[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 24652]]



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 2008 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 2007 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 2008 regulatory agenda includes 
regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the 
period April 1, 2008, through March 31, 2009.

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 Jennifer K. Nist, 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 31, 2008, the Office 
of Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the 
preparation and publication of the spring 2008 Unified Agenda of 
Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires agencies to publish, in the spring 
and fall of each year, a regulatory flexibility agenda that contains a 
brief description of the subject of any rule 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.

     As of the fall 2007 edition, the Internet will be the basic 
means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified 
Agenda will be available online at www.reginfo.gov, in a format 
that offers users a greatly enhanced ability to obtain information 
from the Agenda database.

     Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for 
the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), the Department of Commerce's 
printed agenda entries include only:

    (1) rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility 
agenda, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because 
they are likely to have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities; and

    (2) any rules that the Agency has identified for periodic 
review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

     Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain 
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda 
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available 
in the Unified Agenda published on the Internet.

     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, an 
``Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries'' 
is provided below.

Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries

    The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) (Act) governs the management of fisheries 
within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ refers to those 
waters from the outer edge of the State boundaries, generally 3 
nautical miles, to a distance of 200 nautical miles. Fishery 
Management Plans (FMPs) are to be prepared for fisheries that 
require conservation and management measures. Regulations 
implementing these FMPs regulate domestic fishing and foreign 
fishing where permitted. Foreign fishing may 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 2008 regulatory agenda follows.

 John J. Sullivan,

General Counsel.

[[Page 24653]]



                              International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions
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                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
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40          Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn............................................    0625-AA59
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                      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41          Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan...    0648-AP60
42          Maximize Retention and Monitoring Program in the Shore-Based Pacific Whiting Fishery..    0648-AR63
43          Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska..    0648-AR72
44          Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery...................    0648-AS25
45          Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Reducing Sea Turtle Takes....................    0648-AS49
46          Amendment to Coastal Migratory Pelagics FMP, Red Drum FMP, Reef Fish FMP, Spiny           0648-AS65
            Lobster FMP, and Stone Crab FMP To Provide for Regulation of Marine Aquaculture.......
47          Western Pacific Squid Fishery.........................................................    0648-AS71
48          American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures To Complement Interstate        0648-AT31
            Lobster Management Recommendations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
49          Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan..    0648-AT58
50          Subsistence Halibut Program Amendments................................................    0648-AU14
51          BSAI Amendment 73 and GOA Amendment 77 FMP To Revise Management Authority of Dark         0648-AU20
            Rockfish..............................................................................
52          Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the        0648-AU28
            South Atlantic Region.................................................................
53          Amendment 15 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.    0648-AU36
54          Restrictions for 2007 Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries in the Eastern Tropical          0648-AU79
            Pacific Ocean.........................................................................
55          Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Precious Corals Fisheries; Fishery Management Plan      0648-AV30
            for Amendment 7--Gold and Black Coral Management......................................
56          South Atlantic Fishery Ecosystem Plan Comprehensive Amendment.........................    0648-AV31
57          Modifying Maximum Retainable Amounts (MRAs) for Selected Groundfish Species Caught by     0648-AV32
            the Non-American Fishing Act Trawl Catcher Processor Sector...........................
58          Reef Fish Amendment 30A for Greater Amberjack and Gray Triggerfish: Total Allowable       0648-AV34
            Catch (TAC) Adjustments, Measures To End Overfishing and Establish Sustainable
            Fisheries Act (SFA) Parameters........................................................
59          Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA)           0648-AV53
            Environmental Review Procedure........................................................
60          Guidance for Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures To End Overfishing.......    0648-AV60
61          Rule To Implement a Minimum Possession Size Limit on Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus)..    0648-AV61
62          Collection and Use of Tax Identification Numbers From Holders of and Applicants for       0648-AV76
            National Marine Fisheries Service Permits.............................................
63          American Lobster Data Collection and Broodstock Protection Measures...................    0648-AV77
64          Gulf Reef Fish Amendment 30B..........................................................    0648-AV80
65          Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto        0648-AV98
            Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Amendment 4 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management
            Plan of Puerto Rico and the U.S.......................................................
66          National Saltwater Angler Registry and State Exemption Program........................    0648-AW10
67          Amendment 17 to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Snapper Grouper Fishery     0648-AW11
            Management Plan.......................................................................
68          Amendment 15B to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Snapper Grouper Fishery    0648-AW12
            Management Plan.......................................................................
69          Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Queen Conch Fishery of Puerto Rico     0648-AW15
            and the U.S. Virgin Islands...........................................................
70          Amendment 7 to the South Atlantic Shrimp Fishery Management Plan......................    0648-AW19
71          Marine Mammal Protection Act Stranding Regulation Revisions...........................    0648-AW22
72          Revise Regulations Governing the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program............    0648-AW24
73          Revise Regulations To Exempt Certain Groundfish Catcher-Processors and Motherships        0648-AW28
            From Check-In Check-Out Requirements With Active Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS)......
74          Amendment 3 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan....................    0648-AW30
75          Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and      0648-AW45
            Tanner Crabs..........................................................................
76          Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Amendment 18 to      0648-AW49
            the Pelagics Fishery Management Plan; Shallow-Set Longline Swordfish Fishery..........
77          Establish a Permit Fee Collection Framework Under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S.    0648-AW50
            West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP)...........................
78          Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Compensation to Northwestern Hawaiian Islands           0648-AW52
            Bottomfish and Lobster Fishermen Due to Fishery Closure in the Papahanaumokuakea
            Marine National Monument..............................................................

[[Page 24654]]

 
79          Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region Under the Endangered     0648-AV15
            Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act..........................................
80          Designation of Critical Habitat for the Endangered U.S. Distinct Population Segment       0648-AV74
            (DPS) of Smalltooth Sawfish...........................................................
81          Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Regulation Revisions..............................    0648-AV82
82          Rulemaking To Establish Take Prohibitions for the Threatened Southern Distinct            0648-AV94
            Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon...................................
83          Amendment to Discharge Regulations in Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay, and           0648-AW29
            Cordell Banks National Marine Sanctuaries.............................................
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                        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
84          Require Mandatory Observer Coverage in the At-Sea Processing Sector of the Whiting        0648-AK26
            Fishery...............................................................................
85          Revisions to the Scientific Research Activity, Exempted Fishing, and Exempted             0648-AR78
            Educational Activity Regulations......................................................
86          Framework 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for Monkfish...............................    0648-AU34
87          Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures.................    0648-AU89
88          2008 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Fishery Management            0648-AV41
            Measures..............................................................................
89          Individual Fishing Quota Omnibus V Action 2 and 4: Allow Longline Pot Gear in Bering      0648-AV64
            Sea During June; Allow Mobilized Military Personnel To Make Temporary Individual
            Fishing Quota Transfers...............................................................
90          General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Specifications for Boarding Ladders........    0648-AV78
91          Framework Adjustment 19 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan...........    0648-AV90
92          Amendment 89 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bering Sea; Bering Sea Habitat        0648-AW06
            Conservation Measures.................................................................
93          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.............................................................................
94          Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction.....................................................    0648-AS36
95          Virginia Modified Pound Net Leader Inspection Program.................................    0648-AU98
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
96          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...................................
97          American Lobster Fishery: Broodstock Protection and Trap Effort Control Regulations       0648-AU07
            for Offshore Area 3...................................................................
98          Expansion of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Vessel Monitoring System to the Open    0648-AU08
            Access Fishery........................................................................
99          Amendment 14 to the Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish FMP: Measures To End Bottomfish    0648-AU22
            Overfishing in the Hawaiian Archipelago...............................................
100         Amendment 15A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the       0648-AU29
            South Atlantic Region.................................................................
101         Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan......................    0648-AU32
102         Amendment 85 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Bering Sea and      0648-AU48
            Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Management Area; Pacific Cod Allocations......................
103         Framework Adjustment to the Bycatch Reduction Criterion for the Fishery Management        0648-AU59
            Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico.....................................
104         Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan......................    0648-AU69
105         Bag Limits for Tuna Species Taken in the Recreational Charter Fishery for the United      0648-AU77
            States West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species..............................
106         Individual Fishing Quota Processing Restriction Amendments: Processing of IFQ; Non-IFQ    0648-AU85
            Species by Vessels Categories B, C, or D in the GOA, BSAI.............................
107         Vessel Monitoring System Revision for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of         0648-AU93
            Alaska Fisheries......................................................................
108         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North and South Atlantic Swordfish Commercial          0648-AV10
            Management Measures...................................................................
109         Framework Adjustment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic     0648-AV17
            Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Region.............................
110         Alaska Groundfish Fisheries Seabird Avoidance Measures................................    0648-AV38
111         Specifications for the 2008 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries........    0648-AV40

[[Page 24655]]

