[December 10, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 236)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua071004.wais] [Page 70014-70036] Department of Commerce ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part IV ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 70014]] DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Office of the Secretary 13 CFR Ch. III 15 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, and XI 19 CFR Ch. III 37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V 48 CFR Ch. 13 50 CFR Chs. II, III, IV, and VI Fall 2007 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 spring 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 fall 2007 regulatory agenda includes regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008. 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 Nist, Acting Chief Counsel for Regulation, Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 202-482-3151. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to publish an agenda of those regulations that are under consideration pursuant to this order. By memorandum of June 22, 2007, the Office of Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and publication of the fall 2007 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. For this edition of the Department of Commerce's regulatory agenda, the most important significant regulatory actions and a Statement of Regulatory Priorities are included in The Regulatory Plan, which appears in both the online Unified Agenda and in part II of the Federal Register that includes the Unified Agenda. In addition, beginning with 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. In addition, for fall editions of the Agenda, the entireRegulatory Plan will continue to be printed in the Federal Register, as in past years, including the Department of Commerce's Regulatory Plan. 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 [[Page 70015]] significance and timing of some regulatory actions under consideration by the Councils at the time the semiannual regulatory agenda is published. The Department's fall 2007 regulatory agenda follows. John J. Sullivan, General Counsel. International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 226 Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn............................................ 0625-AA59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 227 American Lobster Data Collection and Broodstock Protection Measures................... 0648-AV77 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 228 Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan... 0648-AP60 229 Maximize Retention and Monitoring Program in the Shore-Based Pacific Whiting Fishery.. 0648-AR63 230 Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.. 0648-AR72 231 Revisions to the Definitions of Exempted Fishing and Scientific Research.............. 0648-AR78 232 Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery................... 0648-AS25 233 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Reducing Sea Turtle Takes.................... 0648-AS49 234 Generic Amendment To Provide for Regulation of Offshore Aquaculture of Selected Fish.. 0648-AS65 235 Establish Management Measures for the Western Pacific Squid Fishery................... 0648-AS71 236 American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures To Complement Interstate 0648-AT31 Lobster Management Recommendations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. 237 Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan.. 0648-AT58 238 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................................... 239 American Lobster Fishery: Broodstock Protection and Trap Effort Control Regulations 0648-AU07 for Offshore Area 3................................................................... 240 BSAI Amendment 73 and GOA Amendment 77 FMP To Revise Management Authority of Dark 0648-AU20 Rockfish.............................................................................. 241 Amendment 10 to the Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fishery Management Plan: 0648-AU22 Measures To End Bottomfish Overfishing in the Hawaiian Archipelago.................... 242 Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 0648-AU28 South Atlantic Region................................................................. 243 Amendment 15 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 0648-AU29 South Atlantic Region................................................................. 244 Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan...................... 0648-AU32 245 Amendment 15 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. 0648-AU36 246 Framework Adjustment to the Bycatch Reduction Criterion for the Fishery Management 0648-AU59 Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico..................................... 247 Restrictions for 2007 Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries in the Eastern Tropical 0648-AU79 Pacific Ocean......................................................................... 248 Individual Fishing Quota Processing Restriction Amendments............................ 0648-AU85 249 Regulatory Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic 0648-AV17 Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Region............................. 250 South Atlantic Fishery Ecosystem Plan Comprehensive Amendment......................... 0648-AV31 251 Modifying Maximum Retainable Amounts (MRAs) for Selected Groundfish Species Caught by 0648-AV32 the Non-American Fishing Act Trawl Catcher Processor Sector........................... 252 Reef Fish Amendment 30A for Greater Amberjack and Gray Triggerfish: TAC Adjustments, 0648-AV34 Measures To End Overfishing and Establish SFA Parameters.............................. 253 Specifications for the 2008 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries........ 0648-AV40 254 Specifications for the 2008 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries....... 0648-AV41 255 Specifications for the 2008-2010 Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries.................. 0648-AV42 256 Guidance for Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) To End 0648-AV60 Overfishing (Reg Plan Seq No. 31)..................................................... 257 Rule To Implement a Minimum Size Limit on Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) Imports..... 0648-AV61 [[Page 70016]] 258 FMP Amendments 88, 23,12, and 9 for Aleutian Islands Habitat Conservation Area 0648-AV62 Revision.............................................................................. 259 Individual Fishing Quota Omnibus V Actions 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............................................................... 260 Collection and Use of Tax Identification Numbers From Applicants for National Marine 0648-AV76 Fisheries Service Permits............................................................. 