[June 28, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 123)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua040404.wais] [Page 37264-37356] Department of Commerce ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part IV ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 37264]] DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Office of the Secretary 13 CFR Ch. III 15 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, and XI 19 CFR Ch. III 37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V 48 CFR Ch. 13 50 CFR Chs. II, III, IV, and VI Spring 2004 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866 entitled ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended, the Department of Commerce (Department), in the spring and fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of regulations under development or review over the next 12 months. Rulemaking actions are grouped according to prerulemaking, proposed rules, final rules, long- term actions, and rulemaking actions completed since the fall 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 April 1, 2004, through March 31, 2005. 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 April 6, 2004, 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 spring 2004 regulatory agenda follows. Theodore W. Kassinger, General Counsel. Bureau of Economic Analysis--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 290 BE-80, Benchmark Survey of Financial Services Transactions Between U.S. Financial 0691-AA51 Services Providers and Unaffiliated Foreign Persons................................... 291 Benchmark Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad - 2004.............................. 0691-AA52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37265]] Bureau of Economic Analysis--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 292 International Services Surveys: BE-9, Quarterly Survey of Foreign Airline Operators' 0691-AA55 Revenues and Expenses in the United States............................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Economic Analysis--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 293 Annual Survey of Foreign Direct Investment in the United States....................... 0691-AA48 294 Quarterly Surveys of International Trade in Services Between U.S. and Foreign Persons. 0691-AA49 295 International Services Surveys: BE-85, Quarterly Survey of Financial Services 0691-AA50 Transactions Between U.S. Financial Services Providers and Unaffiliated Foreign Persons............................................................................... 296 International Services Surveys: BE-45, Quarterly Survey of Insurance Transactions by 0691-AA53 U.S. Insurance Companies With Foreign Persons......................................... 297 International Services Surveys: BE-25, Quarterly Survey of Transactions With 0691-AA54 Unaffiliated Foreign Persons in Selected Services and in Intangible Assets............ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 298 Full Mandatory Automated Export System (AES) Filing for Export Shipments.............. 0607-AA38 299 Amendments to Age Search Fee Structure................................................ 0607-AA41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 300 Cutoff Dates for Recognition of Boundary Changes for Census 2000 and for the 0607-AA35 Intercensal Period.................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 301 Establishment of the 2010 Census Redistricting Program................................ 0607-AA42 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 302 Annual Trade Survey................................................................... 0607-AA40 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Economic Development Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 303 Economic Development Administration Regulations....................................... 0610-AA63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37266]] General Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 304 Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, Technical Amendments............. 0605-AA17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Trade Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 305 Procedures for Conducting Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews of Antidumping and Countervailing 0625-AA51 Duty Orders........................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 306 Import of Certain Worsted Wool Fabric: Implementation of Tariff Rate Quota Established 0625-AA58 Under Title V of the Trade and Development Act of 2000................................ 307 Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn............................................ 0625-AA59 308 Steel Import Licensing and Surge Monitoring........................................... 0625-AA64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Trade Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 309 Changes in the Insular Possessions Watch, Watch Movement, and Jewelry Program......... 0625-AA63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 310 License Exception APR for Reexports To, From, and Among Countries in Country Group A:1 0694-AC69 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 311 Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations............................................... 0694-AB06 312 Short Supply Controls: Crude Oil Exports.............................................. 0694-AC25 313 Removal of Licensing Exemption for Exports and Reexports of Missile Technology- 0694-AC48 Controlled Items Destined to Canada................................................... 314 Knowledge Definition, Safe Harbor, Red Flags.......................................... 0694-AC94 315 Export Administration Regulations: Removal of Country Groups.......................... 0694-AD09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 316 Exports and Reexports to Sudan........................................................ 0694-AC05 317 Mandatory Electronic Filing of License Applications, Classification Requests, and 0694-AC20 License Exceptions Notifications via BIS's Simplified Network Application Process (SNAP)................................................................................ [[Page 37267]] 318 License Exception AVS: Cuba, Libya, and Serbia........................................ 0694-AC33 319 License Application Denial Policy, ``Red Flag'' Indicators of Possible Inappropriate 0694-AC68 End-Use, End-User, or Destination..................................................... 320 Revisions of Aircraft Export Licensing Jurisdiction Based on Review of the United 0694-AC74 States Munitions List................................................................. 321 Revisions of Energetic Material Export Licensing Jurisdiction Based on Review of the 0694-AC75 United States Munitions List.......................................................... 322 Export and Reexport Controls on Iraq.................................................. 0694-AC84 323 Clarification of Export Controls on Parts for Military Vehicles....................... 0694-AC91 324 Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations: Missile Technology Production 0694-AC93 Equipment and Facilities Controlled Under ECCNs 9B115 and 9B116....................... 325 Termination of Certain Emergencies With Respect to Yugoslavia and Related Removal of 0694-AC98 Restrictions on Transactions With Persons Identified by the Bracketed Initials [FRYM] Under the Export Admin. Regs.......................................................... 326 Microprocessor Technology Eligible for Export or Reexport Under License Exception..... 0694-AD02 327 Expansion of Availability of License Exception CIV for Certain Deemed Exports of 0694-AD04 Microprocessor Technology; and Establishment of ``Foreign National Review'' Support Statement for Deemed Exports.......................................................... 328 Revision of Licensees' Responsibility To Communicate License Conditions............... 0694-AD05 329 Addition of Systems, Including Cameras, Incorporating Non-Space Qualified Infrared 0694-AD06 Amorphous Silicon Focal Plane Arrays, and Related Technology and Software, to the Commerce Control List................................................................. 330 Clarification of ``Space-Qualified'' Parts, Components, and Technology Subject to the 0694-AD07 Export Administration Regulations..................................................... 331 Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations................. 0694-AD08 332 Implementation of the Wassenaar Arrangement Statement of Understanding on the Control 0694-AD10 of Non-Listed Dual-Use Items.......................................................... 333 Revisions to Export Administration Regulations as a Result of Membership Expansion of 0694-AD11 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)............................................. 334 Entity List: Removal of Four Russian Entities......................................... 0694-AD12 335 India: Removal of Indian Entity and Revision in License Review Policy for Certain 0694-AD13 Indian Entities and a Clarification................................................... 336 Amendments to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) Implementing the ``Catch- 0694-AD15 All'' Provisions in the Australia Group (AG) ``Guidelines for Transfers of Sensitive Chemical or Biological Items''........................................................ 337 Revision of Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 2B351 To Conform With the 0694-AD16 Australia Group (AG) ``Control List of Dual-Use Chemical Manufacturing Facilities and Equipment and Related Technology''.................................................... 338 Revision of Export and Reexport Restrictions on Cuba.................................. 0694-AD17 339 Expansion of Computer Technology and Software Eligible for Export or Reexport Under 0694-AD18 License Exception CTP; and Establishment of ``Foreign National Review'' Procedure Under License Exception CTP........................................................... 340 Encryption Export and Reexport Controls Revisions..................................... 0694-AD19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 341 Clarification of License Exception GFT (Humanitarian Donations)....................... 0694-AB49 342 Export Administration Regulations: Support Documentation.............................. 0694-AC04 343 Expansion of License Exception GOV; Exports and Reexports to International 0694-AC15 Organizations......................................................................... 344 De Minimis Expansion of Eligibility: U.S.-Origin Software Incorporated Into Foreign- 0694-AC17 Made Retail Commodities............................................................... 345 Revision to the Export Administration Regulations: Replacement Licenses............... 0694-AC23 346 Clarifications to Part 753: Special Comprehensive License Requirements................ 0694-AC34 347 Chemical Weapons Convention: Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations....... 0694-AC35 348 Revisions to the Export Administrative Regulations: Removal of the List of Missile 0694-AC46 Projects From Certain Country Groups and Revisions to Missile Controls................ 349 Revision, Suspension, or Prohibition of Use of ``No License Required'' Provisions..... 0694-AC47 350 Revisions to License Exception TSR: Expansion to Scope of Eligible Countries.......... 0694-AC71 351 Imposition of Foreign Policy Controls on Surreptitious Communications Intercepting 0694-AC82 Devices............................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37268]] Bureau of Industry and Security--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 352 Administration of State Log Exports Ban............................................... 0694-AB25 353 Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)........... 0694-AC24 354 Crime Control Items: Revisions to the Commerce Control List........................... 0694-AC31 355 Elimination of ``National Security'' as a Reason for Control for Certain Items on the 0694-AC54 Commerce Control List................................................................. 356 Computer Technology and Software Eligible for Export or Reexport Under License 0694-AC63 Exception TSR......................................................................... 357 Protective Equipment Export License Jurisdiction...................................... 0694-AC64 358 Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations Based on the 2002 Missile 0694-AC76 Technology Control Regime Plenary Agreements.......................................... 359 Addition of East Timor, Netherlands Antilles, and Aruba to the Export Administration 0694-AC77 Regulations........................................................................... 360 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.......................................................................... 361 Lifting of UN Sanctions Against UNITA................................................. 0694-AC86 362 Amendment to the Export Administration Regulations: Revision to Export Control 0694-AC87 Classification Number 1C355........................................................... 363 Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations -- Chemical and 0694-AC88 Biological Weapons Controls: Australia Group; Chemical Weapons Convention; Correction. 364 Best Practices for Exporters/Re-Exporters and Trade Facilitation/Freight Forwarding 0694-AC89 Companies Regarding the Transit, Transshipment, and Reexport of Dual-Use Items........ 365 Addition of Kazakhstan to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), and Other Revisions...... 0694-AC90 366 Export Administration Regulations: Penalty Guidance in the Settlement of 0694-AC92 Administrative Enforcement Cases...................................................... 367 Computer and Microprocessor Technology and Software Eligible for Export or Reexport 0694-AC95 Under License Exception............................................................... 368 Implementation of Australia Group 2003 Decisions on Animal Pathogens.................. 0694-AC96 369 Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations: Electronic Submission of Declarations and 0694-AC97 Reports Under the Web Data Entry System for Industry (Web-DESI)....................... 370 General Order Implementing Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act of 2003.. 0694-AC99 371 December 2003 Wassenaar Arrangement Plenary Agreement Implementation: Categories 1, 2, 0694-AD00 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the Commerce Control List, and Reporting Requirements............ 372 Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations Based on the 2003 Missile 0694-AD01 Technology Control Regime Plenary Agreements.......................................... 373 Licensing Jurisdiction for QRS11 Micromachined Angular Rate Sensors................... 0694-AD03 374 Revision of Export and Reexport Restrictions on Libya................................. 0694-AD14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Institute of Standards and Technology--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 375 Procedures for Implementation of the National Construction Safety Team Act............ 0693-AB53 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 376 Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction..................................................... 0648-AS36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377 Adjustment of Management Program: Bottomfish Fisheries in the Hawaiian Islands........ 0648-AK82 378 Amendment 12 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Crustacean Fisheries of the 0648-AL67 Western Pacific Region................................................................ 379 Fishery Management Plan for Calico Scallop Fishery in the South Atlantic Region (FMP). 0648-AL78 380 Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish Fisheries of the Western 0648-AM98 Pacific Region........................................................................ 381 Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of 0648-AN09 Mexico................................................................................ [[Page 37269]] 382 Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan Amendment for the Pelagic Fisheries of the 0648-AN76 Western Pacific Region................................................................ 383 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).................... 384 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.................................................... 385 Revision of American Lobster Regulations for the EEZ.................................. 0648-AP18 386 Regulatory Amendment To Implement Permit Stacking in the Limited-Entry Fixed-Gear 0648-AP38 Sablefish Fishery in 2002 and Beyond.................................................. 387 Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Sustainable Fisheries Act Requirements Regarding 0648-AP51 Overfishing, Bycatch, Fishing Communities and Provisions for Fishery Management Plans for the Caribbean..................................................................... 388 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 9....................... 0648-AP60 389 Implementation of the Regulatory Changes Resulting From the Amendments and Extension 0648-AP61 of the South Pacific Tuna Act......................................................... 390 Amendment 71A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering 0648-AP67 Sea and Aleutian Islands Area......................................................... 391 Regulatory Amendment to Section 679 Permits or Permit-Related Issues.................. 0648-AQ07 392 Regulatory Amendment To Adjust Permit Renewal Requirements and Transferability 0648-AQ20 Restrictions in NWHI's Hoomalu Zone and Mau Limited Access Programs................... 393 Amendment 2 to Monkfish Fishery Management Plan....................................... 0648-AQ25 394 Fisheries of the United States; National Standard 1................................... 0648-AQ63 395 Amendment 1 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan.............................. 0648-AQ86 396 Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan........................... 0648-AQ87 397 Adjustment of Management Program to Conserve Sea Turtles in the Pelagic Fisheries in 0648-AQ91 the Western Pacific Region............................................................ 398 Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Pelagic Fisheries of the Western 0648-AQ92 Pacific Region (American Samoa Limited Access Program)................................ 399 Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Gulf of 0648-AR06 Alaska and Amendment 62 to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area................................................................. 400 Regulatory Rulemaking To Revise Accounting for Externally Tagged Halibut.............. 0648-AR09 401 Catcher Vessel Electronic Report...................................................... 0648-AR30 402 Amendment 13B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 0648-AR38 South Atlantic Region................................................................. 403 Framework 5 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery.................. 0648-AR50 404 Annual Specifications for Fishing Year 2005 for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black 0648-AR51 Sea Bass Fishery...................................................................... 405 Annual Specifications for the Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fishery for Fishing Year 2005 0648-AR52 406 Framework 16 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan and Framework 0648-AR55 Adjustment 39 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan................... 407 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery for 0648-AR56 Fishing Year 2005..................................................................... 408 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery for Fishing Year 2005......... 0648-AR57 409 Annual Specifications for the Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery for Fishing Year 2005......... 0648-AR59 410 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan 0648-AR60 for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks............................................. 411 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Amendment 2 to the Atlantic Billfish Fishery 0648-AR61 Management Plan....................................................................... 412 Amendment 10 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.................. 0648-AR63 413 Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish Fisheries of the Western 0648-AR65 Pacific Region........................................................................ 414 Regulatory Amendment to Add and Revise Certain Species Codes in 50 CFR 679............ 0648-AR67 415 Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.. 0648-AR72 416 Consideration of Revision to Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Guidelines (50 CFR Part 600) 0648-AR76 417 Amendment 48 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering 0648-AR77 Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska........................................... 418 Revisions To Revise the Definitions of Exempted Fishing and Scientific Research....... 0648-AR78 419 Extend the Moratorium on Harvesting Seamount Groundfish Resources in the Western 0648-AR85 Pacific Region........................................................................ 420 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); 2004 Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications and 0648-AR86 General Category Effort Controls...................................................... 421 Halibut Subsistence II................................................................ 0648-AR88 422 Gear Identification Markings on Buoys................................................. 0648-AR90 423 Individual Fishing Quota for Guided Recreational Charter Halibut Fishery.............. 0648-AR96 424 Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Mackerel.............. 0648-AR97 425 CDQ Transfer, Eligible Vessels, and Fishing Plan Regulations.......................... 0648-AS00 [[Page 37270]] 426 Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large 0648-AS01 Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations................................................. 427 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Requirement 0648-AS07 Effective Date for Atlantic Shark Fisheries........................................... 428 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Commercial Management Measures...... 0648-AS08 429 Fish and Seafood Promotion Act........................................................ 0648-AS09 430 Revised Definition of Alaska Local Time............................................... 0648-AS11 431 Individual Fishing Quota Departure Report............................................. 0648-AS12 432 Community Development Quota Regulatory Amendment To Modify Several Fishery Management 0648-AS13 Elements of the CDQ Program........................................................... 433 Amendment 81 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and 0648-AS14 Aleutian Islands Management Area and Amendment 74 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska...................................................... 434 Amendment 13 to Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, 0648-AS15 U.S. Waters........................................................................... 435 Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the South 0648-AS16 Atlantic Region....................................................................... 436 Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Sardine............... 0648-AS17 437 Eastern Pacific Tuna Controls......................................................... 0648-AS18 438 Amendment 23 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan To Set Vermilion Snapper 0648-AS19 Sustainable Fisheries Act Targets and Thresholds and To Establish a Plan to End Overfishing and Rebuild the Stock..................................................... 439 Annual Recreational Specifications for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 0648-AS21 Fishery for Fishing Year 2005......................................................... 440 Amendment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery................. 0648-AS22 441 Specifications for the 2005 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Herring Fishery............. 0648-AS23 442 Specifications for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery for Fishing Year 2005.................... 0648-AS24 443 Amendment 16-3 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan................ 0648-AS26 444 Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Announcement of 2005-2006 Groundfish................ 0648-AS27 445 Regulatory Amendment Governing the Use of Electronic Logbook Forms in Western Pacific 0648-AS29 Fisheries............................................................................. 446 Adjustment of Management Program To Protect Seabirds in Pelagic Fisheries of the 0648-AS30 Western Pacific Region................................................................ 447 Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Precious Corals Fisheries of the 0648-AS31 Western Pacific Region................................................................ 448 Framework 40B to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan................... 0648-AS33 449 Framework 40A to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan................... 0648-AS34 450 Framework 1 to the Red Crab Fishery Management Plan................................... 0648-AS35 451 Fee System for Repayment of the Loan to Harvesters of Pacific Groundfish Fishery and 0648-AS38 California, Washington, and Oregon Fisheries for Dungeness Crab and Pink Shrimp....... 452 Restrictions for 2004 Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries in the Eastern Tropical 0648-AS39 Pacific Ocean......................................................................... 