 
112         Specifications for the 2008 to 2010 Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries...............    0648-AV42
113         Reef Fish Regulatory Amendment for Vermilion Snapper To Revise Management Measures....    0648-AV45
114         Rule To Revise the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Reef Fish Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)         0648-AV59
            Reporting Requirements, Power-Down Exemption, and Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota
            (IFQ) 3-Hour Notification.............................................................
115         FMP Amendments BSAI 88, KTC 23, Scallop 12, and Salmon 9 for the Aleutian Islands         0648-AV62
            Habitat Conservation Area Revision....................................................
116         Framework Adjustment 20 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan To Extend     0648-AV91
            Fishing Year 2007 Management Measures for the Elephant Trunk Access Area Through
            February 2008.........................................................................
117         2008 Summer Flounder Coastwide Recreational Interim Management Measures...............    0648-AV99
118         Specification of Total Allowable Catch Levels for Georges Bank (GB) Yellowtail            0648-AW13
            Flounder, Eastern GB Cod, and Eastern GB Haddock, for Fishing Year 2008...............
119         Georges Bank Cod Hook Sector Operations Plan Approval and Allocation of Georges Bank      0648-AW16
            Cod Total Allowable Catch for Fishing Year 2008.......................................
120         Georges Bank Cod Fixed Gear Sector Operations Plan Approval and Allocation of Georges     0648-AW17
            Bank Cod Total Allowable Catch for Fishing Year 2008..................................
121         Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan.........................................    0648-AW26
122         Oregon Coho Salmon Critical Habitat Designation.......................................    0648-AW39
123         Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large      0648-AS01
            Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations.................................................
124         Sea Turtle Conservation; Gear Requirements in the Atlantic Sea Scallop Dredge Fishery.    0648-AV84
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


International Trade Administration (ITA)



_______________________________________________________________________




40. COMMERCIAL AVAILABILITY OF FABRIC AND YARN

Legal Authority: PL 106-200, sec 112(b)(5)(B); PL 106-200, sec 211; EO 
13191; PL 107-210, sec 3103

Abstract: This rule implements certain provisions of the Trade and 
Development Act of 2000 (the Act). Title I of the Act (the African 
Growth and Opportunity Act or AGOA), title II of the Act (the United 
States-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act or CBTPA), and title XXXI 
of the Trade Act of 2002 (the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug 
Eradication Act or ATPDEA) provide for quota- and duty-free treatment 
for qualifying apparel products from designated beneficiary countries. 
AGOA and CBTPA authorize quota- and duty-free treatment for apparel 
articles that are both cut (or knit-to-shape) and sewn or otherwise 
assembled in one or more designated beneficiary countries from yarn or 
fabric that is not formed in the United States or a beneficiary 
country, provided it has been determined that such yarn or fabric 
cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in 
a timely manner. The President has delegated to the Committee for the 
Implementation of Textile Agreements (the Committee), which is chaired 
by Commerce, the authority to determine whether yarn or fabric cannot 
be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a 
timely manner under the AGOA, the ATPDEA, and the CBTPA, and has 
authorized the Committee to extend quota- and duty-free treatment to 
apparel of such yarn or fabric. The rule provides the procedure for 
interested parties to submit a request alleging that a yarn or fabric 
cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in 
a timely manner, the procedure for public comments, and relevant 
factors that will be considered in the Committee's determination. The 
rule also outlines the factors to be considered by the Committee in 
extending quota- and duty-free treatment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Janet Heinzen
Phone: 202 482-4006
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0625-AA59

[[Page 24656]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE


                    ________________________________



41. AMENDMENT 9 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 
(MSB) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) was developed by the Mid-Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council to remedy deficiencies in the FMP and to 
address other issues that have arisen since Amendment 8 to the MSB FMP 
became effective in 1998. Amendment 9 to the MSB FMP considers: 
allowing multi-year specifications and management measures; extending 
or eliminating the moratorium on entry into the directed Illex fishery; 
revising current biological reference points for Loligo; designating 
essential fish habitat (EFH) for Loligo eggs; implementing closures of 
EFH areas to reduce gear impacts from MSB fisheries; increasing the 
Loligo possession limit for Illex vessels during a closure of the 
Loligo fishery; and requiring real-time electronic reporting via a 
vessel monitoring system in the Illex fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/04/08                    73 FR 18483
NPRM Comment Period End         05/19/08
Final Action                    07/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




42. MAXIMIZE RETENTION AND MONITORING PROGRAM IN THE SHORE-BASED PACIFIC 
WHITING FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) at 
their October 21 to 25, 1996, meeting in San Francisco, California 
addressed the treatment and disposition of salmon in the groundfish 
trawl fisheries, specifically the shore-based whiting fishery. At that 
meeting, the Pacific Council discussed the retention of salmon in the 
shore-based whiting fishery and took action to maintain a viable shore-
based whiting fishery by using exempted fishing permits (EFPs). These 
EFPs allowed the shore-based whiting fleet to temporarily deliver 
unsorted catch to processing plants and provided for the monitoring of 
incidentally taken salmon until a permanent monitoring program could be 
implemented. In keeping with the Pacific Council's recommendation, NMFS 
is proceeding with implementing a monitoring program for the shore-
based whiting fishery. This action will aid in the sustainable 
management of Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fisheries while 
providing an important economic opportunity to those associated with 
the harvest, processing, and selling of whiting taken by the shore-
based whiting fleet. The need for implementing a permanent monitoring 
program in the shore-based Pacific whiting fishery is to provide for a 
full retention fishery by enabling the shore-based whiting fleet, 
composed 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                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




43. AMENDMENT 72 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH OF 
THE GULF OF ALASKA

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This amendment would revise the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) 
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to state that the Council will 
annually review the discards of shallow-water flatfish in Gulf of 
Alaska groundfish fisheries. After review of this annual report, the 
Council may recommend revisions to the retention and utilization 
requirements if the discard rate for shallow-water flatfish falls above 
or below a specified threshold. This fishery management plan has no 
implementing regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AR72
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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

RIN: 0648-AS25

[[Page 24657]]

_______________________________________________________________________




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

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

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                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




46. AMENDMENT TO COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGICS FMP, RED DRUM FMP, REEF FISH 
FMP, SPINY LOBSTER FMP, AND STONE CRAB FMP TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF 
MARINE AQUACULTURE

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

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 exclusive economic 
Zone. Possible management actions include: (1) Types of aquaculture 
permits required; (2) duration of aquaculture permits; (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                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AS65
_______________________________________________________________________




47. WESTERN PACIFIC SQUID FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Pelagic squid would be designated as a management unit 
species under the Western Pacific Pelagics Fishery Management Plan, and 
permitting and reporting requirements would be established.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service 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                            12/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This action would implement a rebuilding program for 
butterfish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of

[[Page 24658]]

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

RIN: 0648-AT58
_______________________________________________________________________




50. SUBSISTENCE HALIBUT PROGRAM AMENDMENTS

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

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                            04/14/08                    73 FR 20008
NPRM Comment Period End         05/14/08
Final Action                    07/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AU14
_______________________________________________________________________




51. BSAI AMENDMENT 73 AND GOA AMENDMENT 77 FMP TO REVISE MANAGEMENT 
AUTHORITY OF DARK ROCKFISH

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This amendment would remove dark rockfish (/Sebastes 
ciliatus/) from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and Gulf of 
Alaska (GOA) groundfish fishery management plans (FMP). The State of 
Alaska would then assume management of dark rockfish in the BSAI and 
GOA. Regulatory amendments are needed to implement these FMP amendments 
to remove dark rockfish from Table 2a of 50 CFR part 679 (FMP species) 
to add dark rockfish to Table 2d of 50 CFR part 679 (non-FMP species). 
The regulations implementing Amendment 73/77 also would revise the 
scientific name and species code for dusky rockfish on Table 2a to 50 
CFR part 679.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




52. AMENDMENT 14 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER-GROUPER 
FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 14 would establish a series of 8 Type II Marine 
Protected Areas (MPAs) in federal waters in the South Atlantic. The 
MPAs range in size from 8 square nautical miles to 150 square nautical 
miles, and would be distributed from North Carolina south to the 
Florida Keys. Within the MPAs, fishing for or retention of species in 
the snapper grouper management complex would be prohibited, as would 
the use of shark bottom longline fishing gear. Trolling for pelagic 
species such as tuna, dolphin, and mackerel would be allowed within the 
MPAs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          07/20/06                    71 FR 41207
NPRM                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AU28
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

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                            10/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




54. RESTRICTIONS FOR 2007 PURSE SEINE AND LONGLINE FISHERIES IN THE 
EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 951 to 961; 16 USC 971

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service announces the 2007 
conservation and management measures for international tuna fisheries 
in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The purse seine fishery will be 
closed for six weeks and any national longline fishery which reaches a 
catch level for bigeye tuna equal to the 2001 catch levels will also be 
closed. The intended effect of this rule is to establish prohibition of 
U.S. vessels purse seine fishing for tuna in the Inter-American 
Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) Convention Area from November 20 to 
December 31 period, and to announce the closure of the U.S. longline 
fishery. This will conform to the IATTC recommendation that was 
approved by the State Department.

