[October 31,2005 (Volume 70, Number 209)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua051004.wais] [Page 64394-64482] Department of Commerce ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part IV ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 64394]] DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Office of the Secretary 13 CFR Ch. III 15 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, and XI 19 CFR Ch. III 37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V 48 CFR Ch. 13 50 CFR Chs. II, III, IV, and VI Fall 2005 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 whether they are prerulemaking, proposed rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed since the spring 2005 agenda. The purpose of the agenda is to provide information to the public on regulations currently under review, being proposed, or issued by the Department. The agenda is intended to facilitate comments and views by interested members of the public. The Department's fall 2005 regulatory agenda includes regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006. 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 June 28, 2005, the Office of Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and publication of the fall 2005 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires agencies to publish, in the spring and fall of each year, a regulatory flexibility agenda that contains a brief description of the subject area of any rule that is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agenda also identifies those entries that have been selected for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Within the Department, the Office of the Secretary and various operating units may issue regulations. Operating units, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Industry and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office issue the largest 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, that require conservation and management measures. Regulations implementing these FMPs regulate domestic fishing and foreign fishing where permitted. Foreign fishing can be conducted in a fishery in which there is no FMP only if a preliminary fishery management plan has been issued to govern that foreign fishing. Under the Act, eight Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) prepare FMPs or amendments to FMPs for fisheries within their respective areas. In the development of such plans or amendments and their implementing regulations, the Councils are required by law to conduct public hearings on the draft plans and to consider the use of alternative means of regulating. The Council process for developing FMPs and amendments makes it difficult for NMFS to determine the significance and timing of some regulatory actions under consideration by the Councils at the time the semiannual regulatory agenda is published. The Department's fall 2005 regulatory agenda follows. John J. Sullivan, General Counsel. Bureau of Economic Analysis--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 456 Change in Reporting Requirements for BE-577, Direct Transactions of U.S. Reporter With 0691-AA57 Foreign Affiliate..................................................................... 457 Change in Reporting Requirements for BE-11, Annual Survey of U.S. Direct Investment 0691-AA58 Abroad................................................................................ 458 Benchmark Survey of Transactions Between U.S. and Foreign Persons in Selected Services 0691-AA60 and in Intangible Assets.............................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64395]] Bureau of Economic Analysis--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 459 International Services Surveys: Cancellation of Five Annual Surveys................... 0691-AA59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 460 Annual Trade Survey................................................................... 0607-AA45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 461 Cutoff Dates for Recognition of Boundary Changes for Census 2000 and for the 0607-AA35 Intercensal Period.................................................................... 462 Mandatory Automated Export System (AES) Filing for Export Shipments Requiring 0607-AA38 Shipper's Export Declaration Information.............................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 463 Establishment of the 2010 Census Redistricting Program................................ 0607-AA42 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of the Census--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 464 Requirement for Reporting the Kimberley Process Certificate Number for Exports 0607-AA44 (Reexports) of Rough Diamonds......................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Economic Development Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 465 Economic Development Administration Regulations....................................... 0610-AA63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- General Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 466 Disclosure of Government Information.................................................. 0605-AA19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- General Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 467 Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, Technical Amendments............. 0605-AA17 [[Page 64396]] 468 Disclosure of Government Information; Change in Designated Official................... 0605-AA20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Trade Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 469 Procedures for Conducting Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews of Antidumping and Countervailing 0625-AA51 Duty Orders........................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Trade Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 470 Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis System........................................... 0625-AA64 471 Imports of Certain Worsted Wool Fabric: Implementation of Tariff Rate Quota 0625-AA67 Established Under Title V of the Trade and Development Act of 2000.................... 472 Changes in the Insular Possessions Watch, Watch Movement, and Jewelry Programs........ 0625-AA68 473 Procedures for Conducting Five-year (``Sunset'') Reviews of Antidumping and 0625-AA69 Countervailing Duty Orders............................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 474 Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn............................................ 0625-AA59 475 Proposed Amendment to Regulation Concerning Certification of Factual Information to 0625-AA66 Import Administration During Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings.......... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Trade Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 476 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................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 477 Short Supply Controls: Crude Oil Exports.............................................. 0694-AC25 478 Additional Protocol Regulations....................................................... 0694-AD26 479 Export Administration Regulations: Clarifications to Deemed Export and Reexport Policy 0694-AD29 480 Removal of License Exception GBS and TSR Eligibility for Certain Microwave Monolithic 0694-AD36 Integrated Circuit Power Amplifiers and Related Software and Technology............... 481 Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations: UDOC ``Change in Inspection Status Form''.... 0694-AD53 482 Voluntary Disclosure Provisions and Administrative Case Settlement Guidance Related to 0694-AD63 Restrictive Trade Practices or Boycotts............................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64397]] Bureau of Industry and Security--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 483 Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations............................................... 0694-AB06 484 De Minimis Expansion of Eligibility: U.S.-Origin Software Incorporated Into Foreign- 0694-AC17 Made Commodities...................................................................... 485 License Exception AVS: Clarifications................................................. 0694-AC33 486 Clarifications to Part 752: Special Comprehensive License Requirements................ 0694-AC34 487 Removal of Licensing Exemption for Exports and Reexports of Missile Technology- 0694-AC48 Controlled Items Destined to Canada................................................... 488 Export and Reexport Controls on Iraq.................................................. 0694-AC84 489 Knowledge Definition, Safe Harbor, Red Flags.......................................... 0694-AC94 490 Clarification of ``Space-Qualified'' Parts, Components, and Technology Subject to the 0694-AD07 Export Administration Regulations..................................................... 491 Cuba: Clarification of Personal Baggage Rules......................................... 0694-AD23 492 License Exception GOV Exports and Reexports for Official IAEA International Inspection 0694-AD27 and Verification Use in Accordance With the U.S.-IAEA Safeguards Agreement, as Amended by the Additional Protocol............................................................ 493 Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations................. 0694-AD30 494 Clarification on License Exception Restrictions as Relating to Exports and Reexports 0694-AD33 of Crime Control and Detection Instrument Equipment, and Related Technology and Software.............................................................................. 495 Removal of Certain Night Vision Devices From Eligibility for License Exception APR for 0694-AD34 Reexports To, From, and Among Country Group A:1....................................... 496 Revisions and Clarification of License Exception Availability for Certain Crime 0694-AD47 Control Items and Removal of License Requirements on Other Crime Control Items........ 497 Revisions to the Import Certificate Requirements in the Export Administration 0694-AD50 Regulations........................................................................... 498 Expansion of Requirement of People's Republic of China (PRC) End-User Certificates 0694-AD52 under the EAR; Elimination of Submission Requirement.................................. 499 Technical Amendments to the Export Administration Regulations......................... 0694-AD54 500 Revisions and Clarifications to the Export Administration Regulations................. 0694-AD55 501 Removal of Restriction on Certain Exports of Crime Control Commodities When Being 0694-AD56 Exported for Official Use of U.S. Government Agencies................................. 502 Establishment of New License Exception for the Export or Reexport to Libya of Certain 0694-AD57 Items Controlled for Anti-Terrorism Reasons on the Commerce Control List.............. 503 Implementation of the Understandings Reached at the 2004 Gotebarg and 2005 Oslo 0694-AD58 Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) Plenary Meetings......................................... 504 Conforming Changes to Certain End-User/End-Use Based Controls in the EAR; 0694-AD59 Clarification of Export Clearance Requirements under the EAR.......................... 505 Revised Appeal Procedure for Persons Designated as Related Persons to Denial Orders 0694-AD60 Issued Pursuant to section 766.25 of the Export Administration Regulations............ 506 Revision of National Security Based License Requirements and Licensing Policy, 0694-AD61 Increased Availability of License Exceptions for Certain NATO Member States........... 507 Implementation of Unilateral Chemical/Biological Controls on Certain Biological Agents 0694-AD62 and Toxins Selected for Domestic Control by CDC and APHIS; Clarification of Controls on Certain Medical Products........................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 508 Export Administration Regulations: Support Documentation Consolidation and 0694-AC04 Reorganization........................................................................ 509 Exports and Reexports to Sudan........................................................ 0694-AC05 510 Expansion of License Exception GOV; Exports and Reexports to International 0694-AC15 Organizations......................................................................... 511 Mandatory Electronic Filing of License Applications, Classification Requests, and 0694-AC20 License Exceptions Notifications Via BIS's Simplified Network Application Process (SNAP)................................................................................ 512 Revision to the Export Administration Regulations: Replacement Licenses............... 0694-AC23 513 Chemical Weapons Convention: Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations....... 0694-AC35 514 General Order Providing for Notification of License Requirement....................... 0694-AC47 515 License Exception APR for Reexports To, From, and Among Countries in Country Group A:1 0694-AC69 516 Revisions to License Exception TSR: Expansion to Scope of Eligible Countries.......... 0694-AC71 517 Revisions of Aircraft Export Licensing Jurisdiction Based on Review of the United 0694-AC74 States Munitions List................................................................. 518 Imposition of Foreign Policy Controls on Surreptitious Communications Intercepting 0694-AC82 Devices............................................................................... 519 Export Administration Regulations: Removal of Country Groups.......................... 0694-AD09 [[Page 64398]] 520 Implementation of the Wassenaar Arrangement Statement of Understanding on the Control 0694-AD10 of Non-Listed Dual-Use Items.......................................................... 521 Export Administration Regulations: Establish Special Intra-Company License (SIL)...... 0694-AD22 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Industry and Security--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 522 Adding Systems, Including Cameras, Incorporating Non-Space Qualified Non-Linear (2- 0694-AD06 Dimensional), Infrared Focal Plane Arrays Based on Silicon (Including Silicon- Germanium) Microbolometer Materials................................................... 523 Revision of Export and Reexport Restrictions on Libya................................. 0694-AD14 524 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''........................................................ 525 Licensing Policy for Entities Sanctioned Under Specified Statutes; License Requirement 0694-AD24 for Certain Sanctioned Entities; and Imposition of License Requirement for Tula Instrument Design Bureau.............................................................. 526 Exports of Nuclear-Grade Graphite: Change in Licensing Jurisdiction................... 0694-AD28 527 Expansion of the Country Scope of the License Requirements That Apply to Chemical/ 0694-AD37 Biological (CB) Equipment and Related Technology; Amendments to CB-Related End-User/ End-Use and U.S. Person Controls...................................................... 528 Removal of Advisory Notes............................................................. 0694-AD39 529 Editorial Corrections to Part 730 of the Export Administration Regulations............ 0694-AD40 530 December 2004 Wassenaar Arrangement Plenary Agreement Implementation: Categories 1, 2, 0694-AD41 3, 4, 5 Part I (Telecommunications), 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Commerce Control List; Wassenaar Reporting Requirement....................................................... 531 Entity List--India: Reduction in Scope of Items That Require a License for End-Users 0694-AD44 Subject to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards....................... 532 Technical Corrections to the Export Administration Regulations........................ 0694-AD46 533 Revision of Telephone Numbers, Addresses, and Nomenclature Change and Removal of 0694-AD48 Redundant Reporting Requirement....................................................... 534 Restrictions on Exports and Reexports to China (and Transfers Within China) of Certain 0694-AD49 Items Intended for Military End-Uses.................................................. 535 Implementation of the Understandings Reached at the April 2005 Australia Group (AG) 0694-AD51 Plenary Meeting....................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Institute of Standards and Technology--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 536 Changes to Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) Publication 201, Standard 0693-AB56 for Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors............... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Institute of Standards and Technology--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 537 Draft Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201, Personal Identification 0693-AB54 Verification for Federal Employees and Contractors.................................... 538 Fastener Quality Act.................................................................. 0693-AB55 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 539 Amendment 12 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Crustacean Fisheries of the 0648-AL67 Western Pacific Region................................................................ [[Page 64399]] 540 Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish Fisheries of the Western 0648-AM98 Pacific Region........................................................................ 541 Amendment 18A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf 0648-AN09 of Mexico............................................................................. 542 Measures to Prevent or Mitigate and Conserve, Manage, and Allow Full Utilization of 0648-AN76 Sharks................................................................................ 543 Revision of American Lobster Regulations for the EEZ.................................. 0648-AP18 544 Regulatory Amendment To Implement Permit Stacking in the Limited-Entry Fixed-Gear 0648-AP38 Sablefish Fishery in 2005 and Beyond.................................................. 545 Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Sustainable Fisheries Act Requirements Regarding 0648-AP51 Overfishing, Bycatch, Fishing Communities and Provisions for Fishery Management Plans for the Caribbean..................................................................... 546 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 9....................... 