453 Gulf of Alaska Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures Revisions......................... 0648-AS41 454 Amend Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals................ 0648-AH83 455 North Atlantic Whale Protection....................................................... 0648-AM85 456 Preventing Harassment From Human Activities Directed at Marine Mammals in the Wild.... 0648-AN43 457 Endangered and Threatened Species: Permit Exemptions.................................. 0648-AO37 458 Captive Steller Sea Lions............................................................. 0648-AO61 459 Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Rocket Launches From the Kodiak Launch Complex, 0648-AP62 Kodiak Island, Alaska................................................................. 460 Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting 0648-AQ71 Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in the Gulf of Mexico.............................. 461 Designate Critical Habitat; Withdraw Previous Designations............................ 0648-AQ77 462 Regulations Implementing the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan................... 0648-AR39 463 Sea Turtle Conservation; Restrictions to Fishing Activities........................... 0648-AR81 464 Listing Determinations for 27 ESUs of West Coast Salmon and Oncorhynchus Mykiss....... 0648-AR93 465 Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Navy Operation.................................... 0648-AR99 466 Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Military Readiness Activities and Scientific 0648-AS06 Research Activities Conducted by or on Behalf of the Federal Government............... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 467 Regulatory Amendment To Require Mandatory Observer Coverage in the At-Sea Processing 0648-AK26 Sector of the Whiting Fishery......................................................... [[Page 37271]] 468 Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan...................... 0648-AN16 469 Amendment 13 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP).............. 0648-AN17 470 Full Retention of Demersal Shelf Rockfish in Gulf of Alaska Area 650.................. 0648-AP73 471 Amendment to Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of Gulf of Mexico to Set 0648-AP95 10-Year Rebuilding Plan for Red Grouper............................................... 472 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Bigeye Tuna and Swordfish Trade Statistical 0648-AQ37 Document Programs..................................................................... 473 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species: Billfish and Swordfish Recreational Fishing........ 0648-AQ65 474 Recreational Measures for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery for 0648-AQ82 Fishing Year 2004..................................................................... 475 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery for 2004...................... 0648-AQ85 476 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Swordfish Quotas.......................... 0648-AQ90 477 Amendment 66 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.. 0648-AQ98 478 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Trade Restrictive Measures......................... 0648-AR10 479 Atlantic Striped Bass Fisheries in the EEZ; Modification of Federal Regulations....... 0648-AR33 480 Maximum Retainable Amount............................................................. 0648-AR41 481 Regulatory Amendment to Prohibited Species Catch Donation Regulations To Allow 0648-AR64 Processing of Heads and Guts.......................................................... 482 Amendment 21 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan................................. 0648-AR66 483 Amendment 63 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska...... 0648-AR73 484 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species: Sea Turtle Bycatch Mitigation...................... 0648-AR80 485 Revisions to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for 2004 and Beyond............... 0648-AR83 486 Management Measures for Commercial, Recreational, and Treaty Indian Salmon Fisheries 0648-AS03 Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California.................................. 487 Reduction to Harvest Restrictions for Harvest Limit Area Atka Mackerel Fishery in 0648-AS10 Aleutian Islands Subarea.............................................................. 488 Technical Amendment to Rulemaking Extending the North Pacific Groundfish Fisheries 0648-AS20 Observer Program Beyond 2002.......................................................... 489 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Quota Adjustment for the North 0648-AS28 Atlantic Region....................................................................... 490 Request for Research Proposals Supported Under a Research Set-Aside Program for 0648-AS32 Fishing Year 2006..................................................................... 491 Atlantic Large Whale 2002 Seasonal Area Management (SAM) Program...................... 0648-AP68 492 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............................................................................. 493 Designated Critical Habitat: Proposed Critical Habitat for Northern California 0648-AO04 Steelhead............................................................................. 494 Taking of the Cook Inlet, Alaska, Stock of Beluga Whales by Alaska Natives............ 0648-AO16 495 Access to Tissue Specimen Samples From the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank......... 0648-AQ51 496 Endangered Species and Pesticide Regulation........................................... 0648-AQ69 497 Zero Mortality Rate Goal.............................................................. 0648-AR15 498 List of Fisheries for 2004............................................................ 0648-AS04 499 Procedures for Limiting Capacity of the Tuna Purse Seine Fleet in the Eastern Tropical 0648-AS05 Pacific Ocean (ETP); Updates to the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program............ 500 Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary................................................. 0648-AQ41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 501 Proposed Highly Migratory Species Process............................................. 0648-AK40 502 Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery................... 0648-AS25 503 Amendment 82 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and 0648-AS37 Aleutian Islands Management Area...................................................... 504 Interagency Policy on the Prescription of Fishways Under Section 18 of the Federal 0648-AO70 Power Act............................................................................. 505 Policy for Review of Mandatory Conditions Developed by the Departments of the Interior 0648-AO84 and Commerce in the Context of Hydropower Licensing................................... 506 Revision of Overflight Regulations.................................................... 0648-AI91 507 Interagency Consultation for the National Marine Sanctuary Program.................... 0648-AL06 508 Installing and Maintaining Commercial Submarine Cables in National Marine Sanctuaries. 0648-AO36 509 Procedural Changes to the Federal Consistency Process................................. 0648-AP98 510 Certification Requirements for NOAA Electronic Navigational Chart Distribution........ 0648-AR87 511 Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Consistency Regulations........................... 0648-AR16 [[Page 37272]] 512 Regional Marine Research Program...................................................... 0648-AF20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 513 Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico 0648-AG87 and the U.S. Virgin Islands........................................................... 514 Revise Exempted Fishing Regulations To Specify Compensatory Fishing Under Exempted 0648-AK84 Fishing............................................................................... 515 Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of 0648-AM23 Mexico (FMP).......................................................................... 516 Enhanced Measures To Mitigate Seabird Bycatch in the Alaska Longline Fisheries (Hook- 0648-AM30 and-Line)............................................................................. 517 Implementation of Western Pacific Coral Reef Ecosystem Fishery Management Plan (FMP).. 0648-AM97 518 Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf 0648-AN08 of Mexico and South Atlantic FMP...................................................... 519 Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Sargassum Habitat of the South Atlantic............. 0648-AN87 520 Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, Caribbean, 0648-AO63 and Gulf of Mexico (FMP) of the Atlantic.............................................. 521 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Exempted Fishing Permits Procedures................ 0648-AO79 522 Amendment 13A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 0648-AP03 South Atlantic Region................................................................. 523 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............. 524 Implementation of Fishery Management Plan for Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Off 0648-AP42 the West Coast........................................................................ 525 Regulatory Amendment Under the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan..... 0648-AP50 526 Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; Amendment 13........................... 0648-AP57 527 Amendment to Regulations for Observer At-Sea Electronic Communication Equipment 0648-AP66 Requirements for Vessels and Shoreside Processors in the North Pacific Groundfish Fisheries............................................................................. 528 IFQ Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for Catcher Vessels; BSAI Amendment 72 0648-AP92 and GOA Amendment 64.................................................................. 529 Fleet Capacity Control for U.S. Tuna Purse Seine Fisheries in the Eastern Pacific 0648-AQ21 Ocean................................................................................. 530 Implementation of U.S. - Canada Albacore Treaty....................................... 0648-AQ22 531 Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and Amendment 2 to 0648-AQ27 the Atlantic Salmon FMP to Address Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Measures....... 532 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); 2003 Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications and 0648-AQ38 Effort Controls....................................................................... 533 Rulemaking To Correct the Salmon Fishery Coordinates as Implemented in Amendment 3 to 0648-AQ48 the Fishery Management Plan for the Salmon Fisheries in the EEZ off the Coast of Alaska................................................................................ 534 Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Vessel Monitoring System... 0648-AQ58 535 Continuation of Measures To Reduce Fishing Mortality in the Northeast Multispecies 0648-AQ72 Fishery and Implement a DAS Leasing Program........................................... 536 Changes to Eligibility Criteria for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab License 0648-AQ73 Limitation Program.................................................................... 537 Annual Specifications for the Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries for 2004........... 0648-AQ79 538 Annual Specifications for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries for 0648-AQ80 2004.................................................................................. 539 Specifications for the 2004-2005 Fishing Year for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery........... 0648-AQ81 540 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries for 0648-AQ83 2004.................................................................................. 541 Annual Specifications for the Atlantic Herring Fishery for 2004....................... 0648-AQ84 542 ``Other Species'' CDQ Reserve Management.............................................. 0648-AQ88 543 Eastern Pacific Tuna Controls......................................................... 0648-AQ93 544 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Management Measures........... 0648-AQ95 545 Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Mackerel.............. 0648-AQ96 546 Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Sardine............... 0648-AQ97 547 Port Codes Integration in Table 14.................................................... 0648-AR07 548 Regulatory Amendment To Change Reporting Areas 620 and 630............................ 0648-AR08 549 Weakfish: Increase in Incidental Catch per Amendment 4................................ 0648-AR11 550 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Bluefin Tuna Season and Size Limit 0648-AR12 Adjustments........................................................................... 551 Regulatory Amendment To Correct Effective Dates for Regulatory Changes in 67 FR 79692 0648-AR13 (December 30, 2002)................................................................... 552 Amendment 77 to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian 0648-AR31 Islands Area.......................................................................... 553 Modification of Housing Requirements for Observers.................................... 0648-AR32 554 Amendment 16-2 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan................ 0648-AR35 [[Page 37273]] 555 Amendment 16-1 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan................ 0648-AR36 556 Consideration of a Control Date for Bottomfishing Vessels in the EEZ Around Guam and 0648-AR37 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.......................................... 557 Emergency Rule To Close the Federal Tilefish Fishery.................................. 0648-AR40 558 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan; Framework 0648-AR43 Adjustment 3.......................................................................... 559 Framework 4 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan 0648-AR44 (FMP)................................................................................. 560 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Revisions to Observer Program in 0648-AR46 the North Pacific Groundfish Fisheries; Correction.................................... 561 Establish Referendum Procedures and a Vote Weighting Formula for the Gulf of Mexico 0648-AR48 Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program.................................... 562 Implement Electronic Dealer Reporting and Adjustments to Vessel Reporting Requirements 0648-AR49 563 Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Announcement of the 2004 Groundfish Fishery 0648-AR54 Specifications and Management Measures................................................ 564 Annual Specifications for the Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery for Fishing Year 2004......... 0648-AR58 565 Framework 4 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery.................. 0648-AR62 566 January-February 2004 Management Measures for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery.... 0648-AR68 567 Technical Amendment To Update and Correct OMB Control Numbers and Regulatory Citations 0648-AR71 for NMFS Information Collection Requirements.......................................... 568 Amendment 17 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and 0648-AR74 Tanner Crabs.......................................................................... 569 Reinstatement of the Vessel Permit Requirements for the Tilefish Fishery as 0648-AR75 Established Under the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan................................ 570 Rule To Implement Electronic Reporting Requirements for Seafood Dealers in the 0648-AR79 Northeast............................................................................. 571 Announcement of Development of and Establishment of Control Date for Trawl Individual 0648-AR82 Quota Program in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Limited Entry Trawl Fishery............. 572 Conserve Sea Turtles in the Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries......................... 0648-AR84 573 Target Total Allowable Catch Levels (TACs), Trip Limits and Days-at-Sea (DAS) 0648-AR89 Allocations for the Monkfish Fishery for the 2004 Fishing Year........................ 574 Commercial Penaeid Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic; Establishment of New Control 0648-AR91 Date.................................................................................. 575 Emergency Rule To Implement Management Measures for the 2004 Atlantic Sea Scallop 0648-AR92 Fishing Year.......................................................................... 576 2004 Halibut Management Measures...................................................... 0648-AR95 577 Request for Research Proposals Supported Under a Research Set-Aside Program........... 0648-AR98 578 Listing Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Designating Critical Habitat; 12-Month 0648-AP94 Finding............................................................................... 579 Taking of Threatened or Endangered Species Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations 0648-AQ13 580 Joint Counterpart Regulations With FS, BLM, BIA, FWS, NPS, and NOAA Fisheries Under 0648-AR05 Section 7 of the ESA.................................................................. 581 Alaska Transient Killer Whales (AT1 Group) Designated as Depleted..................... 0648-AR14 582 Implement a Prohibition on Shallow Style Longline Sets................................ 0648-AR53 583 Protect Endangered and Threatened Sea Turtles; Restrictions to Virginia Pound Net 0648-AR69 Fishery............................................................................... 584 Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle and Test Flight Activities....... 0648-AR70 585 Authorization for Commercial Fisheries; Correction.................................... 0648-AR94 586 Certification of the Use of Long-Flap Double-Cover Flap TED in the Southeast United 0648-AS02 States Under Sea Turtle Conservation Regulations...................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 587 Changes in Trademark Rules of Practice in Inter Partes Proceedings Before the 0651-AB56 Trademark Trial and Appeal Board...................................................... 588 Fast Track Examination................................................................ 0651-AB62 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 589 Rules of Practice Before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences................ 0651-AB32 [[Page 37274]] 590 Changes To Support Implementation of the United States Patent and Trademark Office 0651-AB64 21st Century Strategic Plan........................................................... 591 Changes in Requirements for Amendment and Correction of Trademark Registrations....... 0651-AB67 592 Revision of Patent and Trademark Fees for Fiscal Year 2005............................ 0651-AB70 593 Elimination of Credit Cards as Payment for Replenishing Deposit Accounts.............. 0651-AB74 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 594 Changes To Implement Patent-Related Provisions of the United States Patent and 0651-AB54 Trademark Fee Modernization Act of 2003............................................... 595 Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark 0651-AB55 Office................................................................................ 596 Revision of United States Patent and Trademark Office Practice for Handling Patent 0651-AB69 Applications Filed Without the Appropriate Fees....................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 597 Processing Fee for Use of Paper Forms for Submission of Applications for Registration 0651-AB52 and Other Documents................................................................... 598 Changes To Implement the 2002 Inter Partes Reexamination and Other Technical 0651-AB57 Amendments to the Patent Statute...................................................... 599 Revision of Search and Preliminary Examination Fees for International Applications.... 0651-AB61 600 Changes Related to Assignments of Patents and Trademarks.............................. 0651-AB63 601 Revision of Patent Term Extension and Patent Term Adjustment Provisions Related to 0651-AB71 Decisions by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences............................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Technology Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 602 Licensing of Government-Owned Inventions.............................................. 0692-AA19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Technology Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 603 Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under 0692-AA14 Government Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.............................. 604 Acquisition and Protection of Foreign Rights in Inventions............................ 0692-AA15 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Technology Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 605 Amendment to Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business 0692-AA18 Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37275]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) _______________________________________________________________________ 290. BE-80, BENCHMARK SURVEY OF FINANCIAL SERVICES TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN U.S. FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVIDERS AND UNAFFILIATED FOREIGN PERSONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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, 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 291. BENCHMARK SURVEY OF U.S. DIRECT INVESTMENT ABROAD - 2004 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 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 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 Final Action Effective 01/00/05 Final Action 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, 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 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) _______________________________________________________________________ 292. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SURVEYS: BE-9, QUARTERLY SURVEY OF FOREIGN AIRLINE OPERATORS' REVENUES AND EXPENSES IN THE UNITED STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend 15 CFR part 801 to institute a new survey, BE-9, International Services Surveys: BE-9, Quarterly Survey of Foreign Airline Operators' Revenues and Expenses in the United States, to be conducted by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), U.S. Department of Commerce. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/17/03 68 FR 59750 NPRM Comment Period End 12/16/03 Final Action 07/00/04 Final Action Effective 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Edward Dozier, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, HCHB Room 4868A, 14th & Pennsyslvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9559 Email: edward.dozier@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA55 [[Page 37276]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) _______________________________________________________________________ 293. 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 15 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 12/05/03 68 FR 67939 Final Action Effective 01/05/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA48 _______________________________________________________________________ 294. QUARTERLY SURVEYS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN SERVICES BETWEEN U.S. AND FOREIGN PERSONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend existing rule 15 CFR 801.9 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/27/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov Related RIN: Related to 0691-AA50, Related to 0691-AA53, Related to 0691-AA54, Related to 0691-AA55 RIN: 0691-AA49 _______________________________________________________________________ 295. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SURVEYS: BE-85, QUARTERLY SURVEY OF FINANCIAL SERVICES TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN U.S. FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVIDERS AND UNAFFILIATED FOREIGN PERSONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 Persons. 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 12/06/03 68 FR 69955 Final Action Effective 01/15/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA50 _______________________________________________________________________ 296. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SURVEYS: BE-45, QUARTERLY SURVEY OF INSURANCE TRANSACTIONS BY U.S. INSURANCE COMPANIES WITH FOREIGN PERSONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 [[Page 37277]] 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 Surveysof Selected Services Transactions with Unaffiliated Foreign Persons (Forms BE-20 and BE-22). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/23/03 68 FR 55202 NPRM Comment Period End 11/24/03 Final Action 12/31/03 68 FR 75408 Final Action Effective 01/30/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA53 _______________________________________________________________________ 297. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SURVEYS: BE-25, QUARTERLY SURVEY OF TRANSACTIONS WITH UNAFFILIATED FOREIGN PERSONS IN SELECTED SERVICES AND IN INTANGIBLE ASSETS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 forIntangible 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 12/31/03 68 FR 75410 Final Action Effective 01/30/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA54 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 298. FULL MANDATORY AUTOMATED EXPORT SYSTEM (AES) FILING FOR EXPORT SHIPMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-228, sec 1404 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of the Census is amending the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations to require mandatory filing through the Automated Export System (AES) of all export information, 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 NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined 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, 4700 Silver Hill Road, FB-3, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 763-2238 Fax: 301 457-3765 Email: ruth.d.mangaroo@census.gov Related RIN: Merged with 0607-AA29, Merged with 0607-AA31, Merged with 0648-AA30 RIN: 0607-AA38 [[Page 37278]] _______________________________________________________________________ 299. AMENDMENTS TO AGE SEARCH FEE STRUCTURE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 13 USC 3; 13 USC 8 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 50.5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) amends its regulations to increase the fee for an age search from $40 to $65. This change is being made to recover the increase in cost to process due to increased operating costs. The Census Bureau also adds an additional charge of $20 per case for expedited requests requiring search results within one day. This fee for expedited requests recovers only the cost associated with this service. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Eileen Little, Chief, Survey Processing Branch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, National Processing Center, 1201 East 10th Street, Building 64C, Jeffersonville, IN 47132 Phone: 812 218-3796 Fax: 812-218-3081 Email: eileen.s.little@census.gov RIN: 0607-AA41 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 300. 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 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Robert La Macchia, Chief, Geography Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Stop 7400, Washington Plaza, Room 651, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 763-1022 RIN: 0607-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 301. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 2010 CENSUS REDISTRICTING PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 13 USC 141(c) CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action announces the establishment of the 2010 Census Redistricting Data Program. Required by law, the program provides States with the opportunity to specify the small geographic areas that they wish to receive 2010 decennial census population totals for the purpose of reapportionment and redistricting. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Catherine C. McCully, Chief of the Census Redistricting Data Office, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Federal Building 3, Room 3631, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 763-4039 RIN: 0607-AA42 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 302. ANNUAL TRADE SURVEY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 13 USC 182; 13 USC 224; 13 USC 225 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The 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 [[Page 37279]] Product accounts and its annual input-output tables. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/15/03 68 FR 53959 NPRM Comment Period End 10/15/03 Final Action 01/30/04 69 FR 4487 Final Action Effective 01/30/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: 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) Proposed Rule Stage Economic Development Administration (EDA) _______________________________________________________________________ 303. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 Final Action 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined 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 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions General Administration (ADMIN) _______________________________________________________________________ 304. FEDERAL POLICY FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS, TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 42 USC 300v-1(b) CFR Citation: 15 CFR 27 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Commerce amends its regulations concerning the Protection of Human Subjects to change all references to the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR) to the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) and revise the footnote found at the end of section 45 CFR 46.101(i) by deleting references to research involving fetuses, pregnant women, or human in vitro fertilization and subpart B of 45 CFR part 46. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tricia Choe, Attorney Advisor, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4265 Fax: 202 482-0512 Email: tchoe@doc.gov RIN: 0605-AA17 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 305. 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 [[Page 37280]] 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 11/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 306. 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 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 335; 15 CFR 340 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 To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Sergio Botero Phone: 202 482-4058 Fax: 202 482-0667 RIN: 0625-AA58 _______________________________________________________________________ 307. COMMERCIAL AVAILABILITY OF FABRIC AND YARN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 345 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Janet Heinzen Phone: 202 482-4006 RIN: 0625-AA59 _______________________________________________________________________ 308. STEEL IMPORT LICENSING AND SURGE MONITORING Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 10 USC 2253 CFR Citation: 19 CFR 360 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Commerce would amend its regulations to enhance the steel licensing and surge monitoring system. The Department is seeking to improve the system in order to provide the public with accurate and timely information on imports of certain steel products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Julie Al-Saadawi, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th & Constitution Ave., NW, Room 3713, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-1930 RIN: 0625-AA64 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 309. CHANGES IN THE INSULAR POSSESSIONS WATCH, WATCH MOVEMENT, AND JEWELRY PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 97-446 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 303 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Departments amend 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). This amends ITA regulations, due to changes in the industry, by updating the watch assembly requirements for purposes of the duty refund. We also amend 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 10/01/03 68 FR 6555 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Faye Robinson, Acting Director, Statutory Import Programs Staff, Department of Commerce, International Trade [[Page 37281]] Administration, FCB Suite 4100W, 14th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3526 RIN: 0625-AA63 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Prerule Stage Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 310. LICENSE EXCEPTION APR FOR REEXPORTS TO, FROM, AND AMONG COUNTRIES IN COUNTRY GROUP A:1 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; PL 106-387; EO 13026; EO 13222; 67 FR 53721 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This notice will seek public comments on the potential impact of proposals to amend the Export Administration Regulations to clarify the scope of items for which License Exception APR is available and, possibly, to narrow the scope of this license exception. The transactions that such an amendment could affect are all described in 15 CFR 740.16(a) and (b). These paragraphs deal with transactions to, from, and among countries in Country Group A:1 and cooperating countries as defined in 15 CFR part 740, supp. no. 1. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/00/04 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-AC69 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 311. CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. 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: This 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 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 312. SHORT SUPPLY CONTROLS: CRUDE OIL EXPORTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 10 USC 7420, 7430(e); 30 USC 185(s), 185(u); 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 750; 15 CFR 754 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security is amending the short supply provisions of the Export Administration Regulations to revise the restrictions on exports of crude oil. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC25 _______________________________________________________________________ 313. 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 [[Page 37282]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule revises the existing license exemption in the Export Administration Regulations for the export of missile technology controlled items to Canada. It implements recommendations contained in the General Accounting Office report entitled Export Controls: Regulatory Change Needed to Comply with Missile Technology Licensing Requirements (GA-01-530). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/20/01 66 FR 65666 NPRM 07/00/04 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. NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC48 _______________________________________________________________________ 314. KNOWLEDGE DEFINITION, SAFE HARBOR, RED FLAGS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app. 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; EO 12938; EO 13020; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 764; 15 CFR 772 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule revises the knowledge definition in the Export Administration Regulations to incorporate a ``reasonable person'' standard and replaces the phrase ``high probability'' with the phrase ``more likely than not.'' It also updates the ``red flags'' guidance and would provide a safe harbor from liability arising from knowledge under that definition. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined 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-AC94 _______________________________________________________________________ 315. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: REMOVAL OF COUNTRY GROUPS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 724; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 570; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 758; 15 CFR 770; 15 CFR 772; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action removes the country groups from supplement No. 1 to part 740 of the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR part 740, Supp. No. 1) and replaces references to the country groups with references to the country chart found at Supplement No. 1 to part 738 of the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR part 738, Supp. No. 1). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD09 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 316. EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TO SUDAN 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 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 774 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 07/00/04 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 [[Page 37283]] _______________________________________________________________________ 317. 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 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-AC20 _______________________________________________________________________ 318. LICENSE EXCEPTION AVS: CUBA, LIBYA, AND SERBIA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by allowing equipment, spares, and plane stores under the provisions of License Exception AVS on foreign-registered aircraft subject to the EAR that are temporarily reexported to Libya and Serbia, and on U.S.- or foreign-registered aircraft subject to the EAR that are temporarily exported or reexported to Cuba. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC33 _______________________________________________________________________ 319. 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 whendealing with such parties in transactions that are subject to the Export Administration Regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 320. 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 [[Page 37284]] 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 12/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 321. 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 07/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 322. EXPORT AND REEXPORT CONTROLS ON IRAQ Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 287; 22 USC 3201; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 2139; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC 466; 50 USC app 5; PL 106- 387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 750; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 758; 15 CFR 762; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule establishes the new export control policy for exports to Iraq under the licensing responsibility of the Bureau of Industry and Security. The new export control policy reflects the changed circumstances in Iraq and is consistent with changes in U.S. legal authorities concerning Iraq and actions taken by the United Nations Security Council with respect to the embargo against Iraq. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 12/00/04 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-AC84 _______________________________________________________________________ 323. CLARIFICATION OF EXPORT CONTROLS ON PARTS FOR MILITARY VEHICLES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app. 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 287; 22 USC 3201; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 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 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 [[Page 37285]] 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 12/00/04 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 Related RIN: Split from 0694-AC64 RIN: 0694-AC91 _______________________________________________________________________ 324. REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: MISSILE TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES CONTROLLED UNDER ECCNS 9B115 AND 9B116 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Commerce Control List (CCL) (Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of the EAR) to clarify and correct the scope of controls for production equipment and facilities for MT items in ECCNs 9B115 and 9B116. Specifically, because the MTCR Annex does not list production equipment for space launch vehicles or sounding rockets, this rule revises 9B115 to remove production equipment described in ECCN 9A004, the ECCN describing MT controls on space launch vehicles, and ECCN 9A104, the ECCN describing MT controls on sounding rockets. The MTCR Annex does list production facilities for space launch vehicles; however, because 9A004 includes ``spacecraft'' that are not controlled for MT reasons, the scope of control for production facilities described by ECCN 9B116 is too broad. Therefore, this rule amends ECCN 9B116 to specify that only production facilities for space launch vehicles described in ECCN 9A004 are subject to MT control. In addition, the headings of ECCNs 9B115 and 9B116 are revised to include production equipment and production facilities, respectively, for components, systems and structures for launch vehicles, launch vehicle propulsion systems or ``spacecraft'' described in ECCN 9A010. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3451 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: jlynch@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC93 _______________________________________________________________________ 325. TERMINATION OF CERTAIN EMERGENCIES WITH RESPECT TO YUGOSLAVIA AND RELATED REMOVAL OF RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSACTIONS WITH PERSONS IDENTIFIED BY THE BRACKETED INITIALS [FRYM] UNDER THE EXPORT ADMIN. REGS. Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app. 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 12947; EO 13026; EO 13099; EO 13222; EO 13224 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The President issued Executive Order 13304, effective on May 29, 2003, that, among other actions, terminated certain emergencies with respect to Yugoslavia that were declared in 1992 and 1998. Executive Order 13304's termination of the 1998 emergency removed most controls on certain persons identified by the bracketed initials [FRYM] on the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Department of the Treasury in 31 CFR chapter V. In this rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security removes from its regulations the restrictions on exports and reexports to persons identified by the bracketed initials [FRYM] on the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 12/00/04 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-AC98 _______________________________________________________________________ 326. MICROPROCESSOR TECHNOLOGY ELIGIBLE FOR EXPORT OR REEXPORT UNDER LICENSE EXCEPTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 10 USC 7429; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is expanding the availability of license exceptions for exports and reexports of microprocessor technology on the Commerce Control List (CCL) of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under Export Classification Control Number (ECCN) 3E002. This ECCN controls technology that can be used for the development and production of microprocessors. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/24/03 68 FR 60891 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: On October 24, 2003, BIS published a proposed rule [[Page 37286]] with request for comments (68 FR 60891), proposing the revisions that are reflected in this final rule. It requested information from industry to assist BIS in evaluating microprocessor technology controlled under ECCN 3E002, as well as computer technology and software controls. BIS received eleven comments in response to the request. URL For Public Comments: efoia.bis.doc.gov/pubcomm/computer%20tech%20and%20software/final.pdf Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Split from 0694-AC95 RIN: 0694-AD02 _______________________________________________________________________ 327. EXPANSION OF AVAILABILITY OF LICENSE EXCEPTION CIV FOR CERTAIN DEEMED EXPORTS OF MICROPROCESSOR TECHNOLOGY; AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ``FOREIGN NATIONAL REVIEW'' SUPPORT STATEMENT FOR DEEMED EXPORTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 18 USC 2510; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is expanding the availability of License Exception CIV for certain deemed exports of microprocessor technology on the Commerce Control List (CCL) of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under Export Classification Control Numbers (ECCN) 3E001 and 3E002. These ECCNs control technology that can be used for the development and production of microprocessors. The proposed rule published on October 24, 2003 included the export and reexport of generalpurpose microprocessor technology under License Exception CIV. Eligibility for License Exception CIV in the final rule is limited to deemed exports for certain microprocessor technology. BIS has determined that further liberalization of controls on exports of microprocessor technology must await agreement in the Wassenaar Arrangement. This rule also establishes a new ``Foreign National Review'' (FNR) Support Statement requirement for deemed exports of technology in the EAR, incorporating guidance that has been posted on BIS's Web site. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/24/03 68 FR 60891 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For Public Comments: efoia.bis.doc.gov/pubcomm/computer%20tech%20and%20software/final.pdf Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Split from 0694-AC95 RIN: 0694-AD04 _______________________________________________________________________ 328. REVISION OF LICENSEES' RESPONSIBILITY TO COMMUNICATE LICENSE CONDITIONS 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: 15 CFR 750 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule revises section 750.1 of the Export Administration Regulations to require licensees to communicate in writing specific license conditions to the parties to whom they apply. This is done in accordance with the General Accounting Office's (GAO) post-shipment verification recommendations to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) (found in GAO-04-357). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3451 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: jlynch@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD05 _______________________________________________________________________ 329. ADDITION OF SYSTEMS, INCLUDING CAMERAS, INCORPORATING NON-SPACE QUALIFIED INFRARED AMORPHOUS SILICON FOCAL PLANE ARRAYS, AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE, TO THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s) and 185(u); 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app 466c; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule imposes unilateral ``National Security'' (NS) and ``Anti-Terrorism'' (AT) controls on the export and reexport of (1) systems, including cameras, incorporating non-space qualified amorphous silicon focal plane arrays, (2) software related to the production and development of these systems, and (3) technology related to the production and development of these systems and software. This rule places these items, previously classified as EAR99, on the Commerce Control List. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3451 [[Page 37287]] Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: jlynch@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD06 _______________________________________________________________________ 330. CLARIFICATION OF ``SPACE-QUALIFIED'' PARTS, COMPONENTS, AND TECHNOLOGY SUBJECT TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s) and 185(u); 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app 466c; 50 USC app 5; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Commerce Control List entry for space launch vehicles and ``spacecraft'' to remove outdated notes and to clarify that ``space qualified'' parts, components and technology subject to the EAR are controlled under other entries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3451 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: jlynch@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD07 _______________________________________________________________________ 331. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 734; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 746 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule removes outdated notes from, and makes editorial corrections and clarifications to 15 CFR parts 732, 734, 736, 742, and 746. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3451 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: jlynch@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD08 _______________________________________________________________________ 332. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE CONTROL OF NON-LISTED DUAL-USE 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; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 12947; EO 13026; EO 13099; EO 13222; EO 13224 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 748 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule imposes a license requirement for the export or reexport of all items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to a destination subject to a binding United Nations Security Council arms embargo, or to a destination subject to a regional arms embargo either binding on the United States or to which the United States has voluntarily consented to adhere, when the exporter or reexporter has knowledge at the time of export or reexport, or is informed by the Bureau of Industry and Security, that the items are or may be intended, entirely or in part, for a military end-use. This rule also revises the definition for ``military end-use'' for Iraq under the EAR by making it the same as the definition that is used for the implementation of this Wassenaar statement of understanding in this rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD10 _______________________________________________________________________ 333. REVISIONS TO EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS AS A RESULT OF MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION OF NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s) and 185(u); 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app. 466c; 50 USC app 5; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 772; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule revises the Export Administration Regulations to eliminate certain license requirements for exports and reexports to Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia because of their recent accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, [[Page 37288]] 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD11 _______________________________________________________________________ 334. ENTITY LIST: REMOVAL OF FOUR RUSSIAN ENTITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 12947; EO 13026; EO 13099; EO 13222; EO 13224 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements a determination made pursuant to section 6 of Executive Order 12938 of November 14, 1994, as amended by Executive Order 13094 of July 28, 1998, to remove nonproliferation measures that have been imposed on four Russian entities, their subunits, and successors. The rule removes these entities from the Entity List found at 15 CFR 744, Supp. No. 4. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD12 _______________________________________________________________________ 335. INDIA: REMOVAL OF INDIAN ENTITY AND REVISION IN LICENSE REVIEW POLICY FOR CERTAIN INDIAN ENTITIES AND A CLARIFICATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule removes the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Headquarters in Bangalore from the Department of Commerce Entity List contained in Supplement No. 4 to Part 744 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). It removes the license requirement for the seven (7) ISRO subsidiaries listed on the Entity List for all items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) having a classification of EAR99 or a classification where the third through fifth digits of the Export Commodity Classification Number (ECCN) are ``999'', e.g., XX999. It establishes a presumption of approval for all items not controlled for nuclear proliferation reasons going to the ``balance of plant'' portion of Indian nuclear facilities subject to International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards (Rajasthan 1 & 2 and Tarapur 1 & 2). ``Balance of plant'' refers to the part of a nuclear power plant used for power generation (e.g., turbines, controllers, or power distribution) to distinguish it from the nuclear reactor. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD13 _______________________________________________________________________ 336. AMENDMENTS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS (EAR) IMPLEMENTING THE ``CATCH-ALL'' PROVISIONS IN THE AUSTRALIA GROUP (AG) ``GUIDELINES FOR TRANSFERS OF SENSITIVE CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL ITEMS'' Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 22 USC 3201; 42 USC 2139a ; PL 106-387; PL 107-56 ; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 12947; EO 13026; EO 13099; EO 13222; EO 13224 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends the ``end-user/end-use'' controls in section 744.4(a) of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to conform with the country scope of the ``catch-all'' provisions in the Australia Group's ``Guidelines for Transfers of Sensitive Chemical or Biological Items.'' Currently, section 744.4(a) of the EAR requires a license only to countries of concern for chemical and/or biological weapons reasons (i.e., Country Group D:3 in Supplement No. 1 to Part 740 of the EAR). This final rule would amend section 744.4(a) of the EAR by expanding the number of countries subject to this EAR ``end- user/end-use'' license requirement to include all destinations, worldwide, including the countries identified in Country Group A:3 (i.e., the AG-participating countries). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD15 _______________________________________________________________________ 337. REVISION OF EXPORT CONTROL CLASSIFICATION NUMBER (ECCN) 2B351 TO CONFORM WITH THE AUSTRALIA GROUP (AG) ``CONTROL LIST OF DUAL-USE CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY'' Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s) and 185(u); [[Page 37289]] 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 revises Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 2B351 on the Commerce Control List (CCL) (Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of the EAR) to conform with the Australia Group (AG) ``Control List of Dual-Use Chemical Manufacturing Facilities and Equipment and Related Technology.'' 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: 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-AD16 _______________________________________________________________________ 338. REVISION OF EXPORT AND REEXPORT RESTRICTIONS ON CUBA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 6004; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12854; EO 12918; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 746 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule narrows the scope of items the may be included in gift parcels exported to Cuba under License Exception Gift and Humanitarian Donations (GFT). Prior to publication of this rule only commodities listed on the CCL with a reason for control based on one or more multilateral export control regimes (i.e., the Wassenaar Arrangement (reason for control: National Security - NS); the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (reason for control: Nuclear Nonproliferation - NP); the Australia Group (reasons forcontrol: Chemical and Biological Weapons - CB); and the Missile Technology Control Regime (reason for control: Missile Technology - MT) were ineligible for gift parcels to Cuba. This rule makes all items listed in any specific entry on the CCL ineligible. This rule also narrows the list of eligible commodities that can be included in gift parcels from 14 categories to five. The eligible categories are: food; vitamins; medical supplies and devices; receive- only radio equipment for reception of commercial/civil AM/FM and short wave publicly available frequency bands; and batteries for such equipment. This rule makes seeds, vitamins, hospital supplies and equipment, equipment for the handicapped, clothing, personal hygiene items, veterinary medicines and supplies, fishing equipment and supplies, and soap-making equipment ineligible for gift parcels to Cuba. The rule lowers the allowed value of the non-food items in each parcel from $200 to $100, and limits the delivery of such parcels to once per month per household, instead of once per month per individual recipient. Parcels are now prohibited to any household that includes a senior-level Cuban government official or senior-level communist party official. 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: 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-AD17 _______________________________________________________________________ 339. EXPANSION OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE ELIGIBLE FOR EXPORT OR REEXPORT UNDER LICENSE EXCEPTION CTP; AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ``FOREIGN NATIONAL REVIEW'' PROCEDURE UNDER LICENSE EXCEPTION CTP Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 10 USC 7420; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; 30 USC 185; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule expands the availability of license exceptions for exports and reexports of computer technology and software under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), as set forth in a proposed rule published on October 24, 2003. In addition, this final rule clarifies certain provisions of License Exception CTP. This rule also establishes a new ``Foreign National Review (FNR)'' procedure for deemed exports of technology or source code software under License Exception CTP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/24/03 68 FR 60891 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For Public Comments: efoia.bis.doc.gov/pubcomm/computer%20tech%20and%20software/final.pdf Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Related to 0694-AC95 RIN: 0694-AD18 _______________________________________________________________________ 340. ENCRYPTION EXPORT AND REEXPORT CONTROLS 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; PL 106-387; PL [[Page 37290]] 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 12947; EO 13026; EO 13099; EO 13222; EO 13224 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 734; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 772 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action removes the requirements for a separate case-by- case, U.S. Government review of some encryption items to determine whether foreign-made items incorporating them are eligible for de minimis treatment. Foreign-made items incorporating those encryption items will now be treated like other U.S. origin items in determining de minimis eligibility. This rule reduces the notification requirements for exports and reexports of certain ``publicly available'' items that have been posted to the Internet by removing the requirement to notify the U.S. Government of updates or modifications if the Internet location has not changed. This rule simplifies License Exception ENC review requirements for exports and reexports of eligible encryption items, by implementing a 30-day limit on most encryption reviews and by clarifying the criteria by which licensing requirements to certain ``government end-users'' is determined. In connection with this new 30- day limit, this rule authorizes BIS to require additional technical information about a reviewed item after the review is completed and, if the information is not furnished, to suspend or revoke authorization to use License Exception ENC with respect to the item for which the information is sought. This rule also expands the list of countries to which certain encryption items may be sent immediately after notification to the U.S. Government. The list now covers all current members of the European Union. This rule updates and clarifies several encryption review requirements by revising License Exception ENC, Supplement No. 3 to part 740 and the definition of the term ``hold without action'' in the Export Administration Regulations. This rule also makes some technical changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/00/04 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-AD19 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 341. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 342. 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 Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ 343. EXPANSION OF LICENSE EXCEPTION GOV; EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ 344. 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 Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC17 _______________________________________________________________________ 345. 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 [[Page 37291]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC23 _______________________________________________________________________ 346. 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 Small Entities Affected: 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 347. CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION: REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 700 to 799 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC35 _______________________________________________________________________ 348. REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS: REMOVAL OF THE LIST OF MISSILE PROJECTS FROM CERTAIN COUNTRY GROUPS AND REVISIONS TO MISSILE CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC46 _______________________________________________________________________ 349. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 350. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 351. IMPOSITION OF FOREIGN POLICY CONTROLS ON SURREPTITIOUS COMMUNICATIONS INTERCEPTING DEVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 752; . . . Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman Phone: 202 482-5347 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Related to 0694-AB41 RIN: 0694-AC82 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 352. ADMINISTRATION OF STATE LOG EXPORTS BAN Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 43 USC 1354; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 46 USC 466(c); EO 12924; Notice of August 3, 2000 (65 FR 48347, August 8, 2000); 30 USC 185; 42 USC 6212; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 50 USC 1710 et seq CFR Citation: 15 CFR 754 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 1, 1998, Title 6 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1998 (PL 105-03). Abstract: The rule will provide the Department of Commerce's regulations implementing the ban on the export of unprocessed timber originating from non-Federal public lands in 17 western States, pursuant to the Forest Resource [[Page 37292]] Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990, as amended (FRCSRA). This rule defines the actions the Department will take to implement the State log export ban. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 06/07/95 60 FR 30030 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/07/95 Withdrawn 05/05/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State 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-AB25 _______________________________________________________________________ 353. 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 02/06/04 69 FR 5686 Final Action Effective 02/06/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 354. CRIME CONTROL ITEMS: REVISIONS TO THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. 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 by expanding controls on restraint devices, such as handcuffs, and on discharge type arms, such as stun guns or shock batons. In addition, this rule modifies the license review policy to include consideration of whether there is civil disorder in the country or region or whether there is evidence that the government of the importing country may have violated internationally recognized human rights. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/13/00 65 FR 55177 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-AC31 _______________________________________________________________________ 355. 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 Effective 03/30/04 Final Action 04/06/04 69 FR 17926 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 [[Page 37293]] _______________________________________________________________________ 356. COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE ELIGIBLE FOR EXPORT OR REEXPORT UNDER LICENSE EXCEPTION TSR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; PL 106- 387; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is reviewing the current limit for use of License Exception TSR for exports and reexports of technology and software on the Commerce Control List (CCL) of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under Export Classification Control Numbers (ECCNs) 4D001 and 4E001. These ECCNs control technology and software that can be used for the development, production, or use of computers. The goal of this notice is to collect information from industry that will assist BIS in evaluating whether the current TSR eligibility level of 33,000 Millions of Theoretical Operations per Second (MTOPS) for exports and reexports to most countries should be adjusted, taking into consideration the control level for the export of computer equipment and the control policies of other member countries of the Wassenaar Arrangement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 06/10/02 67 FR 39675 Withdrawn 05/10/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Related to 0694-AD04, Related to 0694-AD18 RIN: 0694-AC63 _______________________________________________________________________ 357. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EXPORT LICENSE JURISDICTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq 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 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 05/06/04 69 FR 25312 Final Action Effective 05/06/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 358. 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 09/18/03 68 FR 54655 Final Action Effective 09/18/03 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. NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC76 _______________________________________________________________________ 359. ADDITION OF EAST TIMOR, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES, AND ARUBA TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; 18 USC 2510; 10 USC 7420; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 738 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security is amending the Export Administration Regulations to add several names to the Country Chart to more accurately reflect the current export control policy for those destinations. Among the names being added are the Democratic Republic of East Timor, Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles. In addition, the name Zaire is being changed to Democratic Republic of the Congo and the name Congo is being changed to Republic of the Congo to accurately reflect the current names of these two countries. [[Page 37294]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/20/04 69 FR 21055 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. NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC77 _______________________________________________________________________ 360. 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. This rule makes 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 01/03/02 67 FR 458 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., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC85 _______________________________________________________________________ 361. LIFTING OF UN SANCTIONS AGAINST UNITA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 01/22/04 69 FR 3004 Final Action Effective 01/22/04 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-AC86 _______________________________________________________________________ 362. AMENDMENT TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: REVISION TO EXPORT CONTROL CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1C355 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 05/04/04 69 FR 24507 Final Action Effective 05/04/04 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. NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC87 [[Page 37295]] _______________________________________________________________________ 363. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS -- CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONTROLS: AUSTRALIA GROUP; CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION; CORRECTION 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 774 Supp. No. 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule corrects errors in the List of Items Controlled Sections of Export Control Classification Numbers 2E001 and 2E002 on the Commerce Control List and an error in the licensing policy provisions that apply to items on the Australia Group (AG) lists. The errors appeared in a rule published on June 10, 2003 (68 FR 34526) to implement the understandings reached at the June 2002 plenary meeting of the AG. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/01/03 68 FR 67030 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/01/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 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 Related RIN: Related to 0694-AC62 RIN: 0694-AC88 _______________________________________________________________________ 364. 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 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 05/05/04 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-AC89 _______________________________________________________________________ 365. 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 TechnologyList,`` which is published by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/22/03 68 FR 60288 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC90 _______________________________________________________________________ 366. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: PENALTY GUIDANCE IN THE SETTLEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT CASES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 764; 15 CFR 766 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule incorporates guidance in the EAR -- specifically, in a new Supplement No. 1 to part 766 -- on how the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) determines what penalty is appropriate for the settlement of an administrative enforcement case. This 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 guidance also [[Page 37296]] describes factors that BIS's Office of Export Enforcement typically considers in describing whether a violation should be addressed in a warning letter, rather than in an administrative enforcement case. The guidance does not apply to antiboycott matters arising under part 760 of the EAR. The rule also amends section 764.5(e) of the EAR 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 amends 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 amends 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 to settle 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 02/20/04 69 FR 78976 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 367. COMPUTER AND MICROPROCESSOR TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE ELIGIBLE FOR EXPORT OR REEXPORT UNDER LICENSE EXCEPTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) proposes to expand the availability of license exceptions for exports and reexports of computer and microprocessor technology and software on the Commerce Control List (CCL) of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under Export Classification Control Numbers (ECCNs) 3E002, 4D001 and 4E001. These ECCNs control technology and software that can be used for the development, production, or use of microprocessors and computers. The goal of this proposedrule is to solicit public comments to assist BIS in evaluating the effect of the proposed amendments. In addition, this proposed rule requests industry to suggest alternatives for a different method or parameter for controlling exports of computers and microprocessors, and the technology and software therefore. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/24/03 68 FR 60891 Split Into RINs 0694-AD04, 0694- AD18, and 0694-AD02 06/08/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Related to 0694-AD04, Related to 0694-AD18 RIN: 0694-AC95 _______________________________________________________________________ 368. IMPLEMENTATION OF AUSTRALIA GROUP 2003 DECISIONS ON ANIMAL PATHOGENS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app. 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s); 30 USC 185(u); 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app. 466c; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 745; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements the understandings reached at the June 2003 plenary meeting of the Australia Group (AG) by adding twelve new viruses and two new bacteria to the list of AG-controlled human and zoonotic pathogens and toxins described on the Commerce Control List (CCL). It also implements an AG intersessional decision by adding two new viruses to the list of AG-controlled animal pathogens described on the CCL. Finally, it adds Afghanistan, Cape Verde, Kyrgyzstan, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor Leste and Tonga to the list of countries that are States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/18/04 69 FR 12789 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC96 _______________________________________________________________________ 369. CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION REGULATIONS: ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF DECLARATIONS AND REPORTS UNDER THE WEB DATA ENTRY SYSTEM FOR INDUSTRY (WEB-DESI) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 22 USC 6701 et seq; EO 13128 [[Page 37297]] CFR Citation: 15 CFR 711 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule amends 15 CFR part 711 by adding a new section 711.7, which authorizes the electronic submission of declarations and reports required under the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR) to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). All such electronic submissions will be made through the newly created Web- Data Entry System for Industry (Web-DESI), which will be located on the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Web site, at www.cwc.gov. New section 711.7 describes the procedures that must be followed to request approval from BIS to submit declarations and reports electronically, including procedures for the assignment and use of identification numbers for declared facilities, plant sites, and trading companies and for the assignment and use of logins and passwords to allow individual users authorized by BIS to submit declarations and reports on behalf of declared facilities, plant sites, and trading companies. Finally, new section 711.7 describes how BIS will provide general instructions to authorized users on how to make electronic submissions to BIS using Web-DESI. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/16/04 69 FR 2501 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482 3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Split from 0694-AB06 RIN: 0694-AC97 _______________________________________________________________________ 370. GENERAL ORDER IMPLEMENTING SYRIA ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEBANESE SOVEREIGNTY ACT OF 2003 Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 2151; EO 12938; EO 13020; EO 13026; EO 13222; EO 13338 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 736 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security is amending the Export Administration Regulations by adding new General Order No. 2 to Supplement No. 1, part 736. General Order No. 2 implements section 5(a)(1) of the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act of 2003, which requires the President to prohibit the export of certain items to Syria. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/14/04 69 FR 26766 Final Action Effective 05/14/04 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-AC99 _______________________________________________________________________ 371. DECEMBER 2003 WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT PLENARY AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION: 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; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); . . . CFR Citation: 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 2003 meeting. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/29/04 69 FR 23598 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook, Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2096/MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD00 _______________________________________________________________________ 372. REVISIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS BASED ON THE 2003 MISSILE TECHNOLOGY CONTROL REGIME PLENARY AGREEMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; . . . CFR Citation: 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 2003 Plenary in Buenos Aires, Argentina. All revisions and [[Page 37298]] 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 05/04/04 69 FR 24508 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. NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD01 _______________________________________________________________________ 373. LICENSING JURISDICTION FOR QRS11 MICROMACHINED ANGULAR RATE SENSORS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13020; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 734; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to transfer, coincident with the State Department's written commodity jurisdiction determination of February 9, 2004, licensing jurisdiction for QRS11-00100-100/101 Micromachined Angular Rate Sensors from the Department of State to the Department of Commerce when those sensors are integrated into an instrument system (CSIS) of the type described in ECCN 7A994 or aircraft of the type described in ECCN 9A991 that incorporates a CSIS that has such a sensor integrated, or are exported solely for integration into such a system. This rule also excludes systems or aircraft integrating QRS11-00100-100/101 sensors from eligibility for the de minimis provisions of the EAR, and excludes the sensors from license exception eligibility. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/09/04 69 FR 5928 Final Action Effective 02/09/04 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-AD03 _______________________________________________________________________ 374. REVISION OF EXPORT AND REEXPORT RESTRICTIONS ON LIBYA Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s), 185(u); 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app 466c; 50 USC app 5; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 762; 15 CFR 772 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements the President's decision to revise United States sanctions against Libya. It also transfers licensing jurisdiction for exports to Libya of items subject to the EAR from the Department of Treasury to the Department of Commerce. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 04/29/04 69 FR 23626 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-AD14 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) _______________________________________________________________________ 375. 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), issues regulations pertaining to the implementation of the National Construction Safety Team Act (Act). The 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/28/03 68 FR 66703 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. James E. Hill, Acting Director, Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Mail Stop 8600, Building and Fire Research Laboratory, Gaithersburg, MD 20899- 8600 Phone: 301 975-5900 RIN: 0693-AB53 [[Page 37299]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Prerule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 376. RIGHT WHALE SHIP STRIKE REDUCTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 224 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These regulations are to implement a strategy to reduce the known mortalities to North Atlantic right whales as a result of collisions with vessels, which account for more confirmed right whale deaths than any other human-related activity. The strategy addresses the lack of recovery of the endangered North Atlantic right whale by reducing the likelihood and threat of ship strike mortalities to the species. NMFS has developed a framework of proposed, new operational measures for the shipping industry as an element of this strategy, including consideration of routing and speed restrictions. NMFS is proposing these operational measures limited to areas and times when North Atlantic right whales and ships overlap to reduce the likelihood of ship strikes to the extent practicable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 06/01/04 69 FR 30857 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/02/04 NPRM 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AS36 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 377. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period end. Abstract: The adjustment will establish eligibility criteria for new entry into the NWHIs Maui Zone limited access system and process for issuance of limited access permits under a community development program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes 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-AK82 _______________________________________________________________________ 378. AMENDMENT 12 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE CRUSTACEAN FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 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 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AL67 _______________________________________________________________________ 379. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 04/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 37300]] 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-AL78 _______________________________________________________________________ 380. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AM98 _______________________________________________________________________ 381. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 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 06/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AN09 _______________________________________________________________________ 382. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This amendment would prevent or mitigate and conserve, manage, and allow full utilization of sharks. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 383. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: In accordance with the FMP's framework procedure for regulatory adjustments, the Gulf Council requested that NMFS develop alternative data collection procedures and statistical tests to certify bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for use in the shrimp fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. The regulation would provide additional flexibility in sampling procedures to facilitate BRDs meeting the testing/certifying protocol's requirements while maintaining the scientific and statistical credibility in achieving the FMP's established bycatch reduction criterion for certified BRDs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 37301]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 384. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 reef fish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AP02 _______________________________________________________________________ 385. REVISION OF AMERICAN LOBSTER REGULATIONS FOR THE EEZ Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In accordance with the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act (Act), 16 USC 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 regulationsrelative 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 4-year lobster trap reduction schedule for LCMA 3, and a logbook requirement for LCMA 3 lobster vessels. Addendum III would further modify Addendum II's gauge increase schedule and include new management measures for the majority of the LCMAs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/24/01 66 FR 28726 ANPRM Comment Period End 06/25/01 ANPRM 09/05/02 67 FR 56800 ANPRM Comment Period End 10/07/02 NPRM 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, 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-AP18 _______________________________________________________________________ 386. 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, Final rule must be published 30 days after end of comment period on the proposed rule. Abstract: This regulatory amendment would implement the following Amendment 14 provisions: permit owners will be required to provide detailed ownership information to ensure that no person has ownership interest in or holds more than three permits; current permit owners who were not permit owners before November 1, 2000, will be required to be on board the vessel fishing against the sablefish cumulative limits associated with that vessel's permit(s); vessels landing sablefish against their primary seasonlimits 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 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 [[Page 37302]] Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AP38 _______________________________________________________________________ 387. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: NMFS amends its regulations to implement the Comprehensive Amendment Addressing the Sustainable Fisheries Act provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) in the fishery management plans (FMPs) of the U.S. Caribbean. Specifically, the amendment includes actions to define fishery management units and sub-units; specifies biological reference points and stock status determination criteria; regulates fishing mortality; rebuilds overfished fisheries; conservesand protects yellowfin grouper; and achieves the MSFCMA bycatch mandates. Also incorporated into this FMP amendment are alternatives to describe and identify essential fish habitat (EFH), and alternatives to address adverse effects of fishing on EFH. The intended effect of this action is to ensure the stewardship of living marine resources for the benefit of the nation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AP51 _______________________________________________________________________ 388. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of the NPRM comment period. 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: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AP60 _______________________________________________________________________ 389. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGULATORY CHANGES RESULTING FROM THE AMENDMENTS AND EXTENSION OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC TUNA ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would implement the regulatory changes resulting from the recently renegotiated Treaty on Fisheries between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America, as authorized under the South Pacific Tuna Act. These changes include the implementation of an electronic vessel monitoring system for U.S. purse seine vessels licensed to fish within the Treaty Area. The location information will be provided to the Forum Fisheries Agency, located in Honiara, Solomon Islands, as well as NOAA Fisheries. This rule would eliminate the prohibition of duly authorized U.S. longline vessels from fishing in the high seas areas within the Treaty Area. Additionally, it will impose minor modifications in the various reporting requirements, as well as modify the areas of fishing allowed in the exclusive economic zones of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Charles Karnella, Pacific Islands Area Office, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AP61 _______________________________________________________________________ 390. AMENDMENT 71A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action 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. It will also allow the CDQ groups to invest in non- fisheries projects. [[Page 37303]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AP67 _______________________________________________________________________ 391. 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 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 392. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ADJUST PERMIT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS AND TRANSFERABILITY RESTRICTIONS IN NWHI'S HOOMALU ZONE AND MAU LIMITED ACCESS PROGRAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This 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 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 Final Action 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Charles Karnella, Pacific Islands Area Office, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AQ20 _______________________________________________________________________ 393. 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 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 394. 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 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/17/03 Comment Period Extended 03/03/03 68 FR 9967 NPRM 07/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 395. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq [[Page 37304]] 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 ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ86 _______________________________________________________________________ 396. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement a limited access program and make other adjustments to the FMP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/05 Final Action 07/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ87 _______________________________________________________________________ 397. ADJUSTMENT OF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO CONSERVE SEA TURTLES IN THE 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 establish additional sea turtle conservation measures governing longline and non-longline vessels managed under the Pelagics FMP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 398. 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 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AQ92 _______________________________________________________________________ 399. 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 implement AFA single geographic location allowing AFA-qualified inshore floating processors the flexibility to relocate between reporting weeks rather than between fishing years for the purpose of processing targeted BSAI pollock. In addition, this rulemaking would address obsolete and inconsistent inshore/offshore language in both the BSAI and GOA groundfish FMPs and recommend removing the GOA inshore/ offshore allocation sunset date. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 400. 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 [[Page 37305]] 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 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 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-AR09 _______________________________________________________________________ 401. CATCHER VESSEL ELECTRONIC REPORT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS revises it regulations to allow the operator of a catcher vessel the option of using an NMFS-approved electronic version of the logbook in place of the paper logbook. Currently, paper daily fishing logbooks are required from catcher vessels greater than 60 feet in length overall. Requirements for completion and submittal of the logbooks exist in the regulations at 50 CFR part 679. Recent advances in technology have allowed catcher vessels to use an electronic version of the logbook to record the required information. The current regulations would be changed to reflect the different options available to catcher vessels when submitting data. The use of the electronic logbooks would not be required by NMFS at this time. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/04 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-AR30 _______________________________________________________________________ 402. AMENDMENT 13B TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER- GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 13B will: (1) redefine, as needed, the snapper- grouper fishery management unit (FMU) and FMU sub-units; (2) define biomass-based estimates of biological reference points and status determination criteria for all stocks/complexes that comprise the FMU; (3) establish rebuilding schedules based on biomass-based estimates of status determination criteria for all overfished stocks/complexes in the FMU; (4) 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 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 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AR38 _______________________________________________________________________ 403. FRAMEWORK 5 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: 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 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 404. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 FOR THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: 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: Undetermined [[Page 37306]] 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-AR51 _______________________________________________________________________ 405. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SURF CLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the surf clam and ocean quahog fisheries for fishing year 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 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-AR52 _______________________________________________________________________ 406. FRAMEWORK 16 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN AND FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 39 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: These frameworks would establish access program for scallopers in the groundfish closed areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 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-AR55 _______________________________________________________________________ 407. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the annual specifications for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fishery for fishing year 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 408. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ATLANTIC BLUEFISH FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 409. ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE DEEP-SEA RED CRAB FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would 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 [[Page 37307]] _______________________________________________________________________ 410. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); AMENDMENT 2 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC TUNAS, SWORDFISH, AND SHARKS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 5-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 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 411. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); AMENDMENT 2 TO THE ATLANTIC BILLFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 5-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 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 412. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AR63 _______________________________________________________________________ 413. AMENDMENT 8 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BOTTOMFISH FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 8 would add the exclusive economic zone off the U.S. Pacific Remote Island areas as bottomfish management areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 [[Page 37308]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AR65 _______________________________________________________________________ 414. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ADD AND REVISE CERTAIN SPECIES CODES IN 50 CFR 679 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would add or revise species codes to an existing collection. These changes are done in coordination with Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The species codes currently in use are presented in Table 2 to Part 679. Code 112, Pacific hake, would be added because fishermen in the EEZ off the coast of Alaska are now catching more of this fish species and need a way to document the weight. Code 702, Big Skate, would be added because State of Alaska and NMFS management need to identify the catch of this species specifically rather than in the miscellaneous code 700, General Skates. Code 932, Opilio Tanner Crab, would be renamed as Snow Tanner Crab because this revised name is more common among the fishing industry. These changes in the species codes are not controversial and are expected to be supported by all interested entities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 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-AR67 _______________________________________________________________________ 415. AMENDMENT 72 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH OF THE GULF OF ALASKA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would eliminate an existing requirement under the Improved Retention/Improved Utilization (IR/IU) program that groundfish fisheries retain shallow water flatfish in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action may relieve some harvesting and utilization restrictions on GOA groundfish harvesting and processing operations. It follows a parallel action taken in the BSAI to relieve those groundfish fisheries from requirements to retain all IR/IU flatfish species Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/04 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-AR72 _______________________________________________________________________ 416. CONSIDERATION OF REVISION TO ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT (EFH) GUIDELINES (50 CFR PART 600) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1855(b)(1)(A) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is evaluating whether to revise the essential fish habitat (EFH) guidelines promulgated through regulation in a January 17, 2002, final rule. The evaluation and potential revisions will address the ongoing public interest in EFH management, and NMFS' prior commitment to evaluate the efficacy of the EFH guidelines through an appropriate public process. The intended effect of the action is to ensure the EFH guidelines effectively implement the EFH provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens FisheryConservation and Management Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/11/03 68 FR 69070 ANPRM Comment Period End 01/26/04 Comment Period Extended 02/25/04 69 FR 8615 Comment Period End 04/26/04 NPRM 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rolland Schmitten, Director, Office of Habitat Conservation, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282 Phone: 301 713-2325 Fax: 301 713-1043 Email: rolland.schmitt@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AR76 _______________________________________________________________________ 417. AMENDMENT 48 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AND 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 amend the process by which harvest specifications would be set in future years. It would update descriptions of the fisheries by removing references to foreign fishing, revise the description of the harvest specifications process to provide for 18 months specifications for most target species and biennial harvest specifications for certain Gulf of Alaska species, revise the name of the BSAI [[Page 37309]] FMP to be consistent with the more concise title of the GOA FMP, and update plan team responsibilities in the harvest specifications process. Objectives for the revised process include managing the Alaska groundfish fisheries based on the best available scientific information and providing meaningful opportunity for useful public comment. 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: 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-AR77 _______________________________________________________________________ 418. REVISIONS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF EXEMPTED FISHING AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS amends the regulations at 50 CFR 600.745. The action is intended to provide clearer guidance to the public for obtaining appropriate acknowledgments and permits and to facilitate the timely conduct of research to address bycatch and habitat issues in the fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AR78 _______________________________________________________________________ 419. EXTEND THE MORATORIUM ON HARVESTING SEAMOUNT GROUNDFISH RESOURCES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 2004. Abstract: This regulatory action would continue the current moratorium on harvesting seamount groundfish from the Hancock Seamount in the NWHI for another 6 years, until August 31, 2010. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/05 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-AR85 _______________________________________________________________________ 420. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); 2004 BLUEFIN TUNA QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL CATEGORY EFFORT CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would set Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quotas and General category effort controls for the 2004 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 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AR86 _______________________________________________________________________ 421. HALIBUT SUBSISTENCE II Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300; 50 CFR 600; 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking amends the rule authorizing subsistence fishery for Pacific halibut in waters off Alaska. These regulations are necessary to address conservation concerns in densely populated areas. Existing subsistence halibut regulations fail to recognize distinctions between different geographic regions. Because of the variation between geographic regions, some of the regions require more narrowly tailored gear and harvest limitations. The purpose of this action is to amend the currentregulations authorizing a subsistence fishery for halibut in Convention waters off Alaska. The main goal of this action is to adjust gear and harvest restrictions for Alaska residents who practice subsistence fishing for halibut specific to their respective region. An additional goal is to implement specific mitigation measures for tribes and rural communities in areas where gear and harvest limitations may action is considered non-controversial because it moderately amends an existing rule. [[Page 37310]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 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-AR88 _______________________________________________________________________ 422. GEAR IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS ON BUOYS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would revise requirements for markings on buoys as described at 679.24(a) by removing the requirement to mark the vessel's name on all hook and line, longline pot, and pot and line marker buoys carried on board or used by any vessel regulated by 50 CFR part 679. The buoys could then be marked with either the vessel's Federal fisheries permit number or the vessel's ADF&G vessel registration number. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Final Action 01/00/05 Final Action Effective 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR90 _______________________________________________________________________ 423. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA FOR GUIDED RECREATIONAL CHARTER HALIBUT FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 1540 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would modify the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program by incorporating the guided recreational charter halibut fishery (Charter fishery) into the existing IFQ program for the fixed-gear commercial fishery (Commercial fishery) as defined by specific elements of the proposed action. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 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: 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-AR96 _______________________________________________________________________ 424. 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, The CPS fisheries regulations require that the annual specs for Pacific mackerel be published in the Federal Register before July 1, the start of the fishing year. Abstract: This action would set annual specifications for the Pacific mackerel pursuant to the Coastal Pelagic Species fisheries regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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-AR97 _______________________________________________________________________ 425. CDQ TRANSFER, ELIGIBLE VESSELS, AND FISHING PLAN REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would implement revisions to regulations governing the Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program. The revisions would simplify the process for making quota transfers, identifying eligible vessels, and obtaining approval of alternative fishing plans by removing some information requirements and by removing the requirement that applications for these actions be approved by the State of Alaska before being submitted to NMFS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 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-AS00 [[Page 37311]] _______________________________________________________________________ 426. 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 224 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement modifications of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP). The ALWTRP was developed pursuant to Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The commercial fishery requirements provided in this rule are intended to implement the additional requirements recommended by the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team and NMFS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AS01 _______________________________________________________________________ 427. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM (VMS) REQUIREMENT EFFECTIVE DATE FOR ATLANTIC SHARK FISHERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would establish the effective date for the requirement to have a NOAA-approved VMS unit installed and operating on certain directed shark vessels with gillnet or bottom longline gear on board. The VMS requirement, developed in a prior rulemaking, facilitates enforcement of previously implemented time/area closures. The implementation of the VMS requirement was delayed to allow the identification of acceptable VMS units. A VMS type approval notice is expected to be published in the ederal Register shortly Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/18/04 69 FR 28106 NPRM Comment Period End 07/02/04 Final Action 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AQ95 RIN: 0648-AS07 _______________________________________________________________________ 428. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC SHARK COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would adjust regional quota allocations for small and large coastal sharks managed under the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species. These measures are needed to ensure current management measures are consistent with the most current landings information. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AS08 _______________________________________________________________________ 429. FISH AND SEAFOOD PROMOTION ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Fish and Seafood Promotion Act CFR Citation: 50 CFR 270 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Fish and Seafood Act of 1986 was implemented in 1989. The regulations were removed during the 1990s. The regulations provide Secretarial oversight of any petition for seafood specific councils to be set up. All funds come from industry and are reimbursed to the Government for any activity other than salaries performed by a Government employee. The rule provides the mechanism for setting up a council, its charter and subsequent operations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gordon Helm, Deputy Director, Office of Constituent Affairs, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2379 RIN: 0648-AS09 _______________________________________________________________________ 430. REVISED DEFINITION OF ALASKA LOCAL TIME Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would revise the definition of ``Alaska local time.'' This action is being taken to address instances when a fishery occurs both in the Alaska time zone [[Page 37312]] and the Hawaii-Aleutian time zone. These instances cause confusion because different parts of the same management area would close at different times. 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: 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-AS11 _______________________________________________________________________ 431. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA DEPARTURE REPORT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would implement a requirement to submit a `revision' naming the new location at least 12 hours in advance of the offload, if making an Individual Fishing Quota landing at a location different than the location named on the IFQ Departure report. 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: 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-AS12 _______________________________________________________________________ 432. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO MODIFY SEVERAL FISHERY MANAGEMENT ELEMENTS OF THE CDQ PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would modify several fishery management elements of the CDQ Program, including: how to address which annual CDQ reserves should be allocated among CDQ groups; relaxing strict quota accountability standards; and determining a means to accommodate changes made in the annual specifications process to preexisting CDQ percentage allocations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AS13 _______________________________________________________________________ 433. AMENDMENT 81 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GROUNDFISH OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS MANAGEMENT AREA AND AMENDMENT 74 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 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: These Fishery Management Plan (FMP) amendments would revise the FMPs by revising the goals and objectives for management of the groundfish fisheries. The goals and objectives would provide for a new ecosystem-based management framework that would serve as the management policy for the groundfish fisheries into the future. There are no implementing regulations with these FMP amendments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 07/00/04 Comment Period End 08/00/04 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-AS14 _______________________________________________________________________ 434. AMENDMENT 13 TO FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO, U.S. WATERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is developing Amendment 13 to establish a permitting system for the royal red shrimp fishery that is complementary to the existing permit system for the penaeid shrimp fishery. In accordance with requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Amendment also will establish or revise stock status thresholds and targets including MSY, OY, as well as the ``overfished'' and ``overfishing'' definitions for the shrimp species in the management unit, and a bycatch reporting methodology. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 37313]] 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-AS15 _______________________________________________________________________ 435. AMENDMENT 6 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is developing Amendment 6 to refine and revise the management strategy for the various shrimp stocks. A permitting and reporting system will be established for the shrimp fishery of the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone. In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the amendment will revise or establish stock status thresholds and targets including MSY, OY, as well as the ``overfished'' and ``overfishing'' definitions for the shrimp species in the management unit. Additional actions will address bycatch reduction in the fisheries, as well as establish bycatch reporting requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AS16 _______________________________________________________________________ 436. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OPTIMUM YIELD AND HARVEST LIMIT FOR PACIFIC SARDINE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC. 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, January 1, 2005, The CPS fisheries regulations require that the annual specs for Pacific sardine be published in the FR before January 1, the start of the fishing year. Abstract: This action announces the annual harvest guideline for Pacific sardine in the exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast. The Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and its implementing regulations require NMFS to set an annual harvest guideline for Pacific sardine based on a formula in the FMP. The intended effect of this action is to establish allowable harvest levels for Pacific sardine off the Pacific coast and to minimize the impact on other coastal pelagic fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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-AS17 _______________________________________________________________________ 437. EASTERN PACIFIC TUNA CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 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 2004. 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 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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-AS18 _______________________________________________________________________ 438. AMENDMENT 23 TO THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN TO SET VERMILION SNAPPER SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES ACT TARGETS AND THRESHOLDS AND TO ESTABLISH A PLAN TO END OVERFISHING AND REBUILD THE STOCK Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In October 2003, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) issued a determination that the Gulf of Mexico vermilion snapper stock is overfished. The stock had been previously determined to be undergoing overfishing in November 1999. These determinations were based on vermilion snapper stock assessments conducted in 1999 and 2001. Once a stock has been determined to be overfished, the Magnuson- Stevens Act requires the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council within one year to submit a plan to NOAA Fisheries to end overfishing and rebuild the stock to a level capable of sustaining maximum sustainable yield on a [[Page 37314]] continuing basis. This rebuilding plan contains alternatives that would rebuild the stock in less than 10 years. Measures to reduce commercial and recreational fishing mortality so that the stock can rebuild include vermilion snapper size limits, bag limits, trip limits, quotas, and closed seasons. In addition, alternatives for establishing vermilion snapper biological reference points and status determination criteria are included in the plan. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AS19 _______________________________________________________________________ 439. ANNUAL RECREATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish the recreational specifications for fishing year 2005 for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/05 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-AS21 _______________________________________________________________________ 440. AMENDMENT 14 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management would revise the allocation of summer flounder quota. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 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-AS22 _______________________________________________________________________ 441. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2005 FISHING YEAR FOR THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement specifications for the 2005 fishing year (January 1, 2005-December 31, 2005) for the Atlantic Herring fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 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-AS23 _______________________________________________________________________ 442. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY FOR FISHING YEAR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery for fishing year 2005 (May 1, 2005-April 30, 2006). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 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-AS24 _______________________________________________________________________ 443. AMENDMENT 16-3 TO THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 16-3 would implement legally-compliant rebuilding plans, consistent with the framework in the Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP, that will set strategic rebuilding parameters to guide stock rebuilding for bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis), cowcod (S. [[Page 37315]] crameri), lingcod (S. levis), widow rockfish (S. entomelas), and yellow eye rockfish (S. ruberimus). These rebuilding parameters stem from the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and national standard 1 guidelines (50 CFR 600.310). The most important strategic rebuilding parameters are the time period within which the stock must be rebuilt to the target biomass capable of supporting maximum sustainable yield and the harvest control rule that would constrain fishing mortality, so the stock can be rebuilt in that time period. Management measures implemented through the biennial management process will be used to constrain fishing to the targets identified in the rebuilding plans. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AS26 _______________________________________________________________________ 444. PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY; ANNOUNCEMENT OF 2005-2006 GROUNDFISH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 2004, Rule must be effective on 01/01/05 when the fishing year begins. Final, Statutory, December 2004. Abstract: This rulemaking will implement the 2005-06 annual specifications and management measures for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AS27 _______________________________________________________________________ 445. REGULATORY AMENDMENT GOVERNING THE USE OF ELECTRONIC LOGBOOK FORMS IN WESTERN PACIFIC FISHERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, Final, Statutory, Final regulations must be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This regulatory action would allow fishery participants the optional use of electronic logbook forms in substitution of paper logbook forms for Federal data recording/reporting requirements under the FMPs of the western Pacific region. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AS29 _______________________________________________________________________ 446. ADJUSTMENT OF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO PROTECT SEABIRDS IN 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, October 2004. NPRM, Statutory, Final, Statutory, Final regulations must be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This regulatory amendment would revise management measures governing the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery to further reduce interactions with seabirds. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Final Action 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AS30 _______________________________________________________________________ 447. AMENDMENT 6 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PRECIOUS CORALS FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 2004. NPRM, Statutory, Final, Statutory, Final regulations must be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period. Abstract: Amendment 6 would add the exclusive economic zone waters off the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as precious coral management areas. [[Page 37316]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AS31 _______________________________________________________________________ 448. FRAMEWORK 40B TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This framework would implement measures to provide for use of regular B days-at-sea, new special access programs, and other measures related to the management of the Northeast Multispecies fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 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-AS33 _______________________________________________________________________ 449. FRAMEWORK 40A TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This framework would implement certain access program measures on Georges Bank originally disapproved in Amendment 13 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP and resubmitted for Secretarial review. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 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-AS34 _______________________________________________________________________ 450. FRAMEWORK 1 TO THE RED CRAB FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This framework would implement a multi-year specification process for the deep sea red crab fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/05 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-AS35 _______________________________________________________________________ 451. FEE SYSTEM FOR REPAYMENT OF THE LOAN TO HARVESTERS OF PACIFIC GROUNDFISH FISHERY AND CALIFORNIA, WASHINGTON, AND OREGON FISHERIES FOR DUNGENESS CRAB AND PINK SHRIMP Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1861 a(b) to 1861 a(e) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action implements a fee system for repayment of the fishing capacity reduction loans in the Pacific coast groundfish fishery and California, Oregon, and Washington dungeness crab and pink shrimp fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Michael L. Grable, Chief, Financial Services Division, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2390 Email: michael.grable@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AS38 _______________________________________________________________________ 452. RESTRICTIONS FOR 2004 PURSE SEINE AND LONGLINE FISHERIES IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 951 to 961; 16 USC 971 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, July 1, 2004, Agreement Under IATTC. Abstract: NMFS announces the 2004 conservation and management measures for international tuna fisheries in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. These are a six-week closure of purse seine fisheries and a closure of any national longline fishery which reaches a catch level for bigeye tuna [[Page 37317]] equal to the catch made by that fleet in 2001. The Tuna Conventions Act calls for the United States to take action to implement conservation and management measures for the U.S. fisheries that are affected. Thus, the intended effect of the rule is to establish prohibition of U.S. vessels purse seine fishing for tuna in the IATTC convention area for the August 1 - September 11 period and to announce that the U.S. longline fishery in the convention area will be closed if the catch in 2004 reaches the catch level of 2001. This will conform to the IATTC recommendation that was approved by the Department of State Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No 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-AS39 _______________________________________________________________________ 453. GULF OF ALASKA STELLER SEA LION PROTECTION MEASURES REVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would revise Steller sea lion protection measures for the pollock and Pacific cod fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). The revisions adjust fishing closure areas near four Steller sea lion haulouts for pollock and Pacific cod fisheries and would modify the seasonal management of pollock harvest in the GOA. The intent of the revisions is to provide some economic relief to GOA communities while maintaining protection for Steller sea lions and their critical habitat. 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 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-AS41 _______________________________________________________________________ 454. 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 prohibitionon importing marine mammal parts and products. This is a 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 12/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 455. NORTH ATLANTIC WHALE PROTECTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq; 16 USC 1531 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216; 50 CFR 222 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action investigates the need to adopt regulations to decrease the negative impacts of whale watching. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/04/00 65 FR 270 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/06/00 NPRM 12/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 456. 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 12/00/04 [[Page 37318]] NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 457. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: PERMIT EXEMPTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq; 16 USC 742a et seq; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 222 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is providing exceptions to prohibitions to allow Federal and State employees to perform conservation activities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 458. 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 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 459. TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO ROCKET LAUNCHES FROM THE KODIAK LAUNCH COMPLEX, KODIAK ISLAND, ALASKA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC) for a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to rocket launches from the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC), Kodiak Island, Alaska. As a result of that request, NMFS is proposing regulations that would authorize the incidental taking of a small number of marine mammals. In order to issue such regulations, NMFS must determine that these takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals and will not have an 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 12/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 460. TAKING AND IMPORTING MARINE MAMMALS: TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO CONDUCTING OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371(a)(5)(A) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101 to 216.108 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service has received an application from the U.S. Minerals Management Service for regulations under section 101(a)(5)(A) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to authorize the taking of marine mammals incidental to conducting oil and gas exploration activities by U.S. citizens in the Gulf of Mexico. Without this authorization, the taking of marine mammals is prohibited by the MMPA. In order to authorize the taking and issue authorizations, NMFS must, through regulations, determine that the proposed activity will have no more than a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Kenneth R. Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National [[Page 37319]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 461. DESIGNATE CRITICAL HABITAT; WITHDRAW PREVIOUS DESIGNATIONS Priority: Other Significant 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 NMFS' 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 09/29/03 68 FR 55926 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/13/03 NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/04 Final Action 05/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 462. REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN TAKE REDUCTION PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 2003. Final, Statutory, January 2004. There is a deadline under the MMPA, but noting that we cannot meet this deadline because of requirements related to compliance with other laws, such as NEPA and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Abstract: This action implements the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan, which includes measures to reduce incidental mortality and serious injury of Western North Atlantic coastal bottlenose dolphins in Atlantic fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Dr. Michael Payne, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7235 RIN: 0648-AR39 _______________________________________________________________________ 463. SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION; RESTRICTIONS TO FISHING ACTIVITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is revising the seasonally-adjusted gear restriction on large-mesh gillnet fishing in the mid-Atlantic (67 FR 71895, published December 3, 2002) to include state waters from the COLREGS lines to the Mid-Atlantic Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters, in addition to the EEZ waters specified in the prior rule. In addition, this action would change the gear restriction to include fishing with gillnets with a mesh size 7-inch (17.8 cm) stretched mesh or greater, instead of greater than 8-inch (20.3 cm) stretched mesh. The purpose of this action is to close an unintentional loophole left in the original regulation when state waters were not included in the closure areas. Changing the mesh size limitation will bring the regulation in line with the definitions used by the North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF), the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan, and the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Team for ``large-mesh'' gillnets and will ensure that other large-mesh gillnet fisheries with the potential for taking sea turtles will fall under the purview of this regulation. The striped bass gillnet fishery in state waters will be exempted from the closure requirements, if fishers follow specified gear-length and tending requirements that are based on the fishing methodology currently used in portions of the striped bass fishery which limit the likelihood of interactions with sea turtles. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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-AR81 _______________________________________________________________________ 464. LISTING DETERMINATIONS FOR 27 ESUS OF WEST COAST SALMON AND ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223; 50 CFR 224 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, March 31, 2004. NMFS has requested an extension to the court-ordered deadline, but no decision has been made as of 4/23/2004. Abstract: NMFS has completed status reviews for 26 West Coast salmon and O. mykiss (inclusive of anadromous steelhead and co-occurring resident [[Page 37320]] rainbow trout) Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) previously listed as threatened and endangered species under the ESA, as well as one ESU that was designated as a candidate species. Following a September 2001 U.S. District Court ruling that rejected how NMFS treats hatchery populations in its listing determinations, the agency received several petitions seeking to delist, or to redefine and list several ESUs on the basis of the Court's ruling. In response to these petitions NMFS initiated status reviews for 16 ESUs, and elected to conduct status reviews for an additional 11 ESUs. Based on these reviews, NMFS is taking this action to list ESUs as endangered or threatened, and also to delist ESUs as necessary. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Laurie K. Allen, Acting Director, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AR93 _______________________________________________________________________ 465. TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO NAVY OPERATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is amending its regulations governing the taking of marine mammals incidental to operations of the U.S. Navy's SURTASS LFA sonar to implement provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (NDAA). The President signed into law the NDAA (P.L. 108-136) on November 24, 2003. Included in this law were amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) that apply where a ``military readiness activity'' is concerned. NMFS and the Navy have determined that the Navy's SURTASS LFAsonar testing and training operations that are the subject of NMFS' July 16, 2002 (67 FR 46712) final rule constitute a military readiness activity because those activities constitute ``training and operations of the Armed Forces that relate to combat'' and constitute ``adequate and realistic testing of military equipment, vehicles, weapons and sensors for proper operation and suitability for combat use.'' Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Kenneth R. Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2055 Email: ken.hollingshead@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AR99 _______________________________________________________________________ 466. TAKING AND IMPORTING MARINE MAMMALS: MILITARY READINESS ACTIVITIES AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR Part 216.3 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) interprets certain terms in the definition of harassment for military readiness activities and scientific research activities conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government pursuant to amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) enacted by the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2004 (NDAA). 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: Federal Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AS06 [[Page 37321]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 467. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This action would require observer coverage on vessels in the at-sea processing sector of the whiting fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/10/03 68 FR 53334 NPRM Comment Period End 10/10/03 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AK26 _______________________________________________________________________ 468. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 01/16/04 69 FR 2561 Notice Comment Period End 03/15/04 NPRM 02/26/04 69 FR 8915 NPRM Comment Period End 03/29/04 Notice 04/15/04 69 FR 19983 Notice 04/30/04 69 FR 23729 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AN16 _______________________________________________________________________ 469. AMENDMENT 13 TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) Priority: Economically Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: Final, Judicial, May 1, 2004. Final, Statutory, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This action would amend the FMP to address the Magnuson- Stevens Act requirement to implement a stock rebuilding program for all of the regulated multispecies. Management measures may include a days- at-sea reduction, gear reductions, and area management. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 12/29/03 68 FR 74939 NPRM 01/29/04 69 FR 4362 Comment Period End 02/27/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/27/04 Notice 04/20/04 69 FR 21089 Final Action 04/27/04 69 FR 22906 Correction 04/30/04 69 FR 23667 Correction 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) amends its regulations to implement provisions of Amendment 13 to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The principal objectives of Amendment 13 include measures to implement a formal rebuilding program for overfished stocks and to end overfishing on those stocks where it is occurring and to bring the FMP into full compliance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). In addition, this rule implements provisions that respond to the requirements of the Court Orders in the lawsuits of Conservation Law Foundation et al. v. Donald Evans et al. (CLF v. Evans) and American Oceans Campaign, et al. v. William M. Daley, et al. (AOC v. Daley). Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AQ72 RIN: 0648-AN17 _______________________________________________________________________ 470. 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 amendment 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 [[Page 37322]] 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 01/21/04 69 FR 2875 NPRM Comment Period End 02/20/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AP73 _______________________________________________________________________ 471. AMENDMENT TO FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REEF FISH RESOURCES OF GULF OF MEXICO TO SET 10-YEAR REBUILDING PLAN FOR RED GROUPER Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 01/08/04 69 FR 1278 Comment Period End 03/08/04 NPRM 02/20/04 69 FR 7898 NPRM Comment Period End 04/20/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AP95 _______________________________________________________________________ 472. 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 rule would implement 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 elimination of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing operations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/29/04 69 FR 16211 NPRM Comment Period End 05/10/04 Final Action 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 473. 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 whitemarlin measures are necessary to comply with ICCAT obligations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/17/03 68 FR 54410 NPRM Comment Period End 10/24/03 Final Action 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 37323]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 474. 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 04/14/04 69 FR 19805 NPRM Comment Period End 04/29/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ82 _______________________________________________________________________ 475. 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 05/19/04 69 FR 28875 NPRM Comment Period End 06/03/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ85 _______________________________________________________________________ 476. 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 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 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AQ90 _______________________________________________________________________ 477. 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 09/02/03 68 FR 52173 NPRM 10/16/03 68 FR 59564 Comment Period End 12/01/03 Final Action 04/30/04 69 FR 23681 Final Action Effective 06/01/04 Correction 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 478. 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 rule would lift the import prohibition on Atlantic bigeye tuna from Honduras and conditionally from [[Page 37324]] 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 rule would also prohibit imports from vessels on the ICCAT negative list and would require prior notification from NMFS before a U.S. documented or registered vessel enters a chartering arrangement with another country. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/06/04 69 FR 25357 NPRM Comment Period End 06/21/04 Final Action 09/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 479. ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS FISHERIES IN THE EEZ; MODIFICATION OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1851 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS announces that it is considering, and seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal Atlantic striped bass regulations for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in response to recommendations from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). The Commission recommended that the Secretary remove the moratorium on the harvest of Atlantic striped bass in the EEZ after a 13-year closure; implement a 28-inch minimum size limit for the recreational and commercial Atlantic striped bass fisheries in the EEZ; and allow states the ability to adopt more restrictive rules for fishermen and vessels licensed in their jurisdiction. NMFS is soliciting comments with this notice regarding possible management measures and issues that NMFS should consider relative to these recommendations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/21/03 68 FR 43074 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/20/03 Comment Period Extended 08/26/03 68 FR 51232 Notice of Intent 10/20/03 68 FR 59906 Final Action 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 480. MAXIMUM RETAINABLE AMOUNT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 01/29/04 69 FR 4281 NPRM Comment Period End 03/01/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR41 _______________________________________________________________________ 481. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO PROHIBITED SPECIES CATCH DONATION REGULATIONS TO ALLOW PROCESSING OF HEADS AND GUTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 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 05/05/04 69 FR 25056 NPRM Comment Period End 06/04/04 Final Action 09/00/04 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-AR64 [[Page 37325]] _______________________________________________________________________ 482. AMENDMENT 21 TO THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) 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 NMFS requesting that they implement regulations compatible with the proposals in this amendment for species under their jurisdiction. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 12/10/03 68 FR 68854 Comment Period End 02/09/04 NPRM 01/05/04 69 FR 310 NPRM Comment Period End 02/19/04 Final Action 05/04/04 69 FR 24532 Correction 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AR66 _______________________________________________________________________ 483. AMENDMENT 63 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GROUNDFISH OF THE GULF OF ALASKA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would revise the FMP by moving skate species from the other species category to the target species category, allowing for management of skates as a target species. The draft regulations would revise Table 10 of 50 CFR 679 to establish skate maximum retainable amounts (MRAs) in other directed groundfish fisheries and to establish MRAs of other groundfish in the skate directed fishery. The definition of other species in the regulations will also be revised to remove skates from the other species list. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/06/03 68 FR 614 NPRM Comment Period End 02/02/04 Notice 12/02/03 68 FR 67390 Comment Period End 02/02/04 Final Action 05/12/04 69 FR 26313 Correction 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR73 _______________________________________________________________________ 484. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES: SEA TURTLE BYCATCH MITIGATION 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 its regulations to adjust regulations governing the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery, including: modification of allowable fishing gear and techniques; modification of requirements for possession and use of on-board equipment to minimize sea turtle mortality, modifications of areas closed to pelagic longline fishing, and establishment of minimum levels of observer coverage levels in portions of the pelagic longline fishery. Changes in allowable fishing gear, techniques, and on-board equipment would reduce sea turtle interactions and mortality of sea turtles caught incidental to fishing activities. This action would not change established quotas and is not expected to change overall effort. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/11/04 69 FR 6621 NPRM Comment Period End 03/15/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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-AR80 _______________________________________________________________________ 485. REVISIONS TO THE PACIFIC HALIBUT CATCH SHARING PLAN FOR 2004 AND BEYOND Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Each year, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) reviews its Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (Plan) with the public to determine whether revisions are needed to management objectives for any of the West Coast halibut fisheries. Off the coast of Washington, halibut treaty tribes hold a directed commercial fishery and a ceremonial and subsistence fishery for halibut. Non-treaty fishers operating off Washington, Oregon, and California participate in one of three separate commercialfisheries, and/or in one of [[Page 37326]] seven separate recreational fisheries for halibut. For 2004, the Council has recommended minor changes to the Plan that would: revise public notification processes for revisions to Washington sport fishery regulations; slightly revise season start dates in the Washington North Coast and South Coast subareas; revise the parameters for setting Oregon Central Coast fishing dates pre-season to provide more potential fishing days to the public; extend the season duration south of Humbug Mountain to October 31; and, clarify Federal halibut season regulations so that they provide better protection for overfished groundfish species by stating that halibut possession is prohibited in waters closed to halibut fishing and that the waters closed to recreational nearshore halibut fishing are the same as those closed to recreational groundfish fishing. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/23/04 69 FR 8162 NPRM Comment Period End 03/09/04 Final Action 05/04/04 69 FR 24524 Correction 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AR83 _______________________________________________________________________ 486. MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR COMMERCIAL, RECREATIONAL, AND TREATY INDIAN SALMON FISHERIES OFF THE COASTS OF WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND CALIFORNIA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 1, 2004, The fishery must open on May 1. Abstract: The annual management measures for the 2004-2005 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 Rule 05/05/04 69 FR 25026 Final Rule Effective 05/01/04 Final Rule Comment Period End 05/20/04 Correction 07/00/04 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-AS03 _______________________________________________________________________ 487. REDUCTION TO HARVEST RESTRICTIONS FOR HARVEST LIMIT AREA ATKA MACKEREL FISHERY IN ALEUTIAN ISLANDS SUBAREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600; 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would reduce the harvest restrictions for participants in the harvest limit area (HLA) Atka mackerel fishery in the Aleutian Islands by allowing participants assigned to an HLA fishery to harvest Atka mackerel outside of the HLA during the first HLA fishery each season. This rule would allow participants to move Atka mackerel harvest out of areas important to Steller sea lions, and provide the fishing industry the ability to efficiently harvest Atka mackerel. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/02/04 69 FR 31085 NPRM Comment Period End 06/17/04 Final Action 09/00/04 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-AS10 _______________________________________________________________________ 488. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO RULEMAKING EXTENDING THE NORTH PACIFIC GROUNDFISH FISHERIES OBSERVER PROGRAM BEYOND 2002 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This technical amendment will update the terminology in the 50 CFR 679 regulations governing the North Pacific Groundfish Fisheries Observer Program by addressing inconsistencies in cross references to other regulatory text, and omitting redundant text to provide additional clarity. 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: 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 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AO25 RIN: 0648-AS20 [[Page 37327]] _______________________________________________________________________ 489. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); ATLANTIC SHARK QUOTA ADJUSTMENT FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would adjust the North Atlantic shark regional quota for the 2004 fishing year. Historically, the shark quotas have been split equally between the two semi-annual fishing seasons. In December 2003, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implemented regional quotas for the first time. Because of these regional quotas, NMFS needs to reconsider how the quota is split between the first and second semi-annual seasons for the North Atlantic region. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/13/04 69 FR 26540 NPRM Comment Period End 05/28/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AS28 _______________________________________________________________________ 490. REQUEST FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS SUPPORTED UNDER A RESEARCH SET-ASIDE PROGRAM FOR FISHING YEAR 2006 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would set aside for FY 2006 up to 3 percent of the total allowable landings in certain Mid-Atlantic fisheries to be used for research endeavors under a research set-aside program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No 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-AS32 _______________________________________________________________________ 491. 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, The Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts order. Final, Judicial, December 31, 2001, The Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts order. 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 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 492. PROVIDE REGULATIONS FOR PERMITS FOR CAPTURE, TRANSPORT, IMPORT, AND EXPORT OF PROTECTED SPECIES FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY, AND FOR MAINTAINING A CAPTIVE MARINE MAMMAL INVENTORY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1372 (c) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will revise and simplify criteria and procedures specific to permits for taking, transporting, importing, and exporting protected species for public display and provide convenient formats for reporting marine mammal captive holdings and transports as required by amendments made in 1994 to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/03/01 66 FR 35209 NPRM Comment Period Extended 08/22/01 66 FR 44109 NPRM Comment Period End 09/04/01 Comment Period Extended 11/02/01 Final Action 12/00/04 [[Page 37328]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 493. DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT: PROPOSED CRITICAL HABITAT FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STEELHEAD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 7, 2001. Abstract: On June 7, 2000, NMFS listed the Northern California steelhead evolutionarily significant unit of steelhead as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. NMFS will now designate critical habitat for these steelhead. This action has been delayed and will be included in a designation of critical habitat for twenty ESUs of Pacific Salmon that will be completed by February 2005. 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: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2332 RIN: 0648-AO04 _______________________________________________________________________ 494. TAKING OF THE COOK INLET, ALASKA, STOCK OF BELUGA WHALES BY ALASKA NATIVES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is regulating subsistence harvest of Cook Inlet Beluga to ensure that the harvest is sustainable and does not substantially delay the recovery of this marine mammal stock. Specific harvest levels and distribution of the harvest will be based upon cooperative agreements with Alaska native organizations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/04/00 65 FR 59164 NPRM Comment Period End 11/27/00 Final Rule 04/06/04 69 FR 17973 Final Action 12/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 495. 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 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issues this rule to make available tissue specimen samples to the scientific community for research. This action would be consistent with the goal of the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank (NMMTB). The intent of this rule is to allow the scientific community the opportunity to comment on the protocol for requesting tissue specimen samples. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/12/02 67 FR 68553 NPRM Comment Period End 12/12/02 Final Action 11/00/04 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 496. 