261 General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Specifications for Boarding Ladders........ 0648-AV78 262 Gulf Reef Fish Amendment 30B.......................................................... 0648-AV80 263 Framework Adjustment 19 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan........... 0648-AV90 264 Framework Adjustment 20 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan........... 0648-AV91 265 Vessel Incentive Program (VIP) Repeal................................................. 0648-AV96 266 Revise Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Reef Fish of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin 0648-AV98 Islands and FMP for Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands...... 267 Amendment 89 to the Fishery Management Plan to Bering Sea; Bering Sea Habitat 0648-AW06 Conservation Measures................................................................. 268 Designation of Critical Habitat for the Endangered U.S. Distinct Population Segment 0648-AV74 (DPS) of Smalltooth Sawfish........................................................... 269 Establish Take Prohibitions for the Threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of 0648-AV94 North American Green Sturgeon......................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 270 Require Mandatory Observer Coverage in the At-Sea Processing Sector of the Whiting 0648-AK26 Fishery............................................................................... 271 Expansion of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Vessel Monitoring System to the Open 0648-AU08 Access Fishery........................................................................ 272 Framework 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for Monkfish............................... 0648-AU34 273 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...................... 274 Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan...................... 0648-AU69 275 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures 2007............ 0648-AU89 276 Vessel Monitoring System Revision for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and Gulf 0648-AU93 of Alaska (GOA) Fisheries............................................................. 277 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North and South Atlantic Swordfish Commercial 0648-AV10 Management Measures................................................................... 278 Alaska Groundfish Fisheries Seabird Avoidance Measures................................ 0648-AV38 279 Reef Fish Regulatory Amendment for Vermilion Snapper To Revise Management Measures.... 0648-AV45 280 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............................................................. 281 2008 Summer Flounder Recreational Coastwide Measure................................... 0648-AV99 282 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............................................................................. 283 Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large 0648-AS01 Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations................................................. 284 Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction (Reg Plan Seq No. 32)............................... 0648-AS36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 285 Regulatory Amendment To Adjust Permit Renewal Requirements and Transferability 0648-AQ20 Restrictions in NWHI's Hoomalu Zone and Mau Limited Access Programs................... 286 Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan........................... 0648-AQ87 287 Amendment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery................. 0648-AS22 288 Amendment to Regulations Implementing the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention 0648-AS75 Act of 1984........................................................................... 289 Framework 1 to the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan.................. 0648-AT62 290 Amendment 84-A to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian 0648-AU03 Islands Management Area Implementing Salmon Bycatch Measures.......................... [[Page 70017]] 291 Observer Health and Safety............................................................ 0648-AU46 292 Reconciliation of State and Federal Commercial Fishing Vessel Permit Programs......... 0648-AU51 293 Recreational Specifications for the 2007 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 0648-AU60 Fisheries............................................................................. 294 Amendment 80 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and 0648-AU68 Aleutian Islands...................................................................... 295 Atlantic Hagfish Collection of Information Requirements............................... 0648-AU80 296 Regulatory Amendment To Revise Electronic Reporting Software and Hardware Requirements 0648-AV13 of the Observer Communications System (OCS)........................................... 297 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Sea Turtle Handling Gear; Atlantic Bluefin 0648-AV16 Tuna Retention Limits................................................................. 298 2007 Georges Bank Cod Fixed Gear Sector Operations Plan and TAC Allocation............ 0648-AV22 299 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Temporary Suspension of Requirement To Use 0648-AV25 Circle Hooks in Atlantic Billfish Tournaments......................................... 300 Amendment 13; Rule To Permanently Provide for Industry-Funded Observer Coverage in the 0648-AV39 Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan.......................................... 301 Amendment 7 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.. 0648-AV43 302 Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Establish Catch Accounting Requirements for 0648-AV46 Processors/First Receivers Participating in the Pacific Whiting Shoreside Fishery..... 303 Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Guided Sport Charter Vessel Fishery for Halibut............ 0648-AV47 304 2007 Pacific Whiting Harvest Specifications and In-Season Adjustments to Groundfish 0648-AV52 Management Measures................................................................... 305 Restrict Entry to the Pacific Whiting Primary Fishery in 2007 in the Pacific Coast 0648-AV57 Groundfish Fishery.................................................................... 306 Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan De Minimis Fishing 0648-AV07 Opportunity for Klamath River Fall Run Chinook Salmon................................. 307 Rule Amending Gillnet Management Measures To Protect Right Whales in the Southeast 0648-AU90 U.S. Calving Habitat.................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 226. 