[[Page 24659]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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

RIN: 0648-AU79
_______________________________________________________________________




55. FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; PRECIOUS CORALS FISHERIES; FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR AMENDMENT 7--GOLD AND BLACK CORAL MANAGEMENT

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for Precious Coral 
Fisheries in the Western Pacific would establish the Auau Channel, 
Hawaii, black coral bed as an established bed with an annual harvest 
quota of 5,000 kg every 2 years, and would place a 5-year moratorium on 
the harvest of gold coral in the Western Pacific.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV30
_______________________________________________________________________




56. SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY ECOSYSTEM PLAN COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The purpose of this action is to develop an ecosystem-based 
approach to resource management. The South Atlantic Council plans to 
develop a Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Comprehensive Amendment, which 
would modify all its Fishery Management Plan's (FMPs). The initial 
amendment would include the following actions: (1) Various actions to 
comply with new essential fish habitat requirements; (2) establishment 
of deep water coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern, with possible 
gear limitations, such as the establishment of allowable trawl areas; 
and (3) other possible actions necessary to implement ecosystem-based 
fishery management.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV31
_______________________________________________________________________




57. MODIFYING MAXIMUM RETAINABLE AMOUNTS (MRAS) FOR SELECTED GROUNDFISH 
SPECIES CAUGHT BY THE NON-AMERICAN FISHING ACT TRAWL CATCHER PROCESSOR 
SECTOR

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service issues this action to 
amend regulations specifying the current interval of time allowed for 
determining the maximum retainable amount (MRA) of selected groundfish 
species that can be retained by non-American Fishery Act trawl catcher 
processors. This action would change MRA regulations located at 50 CFR 
679.20(e) that establish the calculation of MRAs for groundfish species 
that are closed to directed fishing by increasing the interval of time 
each vessel in this sector would have to retain the MRA specified in 
regulation for several species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. 
This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the 
Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands Management Area.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AV32
_______________________________________________________________________




58. REEF FISH AMENDMENT 30A FOR GREATER AMBERJACK AND GRAY TRIGGERFISH: 
TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH (TAC) ADJUSTMENTS, MEASURES TO END OVERFISHING AND 
ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES ACT (SFA) PARAMETERS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Greater amberjack are under a rebuilding plan. A 2006 stock 
assessment (SEDAR 9) concluded the stock is not recovering as 
projected. It continues to be overfished and is undergoing overfishing. 
Adjustments to TAC and management measures are needed to end 
overfishing and bring the recovery of the greater amberjack stock back 
into compliance with its ten-year rebuilding time frame. Gray 
triggerfish were determined to be undergoing overfishing based on a 
2006 stock assessment (SEDAR 9). Management measures are necessary to 
end overfishing of gray triggerfish. Additionally, the Council has not 
yet approved post-Sustainable Fisheries Act benchmarks and reference 
points for gray triggerfish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/09/07                    72 FR 63537
NPRM Comment Period End         12/10/07
NPRM                            04/08/08                    73 FR 19040
NPRM Comment Period End         05/23/08
Final Action                    07/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

[[Page 24660]]

Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV34
_______________________________________________________________________




59. MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT REAUTHORIZATION 
ACT (MSRA) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURE

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: NOAA fisheries amends its regulations to develop procedures 
pursuant to section 107 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) (Pub. L. 109-479), which 
requires NOAA Fisheries to revise and update agency procedures for 
complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in context 
of fishery management actions. The MSRA provides that the resulting 
procedures will be the sole environmental impact assessment procedure 
for fishery management actions, and that they must: Conform to the time 
lines for review and approval of fishery management plans and plan 
amendments; and integrate applicable environmental analytical 
procedures, including the time frames for public input, with the 
procedure for the preparation and dissemination of fishery management 
plans, plan amendments, and other actions taken or approved pursuant to 
this Act in order to provide for timely, clear, and concise analysis 
that is useful to decision makers and the public, reduce extraneous 
paperwork, and effectively involve the public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV53
_______________________________________________________________________




60. GUIDANCE FOR ANNUAL CATCH LIMITS AND ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES TO END 
OVERFISHING

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1853

Abstract: Section 104(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSRA), requires that in 
fishing year 2010, for fisheries determined by the Secretary to be 
subject to overfishing, and in fishing year 2011, for all other 
fisheries, that fishery management plans establish annual catch limits 
(ACLs), including regulations and annual specifications, at a level 
such that overfishing does not occur in a fishery, including measures 
to ensure accountability.
The National Marine Fisheries Service intends to prepare guidance on 
how to establish adequate ACLs and AMs by revising its National 
Standard 1 (NS1) guidelines at 50 CFR 600.310.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV60
_______________________________________________________________________




61. RULE TO IMPLEMENT A MINIMUM POSSESSION SIZE LIMIT ON SPINY LOBSTER 
(PANULIRUS ARGUS)

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The United States is a major importer of spiny lobster from 
the Caribbean, importing over 88,000 tons (over 194 million lbs.) over 
the past 10 years, worth an estimated $2.27 billion dollars. The United 
States imports over 90 percent of the spiny lobster harvested in 
Brazil, Colombia, Central America, and the Caribbean countries. The 
major exporters to the United States are the Bahamas, Brazil, Honduras, 
and Nicaragua. All of these exporting countries have some form of 
minimum size requirement, but they are not standardized and enforcement 
is severely lacking. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries Service in coordination 
with the Caribbean, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Councils is proposing to place a minimum size limit 
restriction on imports to curtail the flow of undersized lobster 
harvested in foreign countries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          07/26/07                    72 FR 41063
NPRM                            10/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV61
_______________________________________________________________________




62. COLLECTION AND USE OF TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS FROM HOLDERS OF AND 
APPLICANTS FOR NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE PERMITS

Legal Authority: 31 USC 7701; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 1361 et seq; 
16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: In conformance with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 
1996 (Debt Collection Act), the National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) will issue a rule to require that each existing holder of and 
future applicant for a permit, license, endorsement, authorization, 
transfer, or like instrument issued by the agency to provide a Taxpayer 
Identification Number (TIN) (business' employer identification number 
or individual's social security number) and Date of Incorporation or 
Date of Birth, as appropriate. Under the Debt Collection Act, NMFS is 
required to collect the TIN to report on and collect any delinquent 
non-tax debt owed to the Federal Government. NMFS plans to use Date of 
Incorporation or Date of Birth information for administrative aspects 
of permitting procedures with appropriate confidentiality safeguards 
pursuant to the Privacy Act. The rule will specify: (a) The particular 
uses that may be made of the reported TIN, (b)

[[Page 24661]]

the effects, if any, of not providing the required information, (c) how 
the information will be used to ascertain if the permit holder or 
applicant owes delinquent non-tax debt to the Government pursuant to 
the Debt Collection Act, (d) the effects on the permit holder or 
applicant when such delinquent debts are owed and, (e) the agency's 
intended communications with the permit holder or applicant regarding 
the relationship of such delinquent debts to its permitting process and 
the need to resolve such debts as a basis for completing permit 
issuance or renewal. The rule will amend existing agency permit 
regulations and contain all appropriate modified and new collections-
of-information pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV76
_______________________________________________________________________




63. AMERICAN LOBSTER DATA COLLECTION AND BROODSTOCK PROTECTION MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq

Abstract: NMFS is considering the implementation of management measures 
in the Federal lobster fishery, consistent with recommendations for 
Federal action as specified in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries 
Commission's Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. 
These proposed management measures include: 100 percent mandatory 
dealer reporting requirements for Federal lobster dealers; 
implementation of a maximum size limit (maximum carapace length 
restriction) in several Lobster Management Areas (LMA); and revision to 
the definition of a V-notch for protection of egg-bearing female 
lobsters in several LMAs in the Federal American lobster fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/19/07                    72 FR 53978
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/22/07
NPRM                            05/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV77
_______________________________________________________________________




64. GULF REEF FISH AMENDMENT 30B

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Amendment 30B addresses the findings of Gulf of Mexico red 
grouper and gag stock assessments. Red grouper is not undergoing 
overfishing and is not overfished. Gag is undergoing overfishing and 
whether gag are overfished is still being determined. This action 
incorporates both red grouper and gag management measures together as 
the measures affecting one species invariably affect the other. The 
amendment would implement management measures to increase red grouper 
total allowable catch and to end overfishing of gag. The amendment also 
proposes definitions for gag status criteria and reference points. The 
amendment also examines grouper accountability measures, closed fishing 
areas, and ways to reduce discard mortality.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          03/07/08                    73 FR 12393
NPRM                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV80
_______________________________________________________________________




65. AMENDMENT 3 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SPINY LOBSTER 
FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND AMENDMENT 4 TO 
THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S.

