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, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AT33
_______________________________________________________________________




549. 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                    12/08/05                    70 FR 72934

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
_______________________________________________________________________




550. 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                    09/13/05                    70 FR 53969

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
_______________________________________________________________________




551. 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                            10/27/05                    70 FR 61775
NPRM Comment Period End         11/25/05
Final Action                    01/11/06                     71 FR 1698

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT54
_______________________________________________________________________




552. 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

[[Page 22453]]

Abstract: NMFS proposes to implement changes to the Pacific Halibut 
Catch Sharing Plan (Plan) for the International Pacific Halibut 
Commission's (IPHC or Commission) regulatory Area 2A off Washington, 
Oregon, and California (Area 2A). NMFS proposes to update the tribal 
season in the Plan to reflect recent IPHC season date-setting trends. 
NMFS also proposes to implement the portions of the Plan and management 
measures that are not implemented through the IPHC, which includes the 
sport fishery management measures for Area 2A, the flexible inseason 
management provisions in Area 2A, fishery election in Area 2A, and Area 
2A non-treaty commercial fishery closed areas. NMFS proposes to codify 
all but the sport fishery management measures for Area 2A, at 50 CFR 
part 300, subpart E. These actions are intended to enhance the 
conservation of Pacific halibut, to protect yelloweye rockfish and 
other overfished groundfish species from incidental catch in the 
halibut fisheries, and to provide greater angler opportunity where 
available.
NMFS also proposes to publish annual management measures for the 2006 
Pacific Halibut Fisheries in the waters of the United States and Canada 
as developed by the IPHC and approved by the Secretary of State. The 
IPHC develops its regulations under the authority of the Convention 
between the United States and Canada for the Preservation of the 
Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea 
Convention.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/30/06                     71 FR 4876
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/06
Final Action                    03/03/06                    71 FR 10850

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
_______________________________________________________________________




553. 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                    11/09/05                    70 FR 67985

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

RIN: 0648-AT64
_______________________________________________________________________




554. CLOSURE OF THE U.S. LONGLINE BIGEYE TUNA FISHERY FOR 2005 IN THE 
EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Duplicate of 0648-AT33          01/27/06

RIN: 0648-AT70
_______________________________________________________________________




555. 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                            10/06/05                    70 FR 58366
NPRM Comment Period End         11/07/05
Final Action                    12/01/05                    70 FR 72080

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT74

[[Page 22454]]

_______________________________________________________________________




556. 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                            11/01/05                    70 FR 65874
NPRM Comment Period End         12/01/05
Final Action                    12/28/05                    70 FR 76715

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-AT85
_______________________________________________________________________




557. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 0648-AT87           02/07/06

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

RIN: 0648-AT86
_______________________________________________________________________




558. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/14/05                    70 FR 60058

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

RIN: 0648-AT88
_______________________________________________________________________




559.  CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA ROCKFISH PILOT PROGRAM

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Duplicate of 0648-AT71          01/27/06

RIN: 0648-AT90
_______________________________________________________________________




560.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT AMENDMENT 69 
TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH OF THE GULF OF ALASKA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amendment 69 would amend the manner in which the Total 
Allowable Catch (TAC) for the ``other species'' complex is annually 
determined in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). As part of the annual harvest 
specifications the Council would recommend a TAC amount for the ``other 
species'' complex at a level less than or equal to 5 percent of the sum 
of other assessed groundfish targets in the GOA. Additionally, the 
Maximum Retainable Amount (MRA) of ``other species'' in the directed 
arrowtooth fishery would be raised from 0 to 20 percent. By giving the 
Council the option to set the TAC for ``other species'' at a lower 
amount than at present, if a directed fishery developed targeting a 
single or several species within the ``other species'' complex the 
Council would be able to set a TAC amount at a level sufficient to 
conserve and maintain the sustainability of those species targeted 
within the ``other species'' complex.

