[December 22, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 245)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua031004.wais] [Page 72710-72796] Department of Commerce ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part IV ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 72710]] 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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 regulatory agenda includes regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Specific: For additional information about specific regulatory actions listed in the agenda, contact the individual identified as the contact person. General:Comments or inquiries of a general nature about the agenda should be directed to Daniel Cohen, Chief Counsel for Regulation, Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 202-482-3151. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to publish an agenda of those regulations that are under consideration pursuant to this order. By memorandum of July 31, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and publication of the fall 2003 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires agencies to publish, in the spring and fall of each year, a regulatory flexibility agenda which contains a brief description of the subject area of any rule which is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agenda also identifies those entries that have been selected for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Explanation of Information Contained in the Agenda Within the Department, the Office of the Secretary and various operating units may issue regulations. Operating units, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Industry and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office issue the greatest share of the Department's regulations. A large number of regulatory actions reported in the agenda deal with fishery management programs of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). To avoid repetition of programs and definitions, as well as to provide some understanding of the technical and institutional elements of the NMFS programs, a section on ``Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries'' is provided below. Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) (Act) governs the management of fisheries within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ refers to those waters from the outer edge of the State boundaries, generally 3 nautical miles, to a distance of 200 nautical miles. Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) are to be prepared for fisheries, which require conservation and management measures. Regulations implementing these FMPs regulate domestic fishing and foreign fishing where permitted. Foreign fishing can be conducted in a fishery in which there is no FMP only if a preliminary fishery management plan has been issued to govern that foreign fishing. Under the Act, eight Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) prepare FMPs or amendments to FMPs for fisheries within their respective areas. In the development of such plans or amendments and their implementing regulations, the Councils are required by law to conduct public hearings on the draft plans and to consider the use of alternative means of regulating. The Council process for developing FMPs and amendments makes it difficult for NMFS to determine the significance and timing of some regulatory actions under consideration by the Councils at the time the semiannual regulatory agenda is published. The Department's fall 2003 regulatory agenda follows. Theodore W. Kassinger, General Counsel. Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 474 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Handicap, and Age in 0690-AA30 Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance...................... 475 Employee Responsibilities and Conduct; Removal of Obsolete Regulations.............. 0690-AA32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72711]] Bureau of Economic Analysis--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 476 Quarterly Surveys of International Trade in Services Between U.S. and Foreign 0691-AA49 Persons............................................................................. 477 BE-80, Benchmark Survey of Financial Services Transactions Between U.S. Financial 0691-AA51 Services Providers and Unaffiliated Foreign Persons................................. 478 Benchmark Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad--2004............................. 0691-AA52 479 International Services Surveys: BE-45, Quarterly Survey of Insurance Transactions by 0691-AA53 U.S. Insurance Companies With Foreign Persons....................................... 480 International Services Surveys: BE-25, Quarterly Survey of Transactions With 0691-AA54 Unaffiliated Foreign Persons in Selected Services and in Intangible Assets.......... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Economic Analysis--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 481 Annual Survey of Foreign Direct Investment in the United States..................... 0691-AA48 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Economic Analysis--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 482 International Services Surveys: BE-85, Quarterly Survey of Financial Services 0691-AA50 Transactions Between U.S. Financial Services Providers and Unaffiliated Foreign Persons............................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Economic Analysis--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 483 Economic Development Administration Regulations..................................... 0691-AA47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 484 Full Mandatory Automated Export System (AES) Filing for Export Shipments............ 0607-AA38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 485 Annual Trade Survey................................................................. 0607-AA40 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 486 Cutoff Dates for Recognition of Boundary Changes for Census 2000 and for the 0607-AA35 Intercensal Period.................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72712]] Bureau of the Census--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 487 Special Services and Studies by the Bureau of the Census; Amendments to Age Search 0607-AA24 Procedures.......................................................................... 488 Automated Export System (AES) Mandatory Filing for All Items on the Commerce Control 0607-AA34 List (CCL) and the United States Munitions List (USML) That Currently Require a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED).................................................. 489 Mandatory Automated Export System (AES) for Exports (Re-Exports) of Rough Diamonds.. 0607-AA39 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Economic Development Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 490 Economic Development Administration Regulations..................................... 0610-AA63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- General Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 491 Public Information, Freedom of Information and Privacy.............................. 0605-AA14 492 Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)............................ 0605-AA16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Trade Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 493 Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn.......................................... 0625-AA59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Trade Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 494 Procedures for Conducting Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews of Antidumping and 0625-AA51 Countervailing Duty Orders.......................................................... 495 Import of Certain Worsted Wool Fabric: Implementation of Tariff Rate Quota 0625-AA58 Established Under Title V of the Trade and Development Act of 2000.................. 496 Changes in the Insular Possessions Watch, Watch Movement, and Jewelry Program....... 0625-AA63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 497 Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations............................................. 0694-AB06 498 Mandatory Electronic Filing of License Applications, Classification Requests, and 0694-AC20 License Exceptions Notifications via BIS's Simplified Network Application Process (SNAP).............................................................................. 499 Export Administration Regulations: Penalty Guidance in the Settlement of 0694-AC92 Administrative Enforcement Cases.................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 500 Exports and Reexports to Sudan...................................................... 0694-AC05 [[Page 72713]] 501 Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)......... 0694-AC24 502 Removal of Licensing Exemption for Exports and Reexports of Missile Technology- 0694-AC48 Controlled Items Destined to Canada................................................. 503 Elimination of ``National Security'' as a Reason for Control for Certain Items on 0694-AC54 the Commerce Control List........................................................... 504 Protective Equipment Export License Jurisdiction.................................... 0694-AC64 505 License Application Denial Policy, ``Red Flag'' Indicators of Possible Inappropriate 0694-AC68 End-Use, End-User, or Destination................................................... 506 Revisions of Aircraft Export Licensing Jurisdiction Based on Review of the United 0694-AC74 States Munitions List............................................................... 507 Revisions of Energetic Material Export Licensing Jurisdiction Based on Review of the 0694-AC75 United States Munitions List........................................................ 508 Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations Based on the 2002 Missile 0694-AC76 Technology Control Regime Plenary Agreements........................................ 509 Export and Reexport Controls on Iraq................................................ 0694-AC84 510 Lifting of UN Sanctions Against UNITA............................................... 0694-AC86 511 Amendment to the Export Administration Regulations: Revision to Export Control 0694-AC87 Classification Number 1C355......................................................... 512 Best Practices for Exporters/Re-Exporters and Trade Facilitation/Freight Forwarding 0694-AC89 Companies Regarding the Transit, Transshipment, and Reexport of Dual-Use Items...... 513 Clarification of Export Controls on Parts for Military Vehicles..................... 0694-AC91 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 514 Administration of State Log Exports Ban............................................. 0694-AB25 515 Clarification of License Exception GFT (Humanitarian Donations)..................... 0694-AB49 516 Export Administration Regulations: Support Documentation............................ 0694-AC04 517 Expansion of License Exception GOV; Exports and Reexports to International 0694-AC15 Organizations....................................................................... 518 De Minimis Expansion of Eligibility: U.S. Origin Software Incorporated Into Foreign- 0694-AC17 Made Retail Commodities............................................................. 519 Revision to the Export Administration Regulations: Replacement Licenses............. 0694-AC23 520 Short Supply Controls: Crude Oil Exports............................................ 0694-AC25 521 Crime Control Items: Revisions to the Commerce Control List......................... 0694-AC31 522 License Exception AVS: Cuba, Libya, and Serbia...................................... 0694-AC33 523 Clarifications to Part 753: Special Comprehensive License Requirements.............. 0694-AC34 524 Chemical Weapons Convention: Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations..... 0694-AC35 525 Addition and Revision of Missile Projects in the Export Administration Regulations.. 0694-AC46 526 Revision, Suspension, or Prohibition of Use of ``No License Required'' Provisions... 0694-AC47 527 Computer Technology and Software Eligible for Export or Reexport Under License 0694-AC63 Exception TSR....................................................................... 528 License Exception APR for Reexports To, From, and Among Countries in Country Group 0694-AC69 A:1................................................................................. 529 Revisions to License Exception TSR: Expansion to Scope of Eligible Countries........ 0694-AC71 530 Addition of East Timor, Netherlands Antilles, and Aruba to the Export Administration 0694-AC77 Regulations......................................................................... 531 Imposition of Foreign Policy Controls on Surreptitious Communications Intercepting 0694-AC82 Devices............................................................................. 532 December 2002 Wassenaar Arrangement Plenary Agreement Implementation: Revisions to 0694-AC85 Categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the Commerce Control List, and Reporting Requirements........................................................................ 533 Addition of Kazakhstan to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), and Other Revisions.... 0694-AC90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 534 Transfer of Dual-Use Items From U.S. Munitions List to the Commerce Control List.... 0694-AA52 535 Change the Commerce Control List To Revise Controls on Communication Intercepting 0694-AB41 Devices (Export Commerce Control Number ECCN 5A980)................................. 536 Exports of Technology and Software; Release of Technology or Source Code to Foreign 0694-AB59 Nationals in the United States...................................................... 537 Entity List Revision: Khan Research Laboratories.................................... 0694-AB60 538 India and Pakistan Sanctions........................................................ 0694-AB73 [[Page 72714]] 539 Exports and Reexports of Explosive Detection Systems; Expansion of Foreign Policy 0694-AB87 Controls............................................................................ 540 Expansion of License Exception CIV Eligibility for Microprocessors Controlled by 0694-AB90 ECCN 3A001.......................................................................... 541 Export of Technology and Software Through Electronic Transmissions, Downloads, and 0694-AB97 Programming Onto Hardware........................................................... 542 Antiterrorism Controls on Iraq...................................................... 0694-AC06 543 Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations Related to the Missile Technology 0694-AC22 Control Regime (MTCR)............................................................... 544 Offsets in Military Exports......................................................... 0694-AC27 545 Entity List: Additions and Revisions................................................ 0694-AC28 546 Revisions to Encryption Items....................................................... 0694-AC32 547 Exports to Afghanistan (the Taliban) and Liberia: Imposition of Foreign Policy 0694-AC45 Controls............................................................................ 548 Exports to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia: Lifting of Sanctions................. 0694-AC57 549 Imposition and Expansion of Controls on Designated Persons.......................... 0694-AC60 550 Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations--Chemical and 0694-AC70 Biological Weapons Controls: Australia Group (June 2002 Plenary Meeting)............ 551 General Order Suspending License Requirement for Exports and Reexports in Support of 0694-AC73 United Nation Security Counsel Resolution(s) Mandating Inspections in Iraq.......... 552 Export Administration Regulations: Encryption Clarifications and Revisions.......... 0694-AC78 553 General Order on Exports to Iraq.................................................... 0694-AC79 554 General Order Removing License Requirements for the Export or Reexport to Iraq of 0694-AC80 Certain Items Subject to the Export Administration Regulations...................... 555 Export Clearance--Conformance of Export Administration Regulations With Foreign 0694-AC81 Trade Statistics Regulations........................................................ 556 Addition of Aruba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Democratic 0694-AC83 Republic of East Timor, and Netherlands Antilles to the Export Administration Regulations......................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Institute of Standards & Technology--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 557 Procedures for Implementation of the National Construction Safety Team Act.......... 0693-AB53 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Institute of Standards & Technology--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 558 Procedures for Implementation of the National Construction Safety Team Act.......... 0693-AB52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 559 Fleet Capacity Control for U.S. Troll Albacore Tuna Fishing in Canadian Waters...... 0648-AQ22 560 Amendment 1 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan............................ 0648-AQ86 561 Amendment 2 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan......................... 0648-AQ87 562 Weakfish: Increase in Incidental Catch per Amendment 4.............................. 0648-AR11 563 Endangered Species and Pesticide Regulation......................................... 0648-AQ69 564 Designate Critical Habitat; Withdraw Previous Designations.......................... 0648-AQ77 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72715]] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 565 Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico 0648-AG87 and the U.S. Virgin Islands......................................................... 566 Regulatory Amendment To Require Mandatory Observer Coverage in the At-Sea Processing 0648-AK26 Sector of the Whiting Fishery....................................................... 567 Adjustment of Management Program: Bottomfish Fisheries in the Hawaiian Islands...... 0648-AK82 568 Revise Exempted Fishing Regulations To Specify Compensatory Fishing Under Exempted 0648-AK84 Fishing............................................................................. 569 Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Crustacean Fisheries of the 0648-AL67 Western Pacific Region.............................................................. 570 Fishery Management Plan for Calico Scallop Fishery in the South Atlantic Region 0648-AL78 (FMP)............................................................................... 571 Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of 0648-AM23 Mexico (FMP)........................................................................ 572 Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish Fisheries of the 0648-AM98 Western Pacific Region.............................................................. 573 Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf 0648-AN08 of Mexico and South Atlantic FMP.................................................... 574 Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf 0648-AN09 of Mexico........................................................................... 575 Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan.................... 0648-AN16 576 Amendment 13 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) (Reg Plan 0648-AN17 Seq No. 32)......................................................................... 577 Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan Amendment for the Pelagic Fisheries of 0648-AN76 the Western Pacific Region.......................................................... 578 Regulatory Amendment Modifying the Gulf of Mexico BRD Protocol Under the Fishery 0648-AN84 Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP).................. 579 Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, 0648-AO63 Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico (FMP) of the Atlantic................................. 580 Regulatory Amendment Under the Fishery Management Plan for Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish 0648-AP02 (FMP) To Establish a Red Snapper Stock Rebuilding Plan and To Set Red Snapper Overfishing Targets and Thresholds.................................................. 581 Amendment 13A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 0648-AP03 South Atlantic Region............................................................... 582 Revision of American Lobster Regulations for the EEZ................................ 0648-AP18 583 Regulatory Amendment To Implement Permit Stacking in the Limited-Entry Fixed-Gear 0648-AP38 Sablefish Fishery in 2002 and Beyond................................................ 584 Implementation of Fishery Management Plan for Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Off 0648-AP42 the West Coast...................................................................... 585 Regulatory Amendment Under the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan... 0648-AP50 586 Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Sustainable Fisheries Act Requirements Regarding 0648-AP51 Overfishing, Bycatch, Fishing Communities and Provisions for Fishery Management Plans for the Caribbean............................................................. 587 Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; Amendment 13......................... 0648-AP57 588 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 9..................... 0648-AP60 589 Implementation of the Regulatory Changes Resulting From the Amendments and Extension 0648-AP61 of the South Pacific Tuna Act....................................................... 590 Revise Community Development Quota Program Administration and Allocation 0648-AP67 Regulations--BSAI FMP Amendment 71.................................................. 591 Full Retention of Demersal Shelf Rockfish in Gulf of Alaska Area 650................ 0648-AP73 592 Amendment to Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of Gulf of Mexico to 0648-AP95 Set 10-Year Rebuilding Plan for Red Grouper......................................... 593 Regulatory Amendment to Section 679 Permits or Permit-Related Issues................ 0648-AQ07 594 Regulatory Amendment To Adjust Permit Renewal Requirements and Transferability 0648-AQ20 Restrictions in NWHI's Hoomalu Zone and Mau Limited Access Programs................. 595 Fleet Capacity Control for U.S. Tuna Purse Seine Fisheries in the Eastern Pacific 0648-AQ21 Ocean............................................................................... 596 Amendment 2 to Monkfish Fishery Management Plan..................................... 0648-AQ25 597 Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and Amendment 2 to 0648-AQ27 the Atlantic Salmon FMP to Address Essental Fish Habitat Conservation Measures...... 598 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Bigeye Tuna and Swordfish Trade Statistical 0648-AQ37 Document Programs................................................................... 599 Fisheries of the United States; National Standard 1................................. 0648-AQ63 600 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species: Billfish and Swordfish Recreational Fishing...... 0648-AQ65 601 Annual Specifications for the Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries for 2004......... 0648-AQ79 602 Annual Specifications for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries 0648-AQ80 for 2004............................................................................ 603 Specifications for the 2004-2005 Fishing Year for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery......... 0648-AQ81 604 Recreational Measures for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery for 0648-AQ82 Fishing Year 2004................................................................... 605 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries for 0648-AQ83 2004................................................................................ 606 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Herring Fishery for 2004..................... 0648-AQ84 607 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery for 2004.................... 0648-AQ85 608 ``Other Species'' CDQ Reserve Management............................................ 0648-AQ88 609 Adjustment of Management Program; Pelagic Fisheries in the Western Pacific Region... 0648-AQ91 [[Page 72716]] 610 Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Pelagic Fisheries of the Western 0648-AQ92 Pacific Region (American Samoa Limited Access Program).............................. 611 Eastern Pacific Tuna Controls....................................................... 0648-AQ93 612 Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Sardine............. 0648-AQ97 613 Amendment 66 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska 0648-AQ98 614 Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Gulf 0648-AR06 of Alaska and Amendment 62 to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area........................................................... 615 Port Codes Integration in Table 14.................................................. 0648-AR07 616 Regulatory Amendment To Change Reporting Areas 620 and 630.......................... 0648-AR08 617 Regulatory Rulemaking To Revise Accounting for Externally Tagged Halibut............ 0648-AR09 618 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Trade Restrictive Measures....................... 0648-AR10 619 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Bluefin Tuna Season and Size Limit 0648-AR12 Adjustments......................................................................... 620 Catcher Vessel Electronic Report.................................................... 0648-AR30 621 Atlantic Striped Bass Fisheries in the EEZ; Modification of Federal Regulations..... 0648-AR33 622 Consideration of a Control Date for Bottomfishing Vessels in the EEZ Around Guam and 0648-AR37 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands........................................ 623 Amendment 13B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 0648-AR38 South Atlantic Region............................................................... 624 Maximum Retainable Amount........................................................... 0648-AR41 625 Framework 4 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan 0648-AR44 (FMP)............................................................................... 626 Establish Referendum Procedures and a Vote Weighting Formula for the Gulf of Mexico 0648-AR48 Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program.................................. 627 Implement Electronic Dealer Reporting and Adjustments to Vessel Reporting 0648-AR49 Requirements........................................................................ 628 Framework 5 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery................ 0648-AR50 629 Annual Specifications for the Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fishery for Fishing Year 0648-AR52 2005................................................................................ 630 Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Announcement of the 2004 Groundfish Fishery 0648-AR54 Specifications and Management Measures.............................................. 631 Framework 16 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan and Framework 0648-AR55 Adjustment 39 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan................. 632 Annual Specifications for the Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery for Fishing Year 2004....... 0648-AR58 633 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan 0648-AR60 for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks........................................... 634 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Amendment 2 to the Atlantic Billfish 0648-AR61 Fishery Management Plan............................................................. 635 Framework 4 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery................ 0648-AR62 636 Amendment 10 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan................ 0648-AR63 637 Regulatory Amendment to Prohibited Species Catch Donation Regulations To Allow 0648-AR64 Processing of Heads and Guts........................................................ 638 Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish Fisheries of the 0648-AR65 Western Pacific Region.............................................................. 639 Amendment 21 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan............................... 0648-AR66 640 Amend Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals.............. 0648-AH83 641 North Atlantic Whale Protection..................................................... 0648-AM85 642 Preventing Harassment From Human Activities Directed at Marine Mammals in the Wild.. 0648-AN43 643 Endangered and Threatened Species: Permit Exemptions................................ 0648-AO37 644 Captive Steller Sea Lions........................................................... 0648-AO61 645 Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Rocket Launches From the Kodiak Launch Complex, 0648-AP62 Kodiak Island, Alaska............................................................... 646 Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting 0648-AQ71 Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in the Gulf of Mexico............................ 647 Alaska Transient Killer Whales (AT1 Group) Designated as Depleted................... 0648-AR14 648 Zero Mortality Rate Goal............................................................ 0648-AR15 649 Regulations Implementing the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan................. 0648-AR39 650 Implement a Prohibition on Shallow Style Longline Sets.............................. 0648-AR53 651 Revision of Overflight Regulations.................................................. 0648-AI91 652 Interagency Consultation for the National Marine Sanctuary Program.................. 0648-AL06 653 Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary............................................... 0648-AQ41 654 Regulatory Amendment To Correct Effective Dates for Regulatory Changes in 67 FR 0648-AR13 79692 (December 30, 2002)........................................................... 655 Amendment 16-2 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.............. 0648-AR35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. [[Page 72717]] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 656 Proposed Highly Migratory Species Process........................................... 0648-AK40 657 Enhanced Measures To Mitigate Seabird Bycatch in the Alaska Longline Fisheries (Hook- 0648-AM30 and-Line)........................................................................... 658 Implementation of Western Pacific Coral Reef Ecosystem Fishery Management Plan (FMP) 0648-AM97 659 Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Sargassum Habitat of the South Atlantic........... 0648-AN87 660 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Exempted Fishing Permits Procedures.............. 0648-AO79 661 Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Crab Species Covered by the Fishery 0648-AP25 Management Plan for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs........... 662 Amendment to Regulations for Observer At-Sea Electronic Communication Equipment 0648-AP66 Requirements for Vessels and Shoreside Processors in the North Pacific Groundfish Fisheries........................................................................... 663 IFQ Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for Catcher Vessels; BSAI Amendment 72 0648-AP92 and GOA Amendment 64................................................................ 664 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); 2003 Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications and 0648-AQ38 Effort Controls..................................................................... 665 Rulemaking To Correct the Salmon Fishery Coordinates as Implemented in the Amendment 0648-AQ48 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Salmon Fisheries in the EEZ off the Coast of Alaska........................................................................... 666 Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Vessel Monitoring System. 0648-AQ58 667 Continuation of Measures To Reduce Fishing Mortality in the Northeast Multispecies 0648-AQ72 Fishery and Implement a DAS Leasing Program......................................... 668 Changes to Eligibility Criteria for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab License 0648-AQ73 Limitation Program.................................................................. 669 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Swordfish Quotas........................ 0648-AQ90 670 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Management Measures......... 0648-AQ95 671 Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Mackerel............ 0648-AQ96 672 Amendment 77 to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian 0648-AR31 Islands Area........................................................................ 673 Modification of Housing Requirements for Observers.................................. 0648-AR32 674 Amendment 16-1 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.............. 0648-AR36 675 Emergency Rule To Close the Federal Tilefish Fishery................................ 0648-AR40 676 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan; Framework 0648-AR43 Adjustment 3........................................................................ 677 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Revisions to Observer Program 0648-AR46 in the North Pacific Groundfish Fisheries; Correction............................... 678 Atlantic Large Whale 2002 Seasonal Area Management (SAM) Program.................... 0648-AP68 679 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........................................................................... 680 Taking of the Cook Inlet, Alaska, Stock of Beluga Whales by Alaska Natives.......... 0648-AO16 681 Listing Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Designating Critical Habitat; 12- 0648-AP94 Month Finding....................................................................... 682 Taking of Threatened or Endangered Species Incidental to Commercial Fishing 0648-AQ13 Operations.......................................................................... 683 Access to Tissue Specimen Samples From the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank....... 0648-AQ51 684 Joint Counterpart Regulations With FS, BLM, BIA, FWS, NPS, and NOAA Fisheries Under 0648-AR05 Section 7 of the ESA................................................................ 685 Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Consistency Regulations......................... 0648-AR16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 686 Annual Specifications for Fishing Year 2005 for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black 0648-AR51 Sea Bass Fishery.................................................................... 687 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery for 0648-AR56 Fishing Year 2005................................................................... 688 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery for Fishing Year 2005....... 0648-AR57 689 Annual Specifications for the Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery for Fishing Year 2005....... 0648-AR59 690 Interagency Policy on the Prescription of Fishways Under Section 18 of the Federal 0648-AO70 Power Act........................................................................... 691 Policy for Review of Mandatory Conditions Developed by the Departments of the 0648-AO84 Interior and Commerce in the Context of Hydropower Licensing........................ 692 Designated Critical Habitat: Proposed Critical Habitat for Northern California 0648-AO04 Steelhead........................................................................... 693 Installing and Maintaining Commercial Submarine Cables in National Marine 0648-AO36 Sanctuaries......................................................................... 694 Procedural Changes to the Federal Consistency Process............................... 0648-AP98 695 Regional Marine Research Program.................................................... 0648-AF20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72718]] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 696 Establish Central Registry for Limited Access System Permits........................ 0648-AJ77 697 Regulatory Amendment To Allocate Pacific Halibut to the Charter Boat Fleet.......... 0648-AK17 698 Regulatory Amendment To Reinstate 6,000-Pound Trip Limit of Halibut in Area 0648-AL97 Northeast of the Bering Sea......................................................... 699 Crustaceans, Bottomfish, and Pelagics FMP Amendments Regarding Overfishing 0648-AN79 Definitions......................................................................... 700 Management Measures for the Northeast Skate Complex................................. 0648-AO10 701 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fisheries; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Incidental Catch. 0648-AO75 702 American Lobster Fishery; Revisions to Lobster Trap Limits, Conservation Equivalency 0648-AP15 in New Hampshire Waters, and Clarification of Lobster Management Boundaries per Addendum 1.......................................................................... 703 Bottomfish and Pelagics Fisheries FMP Amendments Regarding Bycatch Provisions....... 0648-AP54 704 Bottomfish, Crustaceans, Pelagics, and Precious Corals Fisheries FMP Amendments 0648-AP55 Regarding Fishing Communities....................................................... 705 Antarctic Marine Living Resources Vessel Monitoring System and Catch Documentation 0648-AP74 Scheme.............................................................................. 706 Extension of an Emergency Interim Rule To Implement 2002 Steller Sea Lion Protection 0648-AQ02 Measures and Harvest Specifications for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Area and the Gulf of Alaska...................................................................... 707 Subsistence Fishery for Pacific Halibut in Waters Off Alaska........................ 0648-AQ09 708 Capital Construction Fund Procedures................................................ 