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 exploring 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 Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) that may affect endangered and threatened species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/30/04 69 FR 4465 NPRM Comment Period End 03/30/04 Final Action 09/00/04 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 Related RIN: Related to 1018-AI95 RIN: 0648-AQ69 [[Page 37329]] _______________________________________________________________________ 497. ZERO MORTALITY RATE GOAL Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 68 FR 40888 ANPRM Comment Period End 09/08/03 NPRM 04/29/04 69 FR 23477 NPRM Comment Period End 06/01/04 Final Action 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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-AR15 _______________________________________________________________________ 498. LIST OF FISHERIES FOR 2004 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: With this action, NMFS publishes the annual List of Fisheries (LOF), as required by section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The LOF for 2004 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must categorize each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the levels of mortality and serious injury of marine mammals that occurs within each fishery. The categorization of a fishery in the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/13/04 69 FR 19365 Other/Comment Period Extended 05/13/04 69 FR 26539 NPRM Comment Period End 05/13/04 Other/NPRM Comment Period Extended 06/14/04 Final Action 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Michael Payne, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7235 RIN: 0648-AS04 _______________________________________________________________________ 499. PROCEDURES FOR LIMITING CAPACITY OF THE TUNA PURSE SEINE FLEET IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN (ETP); UPDATES TO THE TUNA TRACKING AND VERIFICATION PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1315; 16 USC 951 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216; 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Pursuant to resolutions adopted by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and Parties to the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is promulgating regulations to conserve tunas in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP). Specifically, these regulations would: (1) establish a register of U.S. vessels with a history of fishing in the ETP prior to June 28, 2002, and require that only vessels on that list would be authorizedto use purse seines for fishing for tuna in the ETP; (2) limit the aggregate capacity of U.S. purse seine vessels that may fish full time for tuna in the ETP to 8,969 metric tons carrying capacity per year; (3) revise the requirements for maintaining and submitting tuna tracking and verification records; (4) ensure that owners of U.S. vessels on the register pay annual assessments, and (5) prohibit interference with enforcement and inspection activities, submission of false information, and other activities that would undermine the effectiveness of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, International Dolphin Conservation Program Act, and Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act. This rule is intended to contribute to the long-term conservation of tuna stocks at levels that support healthy fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2332 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AI85 RIN: 0648-AS05 _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________ 500. GRAY'S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922.90 to 922.92 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend regulations and designation document for the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary to clarify that the sanctuary boundary includes submerged lands; revise regulations on placing structures on the seabed, fishing, anchoring, discharges, and cultural resources; and revise procedure for issuing sanctuary permits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/31/03 68 FR 62033 NPRM Comment Period End 12/31/03 Final Action 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 37330]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 501. PROPOSED HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES PROCESS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/18/97 62 FR 48990 NPRM Comment Period End 10/15/97 Final Action 09/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Dunnigan Phone: 301 713-1917 Email: john.dunnigan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AK40 _______________________________________________________________________ 502. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE TILEFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery would implement Individual Transferable Quotas in the tilefish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/05 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-AS25 _______________________________________________________________________ 503. AMENDMENT 82 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GROUNDFISH OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS MANAGEMENT AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The amendment would implement section 803 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004 which requires future directed fishing allowances of pollock in the Aleutian Islands to be allocated to the Aleut Corporation. Only fishing vessels under sixty feet long, or AFA listed and approved by the Aleut Corporation or its agents would be allowed to harvest this allowance. The allocation was made to the Aleut Corporation for the purpose of furthering the economic development of Adak. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AS37 _______________________________________________________________________ 504. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 505. 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 [[Page 37331]] _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________ 506. REVISION OF OVERFLIGHT REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Debra Malek Phone: 301 713-3125 RIN: 0648-AI91 _______________________________________________________________________ 507. INTERAGENCY CONSULTATION FOR THE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Helen Golde Phone: 301 713-3145 RIN: 0648-AL06 _______________________________________________________________________ 508. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 509. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 510. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NOAA ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL CHART DISTRIBUTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 33 USC 892(a) to 892(b); HSIA 2002, sec 303; HSIA 2002, sec 304 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, December 19, 2004, By not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the HSIA Amendments of 2002. Mandate to certify hydrographic products that satisfy the standards promulgated by the Administrator no later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2002. Abstract: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) amends its regulations to add certification requirements with standards for applicants who want to distribute NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts (NOAA ENCs) as official data. NOAA intends to offer two types of certification. The first type, ``Certified NOAA ENC Distributor,'' is for NOAA ENCs downloading, exact copying, and redistribution of those copies of NOAA ENCs data. The second type, ``Certified NOAA ENC Value Added Distributor,''permits reformatting official NOAA ENCs into a System Electronic Navigational Chart (SENC) using type-approved software, and distribution of that SENC. Both types of certification result in products that meet Federal chart carriage regulations. Both types of certification permit, but do not require, compression, encryption, and packaging with other data. NOAA intends by this action to assure that quality official NOAA ENC data is offered to the public in support of safe navigation on U.S. waters. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/enc/indes.htm URL For Public Comments: nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/enc/indes.htm Agency Contact: Michael Brown, Electronic Chart Products Manager, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, N/CS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2645 Fax: 301 713-4501 Email: mike.brown@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AR87 _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF MINERAL ENERGY ____________________________________________________ 511. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT FEDERAL CONSISTENCY REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 930 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/11/03 68 FR 34851 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David W. Kaiser Phone: 301 713-3155 Fax: 301 713-4367 Email: david.kaiser@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AR16 [[Page 37332]] _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR ____________________________________________________ 512. REGIONAL MARINE RESEARCH PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Don Scavia Phone: 301 713-3060 RIN: 0648-AF20 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ 513. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Merged With 0648-AP51 04/09/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Related RIN: Merged with 0648-AP51 RIN: 0648-AG87 _______________________________________________________________________ 514. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Merged With 0648-AR78 11/04/03 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-AK84 _______________________________________________________________________ 515. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 09/30/03 68 FR 56252 NPRM Comment Period End 11/24/03 Final Action 01/09/04 69 FR 1538 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AM23 _______________________________________________________________________ 516. 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, One year from approval of overfishing definitions. Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This regulatory amendment would enhance measures designed to mitigate seabird bycatch in the longline fisheries off Alaska. [[Page 37333]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/07/03 68 FR 6386 NPRM Comment Period End 03/10/03 Final Action 01/13/04 69 FR 1930 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AM30 _______________________________________________________________________ 517. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 02/24/04 69 FR 8336 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AM97 _______________________________________________________________________ 518. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/09/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AN08 _______________________________________________________________________ 519. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 10/03/03 68 FR 57375 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AN87 [[Page 37334]] _______________________________________________________________________ 520. FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE DOLPHIN AND WAHOO FISHERY OF THE ATLANTIC, CARIBBEAN, AND GULF OF MEXICO (FMP) OF THE ATLANTIC Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of NPRM comment period. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 09/26/03 68 FR 55573 Notice Comment Period End 11/25/03 NPRM 11/03/03 68 FR 62267 NPRM Comment Period End 12/18/03 Final Action 05/27/04 69 FR 30235 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AO63 _______________________________________________________________________ 521. 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 11/10/03 68 FR 63738 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 522. 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, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 11/04/03 68 FR 62422 Notice Comment Period End 01/05/04 NPRM 11/25/03 68 FR 66069 NPRM Comment Period End 01/09/04 Final Action 03/26/04 69 FR 15731 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 RIN: 0648-AP03 _______________________________________________________________________ 523. 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. Other, Statutory, December 31, 2001, Complete Fishing Capacity Reduction Program. Abstract: This action establishes a fishing capacity reduction program in the fishery for the crab species covered by the Fishery Management Plan for the 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 12/12/03 68 FR 69331 [[Page 37335]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael L. Grable, Chief, Financial Services Division, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2390 Email: michael.grable@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AP25 _______________________________________________________________________ 524. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 11/06/03 68 FR 62763 Notice Comment Period End 01/05/04 Correction 12/01/03 68 FR 67132 NPRM 12/10/03 68 FR 68834 NPRM Comment Period End 01/26/04 Final Action 04/07/04 69 FR 18444 Final Action Effective 05/07/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 525. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: In accordance with the FMP's framework procedure for regulatory adjustments, 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 10/14/03 68 FR 59151 NPRM Comment Period End 11/13/03 Final Action 03/30/04 69 FR 16499 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 526. 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 regulations to be published within 30 days of the end of the NPRM comment period. 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 Notice Comment Period End 10/23/03 NPRM 09/25/03 68 FR 55358 NPRM Comment Period End 10/27/03 Final Action 12/16/03 68 FR 69970 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AP57 _______________________________________________________________________ 527. 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 [[Page 37336]] Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. 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 10/08/03 68 FR 58038 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AP66 _______________________________________________________________________ 528. 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 10/20/03 68 FR 59889 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AP92 _______________________________________________________________________ 529. FLEET CAPACITY CONTROL FOR U.S. TUNA PURSE SEINE FISHERIES IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Duplicate of 0648-AQ93 04/13/04 RIN: 0648-AQ21 _______________________________________________________________________ 530. IMPLEMENTATION OF U.S. - CANADA ALBACORE TREATY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations necessary to implement the 1981 Treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada on Pacific Coast Albacore Tuna Vessels and Port Privileges (Treaty) as authorized by recently passed legislation. This rule would establish vessel marking, record keeping, and reporting requirements for U.S. albacore tuna fishing vessel operators and vessel marking and reporting requirements for Canadian albacore tuna fishing vessel operators fishing under the Treaty. The intended effect of this rule is to allow the United States to carry out its obligations under the Treaty by allowing fishing by both U.S. and Canadian vessels as provided for in the Treaty. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/30/04 69 FR 23715 NPRM Comment Period End 05/17/04 Final Action 06/04/04 69 FR 31531 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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-AQ22 _______________________________________________________________________ 531. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) AND AMENDMENT 2 TO THE ATLANTIC SALMON FMP TO ADDRESS ESSENTIAL 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/19/04 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-AQ27 _______________________________________________________________________ 532. 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 [[Page 37337]] CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will set specifications for bluefin tuna (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 Rule 10/02/03 68 FR 56783 Final Action 10/16/03 68 FR 59546 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 533. RULEMAKING TO CORRECT THE SALMON FISHERY COORDINATES AS IMPLEMENTED IN 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 01/07/04 69 FR 875 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 534. 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, Final rule must be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period end. 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 11/04/03 68 FR 62374 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AQ58 _______________________________________________________________________ 535. 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, Court Order requires the continuation of measures implemented in the August 1, 2002, interim rule until the implementation of Amendment 13 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. Abstract: The action would 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 established to 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 Rule 12/22/03 68 FR 71032 Merged With 0648-AN17 04/19/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 37338]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 536. 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 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AL95 RIN: 0648-AQ73 _______________________________________________________________________ 537. 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 10/22/03 68 FR 60324 NPRM Comment Period End 11/21/03 Final Action 12/22/03 68 FR 71033 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ79 _______________________________________________________________________ 538. 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 11/28/03 68 FR 66784 NPRM Comment Period End 12/15/03 Final Action 01/14/04 69 FR 2074 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ80 _______________________________________________________________________ 539. 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 2004-2005 fishing year for the spiny dogfish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/18/04 69 FR 12826 NPRM Comment Period End 04/02/04 Final Action 04/27/04 69 FR 22734 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ81 _______________________________________________________________________ 540. 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 11/14/03 68 FR 64579 NPRM Comment Period End 12/15/03 Final Action 02/02/04 69 FR 4861 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 37339]] Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ83 _______________________________________________________________________ 541. 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 Comment Period End 01/12/03 NPRM 12/12/03 68 FR 69373 Final Action 04/06/04 69 FR 17980 Final Action Effective 05/06/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ84 _______________________________________________________________________ 542. ``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 10/22/03 68 FR 60327 NPRM Comment Period End 11/06/03 Final Action 12/16/03 68 FR 69974 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ88 _______________________________________________________________________ 543. 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 11/07/03 68 FR 63052 NPRM Comment Period End 11/19/03 Final Action 12/03/03 68 FR 67607 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2985 RIN: 0648-AQ93 _______________________________________________________________________ 544. 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 Comment Period Extended 10/30/03 68 FR 54885 Final Action 12/24/03 68 FR 74746 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses [[Page 37340]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 545. 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. 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 announces 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 Pacificcoast. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/29/03 68 FR 44518 NPRM Comment Period End 08/13/03 Final Action 10/03/03 68 FR 57379 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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-AQ96 _______________________________________________________________________ 546. 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, The CPS fisheries regulations require that the annual specs for Pacific sardine be published in the Federal Register before January 1, the start of the fishing year. Abstract: This rule announces 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 12/03/03 68 FR 67638 NPRM Comment Period End 12/17/03 Final Action 02/25/04 69 FR 8572 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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-AQ97 _______________________________________________________________________ 547. PORT CODES INTEGRATION IN TABLE 14 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 01/29/04 69 FR 4285 NPRM Comment Period End 03/01/04 Final Action 04/30/04 69 FR 23694 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 548. 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 Alitak/Deadman Bay of Kodiak Island is one body of water basically enclosed by Kodiak Island but divided superficially into two reporting areas (areas 620 and 630) by 154 degrees W. longitude. This division of the bay into two separate reporting areas is impractical for quota management and enforcement purposes. Specifically, the mouth of the bay is totally contained in reporting area 620. Other sections of the bay are in area 630 that would logically be included in area 620. This actioncorrects this error by revising the descriptions of reporting areas 620 and 630 in figure 3 to part 679 to include [[Page 37341]] all of the Alitak/Deadman Bay of Kodiak Island into area 620. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/04/03 68 FR 62423 NPRM Comment Period End 12/04/03 Final Action 04/23/04 69 FR 21975 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR08 _______________________________________________________________________ 549. WEAKFISH: INCREASE IN INCIDENTAL CATCH PER AMENDMENT 4 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) amends its regulations to 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 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 Final Action 10/02/03 68 FR 56789 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 550. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); BLUEFIN TUNA SEASON AND SIZE LIMIT ADJUSTMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 971 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS amends its regulations to change 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 11/10/03 68 FR 63747 NPRM Comment Period End 11/28/03 Final Action 12/24/03 68 FR 74504 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 RIN: 0648-AR12 _______________________________________________________________________ 551. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATES FOR REGULATORY CHANGES IN 67 FR 79692 (DECEMBER 30, 2002) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 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 08/25/03 68 FR 51147 NPRM Comment Period End 09/24/03 Final Action 02/10/04 69 FR 6198 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 552. AMENDMENT 77 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 regulatory action would supersede Amendment 64, the [[Page 37342]] 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 NPRM Comment Period End 10/02/03 Final Action 12/01/03 68 FR 67086 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AN25 RIN: 0648-AR31 _______________________________________________________________________ 553. MODIFICATION OF HOUSING REQUIREMENTS FOR OBSERVERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 01/13/04 69 FR 1951 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR32 _______________________________________________________________________ 554. AMENDMENT 16-2 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, November 2003. Final, Statutory, January 2004. 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 NMFS 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 11/07/03 68 FR 63053 Comment Period End 01/06/04 NPRM 12/05/03 68 FR 67998 NPRM Comment Period End 01/05/04 Final Action 04/13/04 69 FR 19247 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AR35 _______________________________________________________________________ 555. AMENDMENT 16-1 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, August 2003. Final, Statutory, November 2003. 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 particularNational Standard 1 on overfishing and section 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, [[Page 37343]] Secretary of Commerce, et al., 168 F. Supp. 2d 1149 (N.D. Cal 2001) in which NMFS 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 02/26/04 69 FR 8861 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AR36 _______________________________________________________________________ 556. CONSIDERATION OF A CONTROL DATE FOR BOTTOMFISHING VESSELS IN THE EEZ AROUND GUAM AND COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 ifrestrictions 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/28/03 68 FR 51763 Final Action Effective 09/29/03 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 557. EMERGENCY RULE TO CLOSE THE FEDERAL TILEFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/19/04 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-AR40 _______________________________________________________________________ 558. 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 would implement 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 would implement 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 [[Page 37344]] to be counted against that State's summer quota allocation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/24/03 68 55283 NPRM Comment Period End 10/09/03 Final Action 11/03/03 68 FR 62250 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR43 _______________________________________________________________________ 559. 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 would 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 03/26/04 69 FR 15778 NPRM Comment Period End 04/26/04 Final Action 06/01/04 69 FR 30839 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR44 _______________________________________________________________________ 560. FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA; REVISIONS TO OBSERVER PROGRAM IN THE NORTH PACIFIC GROUNDFISH FISHERIES; CORRECTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 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 08/18/03 68 FR 49374 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 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AM44 RIN: 0648-AR46 _______________________________________________________________________ 561. 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, NMFS is amending its regulations to establish referendum procedures and a vote weighting formula for the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/27/03 68 FR 61178 NPRM Comment Period End 11/12/03 Proposed Rule 12/30/03 68 FR 75202 Comment Period End 01/20/04 Final Action 02/12/04 69 FR 6921 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 562. IMPLEMENT ELECTRONIC DEALER REPORTING AND ADJUSTMENTS TO VESSEL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Duplicate of 0648-AR79 01/21/04 RIN: 0648-AR49 _______________________________________________________________________ 563. PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY; ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2004 GROUNDFISH FISHERY SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 01/08/04 69 FR 1380 NPRM Comment Period End 02/09/04 Final Action 03/09/04 69 FR 11064 Final Action 04/30/04 69 FR 23667 Correction 05/05/04 69 FR 25013 Other/Correction 05/18/04 69 FR 28086 [[Page 37345]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations 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, W