[[Page 22455]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          11/16/05                    70 FR 69505
NPRM                            11/29/05                    70 FR 71450
NPRM Comment Period End         01/13/06
Other/Comment Period End        01/17/06
Final Action                    03/13/06                    71 FR 12626

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AT92
_______________________________________________________________________




561.  EFFECTIVENESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF COLLECTION OF 
INFORMATION REQUIREMENT

Priority: Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660; 50 CFR 902

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. West Coast Highly Migratory Species Fishery 
Management Plan (HMS FMP) contained vessel identification requirements 
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) that, at the time of 
publication (April 7, 2004, 69 FR 1844) were still undergoing OMB 
review. This final rule announces the effective date of the requirement 
recently approved by OMB.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/07/05                     70 FR AT97

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Craig Heberer, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean 
Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 760 431-9440
Fax: 562-980-4047
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AP42
RIN: 0648-AT97
_______________________________________________________________________




562.  REINSTATEMENT OF AMENDMENT 10 ESSENTIAL FISH 
HABITAT (EFH) CLOSED AREAS UNDER THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends current regulatory text regarding boundaries 
for the essential fish habitat (EFH) closures that were established by 
Framework 16 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP) 
and Framework 39 to the Northeast Multispecies (NE Multispecies) FMP 
(Joint Frameworks 16/39) in order to reflect recent court orders in 
Oceana v. Evans, Civil Action No. 04-810, (D.D.C., August 2, 2005 and 
October 6, 2005) vacating such text and reinstating boundaries for EFH 
closures established by Amendment 10 to the scallop FMP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/03/05                    70 FR 66797

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AN16, Related to 0648-AR55
RIN: 0648-AT99
_______________________________________________________________________




563.  2005-2006 PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH 
SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES, INCLUDING INSEASON ACTIONS AND 
CORRECTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS proposes a rule to implement revisions to the 2006 
commercial and recreational groundfish fishery management measures for 
groundfish taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the 
coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. Proposed management 
measures that are new for 2006 are intended to: Achieve but not exceed 
optimum yields (OYs); prevent overfishing; rebuild overfished species; 
and reduce and minimize the bycatch and discard of overfished and 
depleted stocks. NMFS additionally proposes to revise the 2006 
darkblotched rockfish OY, at the request of the Pacific Fishery 
Management Council (Pacific Council), and under the authority of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act). These actions, which are authorized by the Pacific Coast 
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 
are intended to allow fisheries to access more abundant groundfish 
stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks. Finally, NMFS 
announces with this Federal Register document that the coast- wide 
lingcod stock is no longer considered overfished and is fully rebuilt.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/19/05                    70 FR 75115
NPRM Comment Period End         01/15/06
Final Action                    02/17/06                     71 FR 8489
Correction                      03/27/06                    71 FR 15045

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

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AS27
RIN: 0648-AU00
_______________________________________________________________________




564.  FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES AND IN THE 
WESTERN PACIFIC; WESTERN PACIFIC PELAGIC FISHERIES; GUAM LONGLINE 
FISHING PROHIBITED AREA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

[[Page 22456]]

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory action amends the geographic coordinates that 
define the longline fishing prohibited area in the U.S. Exclusive 
Economic Zone around Guam, to correct one of the coordinates.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/20/06                     71 FR 3254
NPRM Comment Period End         02/21/06
Final Action                    03/03/06                    71 FR 10869

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: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AU11
_______________________________________________________________________




565.  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                            02/17/06                     71 FR 8557
NPRM Comment Period End         03/06/06
Final Action                    03/31/06                    71 FR 16243

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0648-AU17
_______________________________________________________________________




566. 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
Merged With 0648-AU01           10/11/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




567. 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                    01/26/06                     71 FR 4297

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, 1315 East-
West Highway, Room 13600, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 713-0376

[[Page 22457]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AP62
_______________________________________________________________________




568. 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
Comment Period Extended         01/05/05                      70 FR 776
Comment Period Extended         08/25/05                    70 FR 49902
Final Action                    01/04/06                      71 FR 247

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Lecky James H., 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
_______________________________________________________________________




569. 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. After 
considering public comments, NMFS determined that this DPS is 
endangered.

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                    11/18/05                    70 FR 69903

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lecky James H., 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
_______________________________________________________________________




570. 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                    03/07/06                    71 FR 11314

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Lecky James H., 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

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AM09
RIN: 0648-AS98
_______________________________________________________________________




571. 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

[[Page 22458]]

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 Rule                      04/07/06                    71 FR 17757

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lecky James H., 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
_______________________________________________________________________




572. 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                    02/16/06                     71 FR 8222

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, 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
_______________________________________________________________________