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: janet--heinzen@ita.doc.gov RIN: 0625-AA59 [[Page 70018]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Prerule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ 227. AMERICAN LOBSTER DATA COLLECTION AND BROODSTOCK PROTECTION MEASURES Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service 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 09/21/07 72 FR 53978 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/22/07 NPRM 03/00/08 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 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ 228. AMENDMENT 9 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Amendment 9 contains a variety of management measures, including multiple year specifications, entry into the directed Illex fishery, overfishing definition for Loligo, electronic daily reporting for the Illex fishery, and designating and reducing impacts on essential fish habitat. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/08 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 229. 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 21-25, 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, the National Marine Fisheries Service is proceeding with implementing a monitoring program for the shore-based whiting fishery. This action will aid in the sustainable management of Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fisheries while providing an important economic opportunity to those associated with the harvest, processing, and selling of whiting taken by the shore-based whiting fleet. The need for implementing a permanent monitoring program in the shore-based Pacific whiting fishery is to provide for a full retention fishery by enabling the shore-based whiting fleet, comprised exclusively of catcher vessels, to deliver unsorted catch to processing plants. This practice is necessary to ensure that whiting landings are of market quality, while abiding by Federal groundfish regulations and those implementing the Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fishery management plans. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 230. AMENDMENT 72 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH OF THE GULF OF ALASKA Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This action would eliminate an existing requirement under the Improved Retention/Improved Utilization (IR/IU) program that groundfish fisheries retain shallow water flatfish in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action may relieve some harvesting and utilization restrictions on GOA groundfish harvesting and processing operations. It follows a parallel action taken in the BSAI to relieve those groundfish fisheries from requirements to retain all IR/IU flatfish [[Page 70019]] species. This FMP has no implementing regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 231. REVISIONS TO THE DEFINITIONS OF EXEMPTED FISHING AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 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 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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-AR78 _______________________________________________________________________ 232. 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 Transferable Quotas in the tilefish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/08 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 233. 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 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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-AS49 _______________________________________________________________________ 234. GENERIC AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE OF SELECTED FISH 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 aquaculture permits are effective; (3) conditions for permit issuance; (4) species allowed for aquaculture; (5) allowable aquaculture systems; (6) designation of sites or areas for conducting aquaculture; (7) buffer zones for aquaculture facilities; (8) recordkeeping and reporting requirements; and (9) regulations to aid in the enforcement of marine aquaculture facilities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AS65 _______________________________________________________________________ 235. ESTABLISH MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC SQUID FISHERY Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Under amendment to the Western Pacific Pelagics Fishery Management Plan, pelagic squid would be designated as a management unit species, and measures would be established governing the pelagic squid fishery in the western Pacific region. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 [[Page 70020]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 236. 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 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/08 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-AT31 _______________________________________________________________________ 237. 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 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/08 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-AT58 _______________________________________________________________________ 238. 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 this 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 Final Rule 02/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AT87 _______________________________________________________________________ 239. 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 in 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 four-stage schedule of annual trap reductions that would reduce the amount of traps allocated in Area 3 by up to 15 percent. [[Page 70021]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/13/05 70 FR 73717 ANPRM Comment Period End 01/12/06 NPRM 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/08 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-AU07 _______________________________________________________________________ 240. 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 (FMPs). 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 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 241. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE BOTTOMFISH AND SEAMOUNT GROUNDFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN: 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 ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/08 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-AU22 _______________________________________________________________________ 242. 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 12/00/07 NPRM Commet Period End 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AU28 _______________________________________________________________________ 243. AMENDMENT 15 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER-GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Amendment 15 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 ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/08 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 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AU29 _______________________________________________________________________ 244. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 [[Page 70022]] NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/08 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-AU32 _______________________________________________________________________ 245. 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 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/08 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 246. 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 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AU59 _______________________________________________________________________ 247. 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 6 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/08 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 248. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA PROCESSING RESTRICTION AMENDMENTS 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 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/08 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-AU85 [[Page 70023]] _______________________________________________________________________ 249. REGULATORY AMENDMENT 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 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AV17 _______________________________________________________________________ 250. 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 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AV31 _______________________________________________________________________ 251. 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 for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 252. REEF FISH AMENDMENT 30A FOR GREATER AMBERJACK AND GRAY TRIGGERFISH: TAC ADJUSTMENTS, MEASURES TO END OVERFISHING AND ESTABLISH 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 10-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 (SFA) benchmarks and reference points for gray triggerfish. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AV34 _______________________________________________________________________ 253. 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 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 [[Page 70024]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 254. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2008 SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERIES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: This action would establish fishery specifications for the 2008 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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-AV41 _______________________________________________________________________ 255. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2008-2010 SURFCLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERIES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: This action would establish fishery specifications for the 2008-2010 surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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-AV42 _______________________________________________________________________ 256. GUIDANCE FOR ANNUAL CATCH LIMITS (ACLS) AND ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES (AMS) TO END OVERFISHING Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 31 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0648-AV60 _______________________________________________________________________ 257. RULE TO IMPLEMENT A MINIMUM SIZE LIMIT ON SPINY LOBSTER (PANULIRUS ARGUS) IMPORTS 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 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AV61 _______________________________________________________________________ 258. FMP AMENDMENTS 88, 23,12, AND 9 FOR 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 to 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 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 259. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA OMNIBUS V ACTIONS 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 [[Page 70025]] 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 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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-AV64 _______________________________________________________________________ 260. COLLECTION AND USE OF TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS FROM APPLICANTS FOR NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE PERMITS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq; 16 USC 1531 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 31 USC 7701 Abstract: In conformance with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will issue a rule to require that each applicant for a permit, license, endorsement, authorization, transfer or like instrument issued by the Agency to provide a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) (Employer Identification Number for business entities or Social Security Number for individuals) and date of incorporation (business) or date of birth (individual), as appropriate. Under the DCIA authority, NMFS will collect the TIN from any permit/license applicant to determine if such a party has any delinquent non-tax debt owed to the Federal Government and inform the applicant that issuance of the permit/license is contingent on the resolution of such debt. NMFS plans to use date-of-incorporation and 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 Agency's intended uses of the collected TIN information and provisions for ensuring the confidentiality of personally identifiable information pursuant to the Privacy Act; (b) the effects on an applicant for permit/license issuance, renewal, or transfer of not providing the required TIN information and when delinquent non-tax debts are owed; (c) the agency's procedure for using the TIN to determine, through the Treasury Department's Debt Check Program, if a permit applicant owes delinquent non-tax debt to the Government pursuant to the DCIA; and (d) the Agency's intended communications with the permit/license applicant concerning the relationship of such delinquent debts to its permitting process and the need to resolve such debts as a basis for completing permit/license issuance, renewal, or transfer. The rule will also refer to parallel Agency actions to establish: (a) A Policy Directive regarding the collection of TIN information from permit/license applicants; and (b) a new NMFS Privacy Act System of Records for permits and non-permit registrations used in a variety of fisheries management programs that will facilitate identifying fishery participants and evaluating permit applicant qualifications as well as an updated System of Record for protected species related permits (issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act) to include the TIN collection and an additional routine use concerning the Treasury Department's Debt Check Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 Final Action 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Samuel Rauch, Deputy Assistant Administor for Regulatory Programs, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Room 14657, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2341 RIN: 0648-AV76 _______________________________________________________________________ 261. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR DOMESTIC FISHERIES; SPECIFICATIONS FOR BOARDING LADDERS Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 951 to 961; 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 973 to 973r; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 2431 et seq; 16 USC 3636(b); 16 USC 5501 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 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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-AV78 _______________________________________________________________________ 262. 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 [[Page 70026]] implement management measures to increase red grouper TAC 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 ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AV80 _______________________________________________________________________ 263. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 19 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: Framework Adjustment 19 would implement management measures for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery for the 2008 and 2009 fishing years, including days-at-sea and sea scallop access area trip allocations, general category scallop vessel restrictions, and other measures to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Scallop FMP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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-AV90 _______________________________________________________________________ 264. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 20 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: Framework 20 would extend measures implemented by interim rule that delayed the opening of the Elephant Trunk Sea Scallop Access Area (ETAA) until March 1, 2007, reduced the maximum number of trips per vessel in the ETAA from 5 trips to 3, reduced the number of general category fleet trips from 1,360 to 865 trips in the ETAA, and prohibited the retention of more than 50 U.S. bushels of in-shell scallop outside of the boundaries of the sea scallop access areas. Framework 20 would extend these measures from December 2007 through February 2008. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/30/07 72 FR 61320 NPRM Comment Period End 11/14/07 Final Action 01/00/08 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-AV91 _______________________________________________________________________ 265. VESSEL INCENTIVE PROGRAM (VIP) REPEAL Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: This regulatory amendment would repeal regulations that authorize a Vessel Incentive Program (VIP) to reduce bycatch rates of halibut and red king crab in trawl fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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-AV96 _______________________________________________________________________ 266. REVISE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) FOR REEF FISH OF PUERTO RICO AND U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND FMP FOR SPINY LOBSTER FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO AND U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Many species of fish in the reef fish fishery in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are believed to be overexploited, largely due to unrestricted trap fishing. Landings from the trap fishery have seen a continuous decrease since 1990 in Puerto Rico (e.g., Matos-Caraballo, See Section 2.1) and a change in species composition and size of fish landed over the last 10 years. This effect has been attributed to excess trap fishing effort, the lack of compliance with regard to trap construction (i.e., fishers often do not used the required biodegradable fasteners on trap doors), use of other gears by commercial fishers, 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AV98 _______________________________________________________________________ 267. AMENDMENT 89 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN TO BERING SEA; BERING SEA HABITAT CONSERVATION MEASURES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This regulatory amendment would implement Amendment 89 to [[Page 70027]] 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. The cost to the regulated community is limited to an average of $330,000 annually based on the closure of the Northern Bering Sea research area. Other closures under this action are not anticipated to result in lost revenue because the closures are located in areas not currently fished, or the closure areas are small enough that the industry is likely to be able to recover any potential lost revenue by shifting fishing into other locations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 268. 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 02/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/08 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: shelley.norton@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AV74 _______________________________________________________________________ 269. 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 Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) is required to adopt such regulations as he deems necessary and advisable for the conservation of species listed as threatened. This proposed ESA 4(d) rule represents the regulations that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) believes necessary and advisable to conserve the threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green sturgeon (Southern DPS of green sturgeon). NMFS proposes to apply the prohibitions listed under ESA sections 9(a)(1)(A) and 9(a)(1)(D) through 9(a)(1)(G) for the Southern DPS of green sturgeon and to apply ESA section 9(a)(1)(B) and 9(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. NMFS also describes exceptions to the take prohibitions for activities conducted in a way that NMFS deems adequate to protect or conserve the Southern DPS. In addition, NMFS is announcing the availability of an environmental assessment (EA) that analyzes the impacts of promulgating these 4(d) regulations for the Southern DPS of green sturgeon. NMFS solicits comments regarding the draft EA and this proposed ruling. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/08 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: lisa.manning@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AV94 [[Page 70028]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ 270. 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 11/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 271. 