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Many species of fish in the reef fish fishery in Puerto Rico 
and the USVI are believed to be overexploited, largely due to trap 
fishing and bycatch associated with this fishery. Landings from the 
trap fishery have continuously decreased since 1990 in Puerto Rico; 
species composition has changed; and size frequency of some fish has 
decreased over the last 10 years. These effects have been attributed to 
excessive trap fishing effort, lack of compliance with trap 
construction requirements (i.e., fishers often do not use the required 
biodegradable fasteners on trap doors), use of other gears by 
commercial fishers (e.g., gill nets), and the lack of escape panels in 
traps which would allow smaller fishes to escape, resulting in high 
mortality of juveniles and a loss of long-term potential yield. Under 
current fishing practices, bycatch and the associated mortality of 
bycatch is not expected to be reduced sufficiently in the reef fish or 
spiny lobster trap fisheries. Without a reduction in bycatch, those 
stocks experiencing overfishing may become overfished, and those stocks 
overfished may not meet the goals of the rebuilding plan set forth in 
the Sustainable Fisheries Act Amendment of 2005. Therefore, the use of 
escape panels as a management tool is proposed in this amendment to 
help achieve the necessary reductions in fishing mortality among the 
species harvested by traps.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583

[[Page 24662]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV98
_______________________________________________________________________




66. [bull] NATIONAL SALTWATER ANGLER REGISTRY AND STATE EXEMPTION 
PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1881

Abstract: This action would implement Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act requirements for a recreational fishing 
registration program, which includes procedures for exempting 
recreational fishermen and charter fishing vessels from the 
registration requirements if they are licensed, permitted, or 
registered by qualifying states.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Gordon Colvin, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA 
Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2367
Fax: 301-713-1875
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW10
_______________________________________________________________________




67. [bull] AMENDMENT 17 TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL 
SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Amendment 17 is intended to: Establish a means to address 
overages in commercial quotas and recreational allocations; adjust 
golden tilefish management measures; specify the annual number of black 
sea bass tags and pots; reduce bycatch of deep water species; and 
address additional management measures identified by the Council.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW11
_______________________________________________________________________




68. [bull] AMENDMENT 15B TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
COUNCIL SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Amendment 15B would assess the practicability of prohibiting 
the sale of recreationally caught fish; assess the practicability of 
changes to the renewal period on commercial snapper grouper permits; 
assess the practicability of allowing one-to-one transfer of commercial 
permits from an individual to a family-held corporation; implement a 
plan to monitor and assess bycatch; implement measures to minimize the 
impacts of incidental take on sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish; 
update management reference points for golden tilefish; and define 
allocation for snowy grouper and black sea bass.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW12
_______________________________________________________________________




69. [bull] AMENDMENT 2 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE QUEEN 
CONCH FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: NMFS amends its regulations to implement a change in fishing 
practices needed to help achieve the necessary reductions in queen 
conch fishing mortality. St. Croix queen conch landings by commercial 
fishermen alone have exceeded sustainable harvest levels since the 2000 
to 2001 fishing season. In 2005 to 2006 the commercial harvest was over 
four times sustainable levels. Additionally, there is an unknown but 
significant recreational harvest. Overfishing of queen conch has led to 
resource collapse in other regions and in some cases, long-term 
resource loss. According to the NMFS Report on the Status of the U.S. 
Fisheries for 2006, queen conch is overfished and undergoing 
overfishing. Under current fishing practices, reductions in mortality 
are not expected to be sufficient in the queen conch fishery. Without a 
reduction in mortality, queen conch are not expected to achieve the 
rebuilding goals established in the Sustainable Fisheries Amendment of 
2005.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                10/11/07                    72 FR 58057
NPRM                            05/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW15
_______________________________________________________________________




70. [bull] AMENDMENT 7 TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC SHRIMP FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) in 
conjunction with NMFS intends to prepare a DEIS to assess the impacts 
on the natural and human environment of the management measures 
proposed in its draft Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) 
for the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. Options will 
address the 15,000-pound landings requirement for permits, permits that 
may have been lost due to not meeting the 15,000-pound requirement or 
failure to renew the limited entry permit, and requirements

[[Page 24663]]

for all shrimp permit holders to provide economic data if selected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW19
_______________________________________________________________________




71. [bull] MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT STRANDING REGULATION REVISIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1379; 16 USC 1382; 16 USC 1421

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering 
proposing changes to its implementing regulations (50 CFR 216) 
governing the taking of stranded marine mammals under section 109(h), 
section 112(c), and title IV of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and is 
soliciting public comment to better inform the process. NMFS intends to 
clarify the requirements and procedures for responding to stranded 
marine mammals and for determining the disposition of rehabilitated 
marine mammals, which includes the procedures for the placement of non-
releasable animals and for authorizing the retention of releasable 
rehabilitated marine mammals for scientific research, enhancement, or 
public display.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/31/08                     73 FR 5786
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/31/08
Second ANPRM                    03/28/08                    73 FR 16617
Second ANPRM Comment Period End 04/30/08
NPRM                            07/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: David Cottingham, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW22
_______________________________________________________________________




72. [bull] REVISE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE NORTH PACIFIC GROUNDFISH 
OBSERVER PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 118 Stat 110; 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 
16 USC 3631 et seq; PL 108-199

Abstract: This rulemaking would revise Federal regulations relevant to 
numerous administrative and procedural requirements applicable to 
observer providers, observers, and industry participating in the North 
Pacific Groundfish Observer Program. Specifically, the proposed actions 
would: Modify the current permit issuance process so that observer and 
observer provider permit issuance is a discretionary NMFS decision; 
amend current Federal regulations addressing observer behavior 
involving drugs, alcohol, and physical sexual conduct to remove NMFS 
oversight of observer behavior that does not affect job performance; 
require that observer providers submit policies related to these 
activities and continue to notify NMFS upon learning of an incident; 
revise Federal regulations so that observer providers are allowed to 
provide observers or technical staff for purposes of exempted fishing 
permits, scientific research permits, or other scientific research 
activities; revise the definition of ``fishing day'' in Federal 
regulations; require observer providers to annually submit detailed 
economic information to NMFS; specify a date by which observers who 
have collected data in the previous fishing year would be required to 
be available for debriefing; and implement housekeeping issues related 
to errors or clarifications in existing regulations at 50 CFR 679.50.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AW24
_______________________________________________________________________




73. [bull] REVISE REGULATIONS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN GROUNDFISH CATCHER-
PROCESSORS AND MOTHERSHIPS FROM CHECK-IN CHECK-OUT REQUIREMENTS WITH 
ACTIVE VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEMS (VMS)

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would exempt groundfish catcher-
processors (CPs) and motherships carrying a transmitting vessel 
monitoring system (VMS) unit from check-in and check-out requirements 
in Alaska Region groundfish fishing regulations. The current check-in/
out regulation requires CPs and motherships to submit check-in/out 
reports before they deploy gear in, or begin to process fish from, 
Federal management areas off Alaska. Additional reports are required 
for the use of additional gears, or for changes in the status (e.g., 
community development quota, exempted permit) of the fish being 
targeted. For many years the Alaska Region has required groundfish CPs 
and mothership vessels to file check-in check-out reports. This 
information was used for in-season management. However, in recent years 
new sources of information have become available, such as VMS, which 
make check in/out reports unnecessary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AW28
_______________________________________________________________________




74. [bull] AMENDMENT 3 TO THE NORTHEAST SKATE COMPLEX FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Amendment 3 is intended to address the overfished status of 
winter

[[Page 24664]]

and thorny skates, and prevent other skate species in the complex from 
becoming overfished. It will establish a rebuilding program for winter 
skate, and modify the Skate FMP to reduce fishing mortality on the 
entire skate complex.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AW30
_______________________________________________________________________




75. [bull] AMENDMENT 26 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA/
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 26 to the FMP would amend the FMP to exempt quota 
share issued to crew members, and the annual harvest privileges derived 
from that quota share, from requirements for: Delivery to specific 
processors; delivery within specific geographic regions; and 
participation in an arbitration system to resolve price disputes. This 
action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other 
applicable law. This FMP has no implementing regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, 
AK 99801
Phone: 907 586-7221
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW45
_______________________________________________________________________




76. [bull] FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; WESTERN PACIFIC PELAGIC 
FISHERIES; AMENDMENT 18 TO THE PELAGICS FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN; 
SHALLOW-SET LONGLINE SWORDFISH FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The Hawaii-based shallow-set longline fishery currently 
operates under regulations that limit fishing effort and interactions 
with sea turtles. This action would increase fishing opportunities, 
while continuing to protect turtles and other protected resources.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AW49
_______________________________________________________________________




77. [bull] ESTABLISH A PERMIT FEE COLLECTION FRAMEWORK UNDER THE FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR U.S. WEST COAST FISHERIES FOR HIGHLY MIGRATORY 
SPECIES (HMS FMP)

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Development of a proposed rule to establish the authority to 
collect permit fees under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West 
Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species. This rule would amend the 
FMP regulations under 50 CFR 660.707 to establish a permit fee 
collection framework for HMS commercial and recreational charter 
vessels operating off the West Coast. The action is consistent with and 
implements elements of the NMFS Permit Fee National Policy Directive 
30-120.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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

RIN: 0648-AW50
_______________________________________________________________________




78. [bull] FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; COMPENSATION TO 
NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS BOTTOMFISH AND LOBSTER FISHERMEN DUE TO 
FISHERY CLOSURE IN THE PAPAHANAUMOKUAKEA MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT

Legal Authority: PL 110-161

Abstract: The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 authorizes the 
Secretary of Commerce to provide compensation to bottomfish and lobster 
fishery participants who will be displaced by the 2011 fishery closure 
resulting from the establishment by Presidential Proclamation of the 
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Northwestern Hawaiian 
Islands. NMFS (designee of the Secretary) is required to promulgate 
regulations to implement a voluntary capacity reduction program that: 
(1) Identifies eligible participants as those individuals holding 
Federal fishing permits for lobster or bottomfish in the designated 
waters within the monument, (2) provides a mechanism to compensate 
eligible participants for no more than the economic value of their 
permits, and (3) at the option of each eligible permit holder, provides 
an optional mechanism for additional compensation based on the value of 
the fishing vessel and gear of eligible participants who decide to 
receive these additional funds, provided that the vessels of such 
participants will not be used for fishing. For this purpose, $6,697,500 
is authorized to be appropriated to the NMFS for FY-2008.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator,

[[Page 24665]]

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

RIN: 0648-AW52
_______________________________________________________________________




79. PROTECTIVE REGULATIONS FOR KILLER WHALES IN THE NORTHWEST REGION 
UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AND MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT

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

Abstract: NMFS is considering whether to propose regulations to protect 
killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the Pacific Northwest. The Southern 
Resident killer whale distinct population segment (DPS) was listed as 
endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on November 18, 2005 
(70 FR 69903). In the final rule announcing the listing, NMFS 
identified vessel effects, including direct interference and sound, as 
a potential contributing factor in the recent decline of this 
population. Both the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the ESA 
prohibit take, including harassment, of killer whales, but these 
statutes do not prohibit specified acts. NMFS is now considering 
whether to propose regulations that would prohibit certain acts, under 
our general authorities under the ESA and MMPA and their implementing 
regulations. The Proposed Recovery Plan for Southern Resident killer 
whales (71 FR 69101, November 29, 2006) includes as a management action 
the evaluation of current guidelines and the need for regulations and/
or protected areas. The scope of this action encompasses the activities 
of any person or conveyance that may result in the unauthorized taking 
of killer whales 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 killer whales from the 
effects of these activities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/22/07                    72 FR 13464
ANPRM Comment Period End        04/23/07
NPRM                            12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AV15
_______________________________________________________________________




80. DESIGNATION OF CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE ENDANGERED U.S. DISTINCT 
POPULATION SEGMENT (DPS) OF SMALLTOOTH SAWFISH

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: This action would designate critical habitat for the U.S. DPS 
of smalltooth sawfish, which was listed as endangered on April 1, 2003. 
The designation would be located in Florida, within the current 
geographic range of the species. Comments from the public on the 
proposal, including information on the economic impacts, national 
security, and other relevant documents, as well as the benefits to the 
species from the designation will be solicited during a 60-day comment 
period. A draft economic analysis and section 4(b)(2) report will be 
conducted in support of this proposed rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Shelley L. Norton, Smalltooth Sawfish and Johnson's 
Seagrass Coordinator, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 253 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 
33701
Phone: 727 551-5781
Fax: 727 524-5309
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV74
_______________________________________________________________________




81. MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT PERMIT REGULATION REVISIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1374

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering 
changes to its implementing regulations (50 CFR part 216) governing the 
issuance of permits for scientific research and enhancement activities 
under section 104 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and is soliciting 
public comment to better inform the process. NMFS intends to streamline 
and clarify general permitting requirements and requirements for 
scientific research and enhancement permits, simplify procedures for 
transferring marine mammal parts, possibly apply the General 
Authorization (GA) to research activities involving Level A harassment 
of non-endangered marine mammals, and implement a ``permit application 
cycle'' for application submission and processing of all marine mammal 
permits. NMFS intends to write regulations for marine mammal 
photography permits and is considering whether this activity should be 
covered by the GA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/13/07                    72 FR 52339
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/13/07
NPRM                            07/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AV82
_______________________________________________________________________




82. RULEMAKING TO ESTABLISH TAKE PROHIBITIONS FOR THE THREATENED 
SOUTHERN DISTINCT POPULATION SEGMENT OF NORTH AMERICAN GREEN STURGEON

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543

Abstract: Under section 4(d) of the Federal Endangered Species Act 
(ESA), the Secretary of Commerce is required to adopt such regulations 
as he deems necessary and advisable for the conservation of species 
listed as threatened. This rulemaking would establish an ESA 4(d) rule 
representing regulations that NMFS believes necessary and advisable to 
conserve the threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North 
American green sturgeon (Southern DPS of green sturgeon). The 4(d) rule 
would apply the prohibitions listed under ESA

[[Page 24666]]

section 9(a)(1)(A) and 9(a)(1)(D) through 9(a)(1)(G) for the Southern 
DPS and apply ESA section 9(a)(1)(B) and (a)(1)(C) prohibitions (called 
the ``take prohibitions'') to specific activities that take Southern 
DPS fish or alter its habitat in a manner detrimental to the continued 
existence of the species. The 4(d) rule would include exceptions to the 
take prohibitions for activities conducted in a way that NMFS deems 
adequate to protect or conserve the Southern DPS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Lisa Manning, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV94



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE


                    ________________________________



83. [bull] AMENDMENT TO DISCHARGE REGULATIONS IN GULF OF THE FARALLONES, 
MONTEREY BAY, AND CORDELL BANKS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434 et seq

Abstract: This rule, part of the Joint Management Plan Review for the 
three northern California sanctuaries, addresses the need to revise 
NOAA's discharge regulations for large vessels to be consistent with 
California law. The rule would prohibit discharge of treated waste from 
vessels 300 gross registered tons or more (that are not cruise ships) 
while within the sanctuaries. If the vessel does not have the capacity 
to hold the waste while in the sanctuaries, it can discharge sewage 
like any other vessel in the sanctuary other than cruise ships. The 
rule also prohibits discharge of graywater from vessels 300 gross 
registered tons or more (that are not cruise ships while within the 
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). (The Gulf of the 
Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries already 
prohibit discharge of graywater.) If the vessel does not have the 
capacity to hold the waste while in the MBNMS, it can discharge 
graywater like any other vessel in the MBNMS other than cruise ships.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/08
Final Action                    01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Sean Morton, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-7264
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW29
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE


                    ________________________________



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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

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                    10/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




85. REVISIONS TO THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ACTIVITY, EXEMPTED FISHING, AND 
EXEMPTED EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service 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                            03/18/08                    73 FR 14428
NPRM Comment Period End         04/04/08
Final Action                    06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




86. FRAMEWORK 4 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MONKFISH

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

[[Page 24667]]

Abstract: This framework adjustment would establish target TACs of 
5,000 mt and 5,100 mt for the Northern Fishery Management Area (NFMA) 
and Southern Fishery Management Area (SFMA), respectively, for the 
final 3 years of the rebuilding plan (FY 2007 to FY 2009), unless 
otherwise modified by the Monkfish Monitoring Committee (MFMC) during 
their annual review process. Essentially, this framework adjustment 
would remove the Framework 2 control rule and replace it with target 
TACs that were developed based upon an analysis conducted by the 
Monkfish Plan Development Team (PDT). This framework would also 
implement monkfish Days-at-Sea requirements for vessels fishing in the 
NFMA, and addresses other minor issues raised by industry.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM and Proposed Interim Rule  03/20/07                    72 FR 13069
NPRM Comment Period End         04/19/07
Interim Final Rule              04/27/07                    72 FR 20952
Interim Final Rule              09/21/07                    72 FR 53942
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/22/07
Final Action                    05/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




87. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC SHARK MANAGEMENT 
MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This rule would reevaluate the management measures for large 
coastal sharks (LCS) and pelagic sharks based on the 2005/2006 LCS 
stock assessment, the 2006 dusky shark stock assessment, and the 
Canadian 2005 porbeagle shark stock assessment. This rulemaking could 
consider, among other things, changes to existing rebuilding plans for 
overfished species, commercial quotas and trip limits, recreational 
minimum size and bag limits, and the public display quota. In addition, 
this rule would likely reevaluate the Mid-Atlantic shark closure and 
its role in the rebuilding plan for LCS. This action is necessary in 
light of recent stock assessments, which have determined that dusky and 
sandbar sharks are overfished with overfishing occurring, the status is 
unknown for the Atlantic blacktip shark population, and porbeagle 
sharks are likely overfished. In addition, the 2005/2006 LCS stock 
assessment determined it is inappropriate to assess the LCS complex as 
a whole, which has been the basis of managing these species since 1993.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/27/07                    72 FR 41392
NPRM Comment Period Extended    10/03/07                    72 FR 56330
NPRM Comment Period End         10/10/07
Comment Period End              11/02/07
Final Action                    08/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AU89
_______________________________________________________________________




88. 2008 SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS RECREATIONAL FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action would establish the recreational management 
measures (minimum fish size, possession limits, and fishing seasons) 
for the 2008 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational 
fisheries. The annual recreational management measures are considered 
to be annual specifications. This action was initially assigned to the 
2008 fluke, scup, and BSB specifications; that action published under 
0648-XC84 because the action contained no implementing regulations. 
This acion was reassigned to the recreational management measures on 
January 23, 2008.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/21/08                    73 FR 15111
NPRM Comment Period End         04/21/08
Final Action                    07/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV41
_______________________________________________________________________




89. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA OMNIBUS V ACTION 2 AND 4: ALLOW LONGLINE 
POT GEAR IN BERING SEA DURING JUNE; ALLOW MOBILIZED MILITARY PERSONNEL 
TO MAKE TEMPORARY INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA TRANSFERS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The regulatory action amends existing commercial fishing 
regulations at 50 CFR part 679. The amendment would enhance the 
management of the halibut and sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) 
fisheries, as well as the sablefish Community Development Quota (CDQ) 
fishery. In June 2006, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council 
recommended a suite of four amendments to the halibut and sablefish IFQ 
fishery regulations, otherwise known as OMNI V. This proposed action 
addresses Action 2 and Action 4 of the Council's proposed regulatory 
amendments. The action would amend regulations to (1) Allow the use of 
longline pot gear in the Bering Sea sablefish IFQ and CDQ fisheries 
during the month of June; and (2) allow the temporary transfer of IFQ 
held by mobilized reservists and guardsmen.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/05/08                    73 FR 11851
NPRM Comment Period End         04/04/08
Final Action                    06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National

[[Page 24668]]

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 
99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AV64
_______________________________________________________________________




90. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR DOMESTIC FISHERIES; SPECIFICATIONS FOR 
BOARDING LADDERS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 2431 et seq; 16 USC 
3636(b); 16 USC 5501 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 951 to 961; 16 
USC 973 to 973r; 16 USC 971 et seq

Abstract: This regulation would require domestic fishing vessels to 
have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved pilot ladder on board as a safer means 
for authorized personnel to board the vessels in carrying out their 
duties under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act, the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, and other applicable laws. This 
action is necessary to provide for the safety of personnel boarding 
domestic fishing vessels, as current standards have proven to be 
inadequate. This action would establish a safer and more enforceable 
national standard for ladders used by authorized officers for boarding 
domestic fishing vessels subject to Federal regulation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/11/07                    72 FR 70286
NPRM Comment Period End         01/10/08
Second NPRM                     01/25/08                     73 FR 4514
Second NPRM Comment Period End  02/25/08
Final Action                    05/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV78
_______________________________________________________________________




91. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 19 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Framework 19 would establish management measures for the 
scallop fishery for the 2008 and 2009 fishing years. It will include 
measures to implement new management measures developed and implemented 
under Amendment 11 to the Scallop FMP, if approved. Management measures 
in Framework 19 would include scallop days-at-sea and trip allocations, 
new area closures and/or access areas, and allocations for scallop 
fishing in the groundfish closed areas. It would also include 
improvements to some current management measures to make management of 
the scallop fishery more efficient and effective.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/19/08                    73 FR 14748
NPRM Comment Period End         04/08/08
Final Action                    07/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV90
_______________________________________________________________________




92. AMENDMENT 89 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BERING SEA; 
BERING SEA HABITAT CONSERVATION MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would implement Amendment 89 to the 
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands Management Area. The regulations would prohibit nonpelagic 
trawling in certain areas of the Bering Sea subarea to protect bottom 
habitat and certain nearshore bottom habitat areas that provide 
subsistence resources. The amendment also would provide for a Northern 
Bering Sea research area where the effects of nonpelagic trawling may 
be studied.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/07/08                    73 FR 12357
NPRM Comment Period End         04/21/08
Final Action                    06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AW06
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1372(c)

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
NPRM Comment Period Extended    11/02/01
Final Action                    12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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

[[Page 24669]]

_______________________________________________________________________




94. RIGHT WHALE SHIP STRIKE REDUCTION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361

Abstract: These regulations would establish speed restrictions to 
reduce the number of deaths to North Atlantic right whales as a result 
of collisions with vessels, which account for more confirmed right 
whale deaths than any other anthropogenic cause. Speed restrictions 
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                            06/26/06                    71 FR 36299
NPRM Comment Period Extended    08/14/06                    71 FR 46440
NPRM Comment Period End         08/25/06
NPRM Comment Period End         10/05/06
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AS36
_______________________________________________________________________




95. VIRGINIA MODIFIED POUND NET LEADER INSPECTION PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: With this action, NMFS issues a rule to implement an 
inspection program for modified pound net leaders in the Virginia 
waters of the mainstem Chesapeake Bay. Previous regulations (71 FR 
36024, June 23, 2006) required modified pound net leaders in a portion 
of the Virginia Chesapeake Bay from May 6 to July 15 each year, and 
this action would ensure that leaders used in that area do in fact meet 
the definition of a modified pound net leader. To comply with the 
inspection program, a pound net fisherman intending to set a modified 
leader must call NMFS to arrange for an inspection meeting. Then, the 
fisherman must meet NMFS and allow for the inspection of his or her 
gear to ensure the modified leader meets the definition of a modified 
pound net leader, as described in the regulations. The purpose of this 
action is to help protect threatened and endangered sea turtles, while 
enabling fishermen to use leaders, an important component of pound net 
gear, during the regulated period.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/01/07                     72 FR 9297
NPRM Comment Period End         04/02/07
Final Action                    06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Carrie Upite, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One 
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9300
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AU98
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

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 Gulf Council began work on the joint amendment, 
which will consider a variety of harvesting and gear restrictions to 
further reduce fishing mortality and fishing effort in the shrimp and 
red snapper fisheries. In August 2006, the Gulf Council deferred 
working on this amendment until new information was available in 
January 2007. However, by postponing the development of a plan 
amendment, measures to address overfishing during the 2007 fishing 
season would not occur, further delaying progress in stock recovery. 
Thus, to address overfishing on the red snapper stock for 2007, NMFS is 
developing an interim rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/14/06                    71 FR 75220
NPRM Comment Period End         01/26/07
Interim Final Rule              04/02/07                    72 FR 15617
Interim Final Rule Effective    05/02/07
Second NPRM                     10/23/07                    72 FR 59989
Second NPRM Comment Period End  12/07/07
Interim Final Rule              09/24/07                    72 FR 54233
Correction                      02/29/08                    73 FR 11051
Final Action                    01/29/08                     73 FR 5117

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT87

[[Page 24670]]

_______________________________________________________________________




97. AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY: BROODSTOCK PROTECTION AND TRAP EFFORT 
CONTROL REGULATIONS FOR OFFSHORE AREA 3

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq

Abstract: This rule would modify Federal American lobster regulations 
based on recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) 
as part of the Commission's Interstate Fishery Management Plan for 
American Lobster (ISFMP). The modifications to enhance protection to 
American lobster broodstock and control trap fishing effort would: 
Increase the minimum legal lobster size limit from 3 3/8 inches to 3 1/
2 inches in Lobster Conservation Management Area (Area) 3; increase the 
size of rectangular and circular lobster trap escape vents by 1/16 inch 
effective July 1, 2010, in Area 3; and implement a 4 stage schedule of 
annual trap reductions that would reduce the amount of traps allocated 
in Area 3 by up to 15 percent.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/13/05                    70 FR 73717
ANPRM Comment Period End        01/12/06
NPRM                            06/20/07                    72 FR 33955
NPRM Comment Period End         08/06/07
Final Action                    10/05/07                    72 FR 56935

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AU07
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1851, sec 301

Abstract: This action expands the current vessel monitoring system 
(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 the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (3-
200 nm from shore) that possesses 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                            08/08/07                    72 FR 44469
NPRM Comment Period End         09/07/07
Final Action                    12/07/07                    72 FR 69162

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




99. AMENDMENT 14 TO THE BOTTOMFISH AND SEAMOUNT GROUNDFISH FMP: MEASURES 
TO END BOTTOMFISH OVERFISHING IN THE HAWAIIAN ARCHIPELAGO

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

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

________________________________________________________________________

NOA                             12/27/07                    72 FR 73308
NPRM                            02/01/08                     73 FR 6101
NOA Comment Period End          02/25/08
NPRM Comment Period End         03/07/08
Final Action                    04/04/08                    73 FR 18450

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




100. AMENDMENT 15A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER-
GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 15A would: Establish biological reference points 
and status determination criteria for snowy grouper, black sea bass, 
and red porgy; and establish rebuilding schedules and strategies, where 
needed, for snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NOA                             12/28/07                    72 FR 73747
Final Action                    03/20/08                    73 FR 14942

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AU29
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 11 would limit access and control effort in the 
General Category sector of the scallop fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NOA                             11/30/07                    72 FR 67691

[[Page 24671]]

NPRM                            12/17/07                    72 FR 71315
Comment Period End              01/29/08
NPRM Comment Period End         01/31/08
Final Action                    04/14/08                    73 FR 20090

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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
_______________________________________________________________________