573.  SEA TURTLE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL SHRIMP 
FISHING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531-1543; 16 USC 1361 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS intends to publish a temporary 30-day rule to allow the 
shrimp fishery operating in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi to use 
tow times in lieu of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). The action is 
necessary because debris from hurricane Katrina has rendered TEDs 
ineffective at sea turtle exclusion. This action will benefit the 
shrimp fishery by allowing them to continue to fish while protecting 
sea turtles.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/27/05                    70 FR 61911
Final Rule                      11/29/05                    70 FR 71406
Final Rule                      12/29/05                    70 FR 77054
Final Rule                      02/22/06                     71 FR 8990

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Kristy Long, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East 
West Highway, Rm 13738, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301-427-2522
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT89
_______________________________________________________________________




574.  SEA TURTLE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL SHRIMP 
FISHING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1381 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: NMFS intends to publish a temporary 30-day rule to allow the 
shrimp fishery operating in parts of Louisiana and Texas to use tow 
times in lieu of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). The action is 
necessary because debris from hurricane Rita has rendered TEDs 
ineffective at sea turtle exclusion. This action will benefit the 
shrimp fishery by allowing them to continue to fish while protecting 
sea turtles.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/14/05                    70 FR 60013

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Energy Effects:  Statement of Energy Effects planned as required by 
Executive Order 13211.

Agency Contact: Kristy Long, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East 
West Highway, Rm 13738, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301-427-2522
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT96
_______________________________________________________________________




575.  ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: FINAL 
PROTECTIVE REGULATIONS FOR THREATENED UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER STEELHEAD

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is extending the

[[Page 22459]]

protective regulations for threatened West Coast salmon and steelhead 
to Upper Columbia River steelhead. Upper Columbia River steelhead were 
previously listed as endangered in 1997 and were afforded the take 
prohibitions under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). On January 5, 
2006, the listing status of Upper Columbia River steelhead was changed 
to threatened. We have determined that the existing protective 
regulations for threatened West Coast salmonids are necessary and 
advisable for the conservation of Upper Columbia River steelhead.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/01/06                     71 FR 5178

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marta Nammack, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301-427-2523
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0648-AR93
RIN: 0648-AU18
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                              Prerule Stage


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________




576.  REGULATIONS GOVERNING DUTY OF DISCLOSURE IN 
PATENT APPLICATIONS AND THE DOCTRINE OF INEQUITABLE CONDUCT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1.56

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), under its 35 
USC Section 2 authority to prescribe procedural rules, is seeking 
comment on alternatives to provisions of its current Rule 1.56, 
establishing obligations to disclose information to the Office in 
patent application prosecution. The notice will also articulate how the 
USPTO interprets the implementation of its ethics rules concerning 
registered patent practitioners for information disclosure. Finally, 
the notice recognizes the influence of the judicial doctrine of 
inequitable conduct on submission to the USPTO and seeks public comment 
on the extent of that influence and possible alternatives.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Inquiry               05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kyu S. Lee, Associate Counsel, Department of Commerce, 
Patent and Trademark Office, US Patent & Trademark Office, Office of 
the General Counsel, P. O. Box 15667, Arlington, VA 22215
Phone: 571 272-6421
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________




577. CHANGES TO REPRESENTATION OF OTHERS BEFORE THE U.S. 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 U.S. 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                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06
Final Action - Part II          10/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




578. 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

[[Page 22460]]

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 1, 2006.

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                    08/00/06
Final Action Effective          10/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




579. 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; 37 CFR 2.87 to 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 USC 
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                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06
Final Action                    09/00/06
Final Action Effective          10/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




580. 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 was 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                            01/03/06                       71 FR 48
NPRM Comment Period End         05/03/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




581. 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 U.S. 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

[[Page 22461]]

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                            01/03/06                       71 FR 61
NPRM Comment Period End         05/03/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




582. CHANGES TO INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER 
RELATED MATTERS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. 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 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                            08/00/06

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
_______________________________________________________________________




583.  INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR EXAMINATION OF PATENT 
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENT SUBJECT MATTER ELIGIBILITY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2) and 101

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has, in response 
to recent case law, revised its guidelines to be used by USPTO 
personnel in their review of patent applications to determine whether 
the claims in a patent application are directed to patent eligible 
subject matter. The USPTO is requesting comments from the public 
regarding these interim examination guidelines.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          12/20/05                    70 FR 75451
Comment Period End              06/30/06
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W Bahr, Department of Commerce, Patent and 
Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________