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 possess groundfish while transiting the EEZ, or that lands groundfish taken in the EEZ is considered to be participating in the open access groundfish fishery. Vessel using non- groundfish trawl gear to fish in the EEZ will be included, whether or not groundfish is retained, for the purpose of monitoring vessel activity in relation to essential fish habitat. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/08/07 72 FR 44469 NPRM Comment Period End 09/07/07 Final Action 11/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 272. FRAMEWORK 4 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MONKFISH Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq 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-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 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 Rule 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 273. 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 socioeconomic and community factors. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NOA 12/07/06 71 FR 70943 NOA Comment Period End 02/05/07 NPRM 02/07/07 72 FR 5654 NPRM Comment Period End 03/26/07 Final Action 11/00/07 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 [[Page 70029]] _______________________________________________________________________ 274. 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 02/00/08 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-AU69 _______________________________________________________________________ 275. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC SHARK MANAGEMENT MEASURES 2007 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 10/03/07 72 FR 56330 NPRM Comment Period End 10/10/07 Final Action 12/00/07 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-AU89 _______________________________________________________________________ 276. VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM REVISION FOR BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS (BSAI) AND GULF OF ALASKA (GOA) 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 09/04/07 Final Action 11/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 277. 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 proposed 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 11/00/07 Final Action Effective 12/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 278. ALASKA GROUNDFISH FISHERIES SEABIRD AVOIDANCE MEASURES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 [[Page 70030]] Abstract: This regulatory amendment would revise Alaska groundfish fisheries regulations affecting seabird avoidance gear standards to hook-and-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 12/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 279. 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-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 to specific bag limits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/22/07 72 FR 20980 Final Rule 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AV45 _______________________________________________________________________ 280. 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 four 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 proposed 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 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 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AV59 _______________________________________________________________________ 281. 2008 SUMMER FLOUNDER RECREATIONAL COASTWIDE MEASURE Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: This rule establishes the default coastwide recreational summer flounder management measures (i.e., minimum fish size, possession limit, season) that will be in place on January 1, 2008, and will remain effective until replaced in late spring/early summer by measures based on the updated 2007 assessment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/28/07 72 FR 55166 NPRM Comment Period End 10/15/07 Final Action 12/00/07 [[Page 70031]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 282. 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 Comment Period Extended 11/02/01 Final Action 11/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 283. 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 Protection Act. The commercial fishery requirements provided in this rule are intended to implement the additional requirements recommended by the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team and NMFS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/21/05 70 FR 35894 Comment Period Extended 07/13/05 70 FR 40301 NPRM Comment Period End 07/21/05 Final Action 11/00/07 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-AS01 _______________________________________________________________________ 284. RIGHT WHALE SHIP STRIKE REDUCTION Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 32 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0648-AS36 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ 285. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ADJUST PERMIT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS AND TRANSFERABILITY RESTRICTIONS IN NWHI'S HOOMALU ZONE AND MAU LIMITED ACCESS PROGRAMS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the Bottomfish Fishery Management Plan would remove annual landings requirement for permit renewal, revise permit transferability restrictions, establish permit eligibility for the Mau Zone, and establish a mechanism to facilitate permits through a community development program in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands bottomfish limited access programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 10/05/07 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-AQ20 _______________________________________________________________________ 286. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This action would implement a limited access program, implement management measures to management area 1A, and make other adjustments to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 09/06/06 71 FR 52521 NPRM 09/27/06 71 FR 56446 Comment Period End 11/06/06 NPRM Comment Period End 11/13/06 Final Rule 06/01/07 72 FR 11252 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-AQ87 [[Page 70032]] _______________________________________________________________________ 287. AMENDMENT 14 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Amendment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management would establish a rebuilding plan for scup. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/24/07 72 FR 20344 NPRM Comment Period End 05/24/07 Final Action 07/23/07 72 FR 40077 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-AS22 _______________________________________________________________________ 288. AMENDMENT TO REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE ANTARCTIC MARINE LIVING RESOURCES CONVENTION ACT OF 1984 Legal Authority: 16 USC 2431 et seq Abstract: This amendment to regulations for Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) implements measures agreed to by the parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). More specifically, it would require the use of the centralized satellite-linked vessel monitoring system (VMS) by all U.S. vessels harvesting AMLR and would be a condition of export for all dealers seeking to import shipments of toothfish. It would also exempt all shipments of fresh toothfish from the National Marine Fisheries Service preapproval process and allow importers of frozen toothfish to submit the U.S. Customs 7501 entry number subsequent to their initial application for preapproval. The rule would require the use of Electronic Catch Documents, after a 60-day transition period, for all U.S. dealers seeking to import shipments of toothfish into the United States. The rule would also amend certain definitions including ``import'' and ``export.'' Use of a seal excluder device would be required on krill vessels using trawl gear in CCAMLR waters. Regulations governing scientific observers and vessel information would be modified. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/13/06 71 FR 39642 NPRM Comment Period End 08/14/06 Final Action 08/23/07 72 FR 48496 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-AS75 _______________________________________________________________________ 289. FRAMEWORK 1 TO THE SURFCLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Framework adjustment 1 to the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP requires the use of a vessel monitoring system (VMS) for vessels participating in the surfclam and ocean quahog fishery. The VMS requirement replaces the current telephone-based notification requirement necessary prior to departure on a surfclam or ocean quahog fishing trip and facilitates monitoring of closed areas and State/ Federal jurisdictional boundaries. The intent of this action is to implement management measures that will improve the management and enforcement of regulations governing the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fishery in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/05/07 72 FR 9719 NPRM Comment Period End 04/04/07 Final Action 09/11/07 72 FR 51699 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-AT62 _______________________________________________________________________ 290. AMENDMENT 84-A TO THE FMP FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS MANAGEMENT AREA IMPLEMENTING SALMON BYCATCH MEASURES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: This rule would exempt Pollock and CDQ vessels that participate in a voluntary rolling hotspot closure system (VRHS) from chum and Chinook salmon savings area closures. The VRHS utilizes inseason data and a private contractor to determine and avoid high salmon bycatch areas. The VRHS encourages salmon bycatch reduction through internal enforcement of a civil agreement between cooperatives and third party groups. This rulemaking would also exempt vessels participating in the trawl cod and/or flatfish targets from closures of the chum salmon savings area. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/18/07 72 FR 19454 NPRM Comment Period End 06/04/07 Final Action 10/29/07 72 FR 61070 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-AU03 _______________________________________________________________________ 291. OBSERVER HEALTH AND SAFETY Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 5 USC 561 Abstract: This rule would enhance the safety of observers and the efficiency of their deployment. These amendments would clarify prohibited actions regarding observers, reinforce that an observer may not be deployed nor stay aboard an unsafe vessel, clarify when a fishing vessel is inadequate for observer deployment and how an owner or operator can resolve [[Page 70033]] discrepancies, improve communications between observer programs and fishing vessel owners and operators, and provide for a National Marine Fisheries Service alternate safety equipment examination of certain small fishing vessels. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/30/07 72 FR 4226 NPRM Comment Period End 03/01/07 Final Action 11/01/07 72 FR 61815 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Bonnie Ponwith, Acting Director, Office of Science and Technology, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2367 RIN: 0648-AU46 _______________________________________________________________________ 292. RECONCILIATION OF STATE AND FEDERAL COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL PERMIT PROGRAMS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: This action would implement a limit to the amount of days that a federally-permitted commercial fishing vessel can fish. Although, in the case of the Northeast (NE) multispecies fisheries, it is estimated that less than 5 percent of vessels are currently exploiting what amounts to a regulatory loophole, fishing part of the permit year exclusively under State regulations and then later renewing their Federal permit, their impact to fishing mortality objectives could potentially be significant especially as reductions in DAS continue in New England. This action is needed to address the aforementioned situation, that is exploited by a small number of people, before others begin to regard this as an advantage that should be utilized to stay competitive. The purpose of this action is to remove an unintended consequence of having a Federal permit renewal system that effectively allows for a temporary relinquishment of a Federal limited access permit. This action would reinforce commercial fishing vessel permit renewal procedures currently practiced by over 90 percent of all limited access permit holders. Furthermore, this action may facilitate the development of corresponding State permit regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/06/07 72 FR 17085 Final Action 08/03/07 72 FR 43188 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-AU51 _______________________________________________________________________ 293. RECREATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERIES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This action implements recreational management measures for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries for 2007. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/15/07 72 FR 12158 NPRM Comment Period End 03/30/07 Final Action 06/01/07 72 FR 30492 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-AU60 _______________________________________________________________________ 294. AMENDMENT 80 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GROUNDFISH OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: Amendment 80 would provide specific groundfish allocations to the non-AFA trawl catcher/processor sector and allow the formation of fishing cooperatives within the sector. Sector allocations and associated cooperatives would allow par