0648-AP60 547 Implementation of the Regulatory Changes Resulting From the Amendments and Extension 0648-AP61 of the South Pacific Tuna Act......................................................... 548 Amendment 71A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering 0648-AP67 Sea and Aleutian Islands Area......................................................... 549 Regulatory Amendment to Section 679 Permits or Permit-Related Issues.................. 0648-AQ07 550 Regulatory Amendment To Adjust Permit Renewal Requirements and Transferability 0648-AQ20 Restrictions in NWHI's Hoomalu Zone and Mau Limited Access Programs................... 551 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Recreational Atlantic Blue and White Marlin 0648-AQ65 Landings Limit; Amendments to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks and the Fishery................................................. 552 Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan........................... 0648-AQ87 553 Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Gulf of 0648-AR06 Alaska and Amendment 62 to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (BSAI).......................................................... 554 Regulatory Rulemaking To Revise Accounting for Externally Tagged Halibut and Sablefish 0648-AR09 555 Catcher Vessel Electronic Report...................................................... 0648-AR30 556 Atlantic Striped Bass Fisheries in the EEZ; Modification of Federal Regulations....... 0648-AR33 557 Amendment 13B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 0648-AR38 South Atlantic Region................................................................. 558 Maximize Retention and Monitoring Program in the Shorebased Pacific Whiting Fishery... 0648-AR63 559 Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish Fisheries of the Western 0648-AR65 Pacific Region........................................................................ 560 Regulatory Amendment to Add and Revise Certain Species Codes.......................... 0648-AR67 561 Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.. 0648-AR72 562 Revisions to the Definitions of Exempted Fishing and Scientific Research.............. 0648-AR78 563 Individual Fishing Quota for Guided Recreational Charter Halibut Fishery.............. 0648-AR96 564 Fish and Seafood Promotion Act Provisions; Seafood Marketing Councils................. 0648-AS09 565 Community Development Quota Regulatory Amendment To Modify Several Fishery Management 0648-AS13 Elements of the CDQ Program........................................................... 566 Amendment 13 to Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, 0648-AS15 U.S. Waters........................................................................... 567 Amendment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery................. 0648-AS22 568 Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery................... 0648-AS25 569 Regulatory Amendment To Establish Measures Authorizing the Optional Use of Electronic 0648-AS29 Logbook Forms in the Western Pacific Fisheries........................................ 570 Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Precious Corals Fisheries of the 0648-AS31 Western Pacific Region................................................................ 571 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Reducing Sea Turtle Takes.................... 0648-AS49 572 Establish Management Measures for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 0648-AS63 Bottomfish Fishery Under the Western Pacific Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish FMP... 573 Revise Precious Coral Measures To Increase the Protection of Black Coral Resources in 0648-AS64 Hawaii................................................................................ 574 Generic Amendment to Provide for Regulations of Offshore Aquaculture of Selected Fish. 0648-AS65 575 Generic Amendment for Addressing Essential Fish Habitat Requirements, Habitat Areas of 0648-AS66 Particular Concern, and Gear Restrictions for All Fishery Management Plans of the Gulf of Mexico............................................................................. 576 Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of 0648-AS67 Mexico to Establish a Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota Program.................... 577 Amendment 25 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of 0648-AS68 the Gulf of Mexico.................................................................... 578 Amendment 17 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of 0648-AS70 the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic................................................. 579 Establish Management Measures for the Western Pacific Squid Fishery................... 0648-AS71 580 Amendment to Regulations Implementing the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention 0648-AS75 Act of 1984........................................................................... 581 Individual Fishing Quota Program; Restructure Date-Specific Quota Share Regulations... 0648-AS77 582 Halibut and Sablefish IFQ Program Amendments.......................................... 0648-AS84 583 Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West Coast Salmon 0648-AS96 Fisheries; Amendment 14; Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Descriptions for Pacific Salmon. 584 Identify and Manage Alaska Fishery Management Plans for EFH and HAPC.................. 0648-AT09 [[Page 64400]] 585 Amendment 11 to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan................... 0648-AT11 586 Regulatory Amendment to the Reef Fish Management Plan To Set Commercial and 0648-AT12 Recreational Management Measures for Grouper Starting in 2006......................... 587 Transfer of Management Authority for the Atlantic Coast Red Drum Resource From the 0648-AT13 South................................................................................. 588 Specifications for the 2006 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries........ 0648-AT19 589 Specifications for the 2006 Atlantic Bluefish Fishery................................. 0648-AT20 590 Specifications for the 2006 Atlantic Herring Fishery.................................. 0648-AT21 591 Specifications for the 2006 Monkfish Fishery.......................................... 0648-AT22 592 Framework 42 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery.................................... 0648-AT24 593 Framework 18 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery...................................... 0648-AT25 594 Framework 16 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries............... 0648-AT26 595 Specifications for the 2006 Fishing Year for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea 0648-AT27 Bass Fisheries........................................................................ 596 Specifications for the 2006 Recreational Fisheries for Summer Flounder, Scup, and 0648-AT28 Black Sea Bass........................................................................ 597 Framework 1 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan.............................. 0648-AT29 598 American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures To Complement Interstate 0648-AT31 Lobster Management Recommendations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. 599 West Coast Highly Migratory Species, Correcting Amendment............................. 0648-AT32 600 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Commercial Management Measures 0648-AT37 601 Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Cost Recovery Program Amendments....................... 0648-AT43 602 Remove Regulations that Implement Seasonal Area Closures to Groundfish Fishing in 0648-AT54 Waters off Cape Sarichef and in the Chiniak Gully Research Area....................... 603 Management Measures for Pacific Bigeye Tuna........................................... 0648-AT55 604 Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for 2006 and Beyond................................ 0648-AT56 605 Omnibus Amendments to Fishery Management Plans to Address Essential Fish Habitat...... 0648-AT57 606 Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan.. 0648-AT58 607 Specifications for the 2006/2007 Fishing Year for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery........... 0648-AT59 608 Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea 0648-AT60 Bass Fisheries........................................................................ 609 Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery.... 0648-AT61 610 Framework 1 to the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan.................. 0648-AT62 611 Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Tilefish Fishery..................... 0648-AT63 612 Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and 0648-AT65 Butterfish Fisheries.................................................................. 613 Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Herring Fishery............. 0648-AT66 614 Specifications for the 2007 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery............ 0648-AT67 615 Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Pilot Program......................................... 0648-AT71 616 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); 2006 Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications and 0648-AT72 Effort Controls....................................................................... 617 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North and South Atlantic Swordfish Commercial 0648-AT73 Management Measures................................................................... 618 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Commercial Management Measures 0648-AT74 619 Regulatory Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of 0648-AT75 the South Atlantic.................................................................... 620 Implement Specification Management Measures for the 2006 Pacific Sardine Fishery 0648-AT76 Coastal Pelagic Species FMP........................................................... 621 Revision of Critical Habitat for the Northern Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)....... 0648-AT84 622 2006 and 2007 Quota Specifications for Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery..... 0648-AT85 623 Framework Adjustment to the Bycatch Reduction Criteria for the Fishery Management Plan 0648-AT86 for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico.......................................... 624 Joint Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans for the Shrimp Fishery (Amendment 14) 0648-AT87 and Reef Fish Fisheries (Amendment 27) of the Gulf of Mexico.......................... 625 Control Date for the South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery........................... 0648-AT88 626 North Atlantic Whale Protection....................................................... 0648-AM85 627 Preventing Harassment From Human Activities Directed at Marine Mammals in the Wild.... 0648-AN43 628 Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Taking Marine Mammals Incidental To Conducting 0648-AQ71 Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in the Gulf of Mexico.............................. 629 Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction..................................................... 0648-AS36 630 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Air 0648-AT39 Force Precision Strike Weapons Exercises in the northern Gulf of Mexico............... 631 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Coastal 0648-AT46 Commercial Fireworks Displays at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, CA........... 632 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Assessing 0648-AT77 Naval Ship Survivability.............................................................. [[Page 64401]] 633 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Deployment 0648-AT78 of a Naval At-Sea Gunnery Scoring System.............................................. 634 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the 0648-AT79 Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures in the Gulf of Mexico........................ 635 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Testing 0648-AT80 and Training of the Navy's Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System-Low Frequency Active Sonar................................................................................. 636 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Naval 0648-AT81 Training Operations at the East Coast Shallow Water Training Range.................... 637 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Air 0648-AT82 Force Air-to-Surface Gunnery Exercises in the Northern Gulf of Mexico................. 638 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Naval 0648-AT83 Explosives Ordnance Testing and Training Exercises in the Northern Gulf of Mexico..... 639 Northwest Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Designation and Implementation 0648-AS83 of Regulations (Reg Plan Seq No. 28).................................................. 640 Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review............... 0648-AT14 641 Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review......................... 0648-AT15 642 Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review...................... 0648-AT17 643 Consideration of Marine Reserves and Marine Conservation Areas Within the Channel 0648-AT18 Islands National Marine Sanctuary..................................................... 644 Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review......................... 0648-AT16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 645 Require Mandatory Observer Coverage in the At-Sea Processing Sector of the Whiting 0648-AK26 Fishery............................................................................... 646 Proposed Highly Migratory Species Process............................................. 0648-AK40 647 Fisheries of the United States; National Standard 1 (Reg Plan Seq No. 29)............. 0648-AQ63 648 Turtle Mitigation for Non-Hawaii-Based Pelagic Longline and Non-Longline Vessels...... 0648-AQ91 649 Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the South 0648-AS16 Atlantic Region....................................................................... 650 Measures To Reduce Interactions With Seabirds in the Hawaii-Based Longline Fishery.... 0648-AS30 651 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....... 652 Fee System for Repayment of the Loan to Harvestors of Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King 0648-AS46 and Tanner Crabs...................................................................... 653 Amendments 18 and 19 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands 0648-AS47 King and Tanner Crabs--Crab Rationalization Program................................... 654 Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Mackerel.............. 0648-AS59 655 List of Fisheries for 2005............................................................ 0648-AS78 656 Correct and Clarify Amendment 13 and Framework 40-A to the Northeast Multispecies 0648-AS80 Fishery Management Plan............................................................... 657 West Coast Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan, Correcting Amendment..... 0648-AS89 658 Changes to Regulations Governing the Observer Communications System................... 0648-AS93 659 Amendment 79 to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian 0648-AT04 Islands Management Area Establishing a Groundfish Retention Standard.................. 660 Framework Adjustment 41 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan......... 0648-AT08 661 Restrictions for 2005 and 2006 Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries for Tuna in the 0648-AT33 Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP).................................................. 662 2006-2007 Management Measures for Commercial, Recreational, and Treaty Salmon 0648-AT34 Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California........................ 663 Temporary Rule to Address Haddock Bycatch in the 2005 Herring Fishery................. 0648-AT36 664 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of 0648-AT45 the Gulf of Mexico; Gulf Grouper Recreational Management Measures..................... 665 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the 0648-AT48 Northeastern U.S.; Fishery Closure Due to the Presence of the Toxin that Causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning......................................................... 666 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish and Summer Flounder 0648-AT50 Fisheries; State Quota Transfers and Combinations..................................... [[Page 64402]] 667 Establish a New Control Date for the Commercial Spanish Mackerel Fishery in the South 0648-AT64 Atlantic Exclusive Economic Zone...................................................... 668 2006 Scallop Research Set-Aside Request for Proposals................................. 0648-AT68 669 Closure of the U.S. Longline Bigeye Tuna Fishery for 2005 in the Eastern Tropical 0648-AT70 Pacific Ocean......................................................................... 670 Hydropower/Mandatory Conditions Review Process (MCRP) Rule............................ 0648-AS55 671 Taking of the Cook Inlet, Alaska, Stock of Beluga Whales by Alaska Natives............ 0648-AO16 672 Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Rocket Launches From the Kodiak Launch Complex, 0648-AP62 Kodiak Island, Alaska................................................................. 673 Regulations Implementing the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan................... 0648-AR39 674 Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Navy Operations................................... 0648-AR99 675 Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large 0648-AS01 Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations................................................. 676 Sea Turtle Requirements for Commercial Scallop Fishing................................ 0648-AS92 677 Threatened Status for Southern Resident Killer Whales................................. 0648-AS95 678 Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Operation of Offshore Oil Production Facilities in 0648-AS98 Beaufort Sea.......................................................................... 679 Proposed Threatened Status for Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American 0648-AT02 Green Sturgeon........................................................................ 