0648-AQ16 709 2003-2004 Management Measures for Commercial, Recreational, and Treaty Indian Salmon 0648-AQ17 Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California...................... 710 Secretarial Amendment 2 to Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan To Set Greater 0648-AQ24 Amberjack Sustainable Fisheries Act Targets and Thresholds and To Set Rebuilding Plan................................................................................ 711 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery for Fishing Year 2003....... 0648-AQ26 712 Framework 2 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan................................. 0648-AQ29 713 Recreational Specifications for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 0648-AQ32 Fishery for Fishing Year 2003....................................................... 714 Specifications for the 2003-2004 Fishing Year for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery......... 0648-AQ34 715 Framework 37 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan.................. 0648-AQ35 716 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Large and Small Coastal Shark Commercial 0648-AQ39 Management Measures................................................................. 717 EFH Amendments to the Bottomfish, Crustaceans, and Precious Corals FMPs............. 0648-AQ43 718 Increase in Allowable Percentage of Pollock Roe..................................... 0648-AQ44 719 Opening Waters to Pacific Cod Pot Fishing Off Cape Barnabas and Caton Island in the 0648-AQ45 Gulf of Alaska...................................................................... 720 Framework 3 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. 0648-AQ57 721 Amendment 17 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan................ 0648-AQ68 722 Corrected Amendment for a Charter Vessel/Headboat Permit Moratorium Amending the 0648-AQ70 Gulf Reef Fish and Coastal Pelagics FMPs............................................ 723 Notice of Technical Revision to Right Whale Nomenclature and Taxonomy Under the U.S. 0648-AQ74 Endangered Species Act.............................................................. 724 Revise Eligibility Criteria for BSAI Pacific Cod Endorsements to Groundfish Licenses 0648-AQ75 Issued Under the License Limitation Program (LLP)................................... 725 Framework Adjustment 38 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). 0648-AQ76 726 Implement BSAI FMP Amendment 75--Delaying Implementation of Improved Retention/ 0648-AQ78 Improved Utilization of Flatfish.................................................... 727 Control Date for the Small Mesh Multispecies (Silver Hake, Offshore Hake, and Red 0648-AQ89 Hake) Fishery....................................................................... 728 West Coast Coastal Pelagic Fisheries Sardine Allocation System Change............... 0648-AQ94 729 Commercial Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Establish a Control Date........... 0648-AR00 730 Notice of a Control Date for Loligo and Illex Squid................................. 0648-AR01 731 Correction to Regulatory Amendment To Redefine Vessel Length Overall................ 0648-AR04 732 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fisheries; Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS).. 0648-AR29 733 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Sea Turtle Conservation Requirements............ 0648-AR34 734 Effectiveness of Collection-of-Information Requirements............................. 0648-AR42 735 Implement a 30 Fathom Boundary Line Off Southern California for the Pacific Coast 0648-AR47 Groundfish Commercial Non-Trawl and Recreational Fisheries.......................... 736 Fishing Capacity Reduction Program in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery.......... 0648-AQ99 737 Endangered and Threatened Species: Take of Threatened Southern Oregon/Northern 0648-AJ91 California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) of Coho Salmon............... 738 Draft Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts in Making Listing Decisions..... 0648-AL91 739 Restrictions on Pound Net Leaders To Enhance Turtle Protection in Virginia; 0648-AP81 Threatened and Endangered Sea Turtle Conservation................................... 740 Designating the Eastern North Pacific Southern Resident Stock of Killer Whales as 0648-AQ00 Depleted............................................................................ 741 Designation of Critical Habitat for Gulf Sturgeon................................... 0648-AQ03 [[Page 72719]] 742 Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large 0648-AQ04 Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations............................................... 743 Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large 0648-AQ42 Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations............................................... 744 Endangered and Threatened Species; Finding for a Petition To Revise Critical Habitat 0648-AQ53 for Northern Right Whales........................................................... 745 List of Fisheries for 2003.......................................................... 0648-AQ60 746 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Missile 0648-AQ61 Launch Activities by the U.S. Navy at San Nicolas Island, California................ 747 Technical Amendment to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan................. 0648-AR02 748 Natural Resource Damage Assessments Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990............. 0648-AM80 749 New Management Plan and Regulations for the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary... 0648-AR03 750 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Establishment of Temporary No-Entry Zone in 0648-AR17 the White Bank Dry Rocks Area....................................................... 751 Policies and Procedures Regarding Use of the NOAA Space-Based Data Collection 0648-AQ55 Systems............................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 752 Rules of Practice Before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences.............. 0651-AB32 753 Changes in Trademark Rules of Practice in Inter Partes Proceedings Before the 0651-AB56 Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.................................................... 754 Fast Track Examination.............................................................. 0651-AB62 755 Changes to Support Implementation of the United States Patent and Trademark Office 0651-AB64 21st Century Strategic Plan......................................................... 756 Changes in Requirements for Amendment and Correction of Trademark Registrations..... 0651-AB67 757 Revision of United States Patent and Trademark Office Practice for Handling Patent 0651-AB69 Applications Filed Without the Appropriate Fees..................................... 758 Revision of Patent and Trademark Fees for Fiscal Year 2005.......................... 0651-AB70 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 759 Changes To Implement the 2002 Inter Partes Reexamination and Other Technical 0651-AB57 Amendments to the Patent Statute.................................................... 760 Revision of Search and Preliminary Examination Fees for International Applications.. 0651-AB61 761 Changes Related to Assignments of Patents and Trademarks............................ 0651-AB63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 762 Processing Fee for Use of Paper Forms for Submission of Applications for 0651-AB52 Registration and Other Documents.................................................... 763 Changes To Implement Patent-Related Provisions of the United States Patent and 0651-AB54 Trademark Fee Modernization Act of 2003............................................. 764 Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark 0651-AB55 Office.............................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72720]] Patent and Trademark Office--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 765 Elimination of Continued Prosecution Application Practice as to Utility and Plant... 0651-AB37 766 Madrid Protocol Implementation Act Rules Change..................................... 0651-AB45 767 Changes To Promote Quality Enhancement and Pendency................................. 0651-AB50 768 Changes To Implement Electronic Maintenance of Official Patent Application Records.. 0651-AB59 769 Revision of Patent and Trademark Fees for Fiscal Year 2004.......................... 0651-AB60 770 Reorganization of Correspondence and Other General Provisions in 37 CFR Chapter 1... 0651-AB68 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Technology Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 771 Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under 0692-AA14 Government Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements............................ 772 Acquisition and Protection of Foreign Rights in Inventions.......................... 0692-AA15 773 Amendment to Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business 0692-AA18 Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 474. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, HANDICAP, AND AGE IN PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 794; 42 USC 2000d to 2000d-7; 42 USC 6101 to 6107; EO 12250 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 8; 15 CFR 8b; 15 CFR 8c; 15 CFR 20 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Commerce proposes to make amendments to its regulations implementing title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (title VI), section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1972 (section 504), and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Discrimination Act). Together, these statutes prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, and age in programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. In 1988, the Civil Rights Restoration Act (CRRA) added definitions of ``program or activity'' and ``program'' to title VI and added a definition of ``program or activity'' to section 504 and the Age Discrimination Act. The added definitions were designed to clarify the broad scope of coverage of recipients' programs or activities under these statutes. The promulgation of this proposed regulation explicitly incorporates the CRRA's definition of ``program or activity'' and ``program'' into the Department's title VI, section 504, and Age Discrimination Act regulations. The Department's proposed regulation will be published as part of a joint notice of proposed rulemaking involving up to 24 Federal agencies. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/06/00 65 FR 76460 NPRM Comment Period End 01/05/01 Final Action 08/26/03 68 FR 51333 Final Action Effective 09/25/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Lawrence N. Self, Acting Director, Office of Civil Rights, Department of Commerce, Office of the Secretary, HCHB Room 6010, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-0625 Fax: 202 482-5375 RIN: 0690-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ 475. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT; REMOVAL OF OBSOLETE REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 7301; 5 USC 7353; 26 USC 7214(b); EO 12731; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Commerce issues this final rule to remove obsolete sectors of the Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulation concerning the policies and procedures relating to employee responsibilities and conduct. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/09/03 68 FR 24878 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Christopher Cox, Attorney Advisor, Ethics Division, Department of Commerce, HCHB Room 5709, 14th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2442 Email: wcox@doc.gov RIN: 0690-AA32 [[Page 72721]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) _______________________________________________________________________ 476. QUARTERLY SURVEYS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN SERVICES BETWEEN U.S. AND FOREIGN PERSONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101-3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend existing rule 15 CFR 801.9 to require quarterly reporting of trade in services between U.S. and foreign persons for a number of services that up to now have been reported annually. The collection of quarterly information on international services activity is needed to support a Government initiative to provide more timely data on trade in the largest and most volatile services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Final Action 01/00/04 Final Action Effective 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Acting Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA49 _______________________________________________________________________ 477. [bull] BE-80, BENCHMARK SURVEY OF FINANCIAL SERVICES TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN U.S. FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVIDERS AND UNAFFILIATED FOREIGN PERSONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend existing rule 15 CFR 801.11 to provide for the conduct of the BE-80, Benchmark Survey of Financial Services Transactions Between U.S. Financial Services Providers and Unaffiliated Foreign Persons--2004, as required in the International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act, 22 USC 3101 to 3108 (see especially section 4(b) of the Act). The existing rule covers a similar survey for 1999, which has been completed and which the new survey will update. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Final Action 11/00/04 Final Action Effective 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Acting Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA51 _______________________________________________________________________ 478. [bull] BENCHMARK SURVEY OF U.S. DIRECT INVESTMENT ABROAD--2004 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 806 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend existing rule 15 CFR 806.16 to provide for the conduct of the BE-10, Benchmark Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad--2004, as required in the International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act, 22 USC 3101 to 3108 (see especially section 4(b) of the Act). The existing rule covers a similar survey for 1999 which has been completed and which the new survey will update. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Final Action 10/00/04 Final Action Effective 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Acting Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA52 _______________________________________________________________________ 479. [bull] INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SURVEYS: BE-45, QUARTERLY SURVEY OF INSURANCE TRANSACTIONS BY U.S. INSURANCE COMPANIES WITH FOREIGN PERSONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) amends 15 CFR Part 801 to institute a new survey, BE-45, Quarterly Survey of Insurance Transactions by U.S. Insurance Companies with Foreign Persons, to be conducted by BEA. The survey is mandatory and will be conducted under the International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act. Data from the proposed BE- 45 survey are needed to monitor trade in insurance services, analyze its impact on the U.S. and foreign economies, compile and improve the U.S. economic accounts, support U.S. commercial policy on insurance services, conduct trade promotion, improve the ability of U.S. businesses to identify and evaluate market opportunities, and for other Government uses. The survey will cover the same insurance services presently covered by the BE-48, Annual Survey of Reinsurance and Other Insurance Transactions by U.S. Insurance Companies with Foreign Persons, and auxiliary insurance services presently covered by the Benchmark and Annual Surveys of Selected Services Transactions with Unaffiliated Foreign Persons (Forms BE-20 and BE-22). [[Page 72722]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/23/03 68 FR 55202 NPRM Comment Period End 11/24/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Acting Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA53 _______________________________________________________________________ 480. [bull] INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SURVEYS: BE-25, QUARTERLY SURVEY OF TRANSACTIONS WITH UNAFFILIATED FOREIGN PERSONS IN SELECTED SERVICES AND IN INTANGIBLE ASSETS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) amends 15 CFR Part 801 to institute a new survey, BE-25, Quarterly Survey of Transactions with Unaffiliated Foreign Persons in Selected Services and in Intangible Assets, to be conducted by the BEA. Data from the proposed BE-25 survey are needed to monitor trade in services and intangible assets, analyze its impact on the U.S. and foreign economies, compile and improve the U.S. economic accounts, support U.S. commercial policy on financial services, conduct trade promotion, improve the ability of U.S. businesses to identify and evaluate market opportunities, and for other Government and public uses. The proposed survey will cover some of the selected services presently covered by the BE-22, Annual Survey of Selected Services Transactions with Unaffiliated Foreign Persons. The selected services covered by the BE-25 survey will be removed from the BE-22 survey after the survey for 2003 is conducted. The BE-22 survey will continue to be conducted for those services that were not moved to the BE-25 survey. The proposed survey will also cover construction, engineering, architectural, and surveying services presently covered by the BE-47, Annual Survey of Construction, Engineering, Architectural, and Mining Services Provided by U.S. Firms to Unaffiliated Foreign Persons, and will cover the same transactions in intangible assets presently covered by the BE-93, Annual Survey of Royalties, License Fees, and Other Receipts and Payments for Intangible Rights Between U.S. and Unaffiliated Foreign Persons; both of these annual surveys would be discontinued, following a final data collection for 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/23/03 68 FR 55204 NPRM Comment Period End 11/24/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Acting Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA54 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) _______________________________________________________________________ 481. ANNUAL SURVEY OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 806 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend existing rule CFR 806.15 to raise the threshold for reporting on the BE-15, Annual Survey of Foreign Direct Investment in the United States, and to bring the survey into conformity with the BE-12, Benchmark Survey of Foreign Direct Investment in the United States--2002. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/29/03 68 FR 51942 NPRM Comment Period End 10/28/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Final Action Effective 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Acting Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA48 [[Page 72723]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) _______________________________________________________________________ 482. [bull] INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SURVEYS: BE-85, QUARTERLY SURVEY OF FINANCIAL SERVICES TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN U.S. FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVIDERS AND UNAFFILIATED FOREIGN PERSONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108; 15 USC 4908 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend 15 CFR part 801 to institute a new survey, BE-85, Quarterly Survey of Financial Services Transactions Between U.S. Financial Services Providers and unaffiliated Foreign Persons, to be conducted by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The BE-85 survey is mandatory and will be conducted under the International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act and under Section 5408 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. The first survey conducted under this rule will cover transactions in the first quarter of 2004. The BE-85 survey will cover the same financial services presently covered by the BE-82, Annual Survey of Financial Service Transaction Between U.S. Financial Service Providers and Unaffiliated Foreign Person. Following a final annual data collection for 2003, the BE-85 survey would replace the BE-82. Data from the BE-85 survey are needed to monitor trade in financial services, analyze its impact on the U.S. and foreign economies, compile and improve the U.S. economic accounts, support U.S. commercial policy on financial services, conduct trade promotion, improve the ability of U.S. businesses to identify and evaluate market opportunities, and for other Government uses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/29/03 68 FR 51939 NPRM Comment Period End 10/28/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Acting Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA50 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) _______________________________________________________________________ 483. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Duplicate of RIN 0610-AA63 11/26/03 Agency Contact: Benjamin Erulkar, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Phone: 202 482-4687 Fax: 202 482-5671 Email: berulkar@eda.doc.gov RIN: 0691-AA47 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Prerule Stage Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 484. FULL MANDATORY AUTOMATED EXPORT SYSTEM (AES) FILING FOR EXPORT SHIPMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-228, sec 404 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of the Census is amending the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations to require mandatory filing through the Automated Export System (AES) of all export information, including information for shipments where filing of a Shipper's Export Declaration was formerly required. The AES is an electronic method by which export information is transmitted. This amendment will specify the provisions and filing responsibilities of parties exporting commodities from the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 10/22/03 68 FR 60301 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/21/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Ruth Mangaroo, Regulations, Outreach, & Education Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Room 3125, FB-3, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 763-2238 Fax: 301 457-3765 Email: ruth.d.mangaroo@census.gov RIN: 0607-AA38 [[Page 72724]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 485. [bull] ANNUAL TRADE SURVEY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 13 USC 182; 13 USC 224; 13 USC 225 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is proposing to expand the 2003 Annual Trade Survey (ATS) to include manufacturers' sales branches and offices (MSBO). The Census Bureau proposes this expansion at the request of the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The BEA considers this information vital to its accurate measurement of sales and inventories for wholesale trade. These data are important inputs to BEA's preparation of National Income and Product accounts and its annual input-output tables. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mr. John Trimble, Chief, Annual Trade and Special Projects Branch, Service Sector Statistics Div., Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Room 2682 FB-3, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 763-7223 Email: john.r.trimble@census.gov RIN: 0607-AA40 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 486. CUTOFF DATES FOR RECOGNITION OF BOUNDARY CHANGES FOR CENSUS 2000 AND FOR THE INTERCENSAL PERIOD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 553(b)(3)(A); 5 USC 604(a); 44 USC 35 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 70 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is establishing cutoff dates for recognition of boundary changes to geographic entities for which the Census Bureau reports data in various surveys, estimates, censuses, programs, compilations, and publications throughout the period between decennial censuses (years 2001 through 2009). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/25/02 67 FR 3631 NPRM Comment Period End 02/25/02 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Carol Van Horn, Acting Chief, Geography Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Stop 7400, Stop 7400, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 457-2131 RIN: 0607-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 487. SPECIAL SERVICES AND STUDIES BY THE BUREAU OF THE CENSUS; AMENDMENTS TO AGE SEARCH PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 1256; 13 USC 8 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 50.1(d); 15 CFR 80.1(c); 15 CFR 80.1(g); 15 CFR 50.5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Chapter 1, part 50.1(d) should be amended to read as follows: If a search is unsuccessful and additional information for a further search is requested by the Bureau, such information must be received within 90 days of the request or the case will be considered closed. Additional information received after 90 days must be accompanied by a new fee and will be considered a new request. Chapter 1, part 80.1(c): Change the address from Pittsburg, Kansas 66762 to Jeffersonville, Indiana 47131. Chapter 1, part 80.1(g): The language may be clarified by changing it to read: Census information will not be furnished to another person unless the person to whom the information relates authorizes such release in the space provided on the Form BC-600. Chapter 1, part 50.5: The note following the chart of the fee structure can be eliminated since we have not had a fee increase since February 1993. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/17/01 66 FR 48013 NPRM Comment Period End 10/17/01 Final Action 07/18/03 68 FR 42585 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Stanley M. Domzalski, Assistant Chief (Services), National Processing Center, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 1201 East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47132 Phone: 812 218-3579 Fax: 812 218-3293 RIN: 0607-AA24 _______________________________________________________________________ 488. AUTOMATED EXPORT SYSTEM (AES) MANDATORY FILING FOR ALL ITEMS ON THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST (CCL) AND THE UNITED STATES MUNITIONS LIST (USML) THAT CURRENTLY REQUIRE A SHIPPER'S EXPORT DECLARATION (SED) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 106-113, title XII [[Page 72725]] CFR Citation: 15 CFR 30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of the Census is amending the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations to specify the Requirement for the Mandatory Automated Export System (AES) filing for all items on the Department of Commerce's Commerce Control List (CCL) and the United States Munitions List (USML) of the Department of State. The AES is an electronic method by which export information can be transmitted. This amendment will specify the provisions and the responsibilities of parties exporting commodities identified on the CCL and USML via AES. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/09/02 67 FR 62911 NPRM Comment Period End 12/09/02 Final Action 07/17/03 68 FR 42534 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ruth Mangaroo, Regulations, Outreach, & Education Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Room 3125, FB-3, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 763-2238 Fax: 301 457-3765 Email: ruth.d.mangaroo@census.gov RIN: 0607-AA34 _______________________________________________________________________ 489. MANDATORY AUTOMATED EXPORT SYSTEM (AES) FOR EXPORTS (RE-EXPORTS) OF ROUGH DIAMONDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-19; EO 13312 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of the Census is amending the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations to incorporate requirements for the mandatory electronic filing via the Automated Export System (AES) of exports (re- exports) of specific classifications of rough diamonds in accordance with the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process is a certification scheme designed to control worldwide trade in illicit rough diamonds. Filing information on exports (re-exports) of rough diamonds through the AES is designed to control movement of and stem trading in illicit trade of rough or ``conflict'' diamonds, often linked to the finance of armed conflicts in certain world areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/20/03 68 FR 59877 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ruth Mangaroo, Regulations, Outreach, & Education Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Room 3125, FB-3, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 763-2238 Fax: 301 457-3765 Email: ruth.d.mangaroo@census.gov RIN: 0607-AA39 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Prerule Stage Economic Development Administration (EDA) _______________________________________________________________________ 490. [bull] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 42 USC 3121 et seq; 19 USC 3121 et seq; 42 USC 6701; 42 USC 184; 42 USC 5141; 42 USC 3123; 42 USC 6709; 42 USC 6101; 20 USC 1681; 29 USC 794; 42 USC 2000d-1; . . . CFR Citation: 13 CFR 300 to 318 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Economic Development Administration will be reviewing and reissuing all regulations in order to make them more user friendly and effective, and in order to more directly align them with the reissued version of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, currently before Congress. EDA plans to have the regulations drafted within three months of reauthorization. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 11/00/03 Interim Final Rule 01/00/04 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Myriah Jordan, Attorney Advisor, Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, HCHB Room 7005, 14th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4687 Fax: 202 482-5671 Email: mjordan@eda.doc.gov RIN: 0610-AA63 [[Page 72726]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions General Administration (ADMIN) _______________________________________________________________________ 491. PUBLIC INFORMATION, FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552 to 553; 44 USC 3101; 44 USC 3717; Reorganization Plan No. 5 of 1950 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 4; 15 CFR 4a; 15 CFR 4b Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Commerce plans to amend the regulations pertaining to the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, and declassification and public availability of national security information. The proposed rule contains new provisions implementing the Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendment of 1996, reflects the principles established by the President and Attorney General in the FOIA Policy Memoranda of October 4, 1993, incorporates updated cost figures to be used in charging fees, and streamlines and clarifies the present regulations at 15 CFR parts 4, 4a and 4b. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/31/00 65 FR 34606 Final Action 12/20/01 66 FR 65631 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: None. Agency Contact: Andy McCready, Attorney Advisor, Department of Commerce, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-8044 RIN: 0605-AA14 _______________________________________________________________________ 492. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; PL 103-355, sec 2455; 31 USC 6101; EO 12549; EO 12689 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 26 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Periodically, OMB amends the Governmentwide common rule for suspension and debarment of contractors and assistance participants who threaten the integrity of Federal programs because of criminal misconduct or poor performance. Agencies must issue changes to their individual codified versions to conform to the common rule. Recently, the Interagency Suspension and Debarment Coordinating Committee prepared recommendations for comprehensive changes to the common rule to conform to changes made in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) as a result of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act. In addition, several other proposals to improve or change the rule are included. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/23/02 67 FR 3266 NPRM Comment Period End 03/23/02 Final Action 11/26/03 68 FR 66533 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Robert Kugelman, Director, Office of Executive Budgeting and Assistance Management, Department of Commerce, HCHB Room 6022, 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4115 Fax: 202 482-3270 RIN: 0605-AA16 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 493. COMMERCIAL AVAILABILITY OF FABRIC AND YARN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 106-200, sec 112(b)(5)(B); PL 106-200, sec 211; EO 13191; PL 107-210, sec 3103 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 345 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposed 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) and 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 proposed 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 proposed rule also outlines the factors to be considered by the Committee in extending quota- and duty-free treatment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 72727]] Agency Contact: Janet Heinzen, International Trade Specialist, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, 3106, Office of Textiles and Apparel, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4006 RIN: 0625-AA59 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 494. PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS OF ANTIDUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING DUTY ORDERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 19 USC 1671 et seq; 19 USC 1673 et seq; 19 USC 1303 CFR Citation: 19 CFR 351 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On May 19, 1997 (62 FR 27296), the Department of Commerce (the Department) published final rules on, inter alia, procedures for conducting antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings to conform the Department's existing regulations to the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA). Although these regulations contain provisions on the conduct of sunset reviews, the Department is planning to amend the regulations to provide more guidance on the procedures for conducting sunset reviews. Specifically, the Department proposes to amend the procedural regulations for participation in, and conduct of, sunset reviews to add two definitions to provide shorthand expressions for 120-day and 240-day sunset reviews; provide deadlines for certain submissions; clarify the information to be provided by parties participating in a sunset review; clarify when the Department will conduct a 120-day or a 240-day sunset review; and provide time limits for actions to be taken by the Department. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/20/98 63 FR 13516 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/20/98 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Stacy Ettinger, Attorney, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Room 3828, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4618 RIN: 0625-AA51 _______________________________________________________________________ 495. IMPORT OF CERTAIN WORSTED WOOL FABRIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF TARIFF RATE QUOTA ESTABLISHED UNDER TITLE V OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2000 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-200, sec 501-504; Title V of the Trade and Development Act of 2000; Presidential Proclamation No. 7383 (December 1, 2000) CFR Citation: 15 CFR 335; 15 CFR 340 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 22, 2001, the Department of Commerce issued interim regulations implementing section 501(e) and section 504(b) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (the Act). Section 501(e) requires the President to fairly allocate tariff rate quotas on the import of certain worsted wool fabrics, tariff rate quotas which were established by sections 501(a) and 501(b) of the Act. Section 504(b) authorizes the President to modify the limitations on worsted wool fabric imports under the tariff rate quotas. The President has delegated to the Secretary of Commerce the authority to allocate the quantity of imports under the tariff rate quotas and to determine whether the limitations on the quantity of imports under the tariff rate quotas should be modified. Final regulations will be issued after the period for notice and comment has expired. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/22/01 66 FR 6459 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/23/01 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Sergio Botero, Industry Economist, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, HCHB Room 3119, Office of Textiles and Apparel, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4058 Fax: 202 482-0667 RIN: 0625-AA58 _______________________________________________________________________ 496. [bull] CHANGES IN THE INSULAR POSSESSIONS WATCH, WATCH MOVEMENT, AND JEWELRY PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 97-446 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 303 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Departments propose amending their regulations governing watch duty-exemptions and the watch and jewelry duty-refund benefits for producers in the United States insular possession (the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). The proposed rule would amend ITA regulations, due to changes in the industry, by updating the watch assembly requirements for purposes of the duty refund. We also propose amending 15 CFR 303 to reflect the new designations that were created with the addition of the Department of Homeland Security. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/01/03 68 FR 45177 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Faye Robinson, Acting Director, Statutory Import Programs Staff, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, FCB Suite 4100W, FCB [[Page 72728]] Suite 4100W, 14th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3526 RIN: 0625-AA63 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 497. CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 710 et seq Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The final rule will make effective the proposed rule published July 21, 1999. The purpose of the regulation is to implement the provisions of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (Chemical Weapons Convention) and the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998, requiring private facilities to submit information on certain activities involving toxic chemicals, and to make certain private facilities subject to periodic inspection by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the international organization created to administer the Convention and to monitor compliance by States Parties. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/21/99 64 FR 39193 Interim Final Rule 12/30/99 64 FR 73744 Second NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AB06 _______________________________________________________________________ 498. MANDATORY ELECTRONIC FILING OF LICENSE APPLICATIONS, CLASSIFICATION REQUESTS, AND LICENSE EXCEPTIONS NOTIFICATIONS VIA BIS'S SIMPLIFIED NETWORK APPLICATION PROCESS (SNAP) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; 66 FR 56965; 67 FR 53721; EO 12924, 59 FR 43437, 3 CFR, 1994 Comp., p. 917; EO 13026, 61 FR 58767, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 228; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 743; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 754; 15 CFR 772 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would change the Export Administration Regulations as needed to implement a revised version of the Bureau of Industry and Security's Simplified Network Application Processing (SNAP) system. This rule also would make use of that system mandatory for all filings of Export License applications (except Special Comprehensive Licenses and deemed export licenses), Reexport Authorization requests, Classification requests, Encryption Review requests, and License Exception AGR notifications unless the Bureau of Industry and Security authorizes paper filing for a particular user or transaction. This rule also would authorize SNAP filing for special reports of certain items controlled under the Wassenaar Arrangement. This rule also would eliminate all provisions of the regulations associated with earlier versions of SNAP and other electronic filing systems that the Bureau of Industry and Security has used in the past, as use of those systems would be terminated upon introduction of the new version of SNAP (SNAP 2002). Those eliminated provisions include the requirements regarding personal identification numbers (PINs) and the requirement for users to keep logs of items filed electronically. This rule also would require that requests for advisory opinions include the Export Control Classification Number of the item(s) at issue, revise emergency license application procedures, set the value of all aircraft licensed for temporary sojourn abroad to zero and correct some omissions, misstatements and typographical errors. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/12/03 68 FR 64009 NPRM Comment Period End 01/12/04 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC20 _______________________________________________________________________ 499. [bull] EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: PENALTY GUIDANCE IN THE SETTLEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT CASES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 764; 15 CFR 766 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: As an essential part of its administration of the export control system, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) brings administrative enforcement actions for violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Many administrative enforcement cases are resolved through settlements between BIS and the respondent. [[Page 72729]] The rule proposes to incorporate guidance in the EAR on how BIS determines what penalty is appropriate for the settlement of an administrative enforcement case. This guidance would appear in a new Supplement No. 1 to part 766 of the EAR. The proposed guidance identifies both general factors, such as the destination for the export and degree of willfulness involved in violations, and specific mitigating and aggravating factors which BIS typically takes into account in determining an appropriate penalty. The proposed guidance also describes factors that BIS's Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) typically considers in describing whether a violation should be addressed in a warning letter, rather than in an administrative enforcement case. The guidance would not apply to antiboycott matters arising under part 760 of the EAR. In part 764, the rule proposes to amend section 764.5(e) to state that Supplement No. 1 to part 766 describes how BIS typically exercises its discretion regarding whether to pursue an administrative enforcement case regarding violations reported in a voluntary self-disclosure under section 764.5, and what administrative sanctions to seek in settling such a case. In part 766, the rule proposes to amend section 766.3(a) to state that Supplement No. 1 to part 766 describes how BIS typically exercises its discretion regarding the issuance of charging letters, other than in antiboycott matters under part 760. The rule proposes to amend section 766.18 to add a new paragraph (f), stating that Supplement No. 1 to part 766 describes how BIS typically exercises its discretion regarding the terms under which it is willing tsettle particular cases, other than antiboycott matters under part 760. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/17/03 68 FR 54402 NPRM Comment Period End 11/17/03 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Philip Golrick, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 3839, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5301 Fax: 202 482-0085 Email: pgolrick@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC92 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 500. EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TO SUDAN Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 700 to 799 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to reflect the imposition of economic sanctions on Sudan, as a result of the issuance of Executive Order 13067 on November 3, 1997. The Executive order delegates implementation responsibility to the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, including authority for exports and certain reexports. In addition, this rule makes editorial revisions to the EAR relating to embargoes and antiterrorism controls. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 501. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS (EAR) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730; 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 734; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 758; 15 CFR 772; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations by making certain revisions and clarifications and, in some cases, inserts material inadvertently omitted from previous rules. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 502. REMOVAL OF LICENSING EXEMPTION FOR EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS OF MISSILE TECHNOLOGY--CONTROLLED ITEMS DESTINED TO CANADA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2501 et seq; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 742 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 72730]] Abstract: This rule revises the existing license exemption in the Export Administration Regulations for the export of missile technology controlled items to Canada. It implements recommendations contained in the General Accounting Office report entitled Export Controls: Regulatory Change Needed to Comply with Missile Technology Licensing Requirements (GA-01-530). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/20/01 66 FR 65666 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC48 _______________________________________________________________________ 503. ELIMINATION OF ``NATIONAL SECURITY'' AS A REASON FOR CONTROL FOR CERTAIN ITEMS ON THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; EO 13222; EO 12058; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Commerce Control List (CCL) to eliminate ``National Security'' as a reason for control with respect to certain items. This rule is needed to make the CCL conform to Section 5(c)(6)(A) of the Export Administration Act (the Act), which provides that unilateral national security controls expire six months after enactment of the Act or of the control (whichever is later) unless a determination has been made under section 5 of the Act that there is no foreign availability of the items or unless the President is pursuing negotiations to end such availability. All but four of the items affected by this rule are moved to other Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) on the CCL. Two of the items that are removed from the CCL (bayonets and technology for the design, production or use of bayonets) are transferred to the United States Munitions List. The other two items (muzzle-loading firearms and technology for the design, production or use of muzzle-loading firearms) are now EAR99. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC54 _______________________________________________________________________ 504. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EXPORT LICENSE JURISDICTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 1A004 in the Commerce Control List (CCL) provides that protection and detection equipment and components not specially designed for military use are subject to the licensing authority of the Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls (DTC). The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has received information suggesting that the existing rule commits to DTC authority a number of items that have primarily civil end uses. This proposed rule draws a distinction between items subject to DTC control and items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by modifying ECCN 1A004 and creating a new ECCN 1A995. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC64 _______________________________________________________________________ 505. LICENSE APPLICATION DENIAL POLICY, ``RED FLAG'' INDICATORS OF POSSIBLE INAPPROPRIATE END-USE, END-USER, OR DESTINATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222; 22 USC 3201; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 12947; EO 13026; EO 13099; EO 13222; EO 13224 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 744.11 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule makes explicit BIS's policy of denying export license applications when a sanction imposed on a party pursuant to a statute requires such denial. Such sanctions are imposed for activities contrary to United States foreign policy interests or that contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This rule also makes the imposition of such sanctions or publication of a party's name on the BIS ``Unverified List'' a ``red flag'' triggering a need for heightened scrutiny when dealing with such parties in transactions that are subject to the Export Administration Regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC68 [[Page 72731]] _______________________________________________________________________ 506. REVISIONS OF AIRCRAFT EXPORT LICENSING JURISDICTION BASED ON REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES MUNITIONS LIST Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement decisions to move export licensing jurisdiction of certain types of cargo aircraft and parts therefor from the Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls (DTC) to the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and to move export licensing jurisdiction for certain jet trainer aircraft and specially designed component parts from BIS to DTC. A complementary rule amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations will be published by the Department of State. This rule implements decisions reached in the ongoing review of the United States Munitions List that is part of the Defense Trade Security Initiative. That initiative, announced on May 24, 2000 at a NATO ministerial meeting by the Secretary of State, includes annual review of portions of the United States Munitions List with the objective of reviewing the entire list every four years. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC74 _______________________________________________________________________ 507. REVISIONS OF ENERGETIC MATERIAL EXPORT LICENSING JURISDICTION BASED ON REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES MUNITIONS LIST Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 770; 15 CFR 748 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement decisions to move export licensing jurisdiction of certain types of energetic materials and other chemicals from the Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls (DTC) to the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and to move such jurisdiction for other chemicals from BIS to DTC. This rule along with a complementary rule published by the Department of State (67 FR 70839, November 27, 2002) implements decisions reached in an ongoing review of the USML that is part of the Defense Trade Security Initiative. That initiative, announced on May 24, 2000 at a NATO ministerial meeting by the Secretary of State, includes annual review of portions of the USML with the objective of reviewing the entire list every four years. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC75 _______________________________________________________________________ 508. REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS BASED ON THE 2002 MISSILE TECHNOLOGY CONTROL REGIME PLENARY AGREEMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13222; EO 13026; 18 USC 2510; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 772; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulation Commerce Control List (CCL) to reflect changes to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex agreed to at the September 2002 Plenary in Warsaw, Poland. New definitions for range and payload were added to provide clarity in determining whether systems fall under Category I MTCR controls. All other revisions/additions were made to insure that items which are useable in missiles of MTCR concern are appropriately controlled. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC76 _______________________________________________________________________ 509. [bull] EXPORT AND REEXPORT CONTROLS ON IRAQ Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 287; 22 USC 3201; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 2139; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC 466; 50 USC app 5; PL 106- 387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; [[Page 72732]] 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 750; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 758; 15 CFR 762; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule establishes the new export control policy for exports to Iraq under the licensing responsibility of the Bureau of Industry and Security. The new export control policy reflects the changed circumstances in Iraq and is consistent with changes in U.S. legal authorities concerning Iraq and actions taken by the United Nations Security Council with respect to the embargo against Iraq. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC84 _______________________________________________________________________ 510. [bull] LIFTING OF UN SANCTIONS AGAINST UNITA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 10 USC 2510; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s), 185(u); 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app 466c; 50 USC app 5; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222; 42 USC 2139a; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 746 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by removing from the EAR references to sanctions on Angola administered by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). In response to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions regarding the conflict in Angola, the President, by Executive order, directed the Department of the Treasury to maintain sanctions on the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). On December 9, 2002, the UNSC terminated the sanctions previously imposed on UNITA. On May 6, 2003, consistent with the UNSC action, the President terminated the relevant Executive orders, effectively ending U.S. sanctions. This rule amends the EAR to remove certain references to the sanctions which had been maintained by OFAC with respect to UNITA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC86 _______________________________________________________________________ 511. [bull] AMENDMENT TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: REVISION TO EXPORT CONTROL CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1C355 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430; 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app 466c; 50 USC app 5; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the ``List of Items Controlled'' Section of Export Control Classification Number 1C355 (Supp. No. 1 to part 744) to conform with the schedule of precursor chemicals in Supp. No. 1 to part 745. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC87 _______________________________________________________________________ 512. [bull] BEST PRACTICES FOR EXPORTERS/RE-EXPORTERS AND TRADE FACILITATION/FREIGHT FORWARDING COMPANIES REGARDING THE TRANSIT, TRANSSHIPMENT, AND REEXPORT OF DUAL-USE ITEMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security plans to publish guidance entitled, ``Best Practices for Exporters/Re-exporters and Trade Facilitation/Freight Forwarding Companies Regarding the Transit, Transshipment, and Reexport of Dual-Use Items.'' These ``best practices'' will appear as Supplement No. 4 to part 732 of the Export Administration Regulations. Although the best practices will be published in title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations, they will be guidance with which the public has no legal obligation to comply, and compliance with them will not be a defense against a charge (either administrative or criminal) of violating export control laws. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 [[Page 72733]] Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC89 _______________________________________________________________________ 513. [bull] CLARIFICATION OF EXPORT CONTROLS ON PARTS FOR MILITARY VEHICLES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 50 USC app. 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430; 18 USC2510; 22 USC 287; 22 USC 3201; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app. 466c; 50 USC app. 5; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 770; 15 CFR 774 supp. no. 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 9A018 to make clear that it includes components for the certain vehicles covered by that ECCN, to update that ECCN to cover a class of vehicles recently added to the International Munitions List and also to make clear that it does not include vehicles and components that are subject to the export licensing jurisdiction of the Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls. This rule also amends the interpretation in section 770(h) to provide guidance based on the International Munitions List for distinguishing military vehicles from other vehicles and to assist in distinguishing military vehicles subject to the export licensing jurisdiction of the Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls from those subject to the export licensing jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. The International Munitions List is published by the Wassenaar Arrangement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC91 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 514. ADMINISTRATION OF STATE LOG EXPORTS BAN Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 754 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 06/07/95 60 FR 30030 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/07/95 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Willard Fisher Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AB25 _______________________________________________________________________ 515. CLARIFICATION OF LICENSE EXCEPTION GFT (HUMANITARIAN DONATIONS) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Hillary Hess Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: hhess@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AB49 _______________________________________________________________________ 516. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ 517. EXPANSION OF LICENSE EXCEPTION GOV; EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ 518. DE MINIMIS EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY: U.S. ORIGIN SOFTWARE INCORPORATED INTO FOREIGN-MADE RETAIL COMMODITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 72734]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC17 _______________________________________________________________________ 519. REVISION TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: REPLACEMENT LICENSES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748 to 750 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC23 _______________________________________________________________________ 520. SHORT SUPPLY CONTROLS: CRUDE OIL EXPORTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 750; 15 CFR 754 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC25 _______________________________________________________________________ 521. CRIME CONTROL ITEMS: REVISIONS TO THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 799 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/13/00 65 FR 55177 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC31 _______________________________________________________________________ 522. LICENSE EXCEPTION AVS: CUBA, LIBYA, AND SERBIA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC33 _______________________________________________________________________ 523. CLARIFICATIONS TO PART 753: SPECIAL COMPREHENSIVE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 700 to 799 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC34 _______________________________________________________________________ 524. CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION: REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 700 to 799 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC35 _______________________________________________________________________ 525. ADDITION AND REVISION OF MISSILE PROJECTS IN THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC46 _______________________________________________________________________ 526. REVISION, SUSPENSION, OR PROHIBITION OF USE OF ``NO LICENSE REQUIRED'' PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 758 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC47 _______________________________________________________________________ 527. COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE ELIGIBLE FOR EXPORT OR REEXPORT UNDER LICENSE EXCEPTION TSR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 06/10/02 67 FR 39675 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook [[Page 72735]] Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC63 _______________________________________________________________________ 528. LICENSE EXCEPTION APR FOR REEXPORTS TO, FROM, AND AMONG COUNTRIES IN COUNTRY GROUP A:1 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC69 _______________________________________________________________________ 529. REVISIONS TO LICENSE EXCEPTION TSR: EXPANSION TO SCOPE OF ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC71 _______________________________________________________________________ 530. ADDITION OF EAST TIMOR, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES, AND ARUBA TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 738 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC77 _______________________________________________________________________ 531. [bull] IMPOSITION OF FOREIGN POLICY CONTROLS ON SURREPTITIOUS COMMUNICATIONS INTERCEPTING DEVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222; EO 12938; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 752; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by imposing export and reexport controls on communications intercepting devices primarily useful for surreptitious interception of wire, oral or electronic communications classified under Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 5A980. In this rule, BIS also imposes controls on related software and technology by creating ECCNs 5D980 and 5E980, the classifications for software and technology designed or modified for the ``development,'' ``production'' or ``use'' of equipment controlled under 5A980. The items controlled under ECCNs 5A980, 5D980 and 5E980 are controlled for crime control (CC) and antiterrorism (AT) reasons. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC82 _______________________________________________________________________ 532. [bull] DECEMBER 2002 WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT PLENARY AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION: REVISIONS TO CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, AND 7 OF THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST, AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222; EO 13206; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 743; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) maintains the Commerce Control List (CCL), which identifies items subject to Department of Commerce export controls. This final rule revises certain entries controlled for national security reasons in Categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Part I (telecommunications), 5 Part II (information security), 6, and 7 to conform with changes in the List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies maintained and agreed to by governments participating in the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies (Wassenaar Arrangement). The Wassenaar Arrangement controls strategic items with the objective of improving regional and international security and stability. The purpose of this final rule is to make the necessary changes to the Commerce Control List to implement revisions to the Wassenaar List that were agreed upon in the December 2002 meeting and to make necessary revisions to reporting requirements, and License Exception GOV restrictions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC85 [[Page 72736]] _______________________________________________________________________ 533. [bull] ADDITION OF KAZAKHSTAN TO THE NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP (NSG), AND OTHER REVISIONS Priority: Routine and Frequent. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 18 USC 2510; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 772 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: As a result of the admission of Kazakhstan to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), this rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to add Kazakhstan to Country Group A, Column A:4, which identifies the member countries of the NSG, and to the definition of ``Nuclear Suppliers Group.'' The NSG member countries have agreed to establish export licensing procedures for the transfer of items identified on the Annex to the ``Nuclear-Related Dual-Use Equipment, Materials, and Related Technology List,`` which is published by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC90 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 534. TRANSFER OF DUAL-USE ITEMS FROM U.S. MUNITIONS LIST TO THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774 Supplement No. 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The former COCOM Industrial List (IL) controls so-called dual-use items, which have both civil and military uses. There is not a direct correspondence between the IL and BIS's Commerce Control List (CCL) because some IL items are controlled by the State Department in the U.S. Munitions List. In his November 15, 1990, memorandum of disapproval of H.R. 4653, the President determined that, ``By June 1, 1991, the United States will remove from the U.S. Munitions List all items contained on the COCOM dual-use list unless significant U.S. national security interests would be jeopardized.`` This rule will implement BIS controls through the CCL on those items removed from the U.S. Munitions List as a result of the President's decision. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Transfer of Communications Satellites 10/23/92 57 FR 48312 Navigation and Avionics 06/23/93 58 FR 34211 Final Rule--Transfer of Commercial Communication Satellites 09/08/93 58 FR 47322 Transfer of Items From the USMI to the CCL; Imposition of Certain Foreign Policy Controls 10/26/93 58 FR 57549 Satellite Fuel 09/29/97 62 FR 50865 Final Rule 09/29/97 62 FR 50856 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brian Nilsson, Acting Director/STFPC, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4196 RIN: 0694-AA52 _______________________________________________________________________ 535. CHANGE THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST TO REVISE CONTROLS ON COMMUNICATION INTERCEPTING DEVICES (EXPORT COMMERCE CONTROL NUMBER ECCN 5A980) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 799 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Validated licenses are required for the export or reexport of all communication interception devices to all destinations (including Canada). The Export Administration Regulations specify that such exports or reexports will only be issued to: (1) a provider of wire or electronic communication service or an officer, agent or employee of or person under contract with such a provider in the normal course of the business of providing that wire or electronic communication service; or (2) officers, agents, or employees of, or person under contract with the United States, one of the 50 States, or a political subdivision thereof, when engaged in the normal course of government activities. Commerce will need to make changes to the Commerce Control List and the Export Administration Regulations to clarify the requirements for issuing export licenses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brian Nilsson, Acting Director/STFPC, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4196 RIN: 0694-AB41 [[Page 72737]] _______________________________________________________________________ 536. EXPORTS OF TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE; RELEASE OF TECHNOLOGY OR SOURCE CODE TO FOREIGN NATIONALS IN THE UNITED STATES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 799 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule will modify the Department of Commerce's current ``deemed export'' rule covering foreign nationals working on controlled U.S. high technology or source code in the United States or abroad. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AB59 _______________________________________________________________________ 537. ENTITY LIST REVISION: KHAN RESEARCH LABORATORIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) provide that the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) may inform the public, individually or through amendment to the EAR, that a license is required for exports or reexports to certain entities. The EAR contain a list of such entities called the Entity List. This rule revises the entry for Abdul Qader Khan Research Laboratories, located in Kahuta, Pakistan. Abdul Qader Khan Research Laboratories is also known as Khan Research Laboratories. Because Khan Research Laboratories has changed its name to Institute of Industrial Control Systems (IICS), this rule adds Institute of Industrial Control Systems (IICS) as an a.k.a. under the entity Abdul Qader Khan Research Laboratories. In addition, this rule makes a revision to clarify that when BIS publishes in the Federal Register information regarding entities in the Entity List that it is informing not only exporters but the public. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Addition to Entity List 05/16/97 62 FR 26922 Addition to Entity List 06/30/97 62 FR 35334 Addition to Entity List 06/30/97 62 FR 35335 Revision to Entity List 10/01/97 62 FR 51369 Addition to Entity List--Russian Entities 07/29/98 63 FR 40363 Revisions and Additions to Entity List 05/14/01 66 FR 24264 Withdrawn 08/26/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AB60 _______________________________________________________________________ 538. INDIA AND PAKISTAN SANCTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On June 18, 1998, the Administration announced additional details of the sanctions imposed on India and Pakistan in response to their recent detonation of nuclear devices. The President had previously determined and reported to Congress, under the authority of section 102 of the Arms Export Control Act, that the Indian and Pakistani activities had violated the Act and sanctions were required. Under the provisions of the Arms Export Control Act, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is revising the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to expand the license requirements and set forth licensing policy for exports and reexports of most items controlled for nuclear nonproliferation and missile technology to India and Pakistan. Under the provisions of the Export Administration Act (EAA), BIS is revising the EAR to expand the license requirements and set forth licensing policy for exports and reexports of high performance computers to India and Pakistan. In addition, Indian and Pakistani government entities involved in nuclear or missile activities will be added to the Entity List. Additional military and private entities located in India and Pakistan will be added to the Entity List in the near future. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule--India and Pakistan Sanctions and Other Measures 11/19/98 63 FR 64322 Interim Final Rule--Correction to India and Pakistan Sanctions and Other Measures 11/27/98 63 FR 65352 Final Rule 03/17/00 65 FR 14444 Final Action 07/26/00 65 FR 45842 Final Action Effective 07/26/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Hillary Hess, Director, Regulatory Policy Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: hhess@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AB73 [[Page 72738]] _______________________________________________________________________ 539. EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS OF EXPLOSIVE DETECTION SYSTEMS; EXPANSION OF FOREIGN POLICY CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations by expanding the current scope of control of explosive detection systems controlled by Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 2A993 to include all types of systems that detect the presence of explosives or explosive residue. This rule also expands the control of these explosive detection systems to Iraq. In addition, this rule establishes a new licensing requirement on the export and reexport of software designed or modified for the development, production, or use of explosive detection systems to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, and Syria for antiterrorism reasons. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/03/03 68 FR 16208 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AB87 _______________________________________________________________________ 540. EXPANSION OF LICENSE EXCEPTION CIV ELIGIBILITY FOR MICROPROCESSORS CONTROLLED BY ECCN 3A001 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13222; EO 13026 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) maintains the Commerce Control List (CCL), which identifies those items subject to Department of Commerce export licensing requirements. Consistent with technological changes, this interim rule adjusts the License Exception CIV eligibility level for microprocessors controlled by Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 3A001. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/08/99 64 FR 36779 Interim Final Rule 11/26/99 64 FR 66372 Interim Final Rule 06/13/00 65 FR 37039 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Hillary Hess, Director, Regulatory Policy Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: hhess@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AB90 _______________________________________________________________________ 541. EXPORT OF TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE THROUGH ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS, DOWNLOADS, AND PROGRAMMING ONTO HARDWARE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 700 to 799 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is reviewing technology and software export issues as they pertain to electronic transmissions and downloads, as well as programming onto hardware. BIS is considering how export controls on such technology transfers affect U.S. exporters. Specifically, BIS is seeking to gain a better understanding of how these transfers actually take place so that the Export Administration Regulations may be clarified in a manner that meets the export control objectives of the regulations while increasing the utility of the regulations to the public. BIS is particularly interested in the comments of those who have direct experience in the area of technology and software exports. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 542. ANTITERRORISM CONTROLS ON IRAQ Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 700 to 799 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations to impose foreign policy controls on Iraq for antiterrorism reasons. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC06 [[Page 72739]] _______________________________________________________________________ 543. REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS RELATED TO THE MISSILE TECHNOLOGY CONTROL REGIME (MTCR) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 774; 15 CFR 742 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to amend the Commerce Control List to reflect the reformatted Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex of October 14, 1999 (Noordwijk/TEM). This final rule also amends Country Group A:2, MTCR, to add the Czech Republic, Korea (Republic of), Poland, Turkey, and Ukraine. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/02/03 68 FR 16144 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC22 _______________________________________________________________________ 544. OFFSETS IN MILITARY EXPORTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 102-558, title I, sec 124; 106 Stat. 4207; 50 USC app 2099 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 701 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) proposes to amend the National Security Industrial Base Regulations to refine current defense offset reporting requirements. These changes will allow BIS to more accurately address the impact of offsets on the defense preparedness, industrial competitiveness, employment, and trade of the United States. These changes will also further standardize the data collection framework, thus reducing the burden of reporting requirements on U.S. firms. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brad Botwin, Director, Trade Analysis Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Room 3878, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4060 Fax: 202 482-5650 RIN: 0694-AC27 _______________________________________________________________________ 545. ENTITY LIST: ADDITIONS AND REVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 799 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) provide that the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) may inform exporters, individually or through amendment to the EAR, that a license is required for exports or reexports to certain entities. The EAR contain a list of such entities called the Entity List. This rule makes additions, modifications and corrections to the Entity List. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC28 _______________________________________________________________________ 546. REVISIONS TO ENCRYPTION ITEMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 799 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and implements the July 17 White House announcement to allow the export and reexport of most encryption items, including U.S. products that use open cryptographic interface (OCI), to European Union (EU) member states, Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland and Switzerland under License Exception ENC. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/19/00 65 FR 62600 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brian Nilsson, Acting Director/STFPC, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4196 RIN: 0694-AC32 _______________________________________________________________________ 547. EXPORTS TO AFGHANISTAN (THE TALIBAN) AND LIBERIA: IMPOSITION OF FOREIGN POLICY CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 72740]] Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 1333 of December 19, 2000, and 1343 of March 7, 2001, which mandated embargoes on the sale or supply of arms-related items, including technical assistance and training, to the Taliban and to Liberia, respectively. These steps taken by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) supplement controls implemented by the Department of State on exports of defense articles and services to the Taliban and to Liberia under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. BIS already requires a license for the export and reexport to Afghanistan and Liberia of most of the items subject to the EAR that fall within the scope of the UNSC- mandated ban on arms-related items (e.g., items controlled for regional stability and crime control reasons). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/26/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC45 _______________________________________________________________________ 548. EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA: LIFTING OF SANCTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 1701; 50 USC 2401; EO 13026; EO 13222; EO 12854; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 758 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by removing the license requirements imposed on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on July 14, 1998. Under the EAR, controls have been maintained on arms and related material to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) consistent with the UNSC Resolution 1160. On September 10, 2001, in Resolution 1367, the UNSC terminated the international arms embargo against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia established by Resolution 1160. This rule implements UNSC Resolution 1367. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 11/25/02 67 FR 70545 Final Action 06/30/03 68 FR 38591 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC57 _______________________________________________________________________ 549. IMPOSITION AND EXPANSION OF CONTROLS ON DESIGNATED PERSONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 1701; 50 USC 2401; 22 USC 3201; EO 13099; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 772 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by imposing a license requirement on the export and reexport of any item subject to the EAR by a U.S. person or non-U.S. person to persons blocked and designated pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001. In response to grave acts of terrorism and threats of terrorism, Executive Order 13224 blocks the property and interests in property of persons who commit, threaten to commit or support terrorism, and prohibits U.S. persons or applicable non-U.S. persons from engaging in any transactions with such blocked persons. The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) maintains the list of blocked persons newly designated Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) in appendix A to 31 CFR chapter V pursuant to Executive Order 13224 and identified by the bracketed initials [SDGT]. This rule also amends the EAR by expanding reexport controls on Specially Designated Terrorists (SDTs) and foreign controls on Specially Designated Terrorists (SDTs) and Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). OFAC also maintains the lists of SDTs and FTOs found in appendix A to 31 C.F.R. chapter V and identified by the bracketed initials [SDT] and [FTO], respectively. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/06/03 68 FR 34192 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC60 _______________________________________________________________________ 550. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS--CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONTROLS: AUSTRALIA GROUP (JUNE 2002 PLENARY MEETING) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 8 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 745; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements understandings reached at the June 2002 AG plenary meeting, makes corrections in two Commerce Control List entries that contain AG-controlled items, and updates the list of countries that are States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 06/10/03 68 FR 34526 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 72741]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC70 _______________________________________________________________________ 551. [bull] GENERAL ORDER SUSPENDING LICENSE REQUIREMENT FOR EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS IN SUPPORT OF UNITED NATION SECURITY COUNSEL RESOLUTION(S) MANDATING INSPECTIONS IN IRAQ Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO12938; EO 13020; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 736 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule adds a new General Order No. 4 to Supplement No. 1, part 736. General Order No. 4 authorize exports and reexports of items subject to the EAR to any country for use by or for the International Atomic Energy Agency or the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission to carry out inspections of Iraq pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 of November 8, 2002, and other resolutions that may be issued with respect to such inspections. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC73 _______________________________________________________________________ 552. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: ENCRYPTION CLARIFICATIONS AND REVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 1701; 50 USC 2401; EO 12938; EO 13020; EO 13026; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 734; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to clarify when encryption commodities and software may be given de minimis treatment, when short-range wireless devices incorporating encryption may be given mass market or retail treatment, and to provide guidance on when exporters are required to submit encryption review requests. It also expands the authorizations for which travelers departing the United States may take encryption for their personal use. Finally this rule implements changes to the Wassenaar Arrangement List of dual-use items that eliminate from Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 5A002 certain types of ``Personalized smart cards'' and equipment specially designed and limited to controlling access to copyright protected data. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/17/03 68 FR 35783 Final Action Effective 06/17/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC78 _______________________________________________________________________ 553. GENERAL ORDER ON EXPORTS TO IRAQ Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; Notice of Aug. 14, 2002, 67 FR 53721 (Aug.16, 2002); EO 12938; EO 13020; EO 13026 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 736 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security is amending the EAR by adding new General Order No. 4 to Supplement No. 1, part 736. General Order No. 4 removes license requirements for the export or reexport to Iraq of commodities and software contained in two export control categories on the Commerce Control List. This general order is intended to facilitate humanitarian activities in Iraq by State Department accredited nongovernmental organizations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC79 _______________________________________________________________________ 554. [bull] GENERAL ORDER REMOVING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EXPORT OR REEXPORT TO IRAQ OF CERTAIN ITEMS SUBJECT TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 12938; EO 13020; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 736 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce, is issuing General Order No. 4 to remove license requirements for the export or reexport to Iraq of the following items in order to facilitate humanitarian activities in Iraq by State Department accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Items controlled under Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) 5A002 and 5D002. Please note that many other items needed for humanitarian activities in [[Page 72742]] Iraq, including food, medicine, clothing, and shelter materials, do not require a Department of Commerce license for export or reexport to Iraq. The Iraqi Sanctions Regulations (31 CFR part 575), administered by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), continue to apply to exports and reexports to Iraq. Any export or reexport made on the basis of this general order must nonetheless be authorized by OFAC. The reexport from Iraq of items listed herein may be subject to license requirements under the EAR. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC80 _______________________________________________________________________ 555. [bull] EXPORT CLEARANCE--CONFORMANCE OF EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS WITH FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICS REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 758 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to add references to the Automated Export System (AES) and to conform the EAR to certain provisions of the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (FTSR (15 CFR Part 30)) including provisions related to AES promulgated at 68 FR 42534 on July 17, 2003. It also conforms some terminology in part 758 to that found elsewhere in the EAR and updates references to another government agency to reflect a name change. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/21/03 68 FR 50470 Final Action Effective 09/22/03 68 FR 50740 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC81 _______________________________________________________________________ 556. [bull] ADDITION OF ARUBA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR, AND NETHERLANDS ANTILLES TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; 43 USC 1354; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding a number of countries to the Commerce Country Chart. This rule adds the Democratic Republic of East Timor (East Timor), to reflect East Timor's status as a newly independent and sovereign State; Aruba and Netherlands Antilles, in order to streamline the regulatory process for these dependant nations; and the Democratic Republic of Congo, (Congo, Democratic Republic of), and the Republic of Congo (Congo, Republic of), to reflect their status as successor nations to the former country of Zaire. This final rule makes Aruba, East Timor, Congo, Democratic Republic of, Congo, Republic of, and Netherlands Antilles as separate destinations on the Commerce Country Chart for export licensing purposes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/11/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC83 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) _______________________________________________________________________ 557. PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TEAM ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 7301 et seq CFR Citation: 15 CFR 270 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Director of the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST), Technology Administration (TA), U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), requests comments on proposed regulations pertaining to the implementation of the National Construction Safety Team Act (Act). The proposed rule establishes procedures regarding the establishment and deployment of National Construction Safety Teams and for the conduct of investigations under the Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No [[Page 72743]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. James E. Hill, Deputy Director, Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Mail Stop 8600, Building and Fire Research Laboratory, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8600 Phone: 301 975-5900 RIN: 0693-AB53 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) _______________________________________________________________________ 558. PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TEAM ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 7301 et seq; 5 USC 553 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 270 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Director of the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, requests comments on an interim final rule pertaining to the implementation of the National Construction Safety Team Act (Act). This rule with a request for public comments contains general provisions regarding implementation of the Act and establishes procedures for the collection, preservation, and protection of evidence obtained and information created as part of investigations conducted pursuant to the Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/30/03 68 FR 4693 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/03/03 Final Action 05/07/03 68 FR 24343 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. James E. Hill, Deputy Director, Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Mail Stop 8600, Building and Fire Research Laboratory, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8600 Phone: 301 975-5900 RIN: 0693-AB52 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Prerule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 559. FLEET CAPACITY CONTROL FOR U.S. TROLL ALBACORE TUNA FISHING IN CANADIAN WATERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will implement limits on albacore tuna fishing by vessels of the United States in Canadian waters pursuant to the U.S.- Canada Albacore Fishing Treaty. In accordance with recent amendments to that Treaty, the United States is obliged to ensure that U.S. vessels do not fish for more than a set number of days each year 2003-2005. This will require methods to monitor fishing effort and notify U.S. vessel owners/operators of the date on which further U.S. fishing must cease. In turn, U.S. vessel operators/owners will be required to furnish reports of entry to and exit from Canadian waters and to provide points of contact for notices of closures. In addition, the Treaty requires that the United States exchange fishery data each year. The rule will require maintenance and submission of logbooks of fish catch and fishing effort in Canadian and U.S. waters each year. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 02/00/04 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Svein Fougner, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 RIN: 0648-AQ22 _______________________________________________________________________ 560. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would revise the rebuilding program and other management measures in the FMP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 02/00/04 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ86 [[Page 72744]] _______________________________________________________________________ 561. AMENDMENT 2 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement a limited access program and make other adjustment to the FMP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 08/00/04 ANPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Final Action 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ87 _______________________________________________________________________ 562. [bull] WEAKFISH: INCREASE IN INCIDENTAL CATCH PER AMENDMENT 4 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) has proposed regulations that would modify management restrictions in the Federal weakfish fishery in a manner consistent with the recommendations made by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in Amendment 4 of the Commission's Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for the species. In short, the proposed Federal regulatory change would increase the permitted non-directed incidental catch of the species from 150 pounds to 300 pounds per day or trip. Analysis of the best available data suggests that the proposed increase would not alter current fishing practices or effort, or increase the number of weakfish caught--the 150 pound increase simply converts 150 pounds of weakfish, which would be caught and discarded at sea dead regardless, into 150 pounds of weakfish caught and landed. Accordingly, no significant impact is found and the environmental analysis that would support such a finding is set forth herein Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/01/03 68 FR 39048 NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/03 End Review 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Thomas Meyer, Fisheries Biologist, Office of Intergovernmental/Recreational Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Suite 425, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 427-2014 RIN: 0648-AR11 _______________________________________________________________________ 563. ENDANGERED SPECIES AND PESTICIDE REGULATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1536 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 402.04 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NOAA, FWS, and EPA are jointly explores the issuance of ``counterpart regulations.'' Issued under the authority of the Endangered Species Act, these regulations would establish a separate section 7 consultation process for EPA, relative to pesticides actions under the Federal Insecticides, Fungicide and Rodentcide Act (FIFRA) that may affect endangered and threatened species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal 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-AQ69 _______________________________________________________________________ 564. DESIGNATE CRITICAL HABITAT; WITHDRAW PREVIOUS DESIGNATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226; 50 CFR 424 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule: (1) describes an approach for developing these critical habitat designations; (2) announces the NOAA Fisheries intent to conduct a series of public workshops to review a pilot area designation; (3) solicits public comment on the proposed designation approach and information to support the critical habitat designations; and (4) amends the Code of Federal Regulations to withdraw the previous critical habitat designations for 19 of the ESUs which were vacated by court order in April 2002. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 02/00/04 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AQ77 [[Page 72745]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 565. AMENDMENT 4 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: Amendment 4 would restrict the use of gillnets, fish traps, and other gear in the reef fish fishery in the Caribbean exclusive economic zone. Amendment 4 would address the possible need for permitting in the fish trap fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AG87 _______________________________________________________________________ 566. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE MANDATORY OBSERVER COVERAGE IN THE AT-SEA PROCESSING SECTOR OF THE WHITING FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: Regulations would require observer coverage on vessels in the at-sea processing sector of the whiting fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Donna Darm, Acting Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, BIN C15700, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 RIN: 0648-AK26 _______________________________________________________________________ 567. ADJUSTMENT OF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: BOTTOMFISH FISHERIES IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: The adjustment will establish eligibility criteria for new entry into the NWHIs Mau Zone limited access system and process for issuance of limited access permits under a community development program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AK82 _______________________________________________________________________ 568. REVISE EXEMPTED FISHING REGULATIONS TO SPECIFY COMPENSATORY FISHING UNDER EXEMPTED FISHING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would revise current exempted fishing regulations to specifically authorize the use of an exempted fishing permit as the method of allowing the compensation of private vessels for their conduct of resource assessment. Specific methodology for vessel compensation would be developed on a fishery-by-fishery basis. The rule would also make other minor changes in the regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1917 Email: john.dunnigan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AK84 _______________________________________________________________________ 569. AMENDMENT 11 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE CRUSTACEAN FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: Amendment 2 would add the exclusive economic zone waters off the U.S. Pacific Island Remote Areas and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as crustaceans management areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 [[Page 72746]] Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AL67 _______________________________________________________________________ 570. FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CALICO SCALLOP FISHERY IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION (FMP) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: The FMP could include the following measures: (1) Definitions of management unit, MSY, OY, and overfishing; (2) requirement for a vessel permit to harvest or possess calico scallops in or from the South Atlantic EEZ; (3) designation of essential fish habitat for calico scallops; (4) prohibition on harvest of calico scallops in the area bounded to the west by 80 degrees W. longitude, to the north by 28 degrees 30 minutes N. latitude, to the south by 27 degrees 30 minutes N. latitude, and to the east by the 100 fathom depth contour; and (5) requirement for use of transponders by calico scallop vessels. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AL78 _______________________________________________________________________ 571. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO (FMP) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: Amendment 10 would extend the FMP requirements for using bycatch reduction devices in shrimp trawls in the exclusive economic zone from Cape San Blas, Florida, east and south to the boundary line (in South Florida) between the areas of jurisdiction of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 08/14/03 68 FR 48592 NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AM23 _______________________________________________________________________ 572. AMENDMENT 7 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BOTTOMFISH FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: Amendment 7 would facilitate and enable adjustments to management measures for the bottomfish fisheries in Guam. Possible regulatory changes include closed areas, gear restrictions, seasons, permit and notification/reporting requirements, etc. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AM98 _______________________________________________________________________ 573. AMENDMENT 7 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SPINY LOBSTER FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC FMP Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 640 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: Amendment 7 would address issues regarding the impacts of the FMP's tailing permit provisions on State spiny lobster conservation efforts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AN08 _______________________________________________________________________ 574. AMENDMENT 18 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: Amendment 18 would address the need for improved conservation of grouper stocks in the Gulf of Mexico by addressing effort capacity control, using VMS, addressing the use of reef fish as bait, addressing longline and buoy gear phase-out, establishing closed areas, modifying TAC Framework procedures and grouper allocations, defining [[Page 72747]] grouper and amberjack status determination criteria, developing Nassau and goliath grouper rebuilding plans, and incorporating the SEDAR process into the TAC Framework procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AN09 _______________________________________________________________________ 575. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: Amendment 10 would implement a management strategy that would incorporate rotational closed areas for rebuilding the sea scallop resource and address essential fish habitat issues. This action may replace or modify the current DAS reduction schedule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AN16 _______________________________________________________________________ 576. AMENDMENT 13 TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 32 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0648-AN17 _______________________________________________________________________ 577. AMENDMENT 9 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THE PELAGIC FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: This amendment would prevent or mitigate and conserve, manage, and allow full utilization of sharks. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AN76 _______________________________________________________________________ 578. REGULATORY AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE GULF OF MEXICO BRD PROTOCOL UNDER THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO (FMP) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: In accordance with the FMP's framework procedure for regulatory adjustments, the Gulf Council requested that NMFS develop alternative data collection procedures and statistical tests to certify bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for use in the shrimp fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. The regulation would provide additional flexibility in sampling procedures to facilitate BRDs meeting the testing/certifying protocol's requirements while maintaining the scientific and statistical credibility in achieving the FMP's established bycatch reduction criterion for certified BRDs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AN84 _______________________________________________________________________ 579. FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE DOLPHIN AND WAHOO FISHERY OF THE ATLANTIC, CARIBBEAN, AND GULF OF MEXICO (FMP) OF THE ATLANTIC Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: This new FMP, as prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, is to provide a comprehensive management program for dolphin and wahoo in the Atlantic Ocean exclusive economic zone. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast [[Page 72748]] Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AO63 _______________________________________________________________________ 580. REGULATORY AMENDMENT UNDER THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GULF OF MEXICO REEF FISH (FMP) TO ESTABLISH A RED SNAPPER STOCK REBUILDING PLAN AND TO SET RED SNAPPER OVERFISHING TARGETS AND THRESHOLDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: This plan amendment under the FMP's framework procedure would establish a revised red snapper stock rebuilding plan and red snapper overfishing targets and thresholds, all intended to meet requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996. In addition, this amendment will address bycatch reporting requirements of the reeffish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AP02 _______________________________________________________________________ 581. AMENDMENT 13A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER- GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, NPRM. Abstract: Amendment 13A will evaluate alternatives to extend the prohibition on fishing for and possessing Snapper-Grouper species within the oculina experimental closed area for an additional period of time, that prohibition which was implemented in 1996 through amendment 6 to the Snapper-Grouper FMP, is scheduled to sunset in June 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AP03 _______________________________________________________________________ 582. REVISION OF AMERICAN LOBSTER REGULATIONS FOR THE EEZ Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In accordance with the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act (Act), 16 U.S.C. et seq., NMFS announces that it is considering, and seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal American lobster regulations for the Exclusive Economic Zone in response to recommendations from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to NMFS in Addenda II and III to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster (ISFMP). This ANPR/NOI proposes to develop regulations relative to Addendum III to the ISFMP, and combine those with Addendum II (ANPR and NOI published May and September of 2001, respectively) into a single environmental impact statement. Addendum II management measures would include minimum gauge size increases in five of the seven Lobster Conservation Management Areas (LCMA), lobster trap gear modifications, a four-year lobster trap reduction schedule for LCMA 3, and a logbook requirement for LCMA 3 lobster vessels. Addendum III would further modify Addendum II's gauge increase schedule and include new management measures for the majority of the LCMAs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/24/01 66 FR 28726 ANPRM Comment Period End 06/25/01 ANPRM 09/05/02 67 FR 56800 ANPRM Comment Period End 10/07/02 NPRM 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Thomas Meyer, Fisheries Biologist, Office of Intergovernmental/Recreational Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Suite 425, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 427-2014 RIN: 0648-AP18 _______________________________________________________________________ 583. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT PERMIT STACKING IN THE LIMITED- ENTRY FIXED-GEAR SABLEFISH FISHERY IN 2002 AND BEYOND Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, NPRM. Abstract: This regulatory amendment would implement the following Amendment 14 provisions: permit [[Page 72749]] owners will be required to provide detailed ownership information to ensure that no person has ownership interest in or holds more than three permits; current permit owners who were not permit owners before November 1, 2000, will be required to be on board the vessel fishing against the sablefish cumulative limits associated with that vessel's permit(s); vessels landing sablefish against their primary season limits will be required to contact enforcement officials before making sablefish landings; vessel owners wishing to freeze sablefish at sea will be required to provide proof of a history of freezing sablefish at sea in the years 1998, 1999, or 2000. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AP38 _______________________________________________________________________ 584. IMPLEMENTATION OF FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES FISHERIES OFF THE WEST COAST Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Highly Migratory Species Fisheries off the West Coast. The FMP is currently under development by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) under the terms of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable law. The FMP will both establish a process for implementing regulations as deemed necessary in the future and provide a basis for initial regulation of selected fishery sectors (e.g., drift gillnet and longline) to ensure conservation of the fish stocks involved and protection of species of special concern such as sea turtles and seabirds. The FMP will include substantial environmental and economic analyses consistent with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and Executive Order 12296 and other laws and orders. Steps for reviewing and implementing approved elements of the FMP are set forth in the Magnuson-Stevens Act and include provisions for publication of proposed and final rules within certain time periods. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Final Action Effective 01/00/04 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Svein Fougner, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 RIN: 0648-AP42 _______________________________________________________________________ 585. REGULATORY AMENDMENT UNDER THE COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGICS FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 622 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: In accordance with the FMP's framework procedure for regulatory adjustments, this action would establish biomass-based stock status criteria such as maximum-sustainable yield (MSY), optimum yield (OY), and definitions of overfishing and overfished using default control rules as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AP50 _______________________________________________________________________ 586. COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT ADDRESSING SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES ACT REQUIREMENTS REGARDING OVERFISHING, BYCATCH, FISHING COMMUNITIES AND PROVISIONS FOR FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE CARIBBEAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations to implement those provisions of the Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Sustainable Fishery Act (SFA) definitions and other required provision of the Magnuson-Stevens Act in the FMP of the U.S. Caribbean (Comprehensive SFA Amendment) that would modify and/or add framework procedures to the FMPs for reef fish, corals and reef associated plants and invertebrates, queen conch, and spiny lobster. These FMP framework modifications/additions would allow timely modification/addition of required stock parameters and management measures related to preventing overfishing and rebuilding overfished stocks. The intended effect is to provide a more efficient mechanism for implementation of improved estimates of stock parameters and necessary management measures as better information becomes available. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 [[Page 72750]] NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AP51 _______________________________________________________________________ 587. ATLANTIC SURF CLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERIES; AMENDMENT 13 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 40 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: Amendment 13 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries would describe gear impacts on essential fish habitat, revise the surf clam overfishing definition, establish multi-year quotas, and add/revise other measures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 08/25/03 68 FR 50998 NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AP57 _______________________________________________________________________ 588. ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERIES; AMENDMENT 9 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic mackerel, squid and butterfish fisheries would establish a controlled access program for mackerel, address essential fish habitat, and revise the Illex quota procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AP60 _______________________________________________________________________ 589. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGULATORY CHANGES RESULTING FROM THE AMENDMENTS AND EXTENSION OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC TUNA ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would implement the regulatory changes resulting from the recently renegotiated Treaty on Fisheries between the Government of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America, as authorized under the South Pacific Tuna Act. These changes include the implementation of an electronic vessel monitoring system for U.S. purse seine vessels licensed to fish within the Treaty Area. The location information will be provided to the Forum Fisheries Agency, located in Honiara Solomon Islands, as well as NOAA Fisheries. This rule would eliminate the prohibition of duly authorized U.S. longline vessels from fishing in the high seas areas within the Treaty Area. Additionally, it will impose minor modifications in the various reporting requirements, as well as modify the areas of fishing allowed in the exclusive economic zones of the Solomon islands and Papua New Guinea. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Charles Karnella, Administrator, Pacific Islands Area Office, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AP61 _______________________________________________________________________ 590. REVISE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND ALLOCATION REGULATIONS--BSAI FMP AMENDMENT 71 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will revise regulations governing the process under which a portion of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands quotas for groundfish, prohibited species, crab, and halibut are allocated to groups representing Western Alaska communities eligible for the Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. The action also will revise administrative regulations for the economic development aspects of the CDQ Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal, State [[Page 72751]] Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AP67 _______________________________________________________________________ 591. FULL RETENTION OF DEMERSAL SHELF ROCKFISH IN GULF OF ALASKA AREA 650 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory rule would require full retention of demersal shelf rockfish (DSR) in the hook-and-line fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska, Regulatory Area 650. If approved, this rule would eliminate the maximum retainable bycatch limit for DSR, and require that all DSR caught by Federally permitted vessels using fixed gear in the Southeast Outside be retained, landed, weighted, and reported. When DSR is closed to directed fishing, fishermen would be allowed to retain the proceeds from the sale of any DSR not in excess of 10 percent of the aggregate round weight equivalence of IFQ Pacific halibut and groundfish species that are landed during the same fishing trip, or 1 percent of sablefish landed. Any DSR landed in excess of these limits could be retained for any use except sale, barter, or trade. This could include personal consumption or donation to a nonprofit charitable organization. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AP73 _______________________________________________________________________ 592. AMENDMENT TO FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REEF FISH RESOURCES OF GULF OF MEXICO TO SET 10-YEAR REBUILDING PLAN FOR RED GROUPER Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In October 2000, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a determination that the Gulf of Mexico red grouper stock is overfished and undergoing overfishing. This determination was based on the results of a 1999 red grouper stock assessment. Once a stock is determined to be overfished the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council within one year to submit a plan to NMFS to end overfishing and rebuild the stock to a level capable of sustaining maximum sustainable yield on a continuing basis. The proposed rebuilding plan contains alternatives that would implement a 10-year rebuilding plan for red grouper including a recreational and commercial shallow-water grouper closed season, recreational bag limits, movement of the commercial longline gear boundary, and a reduction of the shallow-water grouper quota by an amount consistent with a 45 percent reduction in commercial red grouper harvest. The rebuilding plan also contains alternatives for establishing red grouper sustainable fishing parameters (e.g., maximum sustainable yield, optimum yield, maximum fishing mortality rate, minimum stock size threshold). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AP95 _______________________________________________________________________ 593. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO SECTION 679 PERMITS OR PERMIT-RELATED ISSUES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would revise several sections of regulations that pertain to permits or permit-related issues by technical edits and clarifications to existing requirements, removal of obsolete text, and clarification and simplification of text. In addition, this rulemaking would combine the registered buyer permit with the Federal processor permit when a shoreside processor does both IFQ and groundfish. This would be accomplished by adding an endorsement to the Federal processor permit. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ07 _______________________________________________________________________ 594. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ADJUST PERMIT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS AND TRANSFERABILITY RESTRICTIONS IN NWHI'S HOOMALU ZONE AND MAU LIMITED ACCESS PROGRAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 72752]] Abstract: This measure would remove the annual landings requirement for permit renewal retroactive to December 4, 2000, which is the date the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Reserve (NWHI) was established and when restrictions on fishing in the NWHI became uncertain. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Charles Karnella, Administrator, Pacific Islands Area Office, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AQ20 _______________________________________________________________________ 595. FLEET CAPACITY CONTROL FOR U.S. TUNA PURSE SEINE FISHERIES IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 951 to 961; 16 USC 971 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will implement a tuna fishery management recommendation of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), of which the United States is a party. The rule will establish procedures by which the United States will limit tuna purse seine fleet capacity consistent with the limits in the IATTC recommendation, which has been approved by the Department of State pursuant to the Tuna Conventions Act. Fleet capacity is necessary to prevent overcapitalization and achieve sustainable tuna fisheries in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Excessive fleet capacity threatens the ability of the IATTC and its member states to take effective action to control overall fishing mortality and maintain healthy stocks that will support economically viable fisheries, including U.S. tuna fisheries in the region. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Svein Fougner, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 RIN: 0648-AQ21 _______________________________________________________________________ 596. AMENDMENT 2 TO MONKFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 2 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan would address essential fish habitat and bycatch issues and revise the management program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ25 _______________________________________________________________________ 597. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) AND AMENDMENT 2 TO THE ATLANTIC SALMON FMP TO ADDRESS ESSENTAL FISH HABITAT CONSERVATION MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These amendments would address essential fish habitat conservation measures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ27 _______________________________________________________________________ 598. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); BIGEYE TUNA AND SWORDFISH TRADE STATISTICAL DOCUMENT PROGRAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule is to comply with the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to establish statistical document programs for trade of swordfish and bigeye tuna. This regulation will require all dealers, who export or import swordfish or bigeye tuna, complete a statistical document and ensure the document accompanies the shipment. The purpose of the ICCAT recommendation and this regulation is to assist in the conservation of swordfish and bigeye tuna, improve the reliability of statistical information of catches, and to assist ICCAT with the [[Page 72753]] elimination of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing operations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1917 Email: john.dunnigan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ37 _______________________________________________________________________ 599. FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES; NATIONAL STANDARD 1 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is considering revisions to the national standard guidelines for national standard 1 that specify criteria for determining overfishing and establishing rebuilding schedules. There have been concerns expressed by the scientific community, fisheries managers, the fishing industry, and environmental groups regarding the appropriateness of some aspects of these guidelines. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 02/14/03 68 FR 7492 Comment Period Extended 03/03/03 68 FR 9967 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/17/03 NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Millikin, Fishery Management Specialist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2341 RIN: 0648-AQ63 _______________________________________________________________________ 600. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES: BILLFISH AND SWORDFISH RECREATIONAL FISHING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 971 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements domestic management measures based upon recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) regarding billfish and swordfish. The rule would limit domestic recreational landings of Atlantic blue and white marlin to 250 fish, combined, on an annual basis. Also, the rule would provide for adjustments for any landings above or below the annual cap to the following year's recreational marlin landings cap. The Atlantic blue and white marlin measures are necessary to comply with ICCAT obligations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AQ65 _______________________________________________________________________ 601. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SURF CLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERIES FOR 2004 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries for fishing year 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ79 _______________________________________________________________________ 602. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERIES FOR 2004 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries for fishing year 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ80 _______________________________________________________________________ 603. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2004-2005 FISHING YEAR FOR THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement specifications for the 2003-2004 fishing year for the spiny dogfish fishery. [[Page 72754]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ81 _______________________________________________________________________ 604. RECREATIONAL MEASURES FOR THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2004 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement recreational measures for the 2004 fishing year for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ82 _______________________________________________________________________ 605. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERIES FOR 2004 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries for fishing year 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ83 _______________________________________________________________________ 606. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY FOR 2004 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Atlantic Herring Fishery for fishing year 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ84 _______________________________________________________________________ 607. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ATLANTIC BLUEFISH FISHERY FOR 2004 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery for fishing year 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ85 _______________________________________________________________________ 608. ``OTHER SPECIES'' CDQ RESERVE MANAGEMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would revise how NMFS manages the ``other species'' CDQ reserve. Although 7.5 percent of the ``other species'' would still be allocated to the ``other species'' CDQ reserve, the reserve would not be allocated to individual CDQ groups. ``Other species'' CDQ would initially be closed to directed fishing, and CDQ fishery participants would be subject to maximum retainable amount standards in relation to their ``other species'' CDQ catch. Once the aggregate ``other species'' CDQ catch reaches the annual 7.5 percent CDQ reserve amount, ``other species'' CDQ would be placed on prohibited species catch status. Further restrictions would not occur unless the harvest of ``other species'' by both CDQ and non-CDQ fisheries approached the overfishing level of this species complex. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 72755]] Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ88 _______________________________________________________________________ 609. ADJUSTMENT OF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM; PELAGIC FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory action would revise certain sea turtle mitigation provisions for participants in the non-longline, hook-and- line, pelagic fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AQ91 _______________________________________________________________________ 610. AMENDMENT 11 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PELAGIC FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION (AMERICAN SAMOA LIMITED ACCESS PROGRAM) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 11 would establish a limited access program for the pelagic longline fishery for the EEZ around American Samoa. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AQ92 _______________________________________________________________________ 611. EASTERN PACIFIC TUNA CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 955 to 961; 16 USC 971 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will implement tuna fishery conservation and management measures recommended by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and approved by the Department of State for 2003. Historically, the IATTC takes action in June each year and the member nations (including the United States) implement the actions as soon as practicable thereafter. Among the actions anticipated is a quota for yellowfin tuna or a similar conservation measure to limit effort (e.g., a seasonal closure) and prevent overfishing of the yellowfin stock in the eastern Pacific. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AQ93 _______________________________________________________________________ 612. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OPTIMUM YIELD AND HARVEST LIMIT FOR PACIFIC SARDINE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, January 2004, Final. Abstract: This rule will announce the annual harvest guidelines for Pacific sardine in the exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast. The CPS FMP and its implementing regulations require NMFS to establish an annual harvest guideline for Pacific sardine based on a formula in the FMP. This harvest guideline has been calculated according to the regulations implementing the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and establishes allowable harvest levels for Pacific sardine off the Pacific coast. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AQ97 _______________________________________________________________________ 613. [bull] AMENDMENT 66 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH OF THE GULF OF ALASKA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would modify the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program by revising the definition of an eligible quota share holder to allow eligible communities in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) to purchase and hold halibut and sablefish quota share (QS) for lease to, and use by, community residents as defined by specific elements of the proposed action. [[Page 72756]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 09/02/03 68 FR 52173 Comment Period End 11/03/03 NPRM 11/00/03 Final Action 05/00/04 Final Action Effective 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ98 _______________________________________________________________________ 614. [bull] AMENDMENT 62 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE GULF OF ALASKA AND AMENDMENT 62 TO THE FMP FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would redefine the flexibility of AFA- qualified inshore floating processors to relocated between reporting weeks rather than between fishing years for the purpose of processing targeted BSAI pollock. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR06 _______________________________________________________________________ 615. [bull] PORT CODES INTEGRATION IN TABLE 14 Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Table 14 to 50 CFR part 679 presents codes for ports of landing in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and the western coast of Canada. Two codes are given for most ports. A three-digit numerical code is used in the NMFS Alaska Region Individual Fishing Quota Program when reporting landings of Pacific halibut and sablefish. A three-digit alphabetic code is used when reporting groundfish landings on State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game fish tickets and in the NMFS Alaska Region Shoreside Processor Electronic Logbook Report. This regulatory amendment will revise table 14 numerical port codes to remove ports that have not been reported on a frequent basis and to combine certain geographically close ports under one code. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR07 _______________________________________________________________________ 616. [bull] REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO CHANGE REPORTING AREAS 620 AND 630 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The boundary between Gulf of Alaska (GOA) reporting areas 620 and 630 near Kodiak Island, Alaska, is 154 W. longitude from the south side of the Alaska Peninsula, southward to the limits of the EEZ off Alaska. On Kodiak Island, this line of longitude bisects Alitak/Deadman Bay, a large, deep bay on the south end of the island. Frequently, there is a great amount of pollock in this bay, and consequent pollock fishing. When either of the two reporting areas is open to pollock fishing, and the other reporting area is closed, vessels will fish in the bay on the ``open'' side of the line. The area of the Alitak/Deadman Bay of Kodiak Island would be much more efficiently enforced if the bay were either all open or all closed. Because the mouth of the bay is totally contained within reporting area 620, the pollock found in the bay are arguably associated with the 620 stocks. The Alitak/Deadman Bay of Kodiak Island is one body of water basically enclosed by Kodiak Island but divided superficially into two reporting areas by 154 degrees W. longitude. This division of the bay into two separate reporting areas is impractical for quota management and enforcement purposes. The mouth of the bay is totally contained in reporting area 620 and logically should be included in area 620. This action corrects that error by revising the descriptions of reporting areas 620 and 630 in figure 3 to part 679. The description of reporting area 620 in figure 3 is revised by adding ``except that all waters of the Alitak/Deadman Bay of Kodiak Island are included in this reporting area.'' The description of reporting area 630 in figure 3 is revised by removing ``Excluding Area 649'' and adding in its place ``Excluding all waters of the Alitak/Deadman Bay of Kodiak Island and Area 649.'' Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR08 [[Page 72757]] _______________________________________________________________________ 617. [bull] REGULATORY RULEMAKING TO REVISE ACCOUNTING FOR EXTERNALLY TAGGED HALIBUT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would revise accounting procedures when deducting halibut catch from the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ). Only those halibut with external tags are excluded from IFQ quota deduction. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR09 _______________________________________________________________________ 618. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; TRADE RESTRICTIVE MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would implement the trade restrictive measures recommended at the 2002 meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The proposed rule would lift the import prohibition on Atlantic bigeye tuna from Honduras and conditionally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Belize, depending on decisions at the 2003 ICCAT meeting. Bigeye tuna imports from Sierra Leone and Bolivia would be banned. The import prohibitions on Atlantic bluefin tuna and Atlantic swordfish would be lifted from Honduras and conditionally from Belize, depending on decisions at the 2003 ICCAT meeting. Bluefin tuna and swordfish imports from Sierra Leone would be banned. The proposed rule would also prohibit imports from vessels on the ICCAT negative list and would require prior notification from NOAA Fisheries before a U.S. documented or registered vessel enters a chartering arrangement with another country. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AR10 _______________________________________________________________________ 619. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); BLUEFIN TUNA SEASON AND SIZE LIMIT ADJUSTMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 971 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS proposes changes to start and end dates and size tolerances for certain commercial fishery sectors. Quota and fishing effort for these fisheries will remain within the bounds of previously established management programs. A recommendation from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas providing additional quota for incidental longline BFT catches in certain areas is clarified. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AR12 _______________________________________________________________________ 620. [bull] CATCHER VESSEL ELECTRONIC REPORT Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Paper daily fishing logbooks are required from catcher vessels greater than 60 feet in length overall. Requirements for completion and submittal of the logbooks exist in the regulations at 50 CFR part 679. Recently, electronic capability to record information required in catcher vessel logbooks occurred. Electronic logbooks or reports occurred first as a pilot project and now as a pre-approval project. The operator of a catcher vessel has the option of using an NMFS-approved electronic version of the logbook in place of the paper logbook. The electronic logbooks are not required by NMFS. However, the current regulations are changed to reflect the differences in submitting data by electronic means versus paper logsheet. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR30 [[Page 72758]] _______________________________________________________________________ 621. [bull] ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS FISHERIES IN THE EEZ; MODIFICATION OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1851 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS announces that it is considering, and seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal Atlantic striped bass regulations for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in response to recommendations from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). The Commission recommended that the Secretary remove the moratorium on the harvest of Atlantic striped bass in the EEZ after a 13-year closure; implement a 28-inch minimum size limit for the recreational and commercial Atlantic striped bass fisheries in the EEZ; and allow states the ability to adopt more restrictive rules for fishermen and vessels licensed in their jurisdiction. NMFS is soliciting comments with this notice regarding possible management measures and issues that NMFS should consider relative to these recommendations. These regulations would be developed under section 9 of the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act, Pub. L. 100-589 (16 U.S.C. 1851 note), which requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations on fishing for Atlantic striped bass in the EEZ that the Secretary determines: (1) are consistent with the national standards in Section 301 of the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) (16 U.S.C. 1851); (2) are compatible with the Plan and each Federal moratorium in effect on fishing for Atlantic striped bass within the coastal waters of a coastal State; (3) ensure the effectiveness of State regulations on fishing for Atlantic striped bass within the coastal waters of a coastal State; and (4) are sufficient to assure the long-term conservation of Atlantic striped bass populations. In developing the regulations, the Secretary is to consult with the Commission, the appropriate Regional Fishery Management Councils, and each affected Federal, State and local government entity. CONTROVERSY: This ANPRM is considered controversial because NOAA Fisheries expects interest from Congress, environmental groups, portions of the fishing industry, and States. Currently, four Atlantic coast States consider Atlantic striped bass to be a game fish in their State waters and will likely be against commercial fishing in the EEZ. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/21/03 68 FR 43074 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/20/03 Comment Period Extended 08/26/03 68 FR 51232 NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Thomas Meyer, Fisheries Biologist, Office of Intergovernmental/Recreational Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Suite 425, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 427-2014 RIN: 0648-AR33 _______________________________________________________________________ 622. [bull] CONSIDERATION OF A CONTROL DATE FOR BOTTOMFISHING VESSELS IN THE EEZ AROUND GUAM AND COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On June 13, 2003, the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) adopted a ``control date'' of June 13, 2003, as a notice to persons contemplating entering the fisheries for bottomfish species in the U.S. exclusive economic zone around Guam and the neighboring Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This action would not impose any restrictions on the public, but is intended solely to notify persons interested in joining these fisheries after June 13 that they might be excluded if restrictions are adopted in the future under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Although the ``control date'' is a signal that the Council is likely to consider limiting entry to any or all of these bottomfish fisheries, neither the Council or NMFS have made any decision yet. They might decide to limit new entry to some or all of these fisheries or might decide to take no action at all. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 08/28/03 68 FR 51763 ANPRM Comment Period End 09/29/03 NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AR37 _______________________________________________________________________ 623. [bull] AMENDMENT 13B TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER-GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 13B will: (1) redefine, as needed, the snapper- grouper fishery management unit (FMU) and FMU sub-units; (2) define biomass-based estimates of biological reference points and status determination criteria for all stocks/complexes that comprise the FMU; (3) establish rebuilding schedules based on biomass-based estimates of status determination criteria for all overfished stocks/complexes in the FMU; (4) establish control rules and implement management measures, as needed, to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks; (5) review the implementation of the Logbook/Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program bycatch reporting program in the [[Page 72759]] context of its consistency with the MSFCMA requirement to establish a standardized bycatch reporting methodology; and (6) assess the practicability of additional bycatch reduction measures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AR38 _______________________________________________________________________ 624. [bull] MAXIMUM RETAINABLE AMOUNT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would revise the maximum retainable allowance (MRA) accounting to an offload to offload basis for pollock caught with trawl gear in the BSAI. The objective of this action is to increase retention of pollock taken as incidental catch in the directed fisheries for other, non-pollock groundfish species, but without increasing the overall amount of pollock that has been historically caught as incidental catch in such fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR41 _______________________________________________________________________ 625. [bull] FRAMEWORK 4 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The action proposes to extend the moratorium on entry to the Illex fishery. This extension is needed because the Illex moratorium program is set to expire in July of 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR44 _______________________________________________________________________ 626. [bull] ESTABLISH REFERENDUM PROCEDURES AND A VOTE WEIGHTING FORMULA FOR THE GULF OF MEXICO RED SNAPPER INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA (IFQ) PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Pursuant to the policies established by the Administrative Procedure Act, NOAA Fisheries is submitting a proposed rule, to establish referendum procedures and a vote weighting formula for the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program, for public review and comment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AR48 _______________________________________________________________________ 627. [bull] IMPLEMENT ELECTRONIC DEALER REPORTING AND ADJUSTMENTS TO VESSEL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement electronic dealer reporting and adjustments to vessel reporting requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR49 [[Page 72760]] _______________________________________________________________________ 628. [bull] FRAMEWORK 5 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish the ability to set multiyear specifications for the summer flounder, scup and black sea bass fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR50 _______________________________________________________________________ 629. [bull] ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SURF CLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the surf clam and ocean quahog fisheries for fishing year 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR52 _______________________________________________________________________ 630. [bull] PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY; ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2004 GROUNDFISH FISHERY SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will implement the 2004 annual specifications and management measures for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AR54 _______________________________________________________________________ 631. [bull] FRAMEWORK 16 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN AND FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 39 TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These frameworks would establish access program for scallopers in the groundfish closed areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR55 _______________________________________________________________________ 632. [bull] ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE DEEP-SEA RED CRAB FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2004 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery for fishing year 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR58 [[Page 72761]] _______________________________________________________________________ 633. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); AMENDMENT 2 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC TUNAS, SWORDFISH, AND SHARKS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish and Sharks is intended to address issues regarding quota allocation of Atlantic bluefin tuna, swordfish, and sharks among and within domestic fishing categories, examine management alternatives to improve and streamline the current limited access permit program, conduct a five-year review of essential fish habitat identifications, and address exempted fishing and scientific research permitting issues consistent with rebuilding plans, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, and other relevant Federal laws. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AR60 _______________________________________________________________________ 634. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); AMENDMENT 2 TO THE ATLANTIC BILLFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 2 to the Atlantic Billfish Fishery Management Plan is intended to conduct a five-year review of essential fish habitat identifications, and address other issues as necessary consistent with rebuilding plans, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, and other relevant Federal laws. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1917 Email: john.dunnigan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AR61 _______________________________________________________________________ 635. [bull] FRAMEWORK 4 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Framework 4 proposes to allow, under certain circumstances, the at-sea transfer of scup from one vessel to another. The intent of this proposed action is to minimize discards of scup that may occur when a vessel exceeds its possession limit on a large tow of scup. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR62 _______________________________________________________________________ 636. [bull] AMENDMENT 10 TO THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The need for implementing a permanent monitoring program in the shore-based Pacific whiting (whiting) fishery is to provide for a full retention fishery by enabling the shore-based whiting fleet, comprised exclusively of catcher vessels, to deliver unsorted catch to processing plants. This practice is necessary to ensure that whiting landings are of market quality, while abiding by Federal groundfish regulations and those implementing the Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fishery management plans (FMPs). The treatment and disposition of salmon in the groundfish trawl fisheries, specifically the shore-based whiting fishery, was last addressed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) at their October 21 to 25, 1996, meeting in San Francisco, California. At that meeting, the Pacific Council discussed the retention of salmon in the shore-based whiting fishery and took action to maintain a viable shore-based whiting fishery by using exempted fishing permits (EFPs). These EFPs allowed the shore-based whiting fleet to temporarily deliver unsorted catch to processing plants and provided for the monitoring of incidentally taken salmon until a permanent monitoring program could be implemented. In keeping with the Pacific Council's recommendation, NMFS is proceeding with implementing a monitoring program for the shore- based whiting fishery. This action will aid in the sustainable management of Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fisheries while providing an important economic opportunity to those associated with the harvest, processing, and selling of whiting taken by the shore- based whiting fleet. [[Page 72762]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AR63 _______________________________________________________________________ 637. [bull] REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO PROHIBITED SPECIES CATCH DONATION REGULATIONS TO ALLOW PROCESSING OF HEADS AND GUTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 60 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would allow the sale of certain products to be made from the heads and guts of salmon and halibut taken incidentally in groundfish fisheries. This action would revise our prohibited species donation rules to allow processors to convert the heads and guts of salmon and halibut into fish meal, fish oil or bone meal, and retain the proceeds of the sale of these products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR64 _______________________________________________________________________ 638. [bull] AMENDMENT 8 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BOTTOMFISH FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 8 would add the exclusive economic zone off the U.S. Pacific Remote Island areas as bottomfish management areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AR65 _______________________________________________________________________ 639. [bull] AMENDMENT 21 TO THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 21 to the subject FMP to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) for Secretarial review. The amendment was approved by the Council by a vote of 10 to 5 (two absentees) at its July 2003 meeting. It proposes to: (1) extend the marine reserves at Madison-Swanson and Steamboat Lumps for an additional six years; (2) allow surface trolling only for coastal migratory pelagics and highly migratory species (HMS) in the marine reserves during May through October; (3) prohibit all fishing in the marine reserves during November through April; and (4) prohibit the possession of reef fish within the reserves except for vessels transiting the reserves in accordance with the same requirements as implemented for the Tortugas South and North closed fishing areas (Reef Fish Amendment 19). Additionally, the Council will send a letter to the Highly Migratory Species Division of NOAA Fisheries requesting that they implement regulations compatible with the proposals in this amendment for species under their jurisdiction. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AR66 _______________________________________________________________________ 640. AMEND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371(a)(6) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action implements certain changes in the prohibitions on importing or exporting marine mammals or marine mammal parts and products that occurred with the enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994 (Pub. L. 104-238). This action prohibits the export of marine mammals or marine mammal products for purposes other than public display, scientific research, or enhancing the survival of a species or stock and establishes three new categories of exceptions to the prohibition on importing marine mammal parts and products. This is a [[Page 72763]] noncontroversial action that is not significant as it will have only minor effects on a small number of people, most of whom will benefit by the new exceptions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tanya Dobrzynski, Marine Resource Manager, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2289 RIN: 0648-AH83 _______________________________________________________________________ 641. NORTH ATLANTIC WHALE PROTECTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq; 16 USC 1531 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216; 50 CFR 222 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action investigates the need to adopt regulations to decrease negative action of whale watching. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/04/00 65 FR 270 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/06/00 NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Trevor Spradlin, Marine Mammal Biologist, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2289 Email: trevor.spradlin@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AM85 _______________________________________________________________________ 642. PREVENTING HARASSMENT FROM HUMAN ACTIVITIES DIRECTED AT MARINE MAMMALS IN THE WILD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would prohibit the public from swimming with or otherwise interacting with dolphins and other marine mammals in the wild. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/30/02 67 FR 4379 ANPRM Comment Period End 04/01/02 NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Trevor Spradlin, Marine Mammal Biologist, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2289 Email: trevor.spradlin@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AN43 _______________________________________________________________________ 643. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: PERMIT EXEMPTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq; 16 USC 742a et seq; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 222 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is providing exceptions to prohibitions to allow Federal and State employees to perform conservation activities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: LaMont Jackson, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East- West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1401 Fax: 301 713-0376 Email: terri.jordan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AO37 _______________________________________________________________________ 644. CAPTIVE STELLER SEA LIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule is to provide exception to captive Steller sea lions (those captured before listing) to assist the public display community in commerce involving these animals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Jennifer Lyn Skidmore, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Room 13710, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2289 Fax: 301 713-0376 Email: jennifer.skidmore@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AO61 _______________________________________________________________________ 645. TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO ROCKET LAUNCHES FROM THE KODIAK LAUNCH COMPLEX, KODIAK ISLAND, ALASKA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC) for a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to rocket launches from the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC), Kodiak [[Page 72764]] Island, Alaska. As a result of that request, NMFS is proposing regulations that would authorize the incidental taking of a small number of marine mammals. In order to issue such regulations, NMFS must determine that these takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of marine mammal species or stocks for subsistence uses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 11/05/01 66 FR 55909 ANPRM Comment Period End 12/05/01 NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Kenneth Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13600, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2322 Fax: 301 713-0376 Email: ken.hollingshead@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AP62 _______________________________________________________________________ 646. TAKING AND IMPORTING MARINE MAMMALS: TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO CONDUCTING OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371(a)(5)(A) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101-108 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service has received an application from the U.S. Minerals Management Service for regulations under section 101(a)(5)(A) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to authorize the taking of marine mammals incidental to conducting oil and gas exploration activities by U.S. citizens in the Gulf of Mexico. Without this authorization, the taking of marine mammals is prohibited by the MMPA. In order to authorize the taking and issue authorizations, NMFS must, through regulations, determine that the proposed activity will have no more than a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Kenneth R. Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2055 Email: ken.hollingshead@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ71 _______________________________________________________________________ 647. [bull] ALASKA TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES (AT1 GROUP) DESIGNATED AS DEPLETED Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, June 16, 2003, NPRM. Abstract: After reviewing a petition received from members of the public, NMFS is proposing to designate the AT1 group of Alaska Transient Killer Whales as a depleted population stock pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Laurie K. Allen, Acting Director, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AR14 _______________________________________________________________________ 648. [bull] ZERO MORTALITY RATE GOAL Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is clarifying through regulation the definition of ``insignificant levels approaching a zero mortality and serious injury rate,'' which is a part of the Zero Mortality Rate Goal of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/09/03 ANPRM Comment Period End 09/08/03 NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Laurie K. Allen, Acting Director, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AR15 _______________________________________________________________________ 649. [bull] REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN TAKE REDUCTION PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 2003, NPRM. Final, Statutory, January 2004, Final. There is a deadline under the MMPA, but noting that we cannot meet this deadline because of requirements related to compliance with other laws, such as NEPA and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Abstract: Regulations implementing the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan; measures to reduce incidental mortality and serious injury of Western [[Page 72765]] North Atlantic coastal bottlenose dolphins in Atlantic fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Laurie K. Allen, Acting Director, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AR39 _______________________________________________________________________ 650. [bull] IMPLEMENT A PROHIBITION ON SHALLOW STYLE LONGLINE SETS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would implement a prohibition on shallow style longline sets of the type normally used to target swordfish in the West Coast longline fishery to protect sea turtles. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Laurie K. Allen, Acting Director, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AR53 _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________ 651. REVISION OF OVERFLIGHT REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1431 et seq CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These regulations are being revised to clarify that they are for resource protection purposes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Debra Malek, National Marine Sanctuary Program, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, N ORM 6, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-3125 RIN: 0648-AI91 _______________________________________________________________________ 652. INTERAGENCY CONSULTATION FOR THE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434(d) CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the Federal agency consultation requirements of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Helen Golde, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Room 11536, Marine Sanctuaries Division, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-3145 RIN: 0648-AL06 _______________________________________________________________________ 653. GRAY'S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922.90 to 922.92 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend regulations and designation document for the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary to clarify that the sanctuary boundary includes submerged lands; revise regulations on placing structures on the seabed, fishing, anchoring, discharges, and cultural resources; and revise procedure for issuing sanctuary permits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/31/03 68 FR 62033 NPRM Comment Period End 12/31/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Reed Bohne, Manager, Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411 Phone: 912 598-2345 Fax: 912 598-2367 Email: reed.bohne@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ41 _______________________________________________________________________ 654. [bull] REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATES FOR REGULATORY CHANGES IN 67 FR 79692 (DECEMBER 30, 2002) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The EFFECTIVE DATES section of the preamble of 67 FR 79692 (December 30, 2002) inadvertently was written in such a way that all the regulatory revisions expire on December 31, 2007. NMFS' intention was to have all of the regulatory [[Page 72766]] revisions made as permanent changes except for section 679.50. Section 679.50 is to be effective through December 31, 2007. This proposed rule corrects the language of the EFFECTIVE DATES section of the preamble. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR13 _______________________________________________________________________ 655. [bull] AMENDMENT 16-2 TO THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, November 2003, NPRM. Final, Statutory, January 2004, Final. Abstract: Amendment 16-2 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) would implement overfished species rebuilding plans for canary rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, lingcod, and Pacific ocean perch through a fishery management plan amendment and federal regulations. Amendment 16-2 is intended to ensure that Pacific coast groundfish overfished species rebuilding plans meet the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act,) in particular National Standard 1 on overfishing and section 304(e), which addresses rebuilding overfished fisheries. Amendment 16-2 is also intended to partially respond to a court order in Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. et al., v. Donald Evans, Secretary of Commerce, et al., 168 F. Supp. 2d 1149 (N.D. Cal 2001) in which NOAA Fisheries was ordered to implement Pacific Coast groundfish rebuilding plans as FMPs, FMP amendments, or regulations, per the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This action has been analyzed under the National Environmental Policy Act with an Environmental Impact Statement. NMFS has been implementing rebuilding measures for these species for several years and the agency does not consider this action significant Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AR35 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 656. PROPOSED HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES PROCESS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 971 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS proposes to revise the administrative procedures it follows to prepare and issue highly migratory species (HMS) fishery management plans (FMPs), FMP amendments and implementing regulations for the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea in response to recent amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/18/97 62 FR 48990 NPRM Comment Period End 10/15/97 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1917 Email: john.dunnigan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AK40 _______________________________________________________________________ 657. ENHANCED MEASURES TO MITIGATE SEABIRD BYCATCH IN THE ALASKA LONGLINE FISHERIES (HOOK-AND-LINE) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: This regulatory amendment would enhance measures designed to mitigate seabird bycatch in the longline fisheries off Alaska. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/07/03 68 FR 6386 NPRM Comment Period End 03/10/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 72767]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AM30 _______________________________________________________________________ 658. IMPLEMENTATION OF WESTERN PACIFIC CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEM FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: This action would implement the Western Pacific Coral Reef Ecosystem FMP. Possible initial management measures include permit and reporting requirements, framework procedures, gear restrictions, harvest limits/restrictions, marine protected areas, no anchoring zones, etc. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/24/02 67 FR 59824 Correction 10/22/02 67 FR 64861 NPRM Comment Period End 10/24/02 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AM97 _______________________________________________________________________ 659. FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) FOR SARGASSUM HABITAT OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: The regulatory action implementing measures in the FMP would: (1) establish a total prohibition of all harvest and possession of Sargassum from the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ) south of 34 degrees N latitude; (2) allow a limited annual harvest of 5,000 pound landed wet weight of Sargassum from the South Atlantic EEZ 100 miles seaward of the shore between 34 degrees N latitude and the latitude line representing the North Carolina/Virginia border during the months of November through June; (3) require an official observer to be present on each Sargassum harvesting trip; and (4) require that nets used to harvest Sargassum be constructed of four-inch stretch mesh or larger fitted to a frame no larger than 4 feet by 6 feet. Restricting the harvest of Sargassum may result in the one small business entity ceasing business operations. The firm qualifies as a small business entity because its gross revenues do not exceed $3.0 million annually. The value of the 1997 harvest (the last documented year in which harvest occurred) was estimated to be $36,000. The average annual value of the harvest from 1976 to 1997 was estimated to be $61,000. Additionally, there is no indication that harvest has occurred since 1997. Therefore, the SAFMC concluded that the indirect benefits of increased productivity of marine life and non-consumptive, non-use social benefits that would result from reduced harvest levels would greatly outweigh the direct impacts to the one intermittently operating business. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 04/17/03 68 FR 18942 Comment Period Extended 05/05/03 68 FR 23686 NPRM 05/30/03 68 FR 32450 NPRM Comment Period End 06/16/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AN87 _______________________________________________________________________ 660. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; EXEMPTED FISHING PERMITS PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS amends procedures for issuing exempted fishing permits for fishing activities that are otherwise prohibited, and for scientific research permits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/06/02 67 FR 72629 NPRM Comment Period End 01/06/03 NPRM Comment Period Extended 01/10/03 68 FR 1430 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1917 Email: john.dunnigan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AO79 _______________________________________________________________________ 661. FISHING CAPACITY REDUCTION PROGRAM FOR THE CRAB SPECIES COVERED BY THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BERING SEA/ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1861a; 46 USC 1279f; PL 106-554 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 1, 2001, Final. Other, Statutory, December 31, 2001, Other. Abstract: This action establishes a fishing capacity reduction program in the fishery for the crab species covered by the Fishery Management Plan for the [[Page 72768]] Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs. The crab reduction program makes payments for revoking crab licenses in, and withdrawing fishing vessels from, the crab fishery. Reducing the number of crab licenses and vessels in the crab fishery increases post-reduction harvesting productivity, helps conserve and manage the crab resources, and fosters the potential for rationalizing crab fishery harvesting effort. The regulations add a new section 600.1018 to the fishing capacity reduction framework regulations contained in subpart L to 50 CFR part 600. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/12/02 67 FR 76329 Correction 12/30/02 67 FR 79550 NPRM Comment Period End 01/28/03 Comment Period Extended 01/29/03 68 FR 4161 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 04/15/03 68 FR 18185 Second NPRM Comment Period End 04/30/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael L. Grable, Chief, Financial Services Division, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2390 Email: michael.grable@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AP25 _______________________________________________________________________ 662. AMENDMENT TO REGULATIONS FOR OBSERVER AT-SEA ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR VESSELS AND SHORESIDE PROCESSORS IN THE NORTH PACIFIC GROUNDFISH FISHERIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, NPRM. Abstract: This rulemaking would refine requirements for the facilitation of observer data transmission and improve support for observers. The rulemaking is intended to assure continued collection of high-quality observer data to support the management objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area and the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/25/02 67 FR 48604 NPRM Comment Period End 08/26/02 Final Rule 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AP66 _______________________________________________________________________ 663. IFQ RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CATCHER VESSELS; BSAI AMENDMENT 72 AND GOA AMENDMENT 64 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendments 72/64 will revise the submittal time limit for the individual fishing quotas (IFQ) prior notice of landing; will combine the IFQ shipment report into the groundfish product transfer report; will remove the vessel clearance requirement; will remove authorized IFQ ports of landing from Table 14; and will revise the IFQ departure report. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 10/29/02 67 FR 65941 Comment Period End 12/27/02 NPRM 01/24/03 68 FR 3485 NPRM Comment Period End 02/24/03 Final Action 07/29/03 68 FR 44473 Correction 08/28/03 68 FR 51711 Correction 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AP92 _______________________________________________________________________ 664. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); 2003 BLUEFIN TUNA QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS AND EFFORT CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS proposes specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery to set BFT quotas and General category effort controls for the 2003 fishing year. This action will implement the U.S. annual BFT quota as recommended by the International Commission on Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and allocate that quota among the domestic fishing categories. Effort controls for the General category will allocate monthly quotas and set certain restricted fishing days. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/10/03 68 FR 41103 NPRM Comment Period End 08/08/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1917 Email: john.dunnigan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ38 [[Page 72769]] _______________________________________________________________________ 665. RULEMAKING TO CORRECT THE SALMON FISHERY COORDINATES AS IMPLEMENTED IN THE AMENDMENT 3 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SALMON FISHERIES IN THE EEZ OFF THE COAST OF ALASKA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will change the area coordinates for the salmon fishery in the EEZ off Alaska to agree with the coordinates implemented by Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Salmon Fishery in the EEZ off Alaska. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/23/03 68 FR 43483 NPRM Comment Period End 08/22/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ48 _______________________________________________________________________ 666. PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY; PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, NPRM. Abstract: This regulation would require vessels participating in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery off the coasts of WA, OR, and CA to carry and use vessel monitoring systems (VMS) transmitters. This action is necessary to enhance monitoring of compliance with large-scale depth-based closures that are proposed to be used to prohibit most fishing activities across much of the continental shelf. In addition, this action is intended to further the conservation goals and objectives of the Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP by allowing fishing to continue in areas and with gear that can harvest healthy stocks with little incidental catch of overfished and low abundance species. This action will also require certain vessels legally fishing within the otherwise closed area to notify NMFS when they will be fishing in the closed areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 05/22/03 68 FR 27972 NPRM 06/13/03 68 FR 35354 NPRM Comment Period End 07/28/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AQ58 _______________________________________________________________________ 667. CONTINUATION OF MEASURES TO REDUCE FISHING MORTALITY IN THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY AND IMPLEMENT A DAS LEASING PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, July 27, 2003, NPRM. Abstract: The action proposes to continue management measures currently in place, which are intended to reduce overfishing on species managed under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) while the New England Fishery Management Council completes development of Amendment 13 to the FMP. In addition, a days-at-sea leasing program is proposed that would allow leasing of DAS by limited access permit holders in order to increase flexibility in the fishery and enable some participants to remain economically viable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/24/03 68 FR 20096 Correction 05/09/03 68 FR 24914 Comment Period Extended 05/23/03 68 FR 28188 NPRM Comment Period End 05/27/03 Correction 06/20/03 68 FR 36970 Final Rule 06/27/03 68 FR 38234 Final Rule 07/14/03 68 FR 41549 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ72 _______________________________________________________________________ 668. CHANGES TO ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS CRAB LICENSE LIMITATION PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will amend eligibility criteria for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) crab species licenses issued under the License Limitation Program which are necessary to participate in the BSAI crab fisheries. This action is necessary to allow participation in the BSAI crab fisheries in a manner intended by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. The intended effect of this action is to prevent unnecessary restriction on the participation of vessels in the BSAI crab fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/30/03 68 FR 22667 NPRM Comment Period End 05/14/03 Final Action 08/05/03 68 FR 46117 Correction 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, [[Page 72770]] Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ73 _______________________________________________________________________ 669. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC SWORDFISH QUOTAS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposed rule would implement catch quotas for North and South Atlantic swordfish based on recommendations made by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas at its 2002 meeting. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/20/03 68 FR 36967 NPRM Comment Period End 08/04/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AQ90 _______________________________________________________________________ 670. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); ATLANTIC SHARK MANAGEMENT MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would implement management measures to amend some of the shark regulations currently issued under the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic tunas, swordfish and sharks. Management measures that could change include commercial fishing quotas, recreational retention limits, minimum sizes, prohibited species, and the process for issuing permits for highly migratory species caught for display purposes. These changes would affect fishermen fishing for highly migratory species in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 11/15/02 67 FR 69180 NPRM 08/01/03 68 FR 45196 NPRM Comment Period End 09/30/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AQ95 _______________________________________________________________________ 671. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OPTIMUM YIELD AND HARVEST LIMIT FOR PACIFIC MACKEREL Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, July 2003, Final. The Coastal Pelagics Fisheries regulations require that the annual specifications for Pacific mackerel will be published in the FR before July 1, the start of the fishing season. Abstract: This rule will announce the annual harvest guidelines for Pacific mackerel in the exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast. The CPS FMP and its implementing regulations require NMFS to establish an annual harvest guideline for Pacific mackerel based on a formula in the FMP. This harvest guideline has been calculated according to the regulations implementing the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and establishes allowable harvest levels for Pacific mackerel off the Pacific coast. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/29/03 68 FR 44518 NPRM Comment Period End 08/13/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AQ96 _______________________________________________________________________ 672. [bull] AMENDMENT 77 TO THE FMP FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory action would supersede Amendment 64, the regulations for which are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2003. Amendment 77 continues to apportion the fixed gear allocation of total allowable catch (TAC) for Pacific cod in the Bering Sea among sectors of the fixed gear fleet (i.e., hook-and-line catcher vessels, catcher processors, pot vessels, and catcher vessels under 60 feet in length). Amendment 77 would for the first time split the pot sector, allocating the TAC further between pot catcher vessels and pot catcher/processors. Its implementing regulations would also change the provisions for unused portions of BSAI Pacific cod TAC allocated to the jig gear sector, which would be reallocated to catcher vessels under 60 feet in length on a seasonal basis. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 07/22/03 68 FR 43342 Comment Period End 09/22/03 NPRM 08/18/03 68 FR 49416 [[Page 72771]] NPRM Comment Period End 10/02/03 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR31 _______________________________________________________________________ 673. [bull] MODIFICATION OF HOUSING REQUIREMENTS FOR OBSERVERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory rulemaking will amend the current observer regulations by modifying the housing requirements for observers. This modification of the regulations will provide flexibility in the deployment of observers and ensure the continued collection of high quality observer data. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/03/03 68 FR 52378 NPRM Comment Period End 10/03/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR32 _______________________________________________________________________ 674. [bull] AMENDMENT 16-1 TO THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, August 2003, NPRM. Final, Statutory, November 2003, Final. Abstract: Amendment 16-1 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) would set the process and standards by which the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will specify rebuilding plans for groundfish stocks declared overfished by the Secretary of Commerce. Amendment 16-1 is intended to ensure that Pacific Coast groundfish overfished species rebuilding plans meet the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act,) in particular National Standard 1 on overfishing and Sec. 304(e), which addresses rebuilding overfished fisheries. Amendment 16-1 is also intended to partially respond to a court order in Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. et al., v. Donald Evans, Secretary of Commerce, et al., 168 F. Supp. 2d 1149 (N.D. Cal 2001) in which NOAA Fisheries was ordered to provide Pacific Coast groundfish rebuilding plans as FMPs, FMP amendments, or regulations, per the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Amendment 16-1 will be followed by Amendment 16- 2, which will implement rebuilding plans for canary rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, lingcod, and Pacific ocean perch. This action has been analyzed under the National Environmental Policy Act with an Environmental Assessment. This action is primarily administrative in nature and NMFS does not consider the action significant. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 08/18/03 68 FR 49415 NPRM 09/05/03 68 FR 52732 NPRM Comment Period End 10/06/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: Undetermined 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-AR36 _______________________________________________________________________ 675. [bull] EMERGENCY RULE TO CLOSE THE FEDERAL TILEFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 usc 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would close the directed tilefish fishery based on projections that the overall quota of 1.995 million pounds has been reached. A recent court decision in Hadaja v. Evans (May 15, 2003), set aside the regulations found at 50 CFR 648(a)(12) which contain the Federal permitting requirements for the tilefish fishery, including the qualification criteria for the limited access permit system. As a result, there is currently no Federal permit requirement for a vessel that wishes to target tilefish in Federal waters. In addition, the quota system established for the tilefish fishery is divided among three limited access permit categories, which can be closed once the quota for a particular permit category is projected to be reached. Because there are technically no longer separate limited access permit categories as a result of the Court's decision, NMFS no longer has the authority to close the Federal tilefish fishery once the quota is projected to be reached since that authority was based on the limited access permit categories. As a result, NMFS is taking this emergency action under the authority of 16 USC 1824 section 305(c) to close the Federal tilefish fishery because the overall tilefish quota of 1.995 million pounds is projected to be reached prior to the end of the tilefish fishing year on October 31, 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 72772]] Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR40 _______________________________________________________________________ 676. [bull] SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN; FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 3 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Framework 3 proposes a process to allow unused commercial scup quota from the Winter I period to be rolled over to the quota for the Winter II period. Commercial possession limits for the Winter II period also would be adjusted, based on the amount rolled over. Framework 3 also proposes a mechanism, for years when the Winter I commercial scup quota is completely harvested and the Winter I fishery is closed prior to April 15, and upon a State's written request, to allow for commercial landings of scup by State-only permitted vessels in that State that occur from April 15 through April 30 to be counted against that State's summer quota allocation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR43 _______________________________________________________________________ 677. [bull] FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA; REVISIONS TO OBSERVER PROGRAM IN THE NORTH PACIFIC GROUNDFISH FISHERIES; CORRECTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 60 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action amends a December 30, 2002, final rule that implemented changes to regulations governing the American Fisheries Act (AFA). This final rule included revisions to the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (Observer Program). The action is necessary to correct an error in replacement text that occurred in the final rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR46 _______________________________________________________________________ 678. ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE 2002 SEASONAL AREA MANAGEMENT (SAM) PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, November 23, 2001, NPRM. Final, Judicial, December 31, 2001, Final. Abstract: NMFS is preparing regulations to implement a SAM program for the 2002 fishing year, which was identified as a measure under the RPA that resulted from the biological opinions prepared for the Northeast multispecies, monkfish, spiny dogfish, and American lobster fisheries. The 2002 SAM program is intended as an incremental step to provide endangered western North Atlantic right whales protection from entanglement with fishing gear used in those fisheries. NMFS is preparing an EIS for more comprehensive SAM regulations for 2003 and beyond, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to analyze the impacts on the human environment of the management alternatives under consideration. The measures that have been identified for the 2002 SAM proposed rulemaking requires reduction, elimination, and/or modification of certain types of fixed gear (i.e., gillnets and lobster traps) in specific areas off the Atlantic coast of the United States during times of the year when right whales are known to be present in significant concentrations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 10/03/01 66 FR 50390 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/02/01 NPRM 11/28/01 66 FR 59394 NPRM Comment Period End 12/13/01 Interim Final Rule 01/09/02 67 FR 1142 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/08/02 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia Lawson, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2322 Email: patricia.lawson@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AP68 _______________________________________________________________________ 679. PROVIDE REGULATIONS FOR PERMITS FOR CAPTURE, TRANSPORT, IMPORT, AND EXPORT OF PROTECTED SPECIES FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY, AND FOR MAINTAINING A CAPTIVE MARINE MAMMAL INVENTORY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1372 (c) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will revise and simplify criteria and procedures [[Page 72773]] 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 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tanya Dobrzynski, Marine Resource Manager, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2289 RIN: 0648-AH26 _______________________________________________________________________ 680. TAKING OF THE COOK INLET, ALASKA, STOCK OF BELUGA WHALES BY ALASKA NATIVES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is regulating subsistence harvest of Cook Inlet Beluga to ensure that the harvest is sustainable and does not substantially delay the recovery of this marine mammal stock. Specific harvest levels and distribution of the harvest will be based upon cooperative agreements with Alaska native organizations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/04/00 65 FR 59164 NPRM Comment Period End 11/27/00 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Organizations, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Tribal, Federal Agency Contact: Thomas C. Eagle, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Room 13725, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2055 Fax: 301 713-4060 Email: tom.eagle@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AO16 _______________________________________________________________________ 681. LISTING ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND DESIGNATING CRITICAL HABITAT; 12-MONTH FINDING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce, announces the 90-day finding for a petition to reclassify the Northern and Florida Panhandle nesting subpopulations of the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle from threatened to endangered and designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Services find that the petition to reclassify presents substantial scientific information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. The Services find that the petition to designate critical habitat did not provide substantial scientific information to warrant further review. The Services will conduct a status review of the loggerhead turtle to determine whether the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure a comprehensive review, the Services are soliciting information and comments pertaining to this species from any interested party. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/04/02 67 FR 38459 NPRM Comment Period End 08/05/02 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Therese Conant, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1431 Fax: 301 713-0376 RIN: 0648-AP94 _______________________________________________________________________ 682. TAKING OF THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES INCIDENTAL TO COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 222; 50 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to prohibit drift gillnet fishing in U.S. ocean waters off of southern California south of Point Conception (34 degrees 27 minutes N) and west to 120 degrees W longitude from August 15 to August 31, and from January 1 to January 31, during El Nino events. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/20/02 67 FR 59243 NPRM Comment Period End 10/21/02 Interim Final Rule 12/24/02 67 FR 78388 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/07/03 Comment Period Extended 02/12/03 68 FR 7080 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Therese Conant, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1431 Fax: 301 713-0376 RIN: 0648-AQ13 _______________________________________________________________________ 683. ACCESS TO TISSUE SPECIMEN SAMPLES FROM THE NATIONAL MARINE MAMMAL TISSUE BANK Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 CFR 1361 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.22 [[Page 72774]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Tissue Bank (NMMTB) proposes to make available tissue specimen samples to the scientific community for research that is consistent with the goal of the NMMTB. The intent of this proposed rule is to allow the scientific community the opportunity to comment on the protocol for requests for tissue specimen samples. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/12/02 67 FR 68553 NPRM Comment Period End 12/12/02 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia Lawson, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2322 Email: patricia.lawson@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ51 _______________________________________________________________________ 684. [bull] JOINT COUNTERPART REGULATIONS WITH FS, BLM, BIA, FWS, NPS, AND NOAA FISHERIES UNDER SECTION 7 OF THE ESA Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 402 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking will modify the way section 7 consultations are conducted under the Endangered Species Act. This modification will apply to activities that support the National Fire Plan (NFP) and would eliminate the need to obtain written concurrence when an action agency determines that an action that implements the NFP is not likely to adversely affect a listed species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/05/03 68 FR 33805 NPRM Comment Period End 08/04/03 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Phil Williams, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1401 Fax: 301 713-0376 RIN: 0648-AR05 _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF MINERAL ENERGY ____________________________________________________ 685. [bull] COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT FEDERAL CONSISTENCY REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1451 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 930 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revises the Federal Consistency regulations under the Coastal Zone Management Act. This rule addresses the CZMA-related recommendations of the Report of the National Energy Policy Development Group (Energy Report) as described in NOAA's July 2, 2002 Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (67 FR 44407). This rule seeks to make improvements to the Federal Consistency regulations to clarify some sections and to provide greater transparency and predictability to the Federal Consistency regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/11/03 68 FR 34851 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David W. Kaiser, Federal Consistency Coordinator, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-West Highway, 11th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-3155 Fax: 301 713-4367 Email: david.kaiser@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AR16 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 686. [bull] ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 FOR THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish annual specifications for the summer flounder, scup and black sea bass fishery for fishing year 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 [[Page 72775]] Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR51 _______________________________________________________________________ 687. [bull] ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid & Butterfish Fishery for fishing year 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR56 _______________________________________________________________________ 688. [bull] ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ATLANTIC BLUEFISH FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery for fishing year 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR57 _______________________________________________________________________ 689. [bull] ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE DEEP-SEA RED CRAB FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery for fishing year 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR59 _______________________________________________________________________ 690. INTERAGENCY POLICY ON THE PRESCRIPTION OF FISHWAYS UNDER SECTION 18 OF THE FEDERAL POWER ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 18 CFR 385.713 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 12/22/00 65 FR 80898 Notice Comment Period End 02/20/01 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Kathryn Conant Phone: 301 713-2325 Fax: 301 713-1043 Email: kathryn.conant@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AO70 _______________________________________________________________________ 691. POLICY FOR REVIEW OF MANDATORY CONDITIONS DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENTS OF THE INTERIOR AND COMMERCE IN THE CONTEXT OF HYDROPOWER LICENSING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 18 CFR 385.713 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 12/13/00 65 FR 77889 Notice Comment Period End 01/03/01 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Energy Effects: Statement of Energy Effects planned as required by Executive Order 13211. Agency Contact: Kathryn Conant Phone: 301 713-2325 Fax: 301 713-1043 Email: kathryn.conant@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AO84 _______________________________________________________________________ 692. DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT: PROPOSED CRITICAL HABITAT FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STEELHEAD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/19/00 65 FR 79328 NPRM Comment Period End 02/20/01 Final Action 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Barry Thom Phone: 301 713-1401 Email: barry.thom@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AO04 [[Page 72776]] _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________ 693. INSTALLING AND MAINTAINING COMMERCIAL SUBMARINE CABLES IN NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 08/23/00 65 FR 51264 ANPRM Comment Period End 10/23/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Helen Golde Phone: 301 713-3145 RIN: 0648-AO36 _______________________________________________________________________ 694. PROCEDURAL CHANGES TO THE FEDERAL CONSISTENCY PROCESS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 930 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/02/02 67 FR 44407 ANPRM Comment Period End 09/03/02 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: David W. Kaiser Phone: 301 713-3155 Fax: 301 713-4367 Email: david.kaiser@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AP98 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR ____________________________________________________ 695. REGIONAL MARINE RESEARCH PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Don Scavia Phone: 301 713-3060 RIN: 0648-AF20 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ 696. ESTABLISH CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR LIMITED ACCESS SYSTEM PERMITS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will establish a central registry for limited access system permits as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act section 305(h). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/07/97 62 FR 24897 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/05/97 Withdrawn 08/26/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles L. Cooper, Program Leader, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East- West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2396 Email: charles.cooper@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AJ77 _______________________________________________________________________ 697. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ALLOCATE PACIFIC HALIBUT TO THE CHARTER BOAT FLEET Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 773c CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: This action establishes measures to manage the halibut charter boat industry off Alaska. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/28/02 67 FR 3867 NPRM Comment Period End 02/27/02 Final Action 08/08/03 68 FR 47264 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AK17 _______________________________________________________________________ 698. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO REINSTATE 6,000-POUND TRIP LIMIT OF HALIBUT IN AREA NORTHEAST OF THE BERING SEA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: This regulatory amendment would reinstate a 6000-pound halibut trip limit in the halibut management area northeast of the Bering Sea. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/15/02 67 FR 63600 NPRM Comment Period End 11/14/02 Final Action 03/03/03 68 FR 9902 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AL97 [[Page 72777]] _______________________________________________________________________ 699. CRUSTACEANS, BOTTOMFISH, AND PELAGICS FMP AMENDMENTS REGARDING OVERFISHING DEFINITIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would bring these FMPs into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act regarding previously disapproved overfishing definitions and bycatch provisions and fishing community definitions (0648-AP54, 0648-AP55). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 04/07/03 68 FR 16754 Comment Period End 06/06/03 Final Action 08/05/03 68 FR 46112 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AN79 _______________________________________________________________________ 700. MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE NORTHEAST SKATE COMPLEX Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final. Abstract: This action would establish a fishery management plan for the seven species of skates found in the Northeast. Management measures would be established to end overfishing on two of the seven species of skate and to provide basic protection for the remaining five species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 05/01/03 68 FR 23275 NPRM 06/04/03 68 FR 33432 Comment Period End 06/30/03 NPRM Comment Period End 07/07/03 Final Action 08/19/03 68 FR 49693 Final Action Effective 09/18/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AO10 _______________________________________________________________________ 701. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES FISHERIES; ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA INCIDENTAL CATCH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is considering rulemaking on modifications to the target catch requirements for the incidental longline fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). NMFS requests comments on possible changes to Atlantic tuna regulations prior to drafting proposed changes to those regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 11/17/00 65 FR 69492 ANPRM Comment Period End 12/14/00 Comment Period Extended 01/16/01 NPRM 12/24/02 67 FR 78404 NPRM Comment Period End 02/07/03 Final Action 05/30/03 68 FR 32414 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Chris Rogers, Chief for Highly Migratory Species, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Room 13563, Bldg. SSMC3, Stop F/SF1, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2347 Fax: 301 713-1917 RIN: 0648-AO75 _______________________________________________________________________ 702. AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY; REVISIONS TO LOBSTER TRAP LIMITS, CONSERVATION EQUIVALENCY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE WATERS, AND CLARIFICATION OF LOBSTER MANAGEMENT BOUNDARIES PER ADDENDUM 1 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS announces that it is considering, and seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal American lobster regulations for Federal permit holders associated with Amendment 3 of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster (ISFMP). Addendum I to Amendment 3 of the ISFMP, approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) on August 3, 1999, provides for the control of fishing effort as determined by historical participation in the American lobster trap fisheries in offshore waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and areas of the EEZ closer to shore between New York and North Carolina. The addendum also clarifies lobster management area boundaries in Massachusetts waters. In addition, the ISFMP calls for the implementation of conservation equivalent trap limits in New Hampshire waters. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/03/02 67 FR 282 Comment Period Extended 02/19/02 67 FR 4697 NPRM Comment Period End 02/19/02 Final Action 03/27/03 68 FR 14902 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: State, Federal Agency Contact: Thomas Meyer, Fisheries Biologist, Office of Intergovernmental/Recreational Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Suite 425, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 427-2014 RIN: 0648-AP15 [[Page 72778]] _______________________________________________________________________ 703. BOTTOMFISH AND PELAGICS FISHERIES FMP AMENDMENTS REGARDING BYCATCH PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would bring these FMPs into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act regarding previously disapproved bycatch provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 04/07/03 68 FR 16754 Comment Period End 06/06/03 Final Action 08/05/03 68 FR 46112 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AP54 _______________________________________________________________________ 704. BOTTOMFISH, CRUSTACEANS, PELAGICS, AND PRECIOUS CORALS FISHERIES FMP AMENDMENTS REGARDING FISHING COMMUNITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would bring these FMPs into compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act regarding previously disapproved categorization of the State of Hawaii as a fishing community. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 04/07/03 68 FR 16754 Comment Period End 06/06/03 Final Action 08/05/03 68 FR 46112 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AP55 _______________________________________________________________________ 705. ANTARCTIC MARINE LIVING RESOURCES VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM AND CATCH DOCUMENTATION SCHEME Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 2341 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would lengthen the duration of the permit required to enter a Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP) site from one year to five years. The rule would define the CCAMLR fishing season and require the use of an automated satellite-linked vessel monitoring system (VMS) for U.S. vessels harvesting Antarctic marine living resources (AMLR) in the area of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (Convention). The rule would also require a non-resident consignee to designate a resident agent; prohibit the importation of Dissostichus species declared as harvested in certain high seas areas outside the Convention area; prohibit the import of Dissostichus species issued a Specially Validated Dissostichus Catch Document (SVDCD); provide guidance on the disposition of AMLR seized by law enforcement personnel; and propose regulations to modify requirements for U.S. receivers and importers of Dissostichus species harvested in all waters, including those under the jurisdiction of CCAMLR. This rule is intended to implement U.S. obligations as a member of CCAMLR and to conserve Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish by preventing and discouraging unlawful harvest and trade in these species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/22/02 67 FR 64853 NPRM Comment Period End 11/18/02 Final Action 05/01/03 68 FR 23224 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Dean Swanson, Chief, International Fisheries Division, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2276 Email: dean.swanson@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AP74 _______________________________________________________________________ 706. EXTENSION OF AN EMERGENCY INTERIM RULE TO IMPLEMENT 2002 STELLER SEA LION PROTECTION MEASURES AND HARVEST SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE BERING SEA/ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA AND THE GULF OF ALASKA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 3631 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, July 8, 2002, Other. Abstract: The extension of an emergency interim rule continues to implement Steller sea lion protection measures to avoid the likelihood that the groundfish fisheries off Alaska will jeopardize the continued existence of the western population of Steller sea lions or adversely modify their critical habitat. This action also extends final 2002 harvest specifications and associated management measures for the groundfish fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area and the Gulf of Alaska through December 31, 2002. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/16/02 67 FR 34860 Correction 10/18/02 67 FR 64315 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ02 [[Page 72779]] _______________________________________________________________________ 707. SUBSISTENCE FISHERY FOR PACIFIC HALIBUT IN WATERS OFF ALASKA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 773-773k CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300; 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations to authorize a subsistence fishery for Pacific halibut in waters off Alaska. These regulations are necessary to allow qualified persons to practice the long-term customary and traditional harvest of Pacific halibut for food in a noncommercial manner. This action is intended to meet the conservation and management requirements of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982 (Halibut Act) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/26/02 67 FR 54767 NPRM Comment Period End 09/25/02 Final Action 04/15/03 68 FR 18145 Correction 05/15/03 68 FR 26230 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ09 _______________________________________________________________________ 708. CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION FUND PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 46 USC 1177 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 259 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action simplifies and clarifies program regulations and eases restrictions on reconstructions to promote fleet safety, reliability, and efficiency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/26/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles L. Cooper, Program Leader, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East- West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2396 Email: charles.cooper@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ16 _______________________________________________________________________ 709. 2003-2004 MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR COMMERCIAL, RECREATIONAL, AND TREATY INDIAN SALMON FISHERIES OFF THE COASTS OF WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND CALIFORNIA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 2003, Final. Abstract: The annual management measures for the 2003-2004 fishing year specify allowable ocean harvest levels (including quotas), allocations, management boundaries and zones, minimum size limits, gear definitions, seasons, selective fisheries, and in-season notice procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/06/03 68 FR 23913 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AQ17 _______________________________________________________________________ 710. SECRETARIAL AMENDMENT 2 TO REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN TO SET GREATER AMBERJACK SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES ACT TARGETS AND THRESHOLDS AND TO SET REBUILDING PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, December 2002, NPRM. Final, Statutory, January 2003, Final. Abstract: The greater amberjack resource in the Gulf of Mexico was declared overfished by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on February 9, 2001. This determination was based on the 2000 greater amberjack stock assessment conducted by the NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) (Turner et al. 2000) and the December 2000 Report of the Reef Fish Stock Assessment Panel (RFSAP) (GMFMC 2000). The results of several analyses indicated that the stock biomass was below the level needed to sustain harvest at maximum sustainable yield (MSY), with the best estimate indicating that the stock biomass was at less than half the biomass needed to sustain MSY, below the minimum level allowed under the 1998 NMFS National Standard Guidelines. Currently, the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) requires that overfished stocks be restored to a level of 20 percent transitional spawning potential ratio (SPR) within one and a half generation times. A generation time is the average time it would take a year class in an unfished population to replace itself. However, in order to comply with the requirements of the NMFS National Standard Guidelines (NSG), new biomass based targets and recovery time frame parameters need to be implemented. The greater amberjack resource is not considered by NMFS to be undergoing overfishing at this time due to Council actions taken in 1997 and 1998 as cited in section 3.0 (1998 is the final year of data in the stock assessment). Consequently, actions to further reduce fishing mortality are not needed at this time. This secretarial amendment proposes no changes to the current fishing regulations for greater amberjack, but does propose to establish new biomass based targets and thresholds as well as [[Page 72780]] the establishment of a ten-year rebuilding plan. These measures would be in compliance with the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA), NMFS NSGs, and NMFS technical guidance on implementing National Standard 1 (Restrepo et al. 1998). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/14/03 68 FR 12344 NPRM Comment Period End 05/13/03 Final Action 07/03/03 68 FR 39898 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AQ24 _______________________________________________________________________ 711. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ATLANTIC BLUEFISH FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2003 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery for fishing year 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/06/03 68 FR 533 NPRM Comment Period End 01/21/03 Final Action 05/12/03 68 FR 25305 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ26 _______________________________________________________________________ 712. FRAMEWORK 2 TO THE MONKFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This framework would amend the overfishing criteria in the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan and establish measures for fishing year 2003-2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/07/03 68 FR 11023 NPRM Comment Period End 03/24/03 Final Action 04/28/03 68 FR 22325 Correction 06/20/03 68 FR 36946 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ29 _______________________________________________________________________ 713. RECREATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2003 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement recreational measures for the 2003 fishing year for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/21/03 68 FR 27768 NPRM Comment Period End 06/05/03 Final Action 07/28/03 68 FR 44232 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ32 _______________________________________________________________________ 714. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2003-2004 FISHING YEAR FOR THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement specifications for the 2003-2004 fishing year for the spiny dogfish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/10/03 68 FR 11346 NPRM Comment Period End 03/25/03 Final Action 04/18/03 68 FR 19160 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ34 _______________________________________________________________________ 715. FRAMEWORK 37 TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This framework action would establish year-4 measures for the whiting fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/25/03 68 FR 8731 NPRM Comment Period End 03/27/03 Final Action 06/28/03 68 FR 22333 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 72781]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ35 _______________________________________________________________________ 716. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); LARGE AND SMALL COASTAL SHARK COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The rule would address large and small coastal shark commercial management measures based on new stock assessments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Rule 12/27/02 67 FR 78990 Final Action 05/29/03 68 FR 31987 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1917 Email: john.dunnigan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ39 _______________________________________________________________________ 717. EFH AMENDMENTS TO THE BOTTOMFISH, CRUSTACEANS, AND PRECIOUS CORALS FMPS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, February 2003, NPRM. Final, Statutory, May 2003, Final. Abstract: Amendment 8, to the Bottomfish FMP, Amendment 12 to the Crustaceans FMP, and Amendment 6 to the Precious Corals FMP would revise the Essential Fish Habitat portions of the subject FMPs and include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Pacific Remote Island Areas exclusive economic zones under Western Pacific Fishery Management Council developed management plans. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/22/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Charles Karnella, Administrator, Pacific Islands Area Office, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AQ43 _______________________________________________________________________ 718. INCREASE IN ALLOWABLE PERCENTAGE OF POLLOCK ROE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 3631 et seq; PL 106-31; PL 105-277 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would increase from 7 to 9 percent the percentage of pollock roe that may be retained by operators of catcher/processors and motherships processing pollock harvested in the BSAI. This action is necessary because catcher/processors and motherships have been able to increase their pollock roe recovery rate since the passage of the American Fisheries Act through cooperative fishing practices and more precise timing of fishing activity. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/11/03 68 FR 6865 NPRM Comment Period End 03/13/03 Final Action 07/09/03 68 FR 40812 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ44 _______________________________________________________________________ 719. OPENING WATERS TO PACIFIC COD POT FISHING OFF CAPE BARNABAS AND CATON ISLAND IN THE GULF OF ALASKA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would remove restriction on directed fishing for Pacific cod by federally permitted vessels using pot gear in waters within 3 nautical miles of Cape Barnabas and Caton Island Steller sea lion haulouts in the Gulf of Alaska. This action is necessary to provide consistency between State of Alaska and Federal fishing regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/18/03 68 FR 7750 NPRM Comment Period End 03/20/03 Final Action 05/28/03 68 FR 31629 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ45 _______________________________________________________________________ 720. FRAMEWORK 3 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The action will extend the moratorium on entry to the Illex fishery while the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council addresses the moratorium issue in Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMP. This extension is needed because the Illex moratorium program expires in July 1, 2003. [[Page 72782]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/26/03 68 FR 14571 NPRM Comment Period End 04/10/03 Final Action 05/29/03 68 FR 31988 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ57 _______________________________________________________________________ 721. AMENDMENT 17 TO THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, February 2003, NPRM. Abstract: Since 1990, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has annually developed its recommendations for specifications and management measures in a two-meeting process (usually its September and November meetings) followed by a NMFS final action published in the Federal Register and made available for public comment and correction after the effective date of the action. In 2001, NMFS was challenged on this process in Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. v. Evans, 2001 168 F.Supp. 2d 1149 (N.D. Cal. 2001) and the court ordered NMFS to provide prior public notice and allow public comment on the annual specifications. Amendment 17 would respond to the court's order by revising the FMP's framework for developing specifications and management measures to incorporate NMFS publication of a proposed rule for the specifications and management measures, followed by a public comment period and a final rule. Amendment 17 would also respond to NMFS regulatory streamlining initiatives by implementing a biennial specifications and management measures process for Pacific Coast groundfish. Finally, it allows additional time for Council development of the management measures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/13/03 68 FR 35354 NPRM Comment Period End 07/28/03 Final Action 09/04/03 68 FR 52519 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AQ68 _______________________________________________________________________ 722. CORRECTED AMENDMENT FOR A CHARTER VESSEL/HEADBOAT PERMIT MORATORIUM AMENDING THE GULF REEF FISH AND COASTAL PELAGICS FMPS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 1, 2003, Final. Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) promulgated the charter moratorium regulations (FR 67, 43558, June 28, 2002) to implement Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic and Amendment 20 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. However, after reviewing the administrative record, NOAA General Counsel, NOAA Fisheries and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) determined that the amendment contained an error that did not correctly reflect the actions approved by the Council. Thus, the regulations implementing the amendment also contained this error, and not all persons entitled to receive charter vessel/headboat (for-hire) permits under the moratorium approved by the Council would be able to receive permits under the promulgated regulations. In order to ensure that no qualified participants in the fishery are wrongfully excluded under the moratorium, due to an error in the amendment, and to fully comply with Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requirements, NOAA Fisheries is submitting this corrected amendment for Secretarial review to address this error and, as such, to reflect the actions approved by the Council. Specifically, this corrected amendment will eliminate one eligibility criteria in the final rule which states that the charter vessel headboat permits for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or Gulf reef fish is limited to an owner of a vessel that had a valid Gulf charter vessel/headboat permit on the effective date of the final rule (July 29, 2002). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 03/04/03 68 FR 10180 NPRM 03/12/03 68 FR 11794 NPRM Comment Period End 03/27/03 Final Action 05/15/03 68 FR 26291 Correction 06/27/03 68 FR 38232 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AQ70 _______________________________________________________________________ 723. NOTICE OF TECHNICAL REVISION TO RIGHT WHALE NOMENCLATURE AND TAXONOMY UNDER THE U.S. ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 222; 50 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NOAA Fisheries is revising the nomenclature and taxonomy for the northern right whale, Balaena glacialis, as it was listed in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife revised October 1, 1999. With this revision, the northern right whale will now be classified as two separate species, the North Atlantic right whale, [[Page 72783]] Eubalaena glacialis, and the North Pacific right whale, Eubalaena japonica. This revision is being made to reflect the currently accepted nomenclature for the genus as well as the genetic distinctiveness now recognized between Pacific and Atlantic right whale populations in the northern hemisphere. NOAA Fisheries is also updating the formerly used genus Balaena to the genus Eubalaena to conform to the scientific name currently accepted by the scientific community and supported by the scientific literature. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/10/03 68 FR 17560 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tanya Dobrzynski, Marine Resource Manager, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2289 RIN: 0648-AQ74 _______________________________________________________________________ 724. REVISE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR BSAI PACIFIC COD ENDORSEMENTS TO GROUNDFISH LICENSES ISSUED UNDER THE LICENSE LIMITATION PROGRAM (LLP) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would correct the eligibility criteria for a Pacific cod endorsement for the hook-and-line or pot gear fisheries so that a person may use BSAI Pacific cod harvests to meet the eligibility criteria for the Pacific cod endorsement if the person owned the qualifying fishing history which gave rise to a valid LLP groundfish license at the time he or she harvested Pacific cod to meet the eligibility criteria for a Pacific cod endorsement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/24/03 68 FR 20360 NPRM Comment Period End 05/27/03 Final Action 07/30/03 68 FR 44666 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ75 _______________________________________________________________________ 725. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 38 TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This adjustment would modify existing multispecies regulations to establish a seasonal whiting grate raised footrope trawl fishery in the inshore Gulf of Maine. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/21/03 68 FR 27774 NPRM Comment Period End 06/05/03 Final Action 07/09/03 68 FR 40808 Correction 08/08/03 68 FR 47264 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ76 _______________________________________________________________________ 726. IMPLEMENT BSAI FMP AMENDMENT 75--DELAYING IMPLEMENTATION OF IMPROVED RETENTION/IMPROVED UTILIZATION OF FLATFISH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment would delay the effective date of requirements for 100 percent retention and utilization of rock sole and yellowfin sole from January 1, 2003, until June 1, 2004. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) submitted Amendment 75 to provide the Council and the affected industry with additional time to develop and assess alternatives to address groundfish discards in the groundfish fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/28/03 68 FR 15144 NPRM Comment Period End 05/12/03 Final Action 09/02/03 68 FR 52142 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ78 _______________________________________________________________________ 727. CONTROL DATE FOR THE SMALL MESH MULTISPECIES (SILVER HAKE, OFFSHORE HAKE, AND RED HAKE) FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would announce that the New England Fishery Management Council intends to develop a new amendment to address limited access in the small mesh multispecies fishery. A new control date would reflect current participation levels, should the Council require such a benchmark when developing a new limited access program. The new control date would enable the Council to inform the industry that the Council is considering future action to control the number of participants in the fishery and that anyone entering the fishery after the control date will not [[Page 72784]] be assured of future access, should a management regime that limits the number of participants in the fishery be prepared and implemented. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/25/03 68 FR 14388 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ89 _______________________________________________________________________ 728. WEST COAST COASTAL PELAGIC FISHERIES SARDINE ALLOCATION SYSTEM CHANGE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, July 2003, Final. Final, Statutory, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This rule will implement changes in the allocation process and criteria for Pacific sardine under the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries off the West Coast. The annual quota is set for all fishing coast wide, but the allocation system recognizes that there is seasonality in the availability of the fish to different portions of the coast. The current allocation system is being reviewed because some interests believe it unnecessarily restricts the fisheries and prevents achievement of the full allowable harvest of Pacific sardine. However, the current system was intended to ensure that fishing interests with long-standing involvement in the fishery would not be unfairly disadvantaged relative to new entrants into the fishery. The fishery has recently expanded to waters off Oregon and Washington, and these new entrants would like better opportunity to ensure that the full quota will be taken each year. Southern interests are concerned that there is too little known about the relationship between the northern component of the sardine stock and the southern component. Research is planned to address this point. However, a temporary adjustment in the allocation system may be warranted while this research is being conducted. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/26/03 68 FR 37995 NPRM Comment Period End 07/28/03 Final Action 09/04/03 68 FR 52523 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Svein Fougner, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 RIN: 0648-AQ94 _______________________________________________________________________ 729. [bull] COMMERCIAL SHRIMP FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO; ESTABLISH A CONTROL DATE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) voted unanimously to establish a control date effective December 6, 2003, for Federally permitted shrimp vessels fishing in the exclusive economic zone of Gulf of Mexico (Gulf EEZ). The GMFMC anticipates that future action may be necessary to control effort and the number of participants engaged in the commercial shrimp fishery of the Gulf EEZ. Consideration of a control date does not commit the GMFMC or NMFS to any particular management regime for entry into the commercial shrimp fishery. Fishermen are not guaranteed future participation in a fishery regardless of their entry date or intensity of participation in the fishery before or after the control date under consideration. The GMFMC subsequently may choose a different control date or they may choose a management regime that does not make use of a control date. The GMFMC also may choose to take no further action to control entry or access to the fisheries, in which case the control date may be rescinded. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/29/03 68 FR 22667 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AR00 _______________________________________________________________________ 730. [bull] NOTICE OF A CONTROL DATE FOR LOLIGO AND ILLEX SQUID Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, May 30, 2003, Other. Abstract: NMFS announces that it is considering, and is seeking public comment on proposed rulemaking to control future access to the Illex (Illex illecebrosus)and Loligo (Loligo pealei) fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This announcement is intended, in part, to discourage speculative entry and increases in effort or capacity in these fisheries while the Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council and NMFS consider alternative allocation schemes and whether and how to control capacity in the Illex and Loligo fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/21/03 68 FR 27774 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR01 [[Page 72785]] _______________________________________________________________________ 731. [bull] CORRECTION TO REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO REDEFINE VESSEL LENGTH OVERALL Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would correct figure 6 to part 679 published in the final rule of September 12, 2001 (66 FR 47416), which implemented changes to the definition of length overall (LOA) of a vessel. This action corrects errors in the figure. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/24/03 68 FR 20083 Correction 05/06/03 68 FR 23925 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR04 _______________________________________________________________________ 732. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS) FISHERIES; VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEMS (VMS) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On May 28, 1999, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a regulation (64 FR 29090) codified at 50 CFR 635.69(a), requiring all commercial pelagic longline vessels fishing for Atlantic HMS to install a NMFS-approved VMS unit. Due to litigation, the requirement was stayed indefinitely on October 1, 2000 (66 FR 1907, January 10, 2001). On October 15, 2002, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a final order upholding the VMS regulation. This rule would amend the effective date for the requirement to have a NOAA-approved, VMS unit installed and operating on any vessel leaving port to fish for HMS with pelagic longline gear on board to September 1, 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/01/03 68 FR 45169 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AR29 _______________________________________________________________________ 733. [bull] ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE; SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531; 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS intends to publish a proposed rule amending the regulation requiring certain kinds of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in shrimp fisheries. Sea turtles, listed pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, drown when caught in shrimp trawl gear. NMFS and fishermen have developed several models of TEDs, which in different fashions exclude sea turtles. On February 21, 2003 (68 FR 8456), NMFS issued a regulation requiring TEDs with larger openings that would allow leatherback and larger loggerhead sea turtles to escape. The rule becomes effective in the Gulf of Mexico on August 21 of this year. One of the provisions is that those who shrimp in offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico may as of August 21 no longer use the popular Coulon TED. Louisiana fishermen developed this TED and many like it because it retains shrimp but excludes not only sea turtles but also other fish. Because the Gulf shrimp trawlers wanted to continue using the Coulon TED, the agency tested a modified Coulon TED, based on its regulatory protocols (50 CFR 223.207(e)) for approving the use of new TEDs, and determined that a modified Coulon TED both met the protocol requirements and excluded the larger turtles. Agency scientists describe this modified Coulon TED as the best they have ever seen at excluding smaller turtles. The agency now wishes to amend the newest TED rule to permit shrimp trawlers to use the Coulon TED as one option in offshore waters. This amendment to the TED rule is not expected to be controversial, as it permits offshore Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawlers to retain a popular option. Further, because the modified Coulon TED permits larger turtles to escape as well as making escape for smaller turtles very easy, environmental groups should also find this amendment acceptable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/30/03 68 FR 44722 NPRM Comment Period End 08/14/03 Final Action 08/27/03 68 FR 51508 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Laurie K. Allen, Acting Director, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AR34 _______________________________________________________________________ 734. [bull] EFFECTIVENESS OF COLLECTION-OF-INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: A final rule that implemented the measures contained in Amendment 61/61/13/8 was published in the Federal Register on December 30, 2002 (67 FR 79692), and most of the [[Page 72786]] measures were effective January 29, 2003. A final rule that implemented the measures contained in Amendment 69 was published in the Federal Register on February 11, 2003 (68 FR 6833), and most of the measures were effective March 13, 2003. However, because OMB approval of the reporting requirements contained in these amendments had not yet been received as of the effective date of each rule, effectiveness of the requirements contained in the amendments was delayed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/25/03 68 FR 51146 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR42 _______________________________________________________________________ 735. [bull] IMPLEMENT A 30 FATHOM BOUNDARY LINE OFF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH COMMERCIAL NON-TRAWL AND RECREATIONAL FISHERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The emergency rule would move the conservation boundary line affecting the commercial non-trawl fisheries and the recreational fishery from 20 fathoms to 30 fathoms south of 34 degrees 27 minutes north latitude to the U.S./Mexico border. This increases the area in which the fishery can take place and decreases the closed area that was implemented to protect overfished species of groundfish. This management change would cause the optimum yield (the harvest target) for bocaccio rockfish for 2003 of less than 20 metric tons to be exceeded by approximately 2 metric tons. This action was recommended by the State of California and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council). The Council and NMFS concluded that this change was appropriate based on a new stock assessment released in May 2003 by NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center that shows increased biomass and productivity for the southern stock of bocaccio. (Based on the new stock assessment and rebuilding analysis, the Council adopted a preliminary range of optimum yields for bocaccio for 2004 of 199 to 526 metric tons, significantly higher than the less than 20 metric tons optimum yields adopted in 2003.) The change in the closed area boundary is intended to provide some relief in 2003 to the severely constrained commercial and recreational fishers in southern California based on the new bocaccio stock assessment and rebuilding analysis. The effects of using this new boundary line were not previously analyzed under the National Environmental Policy Act; so NMFS has prepared an Environmental Assessment for this action. This regulation is being prepared as an emergency action under the Magnuson Act not because it has significant impacts, but rather because the action does not fit within the framework established for inseason actions under the Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. While some environmental groups may not support this action, NMFS does not consider the action significant. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/05/03 68 FR 52703 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AR47 _______________________________________________________________________ 736. [bull] FISHING CAPACITY REDUCTION PROGRAM IN THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1861a (b) to 1861a (e); PL 107-206; PL 108-7 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, April 10, 2003, NPRM. Final, Statutory, May 21, 2003, Final. Abstract: Establishes a fishing capacity reduction program in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery by Federal Register notice rather than regulation. The maximum reduction cost is $46 million, funded by a $10 million appropriation and a $36 million loan to be repaid by landing fees for those participants remaining in the fishery. Eligible parties volunteer for reduction by submitting bids in a reverse auction where bid prices are scored by the value of bidders' past harvests. The groundfish reduction program makes payments for relinquishing all Federal fishing permits, as well as state permits for Washington, Oregon, and California Dungeness crab and pink shrimp. Participating fishing vessels can never fish again anywhere in the world. Reducing capacity will increase post-reduction harvesters' productivity, financially stabilize the fishery, and help conserve and manage Pacific Coast groundfish. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/28/03 68 FR 31653 NPRM Comment Period End 06/27/03 Final Action 07/18/03 68 FR 42613 Final Action Effective 07/18/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Michael L. Grable, Chief, Financial Services Division, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2390 Email: michael.grable@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ99 [[Page 72787]] _______________________________________________________________________ 737. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: TAKE OF THREATENED SOUTHERN OREGON/NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST EVOLUTIONARILY SIGNIFICANT UNIT (ESU) OF COHO SALMON Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq; 16 USC 742a et seq; 31 USC 9701 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On May 6, 1997, NMFS listed the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of coho salmon as threatened. NMFS is now issuing protective regulations under section 4(d) of the ESA which will apply section 9(a) prohibitions to all activities within this ESU unless: in compliance with section 10 or other exemptions under the ESA; in accordance with a timely application for a permit for scientific purposes to enhance propagation or survival of the species; or within carefully circumscribed harvest hatchery, research and monitoring, or habitat restoration activity exceptions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/18/97 62 FR 38479 Withdrawn 08/15/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1401 Email: barry.thom@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AJ91 _______________________________________________________________________ 738. DRAFT POLICY FOR EVALUATION OF CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN MAKING LISTING DECISIONS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 424 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This draft policy evaluates conservation efforts in making listing decisions under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The policy identifies considerations to be used in determining whether conservation plans and agreements, management plans or other efforts provide sufficient protections to preclude or remove the need to list a species under the ESA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/13/00 65 FR 37102 Final Action 03/28/03 68 FR 15100 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Additional Information: This document was published under RINS: 1018- AF55, 0648-XA48 Agency Contact: Margaret C. Lorenz, ESA Policy Coordinator, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1401 Email: margaret.lorenz@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AL91 _______________________________________________________________________ 739. RESTRICTIONS ON POUND NET LEADERS TO ENHANCE TURTLE PROTECTION IN VIRGINIA; THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 222; 50 CFR 223; 50 CFR 224 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action involves prohibiting the use of all pound net leaders measuring 12 inches or greater stretched mesh and all pound nets with stringer leaders in the Virginia waters of the mainstem Chesapeake Bay and the waters of the James River, York River, and Rappahannock River downstream of the first bridge in each tributary from May 8 to June 30. This action also includes a provision to extend the regulation if NMFS believes that sea turtles may still be vulnerable to entanglement in pound net leaders after June 30. Should an extension of the prohibition of pound net leaders measuring 12 inches or greater stretched mesh and leaders with stringers be necessary, NMFS will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register explicitly stating the duration of the extension. Additionally, this action incorporates a measure that if high strandings start to occur and/or monitoring of pound net leaders reveals new information about sea turtle interactions with pound net leaders less than 12 inches stretched mesh, NMFS may determine that additional restrictions are necessary. Should this occur, NMFS will immediately file a final rule with the Office of the Federal Register which explicitly states the mandatory gear modification as well as the affected area and the time period. Such additional restrictions may include prohibiting the use of all pound net leaders measuring 8 inches or greater stretched mesh or prohibiting the use of all pound net leaders regardless of mesh size in the Virginia waters of the mainstem Chesapeake Bay and portions of the Virginia tributaries from the date of publication to June 30. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/29/02 67 FR 15160 NPRM Comment Period End 04/15/02 Interim Final Rule 06/17/02 67 FR 41196 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/17/02 Final Action 07/16/03 68 FR 41944 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mary A. Colligan, Assistant Regional Administrator, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS/Protected Resources, Protected Resources Division, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9116 Fax: 978 281-9394 RIN: 0648-AP81 _______________________________________________________________________ 740. DESIGNATING THE EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC SOUTHERN RESIDENT STOCK OF KILLER WHALES AS DEPLETED Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1383b CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS anticipates promulgating regulations to designate [[Page 72788]] the Eastern North Pacific, Southern Resident stock of killer whales as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 06/28/02 67 FR 43586 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/30/02 NPRM 01/30/03 68 FR 4719 NPRM Comment Period End 03/31/03 Final Action 05/29/03 68 FR 31980 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Thomas C. Eagle, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Room 13725, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2055 Fax: 301 713-4060 Email: tom.eagle@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ00 _______________________________________________________________________ 741. DESIGNATION OF CRITICAL HABITAT FOR GULF STURGEON Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, May 23, 2002, NPRM. Final, Judicial, February 28, 2003, Final. Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (collectively, the Services) jointly listed the Gulf sturgeon as ``threatened'' under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1991. The ESA requires that critical habitat be designated for any listed species. On June 6, 2002, the Services proposed designating critical habitat for the Gulf sturgeon. The proposed designation includes seven freshwater and seven estuarine/marine units in the Gulf of Mexico as critical habitat. All of the units proposed as critical habitat are areas presently occupied by Gulf sturgeon during part of its life cycle. On August 8, 2002, the Services announced the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation, and extended the public comment period for the proposal to October 7, 2002. A final designation must be filed by February 28, 2003, per a court settlement agreement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/06/02 67 FR 39106 Comment Period Extended 08/08/02 67 FR 51530 NPRM Comment Period End 10/07/02 Final Action 03/19/03 68 FR 13419 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Stephania Bolden, Fisheries Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, F/SER3, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, St. Peterburg, FL 33702 Phone: 727 570-5312 RIN: 0648-AQ03 _______________________________________________________________________ 742. TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS; ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed regulatory action is related to RIN 0648-AN88, a final rule which amended the regulations that implement the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan and established a Dynamic Area Management (DAM) program. This proposed regulatory action involves the identification of acceptable fishing practices and gear which could be used under the DAM program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/04/03 68 FR 10195 NPRM Comment Period End 04/03/03 Final Action 08/26/03 68 FR 51195 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mary A. Colligan, Assistant Regional Administrator, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS/Protected Resources, Protected Resources Division, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9116 Fax: 978 281-9394 RIN: 0648-AQ04 _______________________________________________________________________ 743. TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS; ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN REGULATIONS Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Duplicate of 0648-AR02 08/22/03 RIN: 0648-AQ42 _______________________________________________________________________ 744. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES; FINDING FOR A PETITION TO REVISE CRITICAL HABITAT FOR NORTHERN RIGHT WHALES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service announces the receipt of a petition to revise critical habitat for the endangered western North Atlantic right whales. NMFS finds that the petition presents substantial scientific information indicating that this action may be warranted and is soliciting public comment and information on the petition. NMFS will determine how to proceed with the petitioned action within 12 months after receiving the petition. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 11/19/02 67 FR 69708 Comment Period End 01/21/03 Finding 08/28/03 68 FR 51758 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia Lawson, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2322 Email: patricia.lawson@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ53 [[Page 72789]] _______________________________________________________________________ 745. LIST OF FISHERIES FOR 2003 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, January 2, 2003, NPRM. Final, Statutory, April 1, 2003, Final. Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to amend the 2003 List of Fisheries (LOF), as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) (16 U.S.C. 1387(c)(1)), to update the status of commercial fisheries to reflect new information on the interaction with marine mammals. Under the MMPA, NMFS must place each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories based upon the level of serious injury and mortality of marine mammals that occurs incidental to that fishery. The categorization of a fishery in the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/10/03 68 FR 1414 NPRM Comment Period End 02/10/03 Final Action 07/15/03 68 FR 41725 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal 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-AQ60 _______________________________________________________________________ 746. TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO MISSILE LAUNCH ACTIVITIES BY THE U.S. NAVY AT SAN NICOLAS ISLAND, CALIFORNIA Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371(a)(5)(A) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101 to 216.108 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service has received an application from the U.S. Navy for regulations under section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA to take non-endangered seals and sea lions incidental to conducting missile launch operations from San Nicolas Island, California. Target missile launches are used to support test and training activities associated with the Naval Air Warfare Center's Point Mugu Sea Range. In order to authorize the taking and issue authorizations, NMFS must, through regulations, determine that the proposed activity will have no more than a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/09/03 68 FR 24905 NPRM Comment Period End 06/23/03 Final Action 09/02/03 68 FR 42132 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Kenneth R. Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2055 Email: ken.hollingshead@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ61 _______________________________________________________________________ 747. [bull] TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO THE ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is amending the regulations that implement the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan, specifically with regard to the straight set of gillnets in the southeast U.S. Restricted Area in waters off the coasts of Georgia and Florida. The intent of this proposed rule is to prohibit straight sets of gillnets at night from November 15 through March 31, annually to reduce the risk of entanglement of large whales, including the western North Atlantic right whale. This rule was published on March 27, 2002, in the Federal Register under RIN 0648-AN88. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/21/03 68 FR 19464 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Laurie K. Allen, Acting Director, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AR02 _______________________________________________________________________ 748. NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS UNDER THE OIL POLLUTION ACT OF 1990 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 33 USC 2706(e) CFR Citation: 15 CFR 990 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action amends the natural resource damage assessment rule under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, codified at 15 CFR 990, due to court remand (General Electric vs. Commerce, 128 F. 3d 767. DC Cir. 1997). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/31/01 66 FR 39464 Final Action 10/01/02 67 FR 61483 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Eli Reinharz, Ecologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA/DAC, Room 10218, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-3038 Fax: 301 713-4387 RIN: 0648-AM80 [[Page 72790]] _______________________________________________________________________ 749. Sequence Number Intentionally Skipped _______________________________________________________________________ 750. [bull] FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY: ESTABLISHMENT OF TEMPORARY NO-ENTRY ZONE IN THE WHITE BANK DRY ROCKS AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1431 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues a temporary rule prohibiting all entry into two areas off the east side of Key largo within Federal waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The combined areas are approximately .50 square mile in size. This rule is necessary to prevent injury to, and destruction of, living coral from stress to diseased coral within the closed areas, and to protect healthy coral from human-causes contamination. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/01/03 68 FR 39005 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Billy Causey, Superintendent, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 500368, Marathon, FL 33050 Phone: 305 743-2437 RIN: 0648-AR17 _______________________________________________________________________ 751. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING USE OF THE NOAA SPACE-BASED DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 313; 49 USC 44720; 15 USC 1525; 7 USC 450b; 5 USC 552 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 911 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NOAA is issuing a revision to its policies and procedures for the use of NOAA data collection systems (DCS) that operate on NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites and on its Polar- orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites. The changes will allow expanded use of the NOAA DCS for government interests and permit greater flexibility in utilizing these assets in support of homeland security, national security, law enforcement, and humanitarian operations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/01/03 68 FR 45160 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kay Metcalf, NOAA GOES DCS Program Manager, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NESDIS, 5200 Auth Road, FB4, Room 3320, Suitland, MD 20746 Phone: 301 467-5681 Fax: 301 457-5620 RIN: 0648-AQ55 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) _______________________________________________________________________ 752. RULES OF PRACTICE BEFORE THE BOARD OF PATENT APPEALS AND INTERFERENCES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 35 USC 2; 35 USC 3; 35 USC 6; 35 USC 10; 35 USC 22; 35 USC 23; 35 USC 25; 35 USC 32; 35 USC 41; 35 USC 135; . . . CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1; 37 CFR 41; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office proposes to amend its rules of practice before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences in appeals and contested cases to clarify the rules and to simplify proceedings. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffrey V. Nase, Administrative Patent Judge, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313 Phone: 703 308-9797 Fax: 703 305-0942 Email: bpai.rules@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB32 _______________________________________________________________________ 753. CHANGES IN TRADEMARK RULES OF PRACTICE IN INTER PARTES PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 1067; 35 USC 2(8)(2)(A) CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2.120(a); 37 CFR 2.120(d) to (g); 37 CFR 2.120 (i) to (j); [[Page 72791]] 37 CFR 2.121 (a) to (b); 37 CFR 2/127 (e) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office proposes to amend its rules of practice in connection with inter partes proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to require initial disclosure of certain information. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James David Sams, Chief Administrative Trademark Judge, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, ST-9A03, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, 2900 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202 Phone: 703 308-9300 Fax: 703 308-9092 Email: david.sams@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB56 _______________________________________________________________________ 754. [bull] FAST TRACK EXAMINATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 1123; 35 USC 2; . . . CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2.2; 37 CFR 2.6; 37 CFR 2.22; 37 CFR 2.23; 37 CFR 2.62; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office proposes to amend its rules to permit an applicant to obtain examination of an application for registration of a mark at a reduced fee if the applicant files a complete application through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), responds to Office actions within two months of the mailing date, files communications regarding the application through TEAS, and authorizes the Office to send communications concerning the application by electronic mail. The Office also proposes to charge graduated fees for filing trademark applications, based upon the costs the Office incurs in processing the application. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mary E. Hannon, Staff Attorney, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, 2900 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202 Phone: 703 308-8900 Fax: 703 872-9280 Email: mary.hannon@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB62 _______________________________________________________________________ 755. [bull] CHANGES TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 21ST CENTURY STRATEGIC PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2) CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) has established a 21st Century Strategic Plan to transform the Office into a quality-focused, highly productive, responsive organization supporting a market-driven intellectual property system. The Office is proposing to revise the rules of practice to support the implementation of the 21st Century Strategic Plan, which involves improving the patent application and examination process by promoting quality enhancement, reducing patent pendency, and using information technology to simplify the patent application process. The more notable changes being proposed in this notice involve permitting typewritten signatures on documents submitted by facsimile, streamlining the requirements for incorporation by reference of priority applications, and clarifying the qualifications for claiming small entity status for purposes of paying reduced patent fees. These changes to the patent application and examination process are necessary for the Office to be able to process the long-term trend of increasing number of applications within a reasonable time frame. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Final Rule 03/00/04 Effective Date 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: robert.bahr@uspto.gov URL For Public Comments: ab 64.comment@uspto.gov Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313 Phone: 703 305-8850 Fax: 703 305-6916 Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB64 _______________________________________________________________________ 756. [bull] CHANGES IN REQUIREMENTS FOR AMENDMENT AND CORRECTION OF TRADEMARK REGISTRATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 15 USC 1123; 35 USC 2 CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2.173; 37 CFR 2.174; 37 CFR 2.175 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office proposes to amend its rules to: (1)eliminate the requirement that a request for amendment or correction of a trademark registration be accompanied by the original certificate of registration or a certified copy thereof; and (2) add a requirement that a request for correction of a mistake in a registration be filed within one year of the date of registration. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 72792]] Agency Contact: Mary E. Hannon, Staff Attorney, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, 2900 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202 Phone: 703 308-8900 Fax: 703 872-9280 Email: mary.hannon@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB67 _______________________________________________________________________ 757. [bull] REVISION OF UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE PRACTICE FOR HANDLING PATENT APPLICATIONS FILED WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE FEES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2) ; 35 USC 41 CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Among other changes to patent and trademark fees, the United States Patent and Trademark Office Fee Modernization Act of 2003 would (if enacted) split the patent application filing fee into a separate filing fee, search fee and examination fee. The United States Patent and Trademark Office Fee Modernization Act of 2003 would (if enacted) also require an additional fee for any application whose specification and drawings, excluding any sequence listing or computer program listing filed in the prescribed electronic medium, exceed 100 sheets of paper. This notice proposes changes in United States Patent and Trademark Office practice for handling patent applications filed without the appropriate fees in view of the revised patent fee structure set forth in the United States Patent and Trademark Office Fee Modernization Act of 2003. The United States Patent and Trademark Office will implement the changes to the patent fees provided in the United States Patent and Trademark Office Fee Modernization Act of 2003 in a separate rule making. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 12/01/03 Final Action 03/00/04 Final Action Effective 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313 Phone: 703 305-8850 Fax: 703 305-6916 Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB69 _______________________________________________________________________ 758. [bull] REVISION OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005 Priority: Routine and Frequent. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 35 USC 41; 15 USC 1115; 35 USC 376; 15 USC 1051; 15 USC 1113; 15 USC 1123; 35 USC 2(b)(2) CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1.16 to 1.21; 37 CFR 1.26; 37 CFR 1.445; 37 CFR 1.482; 37 CFR 1.492; 37 CFR 2.6 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 1, 2004, Final. Abstract: This rulemaking revises certain patent and trademark fees to reflect fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) consistent with PL 105-358, as amended by PL 106-113. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Final Action 08/00/04 Final Action Effective 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Matthew Lee, Financial Systems Analyst, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, PK1-802, PK1-802, Washington, DC 20231 Phone: 703 305-8051 Email: matthew.lee@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB70 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) _______________________________________________________________________ 759. CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT THE 2002 INTER PARTES REEXAMINATION AND OTHER TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE PATENT STATUTE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2); PL 107-273 CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act contains a title relating to intellectual property. The patent--related provisions in the intellectual property title of the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act include provisions permitting a third party requester in an inter partes reexamination proceeding to appeal a final decision by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and to participate in the patent owner's appeal of a final decision by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Also included are technical amendments to statutory provisions directed to inter partes reexamination, eighteen--month publication of patent applications and provisional rights, and issuance of patents. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is in this notice proposing changes to the rules of practice to implement the patent--related provisions of the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, and other miscellaneous changes related to appeals in reexamination proceedings. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/28/03 68 FR 22343 NPRM Comment Period End 06/27/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Final Action Effective 12/00/03 [[Page 72793]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: kenneth.schor@uspto.gov URL For Public Comments: ab57.comments@uspto.gov Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313 Phone: 703 305-8850 Fax: 703 305-6916 Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB57 _______________________________________________________________________ 760. REVISION OF SEARCH AND PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION FEES FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2); 35 USC 376; . . . CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is proposing to adjust the international search and international preliminary examination fees for international applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The Office is planning to outsource the international search under PCT chapter I for international applications. The Office is proposing to adjust the international search and international preliminary examination fees to more closely reflect the estimated cost of obtaining a PCT chapter I search and conducting the international preliminary examination under the new process. The Office is also proposing miscellaneous changes to the rules of practice in patent cases that relate to the United States Patent and Trademark Fee Modernization Act of 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/30/03 68 FR 32441 NPRM Comment Period End 06/30/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Final Action Effective 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: robert.bahr@uspto.gov URL For Public Comments: ab61.comment@uspto.gov Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313 Phone: 703 305-8850 Fax: 703 305-6916 Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB61 _______________________________________________________________________ 761. [bull] CHANGES RELATED TO AS