584.  EXAMINATION OF PATENT APPLICATIONS THAT INCLUDE 
CLAIMS CONTAINING MARKUSH OR OTHER ALTERNATIVE LANGUAGE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is considering 
revising the rules of practice to address Markush-type and other claims 
written so as to claim an invention in the alternative. The search and 
examination of Markush-type and other claims written in the alternative 
generally consume a disproportionate amount of Office resources as 
compared to other types of claims, because these claims can encompass 
multiple independent and distinct inventions and determining the 
patentability of such a claim may require a separate examination of 
each of the alternatives within the claim. The Office anticipates that 
requiring applicants who choose this claim-drafting format to ensure a 
certain degree of relatedness among the members of a Markush group or 
the alternatives presented in the claims will allow the Office to do a 
better, more thorough and reliable examination of Markush-type and 
other claims written in the alternative.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W Bahr, Department of Commerce, Patent and 
Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-8800

[[Page 22462]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________




585.  CHANGES TO ELIMINATE THE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT 
PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Office) implemented the 
Disclosure Document Program in 1969 in order to provide an alternative 
to form of evidence of conception of an invention to, for example, a 
``self-addressed envelope'' containing a disclosure of an invention. It 
appears, however, that few, if any, inventors obtain any actual benefit 
from a disclosure document, and some inventors who use the Disclosure 
Document Program believe that they are actually filing an application 
for a patent. In addition, a provisional application for patent affords 
better benefits and protection to inventors than a Disclosure Document. 
Therefore, the Office is proposing to eliminate the Disclosure Document 
Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W Bahr, Department of Commerce, Patent and 
Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AC01
_______________________________________________________________________




586.  CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT PREEXAMINATION SEARCH 
REPORTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Office) has established 
a 21st Century Strategic Plan to transform the Office into a quality-
focused, highly productive, responsive organization supporting a 
market-driven intellectual property system. The 21st Century Strategic 
Plan addresses patent pendency through (inter alia) the continued 
aggressive hiring of examining staff and the exploitation of search 
reports from other intellectual property (IP) authorities and from 
commercial search contractors. The Office is concerned that the 
aggressive hiring of examining staff and exploitation of search reports 
from others may be insufficient to address patent pendency in the near 
future, for example, due to limits on the volume of new examiners that 
can realistically be absorbed and restrictions on the Office's ability 
to obtain search reports from commercial search contractors. Therefore, 
the Office is exploring requiring applicants to provide a 
preexamination search report. The Office anticipates that if applicants 
provide preexamination reports, the examination of applications will be 
better streamlined and more focused thereby resulting in higher quality 
and more timely issued patents. Because applicants are, generally, in 
the unique position of possessing the greatest knowledge of their 
claimed invention and, in many instances, an extensive knowledge of the 
prior art most pertinent to their claimed invention, requiring 
applicants to share this knowledge and expertise with the Office is 
highly conducive to achieving the common goal of the Office and the 
public, namely high quality patents. Further, the need to focus unduly 
broad claims will become apparent to the applicant through the process 
of providing a preexamination search report. In addition, with a 
preexamination search report, examiners will begin the examination 
process with a greater understanding of the claimed invention and with, 
perhaps, the best prior art already available.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06

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, Mail Stop Comments-Patents, 
Commissioner for Patents, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________




587.  CHANGES IN THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING REQUESTS 
FOR RECONSIDERATION OF FINAL OFFICE ACTIONS IN TRADEMARK CASES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 15 USC 1123; 35 USC 2

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2.64

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office amends 37 CFR part 2.64 to require that a request 
for reconsideration of an examining attorney's final refusal or 
requirement be filed through TEAS within 3 months of the mailing date 
of the final action. The purpose of the proposed rule is to streamline 
the processing of applications in which a final refusal has been 
issued, and to reduce pendency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06
Final Action                    09/00/06
Final Action Effective          10/00/06

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-AC05

[[Page 22463]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________




588. 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; 37 CFR 2.118; 37 CFR 2.119(a) and (b); 37 CFR 
2.120(a), (d) through (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 U.S. 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                            01/17/06                     71 FR 2498
NPRM Comment Period End         03/20/06
Final Action                    05/00/06
Final Action Effective          07/00/06

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, Trademark Trial 
and Appeal Board, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-4304
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB56
_______________________________________________________________________




589.  CLARIFICATION OF FILING DATE REQUIREMENTS FOR EX 
PARTE AND INTER PARTES REEXAMINATION PROCEEDINGS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2) and 302 et seq.