102. AMENDMENT 85 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH OF 
THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS (BSAI) MANAGEMENT AREA; PACIFIC COD 
ALLOCATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This rulemaking would modify the current Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Island (BSAI) Pacific cod allocations among the jig, trawl, 
hook-and-line, and pot gear sectors. The current harvest patterns vary 
significantly from sector allocations that have been in place since 
1997. This action is necessary to establish allocations that better 
reflect actual use by sector, while considering socio-economic and 
community factors.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NOA                             12/07/06                    71 FR 70943
NOA Comment Period End          02/05/07
Proposed Rule                   02/07/07                     72 FR 5654
Proposed Rule Comment Period End03/26/07
Final Action                    09/04/07                    72 FR 50788
Correction                      10/24/07                    72 FR 60285

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AU48
_______________________________________________________________________




103. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT TO THE BYCATCH REDUCTION CRITERION FOR THE 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

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 also 
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. NMFS is taking this action to modify the 
existing BRD certification criteria. The intent of this change is to 
better address reductions in bycatch of red snapper, and to better 
address National Standard 9 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/12/07                    72 FR 58031
NPRM Comment Period End         11/13/07
Final Action                    02/13/08                     73 FR 8219

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AU59
_______________________________________________________________________




104. AMENDMENT 15 TO THE PACIFIC COAST SALMON FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management 
Plan (FMP) would implement provisions that provide de minimis fishing 
opportunity during periods when the status of Klamath River fall 
Chinook is such that no fishing opportunities would be allowed under 
the current FMP without use of the emergency rule process, as was 
necessary for the 2006 salmon season. The conservation objective for 
Klamath River fall Chinook, which includes an annual natural spawning 
escapement floor of 35,000 adults, with respect to determining when 
stock status would trigger a Conservation Alert or an Overfishing 
Concern, will not change.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/20/06                    71 FR 76270
NPRM Comment Period End         02/20/07
Final Action                    02/25/08                     73 FR 9960

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AU69
_______________________________________________________________________




105. BAG LIMITS FOR TUNA SPECIES TAKEN IN THE RECREATIONAL CHARTER 
FISHERY FOR THE UNITED STATES WEST COAST FISHERIES FOR HIGHLY MIGRATORY 
SPECIES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action implements bag limits for tuna species taken by 
West Coast recreational fisheries. This regulation will also institute 
a daily bag limit for albacore and bluefin tuna harvested in State and 
Federal waters off California, Oregon, and Washington. The bag limited 
is needed to address resource conservation efforts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/27/07                    72 FR 35213
NPRM Comment Period End         07/27/07
Final Action                    10/15/07                    72 FR 58258

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

[[Page 24672]]

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

RIN: 0648-AU77
_______________________________________________________________________




106. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA PROCESSING RESTRICTION AMENDMENTS: 
PROCESSING OF IFQ; NON-IFQ SPECIES BY VESSELS CATEGORIES B, C, OR D IN 
THE GOA, BSAI

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

Abstract: This action would modify the halibut and sablefish Individual 
Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program regulations to allow: (1) Processing of 
non-IFQ species on a vessel that is otherwise authorized to process 
non-IFQ species when any amount of IFQ halibut resulting from catcher 
vessel quota share (QS) is held by fishermen on board a vessel in the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska; and (2) processing 
catcher/processor QS on board a vessel on which persons possess catcher 
vessel QS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/14/07                    72 FR 64034
NPRM Comment Period End         12/14/07
Final Action                    02/15/08                     73 FR 9922

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AU85
_______________________________________________________________________




107. VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM REVISION FOR BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN 
ISLANDS AND GULF OF ALASKA FISHERIES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The regulatory amendment is necessary to clarify the 
requirements for vessel monitoring systems (VMS) for vessels operating 
in the fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area 
and Gulf of Alaska. The revision would require all federally permitted 
vessels to operate a VMS when the fishery is open for which the vessel 
is endorsed. In addition, the revision would require all federally 
permitted vessels to operate a VMS in State of Alaska waters when VMS 
operation is also required in Federal waters.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/19/07                    72 FR 33732
NPRM Comment Period End         07/19/07
NPRM Comment Period Extended    08/02/07                    72 FR 42369
NPRM Comment Period End         09/04/07
Final Action                    11/09/07                    72 FR 63500

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AU93
_______________________________________________________________________




108. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; NORTH AND SOUTH ATLANTIC 
SWORDFISH COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES

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

Abstract: This rule will modify the 2006 fishing season quotas for 
North and South Atlantic Swordfish based on recent updated landings 
information. This action will also establish initial North and South 
Atlantic quotas and seasons for 2007, and will implement 
recommendations from the 2006 meeting of the International Commission 
for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). This rule is necessary 
to ensure that current swordfish quotas account for underharvests from 
the 2005 fishing year, consistent with regulations at 50 CFR part 635, 
and implement ICCAT recommendations that establish the U.S. North and 
South Atlantic swordfish allocations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/18/07                    72 FR 33436
NPRM Comment Period End         07/18/07
Final Action                    10/05/07                    72 FR 56929
Final Action Effective          11/05/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV10
_______________________________________________________________________




109. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE COASTAL 
MIGRATORY PELAGIC RESOURCES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC 
REGION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The regulatory amendment would adjust the trip limits for 
Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel to track the new fishing year 
(March 1 to end of February).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/03/08                      73 FR 439
NPRM Comment Period End         02/04/08
Final Action                    02/11/08                     73 FR 7676

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV17
_______________________________________________________________________




110. ALASKA GROUNDFISH FISHERIES SEABIRD AVOIDANCE MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would revise Alaska groundfish 
fisheries regulations effecting seabird avoidance gear standards to 
hook-and-

[[Page 24673]]

line vessels operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone and portions of 
inside waters where birds of concern occur. The revision would remove 
seabird avoidance gear requirements in portions of inside waters where 
birds of concern do not occur. A weather safety exemption would be 
added to the regulations for small vessels, and the Seabird Avoidance 
Plan requirement would be deleted because it was found to be an 
unnecessary measure to ensure the proper use of seabird avoidance gear.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/19/07                    72 FR 53516
NPRM Comment Period End         10/19/07
Final Action                    12/18/07                    72 FR 71601

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AV38
_______________________________________________________________________




111. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2008 ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND 
BUTTERFISH FISHERIES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action would establish fishery specifications for the 
2008 Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM Comment Period End         01/08/07
NPRM                            12/28/07                    72 FR 73749
NPFM Comment Period Reopened    01/29/08                     73 FR 5153
Comment Period End              02/05/08
Final Action                    04/04/08                    73 FR 18443

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV40
_______________________________________________________________________




112. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2008 TO 2010 SURFCLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG 
FISHERIES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action would establish fishery specifications for the 
2008 to 2010 surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/15/07                    72 FR 64187
NPRM Comment Period End         12/17/07
Final Action                    01/04/08                      73 FR 820

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV42
_______________________________________________________________________




113. REEF FISH REGULATORY AMENDMENT FOR VERMILION SNAPPER TO REVISE 
MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The purpose of the regulatory amendment is to revise 
management measures implemented through Amendment 23 to the Fishery 
Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. These 
management measures need to be revised because a recent stock 
assessment resulted in a change of stock status to not overfished or 
undergoing overfishing. The regulatory amendment contains two 
management alternatives. Alternative 1 is the no action alternative and 
would maintain the regulations implemented by Amendment 23. Preferred 
Alternative 2 reverses management measures originally implemented by 
Amendment 23. Specifically, the actions in Preferred Alternative 2 
include: Reducing the recreational and commercial minimum size limit 
from 11 to 10 inches total length; ending the April 22 to May 31 
commercial seasonal closure; eliminating the 10 fish bag limit for 
vermilion snapper; and retaining vermilion snapper in the current 20-
fish aggregate bag limit for those reef fish species without species-
specific bag limits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/22/07                    72 FR 20980
NPRM Comment Period End         05/14/07
Final Rule                      01/03/08                      73 FR 406

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV45
_______________________________________________________________________




114. RULE TO REVISE THE GULF OF MEXICO (GULF) REEF FISH VESSEL 
MONITORING SYSTEM (VMS) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, POWER-DOWN EXEMPTION, 
AND RED SNAPPER INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA (IFQ) 3-HOUR NOTIFICATION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action would revise NOAA Fisheries Service requirements 
applicable to the commercial reef fish fishery in the Gulf and to 
incorporate a minor revision to the 3-hour notification requirement in 
the Gulf red snapper IFQ program. Because some VMS units draw more 
power than anticipated, an unintended consequence of this action is 
that a vessel's battery can be drained while in port and not fishing, 
unless hooked up to an external power source. To alleviate this 
problem, NOAA Fisheries Service is proposing an in-port exemption 
allowing a VMS unit to send a position report once every 4 hours, 
rather than every hour. This would reduce the power requirements of the 
VMS unit and allow other important safety equipment (e.g., bilge pumps) 
on a vessel to operate. In addition, this problem would also be 
addressed by adding ``in port'' as a qualifier for the power-down 
exemption should a vessel be inactive for 72 consecutive hours or more. 
Thus the rule would revise current regulations to reflect revisions 
made in the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement's Vessel Monitoring System 
Requirements document to address this vessel power issue. The rule 
would clarify the requirements of VMS in the reef fish fishery. This