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is revising the 
rules of practice relating to the filing date requirements for ex parte 
and inter partes reexamination proceedings for consistency with the 
provisions of the patent statute governing ex parte and inter partes 
reexamination proceedings. The Office is specifically revising the 
rules to require that a request for ex parte reexamination or for inter 
partes reexamination meets the applicable statutory requirements before 
a filing date is accorded to the request for ex parte reexamination or 
for inter partes reexamination.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/23/06                     71 FR 9260
Interim Final Rule Effective    03/27/06
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/24/06
Final Action                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert W Bahr, Department of Commerce, Patent and 
Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________




590. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




591. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




592. 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

[[Page 22464]]

Phone: 571 272-8090
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0651-AB54, Related to 0651-AB69
RIN: 0651-AB79
_______________________________________________________________________




593. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




594. ACCEPTANCE, PROCESSING, USE AND DISSEMINATION OF CHEMICAL AND 
THREE-DIMENSIONAL BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURAL DATA IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1

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
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________




595. REVISIONS TO FACILITATE WEB-BASED PATENT CORRESPONDENCE AND 
AMENDMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR REISSUE APPLICATIONS AND REEXAMINATION 
PROCEEDINGS

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: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________




596. PRE-BRIEF APPEAL CONFERENCE FOR PATENT APPLICATIONS UNDER APPEAL TO 
THE BOARD OF PATENT APPEALS AND INTERFERENCES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 41

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: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________




597. CHANGES TO EXAMINATION PRACTICE FOR MEANS- (OR STEP-) PLUS-FUNCTION 
CLAIM ELEMENTS IN PATENT APPLICATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

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: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________




598.  REVISION TO THE TIME FOR REQUIRED FILING OF A 
BIOLOGICAL DEPOSIT AND TO THE DATE OF AVAILABILITY OF THE BIOLOGICAL 
DEPOSIT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2) and 122

CFR Citation: 37 CFR Part 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This section changes the rules of practice to require that 
any deposit of biological material be made before publication of a 
patent application, and that all restrictions on access to the 
deposited material imposed by the depositor be removed upon 
publication. The changes will provide that the public has access to 
biological materials referenced in the disclosure of a patent 
application to the same extent that access to the remainder of the 
disclosure is available. When any item is referenced in the disclosure 
of a patent application publication or patent, then a special 
circumstance exists that warrants release of the referenced item. The 
public policy basis for allowing access to a referenced item is the 
same whether the item is another patent application or a deposited 
biological material.

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 
22313-1450
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AB99

[[Page 22465]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________




599. 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 U.S. 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                    09/14/05                    70 FR 54259
Final Action Effective          09/14/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




600. PROVISIONS FOR CLAIMING THE BENEFIT OF A PROVISIONAL APPLICATION 
WITH A NON-ENGLISH SPECIFICATION AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1, 3 and 10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Office) amends its 
rules of practice to allow a person acting with limited recognition to 
be given a power of attorney and authorized to sign amendments and 
other correspondence respecting patent applications, reexamination 
proceedings, and other proceedings. A person granted limited 
recognition is not a registered patent attorney or agent. Instead, such 
a person is either: one who has been authorized by the Director of the 
Office of Enrollment and Discipline to prosecute as attorney or agent 
one or more specified patent application or other patent proceedings 
(e.g., a parent of a child inventor); or a nonimmigrant alien residing 
in the United States with an appropriate visa. Furthermore, the Office 
amends its rules of practice to require that: A copy of the English 
translation of a foreign-language provisional application be filed in 
the provisional application if a non-provisional application claims the 
benefit of the provisional application; a copy of documentary evidence 
supporting a claim of ownership be recorded in the Office's assignment 
records when an assignee takes action in a patent matter; and separate 
copies of a document be submitted to the Office for recording in the 
Office's assignment records, each accompanied by a cover sheet, if the 
document to be recorded includes an interest in, or a transaction 
involving, both patents and trademarks.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/07/05                    70 FR 17629
NPRM Comment Period End         06/06/05
Final Action                    09/26/05                    70 FR 56119
Final Action Effective          11/25/05

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, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0651-AB63
RIN: 0651-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


Technology Administration (TA)



_______________________________________________________________________




601. 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                    03/08/06                    71 FR 11510
Final Action Effective          04/07/06

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

[[Page 22466]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0692-AA19
[FR Doc. 06-2468 Filed 04-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-BW-S
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