[[Page 24674]]

includes requirements for owners/operators of qualified vessels to 
apply for and obtain a VMS power-down exemption and add a grandfather 
clause to address VMS units approved for use in the Gulf reef fish 
fishery. The rule would also expand the allowable methods for 
communicating the 3-hour advance notification of landing in the IFQ 
program. Currently, the 3-hour notification can only be conducted by 
phone, which has proven to be impracticable in some cases.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/06/07                    72 FR 43583
NPRM Comment Period End         08/21/07
Final Action                    12/27/07                    72 FR 73270

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV59
_______________________________________________________________________




115. FMP AMENDMENTS BSAI 88, KTC 23, SCALLOP 12, AND SALMON 9 FOR THE 
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS HABITAT CONSERVATION AREA REVISION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The fishery management plan amendments would revise the 
Aleutian Islands Habitat Conservation Area to ensure bottom trawling is 
prohibited in areas of known coral and sponge habitat and little 
fishing and allow for fishing in areas historically fished and not 
known to contain coral and sponge habitat. This action is necessary to 
ensure the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's intent for 
protection of sensitive habitat and to allow continued historical 
bottom trawl fishing is implemented.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/21/07                    72 FR 65539
NPRM Comment Period End         01/07/08
Final Action                    02/19/08                     73 FR 9035

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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-AV62
_______________________________________________________________________




116. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 20 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN TO EXTEND FISHING YEAR 2007 MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE 
ELEPHANT TRUNK ACCESS AREA THROUGH FEBRUARY 2008

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Framework 20 would extend the management measures of an 
interim action implemented in December of 2006. The interim action 
delayed the opening of the Elephant Trunk Sea Scallop Access Area 
(ETAA), reduced the number of ETAA trips per vessel, reduced the number 
of general category vessel trips, and prohibited vessels fishing in the 
ETAA from leaving the ETAA with more than 50 U.S. bu of in-shell 
scallops. The interim action expires on December 26, 2007, and 
Framework 20 would continue the measures through February 29, 2008.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/30/07                    72 FR 61320
NPRM Comment Period End         11/14/07
Final Action                    12/21/07                    72 FR 72626

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV91
_______________________________________________________________________




117. 2008 SUMMER FLOUNDER COASTWIDE RECREATIONAL INTERIM MANAGEMENT 
MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The action would implement coastwide management measures 
(i.e., minimum fish size, possession limit, and season) as the 2008 
regulatory default for the recreational summer flounder fishery until 
new measures, either state-by-state conservation equivalency or 
different coastwide measures based on the updated 2007 assessment, are 
put in place in late spring/early summer 2008.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/28/07                    72 FR 55166
NPRM Comment Period End         10/15/07
Final Action                    11/21/07                    72 FR 65466
Final Action Effective          12/18/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV99
_______________________________________________________________________




118. [bull] SPECIFICATION OF TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH LEVELS FOR GEORGES 
BANK (GB) YELLOWTAIL FLOUNDER, EASTERN GB COD, AND EASTERN GB HADDOCK, 
FOR FISHING YEAR 2008

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Under the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan 
(FMP) and the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing Understanding, three Georges 
Bank (GB) stocks are managed in coordination with Canada: GB yellowtail 
flounder, Eastern GB cod, and Eastern GB haddock. For these three 
shared stocks, on an annual basis, the New England Fishery Management 
Council recommends Total Allowable Catch (TAC) levels for vessels 
fishing in the U.S./Canada Management Area. This action would implement 
U.S. TACs for the 2008 Fishing Year of 667 mt, 8,050 mt, and 1,950 mt 
(for Eastern GB cod, Eastern GB haddock, and GB yellowtail flounder, 
respectively). These TACs are based upon best available science 
(Transboundary Resource Assessment Committee (TRAC)), and the 
recommendations of the Transboundary Management Guidance Committee 
(TMGC).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/03/08                      73 FR 441

[[Page 24675]]

NPRM Comment Period End         02/04/08
Final Action                    03/28/08                    73 FR 16571

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AW13
_______________________________________________________________________




119. [bull] GEORGES BANK COD HOOK SECTOR OPERATIONS PLAN APPROVAL AND 
ALLOCATION OF GEORGES BANK COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH FOR FISHING YEAR 
2008

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Under the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan 
(FMP), the Georges Bank Cod Hook Sector must submit an annual 
Operations Plan in order to be allocated a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) 
of Georges Bank Cod, and in order to be exempted from certain 
requirements of the FMP. If approved by the Regional Administrator, the 
Sector would be allocated a GB cod TAC, and would be exempt from the GB 
cod trip limit; GB seasonal closure area; limits on the number of 
hooks; the Days-at-Sea (DAS) Leasing Program size restrictions; 
differential DAS counting (in the Gulf of Maine and Southern New 
England Differential DAS Areas); and the Western U.S./Canada Management 
Area 72-hour observer notification.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/03/08                    73 FR 11376
NPRM Comment Period End         03/18/08
Final Action                    04/03/08                    73 FR 18215

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AW16
_______________________________________________________________________




120. [bull] GEORGES BANK COD FIXED GEAR SECTOR OPERATIONS PLAN APPROVAL 
AND ALLOCATION OF GEORGES BANK COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH FOR FISHING 
YEAR 2008

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Under the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan 
(FMP), the Georges Bank Cod Fixed Gear Sector must submit an annual 
Operations Plan in order to be allocated a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) 
of Georges Bank Cod, and in order to be exempted from certain 
requirements of the FMP. If approved by the Regional Administrator, the 
Sector would be allocated a GB cod total allowable catch (TAC), and 
would be exempt from the GB cod trip limit; GB seasonal closure area 
when fishing with hook gear; and limits on the number of hooks that may 
be fished.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/11/08                    73 FR 12941
NPRM Comment Period End         03/26/08
Final Action                    04/10/08                    73 FR 19439

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AW17
_______________________________________________________________________




121. [bull] PACIFIC HALIBUT FISHERIES; CATCH SHARING PLAN

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

Abstract: NMFS proposes to approve and 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 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. These actions are intended to enhance the conservation of 
Pacific halibut, to provide greater angler opportunity where available, 
and to protect yelloweye rockfish and other overfished groundfish 
species from incidental catch in the halibut fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/02/08                      73 FR 140
NPRM Comment Period End         02/01/08
Final Action                    03/07/08                    73 FR 12280

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Jamie Goen, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 
98115
Phone: 206 526-4646
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW26
_______________________________________________________________________




122. [bull] OREGON COHO SALMON CRITICAL HABITAT DESIGNATION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543 and 16 USC 1361 et seq

Abstract: This rule would list the Oregon Coast coho salmon ESU as 
threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), issue protective 
regulations under Section 4(d) of the ESA, and designate critical 
habitat.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/11/08                     73 FR 7816

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AW39
_______________________________________________________________________




123. TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO COMMERCIAL FISHING 
OPERATIONS; ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

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

[[Page 24676]]

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 the National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/21/05                    70 FR 35894
NPRM Comment Period Extended    07/13/05                    70 FR 40301
NPRM Comment Period End         07/21/05
Final Action                    10/05/07                    72 FR 57134
Final Action--Correction        04/09/08                    73 FR 19171

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AS01
_______________________________________________________________________




124. SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION; GEAR REQUIREMENTS IN THE ATLANTIC SEA 
SCALLOP DREDGE FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: NMFS is preparing a proposed rule regarding the sea turtle 
conservation measures in the Atlantic sea scallop dredge fishery. This 
action is necessary to correct a procedural error in the original 
rulemaking, to clarify the regulatory text related to the chain-mat 
requirements, and to add a transiting provison. In addition, the action 
will request public comment on an emergency rule issued in November 
2006.
First, this action would address a procedural error regarding the 
timing of the signing of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
document in the rulemaking that required chain mats on dredges in the 
Atlantic sea scallop fishery in 2006 (71 FR 50361, August 25, 2006) by 
ensuring that NMFS follows all of the NEPA procedures in the proper 
sequence. Second, this rule, if implemented, would add a transiting 
provision to allow vessels to be exempted from the requirements 
provided certain conditions are met. Third, the rule proposes to 
clarify the current regulatory text at 50 CFR 223.206 to make the 
intent of the regulation clearer. The revision would clarify that the 
U.S. Coast Guard and enforcement agents may board a vessel that has 
entered the waters described to check for compliance with the 
requirement to have a chain mat affixed to the dredge, regardless of 
whether that vessel is still in the waters described. Fourth, this 
action will request public comment on an emergency rulemaking completed 
in November 2006 (71 FR 66466, November 15, 2006). The emergency 
rulemaking was conducted to correct a discrepency in the options 
included in the August 2006 rulemaking for configuring the gear. In 
that rulemaking, the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries found good 
cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to waive the requirement for prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment on the emergency regulation. 
This current rulemaking will specifically request public comment on the 
change made by the November 2006 emergency rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/08/08                    73 FR 18984

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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-AV84
[FR Doc. E8-7348 Filed 05-02-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-BW-S