680 Marine Mammals; Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals; Harvest Estimates........... 0648-AT49 681 Civil Procedures Governing Prosecution and Administrative Proceedings................. 0648-AS54 682 Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary................................................. 0648-AQ41 683 Certification Requirements for NOAA Electronic Navigational Chart Distribution........ 0648-AR87 684 Licensing of Private Land Remote-Sensing Space Systems................................ 0648-AT00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 685 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............................................................................. 686 Procedural Changes to the Federal Consistency Process................................. 0648-AP98 687 Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Consistency Regulations........................... 0648-AR16 688 Regional Marine Research Program...................................................... 0648-AF20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 689 Regulatory Amendment Modifying the Gulf of Mexico BRD Framework Under the Fishery 0648-AN84 Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP).................... 690 Amendment 22 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan................................. 0648-AP02 691 Amendment 2 to Monkfish Fishery Management Plan....................................... 0648-AQ25 692 Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Pelagic Fisheries of the Western 0648-AQ92 Pacific Region (American Samoa Longline Limited Access Permit Program)................ 693 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Amendments to the Fishery Management Plan for 0648-AR60 Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks and the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Billfish.............................................................................. 694 Gear Identification Markings on Buoys................................................. 0648-AR90 695 CDQ Transfer, Eligible Vessels, and Fishing Plan Regulations.......................... 0648-AS00 696 Announcement of the Optimum Yield and Harvest Limit for Pacific Sardine............... 0648-AS17 697 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..................................................... 698 Annual Recreational Specifications for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 0648-AS21 Fishery for Fishing Year 2005......................................................... 699 Specifications for the 2005 Fishing Year for the Atlantic Herring Fishery............. 0648-AS23 700 Specifications for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery for Fishing Year 2005.................... 0648-AS24 701 Framework 40B to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan................... 0648-AS33 702 Framework 1 to the Red Crab Fishery Management Plan................................... 0648-AS35 [[Page 64403]] 703 Amendment Number 15 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic 0648-AS53 Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Region............................. 704 2005-2006 Management Measures for Commercial, Recreational, and Treaty Indian Salmon 0648-AS58 Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California........................ 705 Amendment 24 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources in 0648-AS69 the Gulf of Mexico.................................................................... 706 Annual Adjustment to Measures for the Monkfish Fishery for the 2005 Fishing Year...... 0648-AS72 707 Adjustment of Quota Overages in the U.S./Canada Area.................................. 0648-AS74 708 Seafood Dealer Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements............................... 0648-AS87 709 Commercial Grouper Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Establishment of a Control Date..... 0648-AS88 710 FMP for the Scallop Fishery Off Alaska Amendment 10................................... 0648-AS90 711 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); 2005 Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications and 0648-AT01 Effort Controls....................................................................... 712 Area 4C/4D Selective IFQ/CDQ Boundary Permeability.................................... 0648-AT03 713 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Lifting Trade Restrictive Measures................. 0648-AT05 714 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Commercial Management Measures 0648-AT07 715 Framework Adjustment 17 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan........... 0648-AT10 716 Limited Entry Program for Longline and Drift Gillnet Vessels.......................... 0648-AT35 717 Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Routine Management Measure 0648-AT38 Authority to Close the Pacific Coast Directed Groundfish Open Access Fisheries........ 718 Spiny Dogfish Management Program and Trawl Individual Quota Program................... 0648-AT40 719 Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Subsistence Fishing; Correction............................ 0648-AT44 720 Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Bottomfish 0648-AT47 Fisheries; Main Hawaiian Islands; Control Date........................................ 721 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the 0648-AT51 Northeastern U.S.; Fishery Closure Due to Presence of Toxin that Causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning; Correction....................................................... 722 Control Date for Non-Longline Commercial Pelagic Fisheries in EEZ Around Hawaii....... 0648-AT52 723 Control Date for Domestic Purse Seine and Longline Pelagic Fisheries in U.S. EEZ of 0648-AT53 Western Pacific Region................................................................ 724 Salmon Conservation Zone for the Pacific Coast Whiting Primary Fishing Season......... 0648-AT69 725 Designate Critical Habitat for 7 Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of Pacific 0648-AO04 Salmon and Steelhead in California.................................................... 726 Designate Critical Habitat for 12 Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of Pacific 0648-AQ77 Salmon and Steelhead in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.................................. 727 Listing Determinations for 27 Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of West Coast 0648-AR93 Salmon and Oncorhynchus Mykiss........................................................ 728 Sea Turtle Conservation; Exceptions to Taking Prohibitions for Endangered Sea Turtles. 0648-AS57 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 729 Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark 0651-AB55 Office................................................................................ 730 Changes in Trademark Rules of Practice in Inter Partes Proceedings Before the 0651-AB56 Trademark Trial and Appeal Board...................................................... 731 Revision of Patent and Trademark Fees for Fiscal Year 2007............................ 0651-AB81 732 Amendment of Rules for Filing Intent To Use Documents in Section 1(b) Applications.... 0651-AB90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 733 Changes To Implement the Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act 0651-AB76 of 2004............................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64404]] Patent and Trademark Office--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 734 Changes To Implement Priority Application Exchange Between Intellectual Property 0651-AB75 Offices............................................................................... 735 Revision of Ex Parte and Inter Partes Reexamination Practice.......................... 0651-AB77 736 Changes To Implement the Refund Provisions of the United States Patent and Trademark 0651-AB79 Fee Modernization Act of 2004......................................................... 737 Provisions for Claiming the Benefit of a Provisional Application with a Non-English 0651-AB85 Specification and Other Miscellaneous Matters......................................... 738 Amendment of Trademark Rules of Practice.............................................. 0651-AB89 739 Acceptance, Processing, Use and Dissemination of Chemical and Three-Dimensional 0651-AB91 Biological Structural Data in Electronic Format....................................... 740 Revisions to Facilitate Web-Based Patent Correspondence and Amendment Requirements for 0651-AB92 Reissue Applications and Reexamination Proceedings.................................... 741 Changes to Practice for Continuing Applications, Requests for Continued Examination 0651-AB93 Practice, and Applications Containing Patentably Indistinct Claims.................... 742 Changes to Practice for the Examination of Claims in Patent Applications.............. 0651-AB94 743 Changes to Information Disclosure Statement Requirements and Other Related Matters.... 0651-AB95 744 Pre-Brief Appeal Conference for Patent Applications Under Appeal to the Board of 0651-AB96 Patent Appeals and Interferences...................................................... 745 Changes to Examination Practice for Means- (or Step-) Plus-Function Claim Elements in 0651-AB97 Patent Applications................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 746 Revision of Search and Examination Fees for Patent Cooperation Treaty Applications 0651-AB84 Entering the National Stage in the United States...................................... 747 Changes to the Practice for Handling Patent Applications Filed Without the Appropriate 0651-AB87 Fees.................................................................................. 748 Requirements To Receive a Reduced Fee for Filing an Application Through the Trademark 0651-AB88 Electronic Application System......................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Technology Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 749 Licensing of Government-Owned Inventions.............................................. 0692-AA19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Technology Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 750 Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under 0692-AA14 Government Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.............................. 751 Acquisition and Protection of Foreign Rights in Inventions............................ 0692-AA15 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64405]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) _______________________________________________________________________ 456. CHANGE IN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR BE-577, DIRECT TRANSACTIONS OF U.S. REPORTER WITH FOREIGN AFFILIATE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 806 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend 15 CFR 806.14 to change the reporting requirements for the BE-577, Direct Transactions of U.S. Reporter with Foreign Affiliate, and to bring the survey into conformity with the BE- 10, Benchmark Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad-2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 Final Action 04/00/06 Final Action Effective 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA57 _______________________________________________________________________ 457. CHANGE IN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR BE-11, ANNUAL SURVEY OF U.S. DIRECT INVESTMENT ABROAD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 806 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend 15 CFR 806.14 to change the reporting requirements for the BE-11, Annual Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad, and to bring the survey into conformity with the BE-10, Benchmark Survey of U.S. Direct Investment Abroad-2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/22/05 70 FR 48920 NPRM Comment Period End 10/21/05 Final Action 12/00/06 Final Action Effective 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, BE-50, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA58 _______________________________________________________________________ 458. [bull] BENCHMARK SURVEY OF TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN U.S. AND FOREIGN PERSONS IN SELECTED SERVICES AND IN INTANGIBLE ASSETS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801.10 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend 15 CFR 801.10 to provide for the conduct of the BE-20, Benchmark Survey of Transactions Between U.S. and Foreign Persons in Selected Services and in Intangible Assets--2006. The existing rule covers a related survey for 2001, which the new survey will update. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/06 Final Action 11/00/06 Final Action Effective 12/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Obie G. Whichard, Chief, International Investment Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 606-9890 Fax: 202 606-5318 Email: obie.whichard@bea.gov RIN: 0691-AA60 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) _______________________________________________________________________ 459. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SURVEYS: CANCELLATION OF FIVE ANNUAL SURVEYS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 22 USC 3101 to 3108 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 801.9 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action amends 15 CFR part 801 by revising section 801.9(b) to remove the reporting requirements for five annual surveys that collect data covering international trade in services. These surveys have been replaced by quarterly surveys that collect essentially the same information. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/05/05 70 FR 23811 NPRM Comment Period End 07/05/05 Final Action 08/17/05 70 FR 48270 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AA59 [[Page 64406]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 460. [bull] ANNUAL TRADE SURVEY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Census Bureau is proposing to expand the 2005 Annual Trade Survey to include agents, brokers, and electronic markets. The Census Bureau propose this expansion at the request of the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The BEA considers this information vital to its accurate measurement of sales and value added for wholesale trade. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: John R Trimble, Chief, Annual Trade and Special Projects Branch, Service Sector Statistics Div., Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Room 2633-3, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 763-7223 Email: john.r.trimble@census.gov RIN: 0607-AA45 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 461. 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 12/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 462. MANDATORY AUTOMATED EXPORT SYSTEM (AES) FILING FOR EXPORT SHIPMENTS REQUIRING SHIPPER'S EXPORT DECLARATION INFORMATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-228, sec 1404 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of the Census is amending the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations to require mandatory filing through the Automated Export System (AES) of all export information for shipments where filing of a Shipper's Export Declaration was formerly required. The AES is an electronic method by which export information is transmitted. This amendment will specify the provisions and filing responsibilities of parties exporting commodities from the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 10/22/03 68 FR 60301 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/21/03 NPRM 02/17/05 70 FR 8200 NPRM Comment Period End 04/18/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Stephanie Dunlap, Regulations, Outreach, & Education Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Room 3125, 4700 Silver Hill Road, FB-3, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 763-2238 Fax: 301 457-3765 Email: stephanie.b.dunlap@census.gov Related RIN: Related to 0607-AA29, Related to 0607-AA31, Related to 0607-AA30 RIN: 0607-AA38 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 463. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 2010 CENSUS REDISTRICTING PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 05/13/04 69 FR 26547 Notice 02/15/05 70 FR 7713 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Catherine C. McCully [[Page 64407]] Phone: 301 763-4039 RIN: 0607-AA42 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions Bureau of the Census (CENSUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 464. REQUIREMENT FOR REPORTING THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS CERTIFICATE NUMBER FOR EXPORTS (REEXPORTS) OF ROUGH DIAMONDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 13 USC 301; 13 USC 302 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The U.S. Census Bureau (Census Bureau) is amending the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (FTSR) to incorporate the requirement for reporting the Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC) number for the exports (reexports) of rough diamonds filed through the Automated Export System (AES) in accordance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (Kimberley Process) in the United States. This rule is issued to carry out the purposes of Executive Order 13312 of July 29, 2003, which implemented the Clean Diamond Trade Act and the Kimberley Process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/12/05 70 FR 2072 NPRM Comment Period End 02/11/05 Final Action 05/16/05 70 FR 25773 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: C. Harvey Monk Jr., Chief, Foreign Trade Division, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 4700 Silver Hill Road FB- 3, Room 2104, Washington, DC 20233 Phone: 301 763-2255 Fax: 301 457-2645 Email: c.harvey.monk.jr@census.gov RIN: 0607-AA44 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Economic Development Administration (EDA) _______________________________________________________________________ 465. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/11/05 70 FR 47001 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/11/05 Final Rule 09/30/05 70 FR 57124 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Hina Shaikh, Attorney Advisor, Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, 1401 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4687 RIN: 0610-AA63 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage General Administration (ADMIN) _______________________________________________________________________ 466. [bull] DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 553; 31 USC 3717; 44 USC 3101 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends the Department of Commerce's (Department) Privacy Act (PA) regulations (15 CFR Part 4) by adding an additional method of authorization to determine the identification of individuals seeking access to records under the Privacy Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brenda Dolan, Departmental Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Officer, Department of [[Page 64408]] Commerce, 1401 Constitution Ave, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3258 Email: bdolan1@doc.gov RIN: 0605-AA19 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions General Administration (ADMIN) _______________________________________________________________________ 467. 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 revises the footnote found at the end of section 15 CFR 27.101(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 06/23/05 70 FR 36325 Final Action Effective 06/23/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 468. [bull] DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION; CHANGE IN DESIGNATED OFFICIAL Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 5 USC 553; 31 USC 3717; 44 USC 3101 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Department of Commerce's Freedom of Information Act regulations by changing the official authorized to deny both requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act and requests for correction or amendment under the Privacy Act, for the Bureau of the Census. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/15/05 70 FR 47725 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brenda Dolan, Departmental Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Officer, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Ave, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3258 Email: bdolan1@doc.gov RIN: 0605-AA20 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 469. PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS OF ANTIDUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING DUTY ORDERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 19 USC 1671 et seq; 19 USC 1673 et seq; 19 USC 1303 CFR Citation: 19 CFR 351 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On May 19, 1997 (62 FR 27296), the Department of Commerce (the Department) published final rules on inter alia procedures for conducting antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings to conform the Department's existing regulations to the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA). Although these regulations contain provisions on the conduct of sunset reviews, the Department is planning to amend the regulations to provide more guidance on the procedures for conducting sunset reviews. Specifically, the Department proposes to amend the procedural regulations for participation in, and conduct of, sunset reviews to add two definitions to provide shorthand expressions for 120-day and 240-day sunset reviews; provide deadlines for certain submissions; clarify the information to be provided by parties participating in a sunset review; clarify when the Department will conduct a 120-day or a 240-day sunset review; and provide time limits for actions to be taken by the Department. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/20/98 63 FR 13516 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/20/98 NPRM 11/00/05 Final Action 11/00/06 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., NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4618 RIN: 0625-AA51 [[Page 64409]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 470. STEEL IMPORT MONITORING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 13 USC 301(a); 13 USC 302 CFR Citation: 19 CFR 360 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Commerce amends its regulations to enhance the steel import monitoring and analysis system. The Department is seeking to improve the system in order to provide the public with accurate and timely information on imports of certain steel products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 08/25/04 69 FR 52211 Interim Final Rule 03/11/05 70 FR 12133 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Julie Al-Saadawi, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, 14th & Constitution Ave., NW., Room 3713, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-1930 RIN: 0625-AA64 _______________________________________________________________________ 471. IMPORTS OF CERTAIN WORSTED WOOL FABRIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF TARIFF RATE QUOTA ESTABLISHED UNDER TITLE V OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2000 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-429 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 335; 15 CFR 340 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Commerce amends its regulation to implement the amendment to the Trade Act included in the Miscellaneous Trade Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-429). Principally, this rule amends the regulations to specify which HTS categories may be allocated as TRQs and to eliminate Commerce's authority to modify these quotas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/16/05 70 FR 25774 Final Action 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sergio Botero, Industry Economist, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, HCHB Room 3119, Office of Textiles and Apparel, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4058 Fax: 202 482-0667 RIN: 0625-AA67 _______________________________________________________________________ 472. [bull] CHANGES IN THE INSULAR POSSESSIONS WATCH, WATCH MOVEMENT, AND JEWELRY PROGRAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 97-446; PL 103-465; PL 94-241; PL 106-36; PL 108- 429 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 303 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Commerce is proposing to amend 19 CFR 303 in order to make technical changes required by passage of the miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004. Such changes include, for example, extending duty-refund benefits to include the value of usual and customary health and life insurance and pension benefits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/06/05 70 FR 38828 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert E. Nielsen, Senior Attorney, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, 14th Street and Pennsylvania Ave, NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-5340 Email: robert--nielsen@ita.doc.gov RIN: 0625-AA68 _______________________________________________________________________ 473. [bull] PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING FIVE-YEAR (``SUNSET'') REVIEWS OF ANTIDUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING DUTY ORDERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 19 USC 1671 et seq; 19 USC 3538 CFR Citation: 19 CFR 351 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department takes this action to revise and clarify current procedures for participation in, and conduct of, sunset reviews. Section 123 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA) governs the process for changes to the Department's regulations where a dispute settlement panel and/or the Appellate Body finds a regulatory provision to be inconsistent with any of the WTO agreements. Consistent with section 123(g)(1)(C), the Department is planning to publish proposed amendments to its regulations related to sunset reviews to conform the existing regulations to the U. S. obligations under Articles 6.1, 6.2, and 11.3 of the Antidumping Agreement. The regulations would amend the ``waiver'' provisions which govern treatment of interested parties who do not provide a complete substantive response to the Department's notice of initiation of a sunset review and clarify the basis for parties' participation in a public hearing in an expedited sunset review. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/15/05 70 FR 47738 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Stacy Ettinger, Attorney, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Room 3828, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4618 RIN: 0625-AA69 [[Page 64410]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 474. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 475. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO REGULATION CONCERNING CERTIFICATION OF FACTUAL INFORMATION TO IMPORT ADMINISTRATION DURING ANTIDUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING DUTY PROCEEDINGS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 19 CFR 351 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/22/04 69 FR 56738 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert E. Nielsen Phone: 202 482-5340 Email: robert--neilsen@ita.doc.gov RIN: 0625-AA66 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 476. IMPORT OF CERTAIN WORSTED WOOL FABRIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF TARIFF RATE QUOTA ESTABLISHED UNDER TITLE V OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2000 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-200, sec 501to 504; Presidential Proclamation No. 7383 (December 1, 2000) CFR Citation: 15 CFR 335; 15 CFR 340 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 22, 2001, the Department of Commerce issued interim regulations implementing section 501(e) and section 504(b) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (the Act). Section 501(e) requires the President to fairly allocate tariff rate quotas on the import of certain worsted wool fabrics, tariff rate quotas which were established by sections 501(a) and 501(b) of the Act. Section 504(b) authorizes the President to modify the limitations on worsted wool fabric imports under the tariff rate quotas. The President has delegated to the Secretary of Commerce the authority to allocate the quantity of imports under the tariff rate quotas and to determine whether the limitations on the quantity of imports under the tariff rate quotas should be modified. Final regulations will be issued after the period for notice and comment has expired. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/22/01 66 FR 6459 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/23/01 Final Action 05/12/05 70 FR 24941 Final Action 06/10/05 70 FR 33825 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Sergio Botero, Industry Economist, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, HCHB Room 3119, Office of Textiles and Apparel, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-4058 Fax: 202 482-0667 RIN: 0625-AA58 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 477. SHORT SUPPLY CONTROLS: CRUDE OIL EXPORTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 10 USC 7420, 7430(e); 30 USC 185(s), 185(u); 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 750; 15 CFR 754 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security is amending the short supply provisions of the Export Administration Regulations to revise the restrictions on exports of crude oil. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 478. ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 22 USC 6701; 50 USC 1601; 50 USC 1701; EO 13128; EO 12938; EO 13094; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 781; 15 CFR 782; 15 CFR 783; 15 CFR 784; 15 CFR 785; 15 CFR 786; 15 CFR 787; 15 CFR 788 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 64411]] Abstract: Following ratification by the United States of the Protocol Additional to the Agreement Between the United States of America and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in the United States of America (AP or Protocol), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) proposes to establish the Additional Protocol Regulations (APR) to implement the provisions of the Protocol affecting U.S. industry and other U.S. persons. In the aftermath of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, international inspectors determined that Iraq had been engaged in a clandestine nuclear weapons development program at locations not directly subject to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. The international community determined that the safeguards system needed to be strengthened and negotiated a model Additional Protocol to amend existing bilateral safeguards agreements. The model Additional Protocol requires enhanced information collection and access to provide IAEA inspectors with greater ability to detect clandestine nuclear activities in non-nuclear weapons states (NNWS), and covers almost all of a state's nuclear fuel cycle. The United States, as a nuclear weapons state (NWS) party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), is not obligated to accept IAEA safeguards on its nuclear activities. However, the United States voluntarily signed the U.S. Additional Protocol on June 12, 1998. In this U.S. Additional Protocol, the United States accepts all of the measures of the Model Protocol, except where their application would result in access by the IAEA to activities with direct national security significance to the United States or to locations or information associated with such activities. By submitting itself to the same safeguards on all of its civil nuclear activities that NNWS are subject to (except those of national security significance), the United States intends to demonstrate that adherence to the model Additional Protocol does not place other countries at a commercial disadvantage. Declarations submitted under the U.S. Additional Protocol would provide the IAEA with information about additional aspects of the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle, including mining and milling of nuclear materials, nuclear- related equipment manufacturing, nuclear-related imports and exports, research and development not involving nuclear material, and other nuclear material activities not currently subject to the U.S. Safeguards Agreement. There are no routine inspections under the U.S. Additional Protocol, but IAEA inspectors may be provided access (referred to as ``complementary access'') to the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle to assure the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities or where there is a question or an inconsistency about the completeness or correctness of the U.S. declaration, which could relate to declared or undeclared industrial locations. Access to most industrial locations is predicated upon an IAEA request for clarification of a declaration. As with the U.S.-IAEA Safeguards Agreement, the IAEA would not be required to seek access to any U.S. locations. In carrying out the responsibilities delegated to it for implementation of the U.S. Additional Protocol, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) will apply a philosophy of ensuring compliance while minimizing intrusion and the burden on commercial activities and emphasizing the protection of confidential business, national security, and other critical information to the maximum extent possible. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 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: Related to 0694-AD27 RIN: 0694-AD26 _______________________________________________________________________ 479. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: CLARIFICATIONS TO DEEMED EXPORT AND REEXPORT POLICY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 1701; 50 USC 2401; EO 12938; EO 13020; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 734; 15 CFR 772 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is reviewing the recommendations contained in the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General Report entitled ``Deemed Export Controls May Not Stop the Transfer of Sensitive Technology to Foreign Nationals in the U.S.'' (Final Inspection Report No, IPE-16176-March 2004). Certain of these recommendations would require regulatory changes that would affect existing requirements and policies for deemed export licenses. BIS is seeking comments on how these revisions would affect industry, the academic community, and U.S. Government agencies involved in research. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 03/28/05 70 FR 15607 Comment Period Extended 05/27/05 70 FR 30655 NPRM 12/00/05 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-AD29 _______________________________________________________________________ 480. REMOVAL OF LICENSE EXCEPTION GBS AND TSR ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN MICROWAVE MONOLITHIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT POWER AMPLIFIERS AND RELATED SOFTWARE AND TECHNOLOGY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; EO 13026; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend the Export Administration Regulations by removing License Exception GBS for certain microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMICs) power amplifiers that can be used in phased [[Page 64412]] array radar systems and TSR eligibility for related software and technology controlled on the Commerce Control List. License Exception GBS authorizes exports and reexports to Country Group B destinations when a commodity requires a license to such destinations for national security reasons only. License Exception TSR permits exports and reexports of technology and software to Group B destinations where the Commerce Country Chart (Supplement No. 1 to part 738 of the EAR) indicates a license for national security reasons only. Such license exception changes are being made because these MIMIC devices could potentially be used in military radar, surveillance, communications, and electronic warfare by countries of concern and, thus, pose as a national security concern. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3451 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: jlynch@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD36 _______________________________________________________________________ 481. [bull] CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION REGULATIONS: UDOC ``CHANGE IN INSPECTION STATUS FORM'' Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 22 USC 6701; EO 13128 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 715; 15 CFR 716 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR) to expedite the collection of information concerning the inspection status of plant sites that produce unscheduled discrete organic chemicals (UDOCs) subject to the declaration requirements of the CWCR. The CWCR include requirements to report certain activities, involving scheduled chemicals and unscheduled discrete organic chemicals (UDOCs), and to provide access for on-site verification by international inspectors of certain facilities and locations in the United States. Specifically, this rule would amend the CWCR by revising the annual declaration requirements for UDOCs to permit a ``declared'' plant site, which anticipates that its production of UDOCs during the current calendar year will be below the inspection threshold level indicated in the CWCR, to submit a ``Change in Inspection Status Form'' to BIS by December 15th of the current calendar year. The information provided to BIS by this new form would facilitate the scheduling of UDOC facility inspections by eliminating a period of uncertainty, at the beginning of each calendar year, concerning the inspection status of ``declared'' UDOC plant sites. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 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-AD53 _______________________________________________________________________ 482. [bull] VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE PROVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE CASE SETTLEMENT GUIDANCE RELATED TO RESTRICTIVE TRADE PRACTICES OR BOYCOTTS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 764; 15 CFR 766 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule sets forth procedures for making voluntary self disclosures of violations of part 760 of the Export Administration Regulations (Restrictive Trade Practices or Boycotts) and related recordkeeping violations (collectively referred to as antiboycott violations). This rule also provides guidance about BIS typically exercises its discretion regarding whether to pursue an administrative case regarding antiboycott violations, and what administrative sanctions to seek in settling such a case. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD63 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 483. CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 710 et seq Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998 (the Act or CWCIA) (22 U.S.C. 6701 et seq.), enacted on October 21, 1998, authorizes the United States to require the U.S. chemical industry and other private entities to submit declarations, notifications and other reports and also to provide access for [[Page 64413]] on-site inspections conducted by inspectors sent by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Executive Order (E.O.) 13128 delegates authority to the Department of Commerce to promulgate regulations, obtain and execute warrants, provide assistance to certain facilities, and carry out appropriate functions to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), consistent with the Act. The Department of Commerce implements CWC import restrictions under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the National Emergencies Act, and E.O. 12938, as amended by E.O. 13128. The Departments of State and Commerce have implemented the CWC export restrictions under their respective export control authorities. E.O. 13128 designates the Department of State as the United States National Authority (USNA) for purposes of the CWC and the Act. On December 30, 1999, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Department of Commerce, published an interim rule that established the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR) (15 CFR parts 710-722). The CWCR implemented the provisions of the CWC, affecting U.S. industry and U.S. persons, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. This rule updates the CWCR to include additional requirements identified as necessary for the implementation of certain CWC provisions and amends the CWCR to clarify other CWC requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/21/99 64 FR 39193 Interim Final Rule 12/30/99 64 FR 73744 Second NPRM 12/07/04 69 FR 70754 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Willard Fisher, Export Administration Specialist, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: wfisher@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AB06 _______________________________________________________________________ 484. DE MINIMIS EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY: U.S.-ORIGIN SOFTWARE INCORPORATED INTO FOREIGN-MADE COMMODITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by allowing foreign-made commodities that incorporate a de minimis, i.e., low percentage, value of controlled U.S.-origin software to be considered ``not subject'' to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/05 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-AC17 _______________________________________________________________________ 485. LICENSE EXCEPTION AVS: CLARIFICATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to clarify the scope of certain License Exception AVS provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 486. CLARIFICATIONS TO PART 752: SPECIAL COMPREHENSIVE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12002; EO 12058; EO 12214; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 700 to 799 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security administers the Special Comprehensive License (SCL) program to provide an effective export control mechanism for exporters who routinely ship to multiple end- users. This rule amends the SCL provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to conform with changes in the SCL licensing process and to provide SCL applicants and consignees with additional guidance on how to fill out the forms required to submit a license application or to request changes in their SCLs. This rule also creates two new elements for SCL internal control programs. These new elements require the establishment of procedures for screening customers and items to ensure that SCL transactions conform with the antiboycott provisions of the EAR and with EAR provisions concerning entities involved in weapons of mass destruction activities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 64414]] 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-AC34 _______________________________________________________________________ 487. REMOVAL OF LICENSING EXEMPTION FOR EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS OF MISSILE TECHNOLOGY-CONTROLLED ITEMS DESTINED TO CANADA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2501 et seq; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 742 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule revises the existing license exemption in the Export Administration Regulations for the export of missile technology controlled items to Canada. It implements recommendations contained in the General Accounting Office report entitled Export Controls: Regulatory Change Needed to Comply with Missile Technology Licensing Requirements (GA-01-530). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/20/01 66 FR 65666 NPRM 05/24/05 70 FR 29660 Comment Period End 06/23/05 Final Action 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Matthew Blaskovich, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, MS 2705, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC48 _______________________________________________________________________ 488. EXPORT AND REEXPORT CONTROLS ON IRAQ Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 287; 22 USC 3201; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185; 42 USC 2139; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC 466; 50 USC app 5; PL 106- 387; PL 107-56; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 750; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 758; 15 CFR 762; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule establishes the new export control policy for exports to Iraq under the licensing responsibility of the Bureau of Industry and Security. The new export control policy reflects the changed circumstances in Iraq and is consistent with changes in U.S. legal authorities concerning Iraq and actions taken by the United Nations Security Council with respect to the embargo against Iraq. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/30/04 69 FR 46060 Final Action 11/00/05 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 & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC84 _______________________________________________________________________ 489. KNOWLEDGE DEFINITION, SAFE HARBOR, RED FLAGS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; EO 12938; EO 13020; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 764; 15 CFR 772 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule revises the knowledge definition in the Export Administration Regulations to incorporate a ``reasonable person'' standard and replaces the phrase ``high probability'' with the phrase ``more likely than not.'' It also updates the ``red flags'' guidance and would provide a safe harbor from liability arising from knowledge under that definition. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/13/04 69 FR 60829 NPRM Comment Period Extended 11/15/04 69 FR 65555 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC94 _______________________________________________________________________ 490. 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 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 64415]] Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3451 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: jlynch@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD07 _______________________________________________________________________ 491. CUBA: CLARIFICATION OF PERSONAL BAGGAGE RULES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; PL 106- 387; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule clarifies the policy implemented in a rule that BIS published on June 22, 2004 (RIN 0694-AD17, 69 FR 34565). That rule, inter alia, placed a limit of 44 pounds on the amount of baggage that most travelers to Cuba are allowed to take under License Exception BAG. This rule clarifies that restriction by excluding wearing apparel and articles of personal adornment worn by the traveler while traveling to Cuba, and personal safety and medical commodities for use by the traveler, including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, portable medical devices (e.g., oxygen tanks), and child safety seats and strollers for use by a child traveler from that 44 pound limit. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Related to 0694-AD17 RIN: 0694-AD23 _______________________________________________________________________ 492. LICENSE EXCEPTION GOV EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS FOR OFFICIAL IAEA INTERNATIONAL INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION USE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE U.S.-IAEA SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENT, AS AMENDED BY THE ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222; PL 106- 387; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the License Exception GOV provisions in the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to authorize exports and reexports of certain items for official International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection and verification use in accordance with the terms of the Agreement Between the United States of America and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in the United States, and Protocol Thereto (U.S.-IAEA Safeguards Agreement), as amended by the U.S.-IAEA Additional Protocol (Additional Protocol). These new License Exception GOV provisions authorize exports and reexports of a broader range of items than those currently eligible under the IAEA-Euratom provisions of License Exception GOV, because exports and reexports under these new License Exception GOV provisions are authorized only in connection with official international inspection and verification activities by the IAEA under the terms of the U.S.-IAEA Safeguards Agreement, as amended by the Additional Protocol. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 12/00/05 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: Related to 0694-AD26 RIN: 0694-AD27 _______________________________________________________________________ 493. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 2151; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 738; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by deleting a redundant paragraph and redesignating the remaining paragraphs in one section for clarity; inserting material inadvertently omitted from previous rules in three places in the EAR; clarifying instructions for applying for authorization to transfer items subject to the EAR in-country; adding an alias for a previously listed entity on the Entity List; and removing references to two Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) that do not exist. This action is not intended to have a substantive effect on the rights or obligations of the public. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3371 Email: tmooney@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD30 [[Page 64416]] _______________________________________________________________________ 494. CLARIFICATION ON LICENSE EXCEPTION RESTRICTIONS AS RELATING TO EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS OF CRIME CONTROL AND DETECTION INSTRUMENT EQUIPMENT, AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; PL 106- 387; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by clarifying the listing of countries which are exempt from the license exception restriction imposed on exports and reexports of specially designed crime control and detection instrument equipment. This rule also authorizes the usage of License Exception GOV on shipments of the aforementioned equipment. Finally, this rule expands the license exception restriction for crime control reasons to include all items (commodities, technology, and software) instead of only commodities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 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 Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: mblaskov@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD33 _______________________________________________________________________ 495. REMOVAL OF CERTAIN NIGHT VISION DEVICES FROM ELIGIBILITY FOR LICENSE EXCEPTION APR FOR REEXPORTS TO, FROM, AND AMONG COUNTRY GROUP A:1 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; PL 106- 387; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Paragraphs (a) and (b) of License Exception APR allow reexports of certain commodities to, from, and among destinations in Country Group A:1 (Supp. No. 1 to part 740 of the EAR) even in some situations in which no license exception would be eligible for similar exports from the United States to the same destination. Some commodities are excluded from the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of License Exception APR. This rule adds some night vision related equipment to those exclusions. BIS is taking this action because of the importance of night vision equipment in military operations and its potential use by terrorists. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD34 _______________________________________________________________________ 496. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATION OF LICENSE EXCEPTION AVAILABILITY FOR CERTAIN CRIME CONTROL ITEMS AND REMOVAL OF LICENSE REQUIREMENTS ON OTHER CRIME CONTROL ITEMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; PL 108-11; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule expands and clarifies the availability of License Exceptions for items listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL) for Crime Control reasons. It also removes some such items from the CCL altogether by removing four Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN) from that list. BIS is making these changes because it has concluded that the License Exception exclusions that this rule removes and the license requirements that were imposed pursuant to the ECCNs that this rule removes from the CCL are not necessary for the continued support of U.S. foreign policy to promote human rights throughout the world. Such support is the basis for crime control export license requirements as stated in section 742.7 of the EAR. This rule also reiterates and emphasizes BIS policy of treating specially designed implements of torture and similar items differently than crime control items that have legitimate law enforcement uses by creating a separate paragraph in section 740.2 excluding the former from all license exceptions. Finally this rule makes technical corrections in several ECCNs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD47 _______________________________________________________________________ 497. REVISIONS TO THE IMPORT CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS IN THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security is removing the requirement to obtain an Import Certificate in support of an export or reexport licence when the ultimate consignee or purchaser is a foreign government or agency of India, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. This requirement is being removed for India, because of its highly [[Page 64417]] effective export control program. The requirement is being removed for the other countries because of their membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and their commitment to export control, as is reflected by their membership in multiple export control regimes, such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, and Nuclear Suppliers Group. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Mail Stop 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Email: tmooney@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD50 _______________________________________________________________________ 498. [bull] EXPANSION OF REQUIREMENT OF PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (PRC) END-USER CERTIFICATES UNDER THE EAR; ELIMINATION OF SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), to expand the requirement for obtaining People's Republic of China (PRC) End-User Certificates for all license applications submitted that include controlled items that exceed a total value of $5,000. This expansion is necessary to allow BIS to conduct post shipment verifications on exports or reexports of any items requiring a license to the PRC. To minimize the impact that this expanded support document requirement will have on exporters, BIS is eliminating the current requirement that exporters need to submit a PRC End-User Certificate as a required support document with license applications. Instead, exporters are required now to maintain PRC End- User Certificates in accordance with the recordkeeping provisions of the EAR. This rule also updates the name and contact information of the government entity in the People's Republic of China (PRC) that issues PRC End-User Certificates. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Mail Stop 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Email: tmooney@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD52 _______________________________________________________________________ 499. [bull] TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 22 USC 2151 (note); PL 108-175; EO 12938; EO 13020; EO 13026; EO 13222; EO 13338 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule removes an obsolete in-transit license requirement, makes BIS policy regarding certain exceptions to export and reexport license requirements more explicit, corrects some omissions in two sections that summarize license requirements regarding Iran, clarifies support document requirements regarding the People's Republic of China, removes two instances of two ECCN's applying to a single commodity, conforms some software and technology Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) more closely to their related commodity ECCNs and makes technical changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD54 _______________________________________________________________________ 500. [bull] REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 50 USC app 5; PL 106-387, sec 901 to 911 ; PL 107-56, sec 221; PL 108-11, sec 1503; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s); 30 USC 185(u); 42 USC 2139a; 42 USC 6212; 43 USC 1354; 46 USC app 466c; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule removes reference to ``Advisory Notes'' from the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This rule also removes the Advisory Note from the entry on the Commerce Control List (CCL) that controls specialized machinery, equipment, gear, and specially designed parts and for the examination, manufacture, testing, and checking of arms, appliances, machines, and implements of war. In addition, it revises License Exceptions GBS and CIV in that CCL entry to include certain equipment used to determine the safety data of explosives. Finally, it revises certain ECCN headings to reflect the current name of the Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions List. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marcus Cohen, Department of Commerce, Bureau of [[Page 64418]] Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Mail Stop 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202-482-3355 Email: mcohen@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD55 _______________________________________________________________________ 501. [bull] REMOVAL OF RESTRICTION ON CERTAIN EXPORTS OF CRIME CONTROL COMMODITIES WHEN BEING EXPORTED FOR OFFICIAL USE OF U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401; 50 USC 1701; PL 106-387; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule allows items that are on the Commerce Control List for crime control reasons to be exported or reexported anywhere in the world under License Exception GOV if consigned to and for the official use of a U.S. Government agency. This rule exempts such exports and reexports from a geographical restriction that applies to the use of most License Exceptions with respect to crime control commodities. This rule will, among other things, enable exporters and reexporters to ship items controlled for crime control reasons to U. S. armed forces in Iraq under License Exception GOV rather than having to apply for a license. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD56 _______________________________________________________________________ 502. [bull] ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW LICENSE EXCEPTION FOR THE EXPORT OR REEXPORT TO LIBYA OF CERTAIN ITEMS CONTROLLED FOR ANTI-TERRORISM REASONS ON THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: IEEPA CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 772; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In this interim rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement changes to export and reexport controls with respect to Libya. Specifically, in this rule, BIS establishes a License Exception authorizing the export or reexport to U.S. persons in Libya of certain items listed on the Commerce Control List and controlled for anti- terrorism (AT) reasons. This rule is consistent with the President's decision to modify United States' sanctions against Libya, in response to Libya's continuing efforts to dismantle its weapons of mass destruction and missile programs and its renunciation of terrorism. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Related to 0694-AD14 RIN: 0694-AD57 _______________________________________________________________________ 503. [bull] IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNDERSTANDINGS REACHED AT THE 2004 GOTEBARG AND 2005 OSLO NUCLEAR SUPPLIER GROUP (NSG) PLENARY MEETINGS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s), 185(u); 42 U.S; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; Sec 901-911, PL 106-387; EO 13026; EO 13222; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; Sec 901-911, PL 106-387; Sec 221, PL 107-56; Sec 1503, PL 108-11; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; EO 13222; 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 287c, 22 USC 3201 et seq, 22 USC 6004; 30 USC 185(s), 185(u) CFR Citation: 15 CFR part 738; 15 CFR part 740; 15 CFR part 742 ; 15 CFR part 772 ; 15 CFR part 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is publishing this rule to amend the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement the understandings reached at the 2004 Gotebarg and 2005 Oslo Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) Plenary Meetings. This rule amends the EAR to reflect the addition of Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Malta, and the Peoples Republic of China to the Nuclear Supplier Group and updates the definition of ``Nuclear Supplier Group'' in the EAR to include a current listing of all participating countries. This rule amends the EAR licensing policies for items that require a license for NP reasons by adding an additional licensing factor. The rule also amends the EAR to implement changes to the NSG Annex to the ``Guidelines for Transfer of Nuclear-Related Dual-Use Equipment, Materials, Software and Related Technology'' (The Annex) by revising heading for the Technical Notes at the beginning of Category 2, Section B (TEST, INSPECTION, AND PRODUCTION) on the Commerce Control List (CCL). It also revises two entries in Category 2 on the CCL that control dimensional inspection or measuring systems and equipment and machine tools for removing or cutting metals, ceramics, or ``composites.'' Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal [[Page 64419]] Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3451 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: jlynch@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD58 _______________________________________________________________________ 504. [bull] CONFORMING CHANGES TO CERTAIN END-USER/END-USE BASED CONTROLS IN THE EAR; CLARIFICATION OF EXPORT CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE EAR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 22 USC 3201; 42 USC 2139a; EO 12058; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 758 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by making conforming changes in certain end-user/end-use controls in the EAR to ensure that the terminology used to describe each type of end-user/end-use control is consistent, to the fullest extent possible, with the terminology in other such controls in the EAR. In addition, this rule amends the EAR to clarify that a party cannot proceed with an export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) that is in transit at the time the party is informed by BIS that a license is required (in accordance with certain end-user/end-use controls in the EAR), unless that party first obtains a license from BIS authorizing the completion of the transaction. This rule also amends the export clearance requirements in the EAR to clarify that BIS has the authority to order the return or unloading of U.S.-origin items that are being transshipped to another country, when there are reasonable grounds to believe a violation of the EAR may occur, and that this authority extends to U.S.-origin items that may have briefly entered the territory of a foreign country, but that have yet to be considered in the official jurisdiction of that foreign country. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Mail Stop 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Email: tmooney@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD59 _______________________________________________________________________ 505. [bull] REVISED APPEAL PROCEDURE FOR PERSONS DESIGNATED AS RELATED PERSONS TO DENIAL ORDERS ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 766.25 OF THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 756; 15 CFR 766 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule revises section 766.23(c) of the EAR to provide that a person named as a related person to an order issued pursuant to section 766.25 may appeal that decision to the Under Secretary for Industry and Security pursuant to part 756 of the EAR rather than to an administrative law judge. A person named as a related person to an order issued pursuant to any other provision of part 766 of the EAR will continue to have a right to appeal to an administrative law judge. Section 766.25 of the EAR provides the procedure for denial of export privileges of persons convicted of one of the statutes specified in section 11(h) of the Export Administration Act. This change will have the effect of making the appeals procedure for any person who BIS names as a related person to a denial order identical to the appeals procedure for the respondent in that denial order. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD60 _______________________________________________________________________ 506. [bull] REVISION OF NATIONAL SECURITY BASED LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND LICENSING POLICY, INCREASED AVAILABILITY OF LICENSE EXCEPTIONS FOR CERTAIN NATO MEMBER STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; PL 108-11,117; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule revises certain provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) that affect Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia to treat those counties in the same manner as other NATO members with respect to national security based license requirements, national security licensing policy, availability of License Exceptions, and in- transit license requirements. This rule removes the license requirement for items listed on the Commerce Control List with a reason for control of NS (national security) Column 2 for exports and reexports to Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. This rule removes the restriction on use of license exceptions to export or reexport commodities listed on the Commerce Control List for crime control reasons to Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. This rule makes License Exceptions LVS, GBS and TSR available for exports and reexports to Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania that meet all of the requirements of those License Exceptions and that are not prohibited by the restrictions on all license exceptions in section 740.2 of the EAR. This rule removes from Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, or Romania from country Group D:1. That action removes certain restriction on use of [[Page 64420]] four license exceptions (section 740.9, Temporary imports, exports and reexport (TMP), section 740.10 Servicing and replacement of parts and equipment (RPL); section 740.12 Gift parcels and humanitarian donations (GFT); section 740.14, Baggage (BAG) and section 740.15 Aircraft and vessels (AVS)) when exporting or reexporting to those countries. Removal from Country Group D:1 also means that application for items controlled for national security reasons will no longer be evaluated based on the likelihood of diversion to of contribution to the military potential of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, or Romania. This rule removes Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from a list of countries for which a license is required for an item to travel through that country if a license would be required to send that same item to a final destination in that country. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD61 _______________________________________________________________________ 507. [bull] IMPLEMENTATION OF UNILATERAL CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS ON CERTAIN BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND TOXINS SELECTED FOR DOMESTIC CONTROL BY CDC AND APHIS; CLARIFICATION OF CONTROLS ON CERTAIN MEDICAL PRODUCTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to establish export and reexport controls on certain biological agents and toxins (i.e., ``select agents and toxins'') that have been determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, to have the potential to pose a severe threat to human, animal and plant life, as well as certain sectors of the U.S. economy (e.g., agriculture). Specifically, this rule adds a new entry to the Commerce Control List (CCL) to control those CDC and/or APHIS ``select agents and toxins'' (including associated genetic elements, recombinant nucleic acids, and recombinant organisms) not specified elsewhere on the CCL. The export/reexport controls imposed by this rule complement the controls that CDC and APHIS have imposed on the transfer and possession of these items within the United States. This rule also amends the EAR to clarify controls on certain medical products containing Australia Group (AG) controlled toxins, other than ricin or saxitoxin, by defining them to include pharmaceutical formulations, prepackaged for distribution as clinical or medical products, that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an ``Investigational New Drug'' (IND). This clarification is consistent with the AG exemption for such clinical and medical products, which may be designed for testing, as well as human administration, in the treatment of medical conditions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/05 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-AD62 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 508. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION CONSOLIDATION AND REORGANIZATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748; . . . Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney Phone: 202 482-2440 Email: tmooney@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ 509. EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TO SUDAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 774 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC05 [[Page 64421]] _______________________________________________________________________ 510. EXPANSION OF LICENSE EXCEPTION GOV; EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 to 774 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman Phone: 202 482-2440 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ 511. MANDATORY ELECTRONIC FILING OF LICENSE APPLICATIONS, CLASSIFICATION REQUESTS, AND LICENSE EXCEPTIONS NOTIFICATIONS VIA BIS'S SIMPLIFIED NETWORK APPLICATION PROCESS (SNAP) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 743; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 754; 15 CFR 772 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/12/03 68 FR 64009 NPRM Comment Period End 01/12/04 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC20 _______________________________________________________________________ 512. REVISION TO THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: REPLACEMENT LICENSES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748 to 750 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC23 _______________________________________________________________________ 513. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 514. GENERAL ORDER PROVIDING FOR NOTIFICATION OF LICENSE REQUIREMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 758 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Mooney Phone: 202 482-3371 Email: tmooney@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC47 _______________________________________________________________________ 515. LICENSE EXCEPTION APR FOR REEXPORTS TO, FROM, AND AMONG COUNTRIES IN COUNTRY GROUP A:1 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC69 _______________________________________________________________________ 516. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 517. REVISIONS OF AIRCRAFT EXPORT LICENSING JURISDICTION BASED ON REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES MUNITIONS LIST Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AC74 [[Page 64422]] _______________________________________________________________________ 518. 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: 202 482-2440 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Related to 0694-AB41 RIN: 0694-AC82 _______________________________________________________________________ 519. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: REMOVAL OF COUNTRY GROUPS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 724; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 750; 15 CFR 752; 15 CFR 758; 15 CFR 770; 15 CFR 772; 15 CFR 774 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD09 _______________________________________________________________________ 520. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE CONTROL OF NON-LISTED DUAL-USE ITEMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 748 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman Phone: 202 482-2440 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD10 _______________________________________________________________________ 521. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS: ESTABLISH SPECIAL INTRA-COMPANY LICENSE (SIL) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730; 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 753; . . . Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharron Cook Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: scook@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD22 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 522. ADDING SYSTEMS, INCLUDING CAMERAS, INCORPORATING NON-SPACE QUALIFIED NON-LINEAR (2-DIMENSIONAL), INFRARED FOCAL PLANE ARRAYS BASED ON SILICON (INCLUDING SILICON-GERMANIUM) MICROBOLOMETER MATERIALS 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 non- linear (2-dimensional), infrared focal plane arrays based on silicon (including silicon-germanium) microbolometer material (SIIRFPA); (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 ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/01/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3451 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: jlynch@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Merged with 0694-AD41 RIN: 0694-AD06 _______________________________________________________________________ 523. REVISION OF EXPORT AND REEXPORT RESTRICTIONS ON LIBYA Priority: Other Significant 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 [[Page 64423]] Abstract: This rule implements the President's decision to revise U. S. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/29/04 69 FR 23626 Final Action 03/22/05 70 FR 14387 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheila Quarterman, Export Policy Analyst, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., HCHB Room 2096, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Email: squarter@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD14 _______________________________________________________________________ 524. 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 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 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 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 03/30/05 70 FR 16110 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 525. LICENSING POLICY FOR ENTITIES SANCTIONED UNDER SPECIFIED STATUTES; LICENSE REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN SANCTIONED ENTITIES; AND IMPOSITION OF LICENSE REQUIREMENT FOR TULA INSTRUMENT DESIGN BUREAU 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 sec 901 to 911; PL 107-56 sec 221; 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: Several statutes authorize or require the United States Government to impose export sanctions on entities if such entities have engaged in activities that contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or are otherwise contrary to the foreign policy interests of the United States. This rule sets forth BIS's licensing policy for entities subject to sanctions imposed by the State Department under the Iran-Iraq Arms Nonproliferation Act of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-484), the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 107-178) and section 11B(b)(1) of the Export Administration Act of 1979. This rule also sets forth a new license requirement for certain entities sanctioned by the State Department, and imposes a license requirement for a specific entity, Tula Instrument Design Bureau of Russia, pursuant to the new license requirement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/07/05 70 FR 10865 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/06/05 Final Rule 06/09/05 70 FR 33693 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD24 _______________________________________________________________________ 526. EXPORTS OF NUCLEAR-GRADE GRAPHITE: CHANGE IN LICENSING JURISDICTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; PL 106-387; EO 13026; EO 13222; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements the transfer of licensing jurisdiction, from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), of nuclear-grade graphite intended for non-nuclear end-uses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 07/21/05 70 FR 41952 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffery Lynch, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-3451 Fax: 202 482-3355 [[Page 64424]] Email: jlynch@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD28 _______________________________________________________________________ 527. EXPANSION OF THE COUNTRY SCOPE OF THE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS THAT APPLY TO CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL (CB) EQUIPMENT AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY; AMENDMENTS TO CB-RELATED END-USER/END-USE AND U.S. PERSON CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; 42 USC 2139a; PL 107-56; PL 108-11; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule increases the country scope of chemical/biological (CB) controls on those Commerce Control List (CCL) entries that control chemical/biological equipment and related technology included on the Australia Group (AG) ``Control List of Dual-Use Chemical Manufacturing Facilities and Equipment and Related Technology.'' Specifically, this rule expands the country scope of the CB license requirements for these CCL entries from certain countries of concern for chemical/biological weapons reasons to all destinations, worldwide, except for those countries that participate in the Australia Group (AG). The changes made by this rule are intended to make the EAR license requirements that apply to AG-listed chemical/biological equipment and related technology conform with the AG ``Guidelines for Transfers of Sensitive Chemical or Biological Items.'' This rule also expands the CB-related end-user/end-use controls in Section 744.4 of the EAR to include in- country transfers, as well as exports and reexports. In addition, this rule expands the country scope of the CB-related U.S. person restrictions in Section 744.6 of the EAR from countries of concern for CB weapons reasons (i.e., Country Group D:3) to any country or destination, worldwide. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/14/05 70 FR 19688 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-AD37 _______________________________________________________________________ 528. REMOVAL OF ADVISORY NOTES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by removing all references to ``Advisory Notes'' from the provisions of the EAR. In addition, this rule amends Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 2B018 on the Commerce Control List (CCL) by removing the Advisory Note from this ECCN and making conforming changes to the License Exception GBS and License Exception CIV paragraphs in this ECCN. Advisory Notes were included in the CCL to indicate favorable licensing treatment for strategic items included on the control lists of the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM), a multilateral export control organization that existed during the Cold War era. Strategic items included on the control lists of the COCOM successor regime, the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), do not have Advisory Notes. Therefore, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amends the EAR to remove the only remaining Advisory Note and all references to Advisory Notes, wherever located. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/01/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marcus Cohen, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Mail Stop 2705, Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202-482-3355 Email: mcohen@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Duplicate of 0694-AD39 RIN: 0694-AD39 _______________________________________________________________________ 529. EDITORIAL CORRECTIONS TO PART 730 OF THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 18 USC 2510; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 730 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by making editorial corrections to update the organization descriptions and contact information of the offices in the Bureau of Industry and Security. In addition, this rule updates the list of Paperwork Collections that authorize the collection of information under the requirements of the EAR. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/22/05 70 FR 14385 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-AD40 _______________________________________________________________________ 530. DECEMBER 2004 WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT PLENARY AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION: CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 PART I (TELECOMMUNICATIONS), 6, 7, 8, AND 9 OF THE COMMERCE CONTROL LIST; WASSENAAR REPORTING REQUIREMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 10 USC 7420; 10 USC 7430(e); . . . [[Page 64425]] CFR Citation: 15 CFR 743; 15 CFR 772; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) maintains the Commerce Control List (CCL), which identifies items subject to Department of Commerce export controls. This final rule revises certain entries controlled for national security reasons in Categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 part I (telecommunications), 6, 7, 8, and 9 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 focuses on implementation of effective export controls on strategic items with the objective of improving regional and international security and stability. The purpose of this final rule is to make the necessary changes to the Commerce Control List, definitions of terms used in the EAR, and Wassenaar reporting requirements to implement Wassenaar List revisions that were agreed upon in the December 2004 meeting. In addition, this rule adds Slovenia to the list of Wassenaar member countries in the EAR. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/26/05 70 FR 43041 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-AD41 _______________________________________________________________________ 531. ENTITY LIST--INDIA: REDUCTION IN SCOPE OF ITEMS THAT REQUIRE A LICENSE FOR END-USERS SUBJECT TO INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA) SAFEGUARDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 42 USC 2139(a); EO 12947; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 12, 2004, President George W. Bush announced the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) with India. The proposed cooperation outlined in the NSSP will progress through a series of reciprocal steps that build on each other, including steps related to enhancing cooperation in peaceful uses of space technology and steps to create the appropriate environment for successful high technology commerce. This rule implements a revision the United States has agreed to take under the NSSP by reducing the scope of the items that exporters are informed require a license for facilities subject to International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards (Rajasthan 1 & 2 and Tarapur 1 & 2). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/30/05 70 FR 51251 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-AD44 _______________________________________________________________________ 532. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS 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); . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 732; 15 CFR 734; 15 CFR 736; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 746; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule clarifies the requirements of several license exceptions, replaces supplements to the EAR with codified text, removes several provisions that have no legal effect and revises several software and technology Commerce Control List entries to make them more closely track related commodity entries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 06/15/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov Related RIN: Previously reported as 0694-AC93, Merged with 0694-AD54 RIN: 0694-AD46 _______________________________________________________________________ 533. REVISION OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS, ADDRESSES, AND NOMENCLATURE CHANGE AND REMOVAL OF REDUNDANT REPORTING REQUIREMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app. 2401 et seq; 50 USC 1701 et seq; 18 USC 2510 et seq; 22 USC 3201 et seq; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; PL 108-11; EO 12058; EO 12851; EO 12938; EO 13026; EO 13222 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 742; 15 CFR 748; 15 CFR 762; 15 CFR 764 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule revises addresses, telephone, and facsimile numbers; makes a nomenclature change; removes a redundant notification requirement; and corrects a citation error. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/27/05 70 FR 22247 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Arvin, Department of Commerce, Bureau of [[Page 64426]] Industry and Security, HCHB Room 2096, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 Phone: 202 482-2440 Fax: 202 482-3355 Email: warvin@bis.doc.gov RIN: 0694-AD48 _______________________________________________________________________ 534. RESTRICTIONS ON EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TO CHINA (AND TRANSFERS WITHIN CHINA) OF CERTAIN ITEMS INTENDED FOR MILITARY END-USES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 22 USC 3201; EO 13026; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 744; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to impose a license requirement on exports and reexports to China (and transfers within China) of certain aircraft engines intended for military end-uses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Merged With 0694-AD10 09/01/05 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 Related RIN: Merged with 0694-AD10 RIN: 0694-AD49 _______________________________________________________________________ 535. [bull] IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNDERSTANDINGS REACHED AT THE APRIL 2005 AUSTRALIA GROUP (AG) PLENARY MEETING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC 2401; 50 USC 1701; 18 USC 2510; 22 USC 3201; 42 USC 2139a; PL 106-387; PL 107-56; EO 12938; EO 13026 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 738; 15 CFR 740; 15 CFR 745; 15 CFR 774 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement the understandings reached at the April 2005 plenary meeting of the Australia Group (AG), which was held in Sydney, Australia, on April 18-21, 2005. Specifically, this rule amends the EAR to implement changes to the AG ``Control List of Dual-Use Chemical Manufacturing Facilities and Equipment and Related Technology'' by revising Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 2B350 on the Commerce Control List (CCL) to clarify controls on pumps usable for making precursor chemicals. This rule also amends the EAR to implement changes to the AG ``Control List of Dual-Use Biological Equipment'' by revising ECCN 2B352 on the CCL to control complete spraying and fogging systems, spray booms and arrays of aerosol generating units, and components therefor, having specified delivery capabilities and specially designed or modified for fitting to aircraft, lighter-than- air vehicles, or unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition, this rule amends ECCN 1C353 on the CCL by revising the Technical Note in the entry to clarify the scope of the chemical/biological (CB) controls that apply to genetic elements and genetically modified organisms that contain nucleic acid sequences associated with the pathogenicity of any AG-controlled microorganisms in 1C351.a to .c, 1C352, or 1C354 on the CCL. This rule also amends the EAR to reflect the addition of Ukraine as the newest participating country in the Australia Group (AG) by amending the Country Groups in Supplement No. 1 to Part 740 to add Ukraine to Country Group A:3 (Australia Group) and remove Ukraine from Country Group D:3 (Countries of Concern for Chemical and Biological Reasons) and by amending the Commerce Country Chart in Supplement No. 1 to Part 738 to remove the licensing requirements for Ukraine, under CB Column 2 and CB Column 3, in conformance with the CB licensing policy that applies to AG participating countries. Finally, this rule amends the list of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in Supplement No. 2 to Part 745 by adding ``Niue,'' which recently became a State Party. This rule clarifies the entry for ``Netherlands'' by adding a footnote to indicate that, for CWC purposes only, the Netherlands includes ``Aruba'' and the ``Netherlands Antilles.'' This rule also updates the list of States Parties by removing ``Yugoslavia (Federal Republic of)'' and replacing it with ``Serbia and Montenegro.'' Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/05/05 70 FR 45276 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-AD51 [[Page 64427]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) _______________________________________________________________________ 536. [bull] CHANGES TO FEDERAL INFORMATION PROCESSING STANDARD (FIPS) PUBLICATION 201, STANDARD FOR PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 40 USC 11331(a); 15 USC 278g-3(a)(c); HSPD 12 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announces proposed changes to Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) Publication 201, Standard for Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors. The changes to Section 2.2, PIV Identify Proofing and Registration Requirements, and to Section 5.3.1, PIV Card Issuance, will clarify the identity proofing and registration process that departments and agencies should follow when issuing identity credentials. These changes are required to make FIPS 201 consistent with the Memorandum for All Departments and Agencies (M-05- 24), issued by the Office of Management and Budget on August 5, 2005, Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 -- Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors. Before recommending these proposed changes to FIPS 201 to the Secretary of Commerce for review and approval, NIST invites comments from the public, users, the information technology industry, and Federal, State and local government organizations concerning the proposed changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 09/08/05 70 FR 53346 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael R. Rubin, Deputy Chief Counsel, Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Room 811, Admin Building, Gaithersburg, MD 20899 Phone: 301 975-2803 RIN: 0693-AB56 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) _______________________________________________________________________ 537. DRAFT FEDERAL INFORMATION PROCESSING STANDARD (FIPS) 201, PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION VERIFICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: HSPD 12; PL 107-347 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The President tasked the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate, in accordance with applicable law, a Federal standard for secure and reliable forms of identification for Federal employees. The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201, Personal Identification Verification for Federal Employees and Contractors (FIPS 201) would specify the minimum necessary technical and operational requirements for such Federal identification credentials. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 11/23/04 69 FR 68128 Final Action 04/08/05 70 FR 17975 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: William Barker, Computer Security Division, Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899 Phone: 301 975-8443 Email: william.barker@nist.gov RIN: 0693-AB54 _______________________________________________________________________ 538. [bull] FASTENER QUALITY ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 5401 et seq CFR Citation: 15 CFR 280 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology amends its regulations that implement the Fastener Quality Act of 1999 to update the mailing address where all documents submitted in connection with the recordal of fastener insignia must be sent. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/26/05 70 FR 50180 Final Action Effective 09/26/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ari Leifman, Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451 Phone: 571 272-9572 RIN: 0693-AB55 [[Page 64428]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 539. 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, September 2005, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: Amendment 12 to the Crustaceans FMP would establish the U.S. EEZs around the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. Pacific remote island areas as crustaceans management areas and establish permit and reporting requirements for the crustacean fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AL67 _______________________________________________________________________ 540. AMENDMENT 7 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BOTTOMFISH FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 2005, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: Amendment 7 to the Bottomfish FMP would close all Federal waters within 50 nm around Guam to bottomfish fishing vessels greater than 50 feet in length and establish permit and reporting requirements for these vessels. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AM98 _______________________________________________________________________ 541. AMENDMENT 18A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 2006, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: Amendment 18A would address several administrative, enforcement, and monitoring issues in the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery including: (1) The use of VMS, (2) the use of reef fish as bait, (3) the simultaneous possession of commercial and charter vessel permits on a vessel, and (4) maximum crew size on a charter vessel when fishing commercially. Additionally, the amendment would address release gear and protocols for releasing sea turtles. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AN09 _______________________________________________________________________ 542. MEASURES TO PREVENT OR MITIGATE AND CONSERVE, MANAGE, AND ALLOW FULL UTILIZATION OF SHARKS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, March 2006, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: Implement Amendment 9 to the western Pacific pelagics FMP, which would establish trip limit for non-blue sharks in the Hawaii- based longline fishery, establish a new definition for bottom longline and prohibit its use in the Hawaiian Islands and other management measures to protect and conserve shark resources in the region. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Final Action 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AN76 _______________________________________________________________________ 543. REVISION OF AMERICAN LOBSTER REGULATIONS FOR THE EEZ Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697 [[Page 64429]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In accordance with the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act (Act), 16 U.S.C. et seq., NMFS announces that it is considering, and seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal American lobster regulations for the Exclusive Economic Zone in response to recommendations from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to NMFS in Addenda II and III to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (ISFMP)for American Lobster. This action would develop regulations relative to Addendum III to the ISFMP, and combine those with Addendum II (ANPRM and NOI published May and September of 2001, respectively) into a single environmental impact statement. Addendum II management measures would include minimum gauge size increases in five of the seven Lobster Conservation Management Areas (LCMA), lobster trap gear modifications, a 4-year lobster trap reduction schedule for LCMA 3, and a logbook requirement for LCMA 3 lobster vessels. Addendum III would further modify Addendum II's gauge increase schedule and include new management measures for the majority of the LCMAs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/24/01 66 FR 28726 ANPRM Comment Period End 06/25/01 ANPRM 09/05/02 67 FR 56801 ANPRM Comment Period End 10/07/02 NPRM 09/02/05 70 FR 52346 NPRM Comment Period End 10/17/05 Final Action 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AP18 _______________________________________________________________________ 544. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENT PERMIT STACKING IN THE LIMITED- ENTRY FIXED-GEAR SABLEFISH FISHERY IN 2005 AND BEYOND Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would implement the following Amendment 14 provisions: permit owners will be required to provide detailed ownership information to ensure that no person has ownership interest in or holds more than three permits; current permit owners who were not permit owners before November 1, 2000, will be required to be on board the vessel fishing against the sablefish cumulative limits associated with that vessel's permit(s); vessels landing sablefish against their primary season limits will be required to contact enforcement officials before making sablefish landings; 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 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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-AP38 _______________________________________________________________________ 545. COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT ADDRESSING SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES ACT REQUIREMENTS REGARDING OVERFISHING, BYCATCH, FISHING COMMUNITIES AND PROVISIONS FOR FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE CARIBBEAN Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 2005, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: NMFS amends its regulations to implement the Comprehensive Amendment Addressing the Sustainable Fisheries Act provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) in the fishery management plans (FMPs) of the U.S. Caribbean. Specifically, the amendment includes actions to define fishery management units and sub-units; specifies biological reference points and stock status determination criteria; regulates fishing mortality; rebuilds overfished fisheries; conserves and protects yellowfin grouper; and achieves the MSFCMA bycatch mandates. Also incorporated into this FMP amendment are alternatives to describe and identify essential fish habitat (EFH), and alternatives to address adverse effects of fishing on EFH. The intended effect of this action is to ensure the stewardship of living marine resources for the benefit of the Nation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 06/16/05 70 FR 35053 NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AP51 [[Page 64430]] _______________________________________________________________________ 546. ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERIES; AMENDMENT 9 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries would address essential fish habitat and revise the Illex quota procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 547. 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 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 548. AMENDMENT 71A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would revise regulations governing the process under which a portion of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands quotas for groundfish, prohibited species, crab, and halibut are allocated to groups representing Western Alaska communities eligible for the Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. The action also would revise administrative regulations for the economic development aspects of the CDQ Program. It would also allow the CDQ groups to invest in non- fisheries projects. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AP67 _______________________________________________________________________ 549. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO SECTION 679 PERMITS OR PERMIT-RELATED ISSUES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would revise several sections of regulations that pertain to permits or permit-related issues by technical edits and clarifications to existing requirements, removal of obsolete text, and clarification and simplification of text. In addition, this rulemaking would combine the registered buyer permit with the Federal processor permit when a shoreside processor does both IFQ and groundfish. This would be accomplished by adding an endorsement to the Federal processor permit. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AQ07 [[Page 64431]] _______________________________________________________________________ 550. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ADJUST PERMIT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS AND TRANSFERABILITY RESTRICTIONS IN NWHI'S HOOMALU ZONE AND MAU LIMITED ACCESS PROGRAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the Bottomfish FMP would remove annual landings requirement for permit renewal, revise permit transferability restrictions, establish permit eligibility for the Mau Zone, and establish a mechanism to facilitate permits through a community development program in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands bottomfish limited access programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/05 Final Action 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2937 Related RIN: Merged with 0648-AK82 RIN: 0648-AQ20 _______________________________________________________________________ 551. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); RECREATIONAL ATLANTIC BLUE AND WHITE MARLIN LANDINGS LIMIT; AMENDMENTS TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC TUNAS, SWORDFISH, AND SHARKS AND THE FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 971 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would withdraw the proposed rule published on September 17, 2003 (68 FR 54410), and proposes new management measures to implement domestic management measures based upon recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) regarding a recreational landings of Atlantic blue and white marlin to 250 fish. This rule also addresses numerous issues for the Atlantic tunas, swordfish, shark, and billfish fisheries. These issues include reviewing data for updates as part of a 5-year review of essential fish habitat; considering workshops to reduce bycatch and bycatch mortality, increase regulatory compliance, and increase communication with fishermen; reviewing current time/area closures and the need for modifications; addressing overfishing of finetooth sharks, northern albacore tuna, and Atlantic billfish; adjusting bluefin tuna effort controls and quota allocations to improve management; considering changes to the fishing year definition and currently authorized gear types; and correcting incorrect or outdated sections of the regulations. This rule also combines the two fishery management plans into one document. This action would affect fishermen fishing for highly migratory species in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Many of the actions in this rule will simplify or improve the management of the fisheries to help fishermen understand the regulations and the management process. Other actions in this rule could change quota allocations, but would not likely change overall quotas. Additionally, while the actions may establish new requirements, such as workshops, or modify existing requirements, such as the time/ area closures, the actions are not expected to reduce the number of people fishing for highly migratory species. Some actions - for example, modifications to time/area closures - could have negative or positive economic impacts, depending on the extent of the changes needed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/17/03 68 FR 54410 NPRM Comment Period End 10/24/03 NPRM 08/19/05 70 FR 48804 NPRM Comment Period End 10/18/05 Final Action 01/00/06 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-AQ65 _______________________________________________________________________ 552. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement a limited access program, implement management measures to management area 1A, and make other adjustments to the Atlantic Herring FMP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/06 Final Action 10/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AQ87 _______________________________________________________________________ 553. AMENDMENT 62 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE GULF OF ALASKA AND AMENDMENT 62 TO THE FMP FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA (BSAI) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 [[Page 64432]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would implement American Fisheries Act (AFA) single geographic location allowing AFA-qualified inshore floating processors the flexibility to relocate between reporting weeks rather than between fishing years for the purpose of processing targeted Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands pollock. In addition, this rulemaking would address obsolete and inconsistent inshore/offshore language in both the BSAI and GOA groundfish FMPs and recommend removing the GOA inshore/offshore allocation sunset date. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR06 _______________________________________________________________________ 554. REGULATORY RULEMAKING TO REVISE ACCOUNTING FOR EXTERNALLY TAGGED HALIBUT AND SABLEFISH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would revise accounting procedures when deducting halibut catch or sablefish catch from the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) or Community Development Quota (CDQ). Only those halibut or sablefish with external tags are excluded from IFQ or CDQ deduction. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR09 _______________________________________________________________________ 555. CATCHER VESSEL ELECTRONIC REPORT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS revises it regulations to allow the operator of a catcher vessel the option of using an NMFS-approved electronic version of the logbook in place of the paper logbook. Currently, paper daily fishing logbooks are required from catcher vessels greater than 60 feet in length overall. Requirements for completion and submittal of the logbooks exist in the regulations at 50 CFR part 679. Recent advances in technology have allowed catcher vessels to use an electronic version of the logbook to record the required information. The current regulations would be changed to reflect the different options available to catcher vessels when submitting data. The use of the electronic logbooks would not be required by NMFS at this time. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR30 _______________________________________________________________________ 556. ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS FISHERIES IN THE EEZ; MODIFICATION OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1851 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS announces that it is considering, and seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal Atlantic striped bass regulations for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in response to recommendations from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). The Commission recommended that the Secretary remove the moratorium on the harvest of Atlantic striped bass in the EEZ after a 13-year closure; implement a 28-inch minimum size limit for the recreational and commercial Atlantic striped bass fisheries in the EEZ; and allow States the ability to adopt more restrictive rules for fishermen and vessels licensed in their jurisdiction. NMFS is soliciting comments with this notice regarding possible management measures and issues that NMFS should consider relative to these recommendations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/21/03 68 FR 43074 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/20/03 Comment Period Extended 08/26/03 68 FR 51232 Notice of Intent 10/20/03 68 FR 59906 NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AR33 [[Page 64433]] _______________________________________________________________________ 557. AMENDMENT 13B TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER- GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 13B will: (1) Redefine, as needed, the snapper- grouper fishery management unit (FMU) and FMU sub-units; (2) define biomass-based estimates of biological reference points and status determination criteria for all stocks/complexes that comprise the FMU; (3) establish rebuilding schedules based on biomass-based estimates of status determination criteria for all overfished stocks/complexes in the FMU; (4) implement management measures to decrease fishing mortality; (5) assess the practicability of additional bycatch reduction measures; (6) assess the practicability of changes to the renewal period on commercial snapper-grouper permits; and (7) assess the practicability of allowing one-to-one transfer of commercial permits from an individual to a family held corporation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AR38 _______________________________________________________________________ 558. MAXIMIZE RETENTION AND MONITORING PROGRAM IN THE SHOREBASED PACIFIC WHITING FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) at their October 21 to 25, 1996, meeting in San Francisco, California addressed the treatment and disposition of salmon in the groundfish trawl fisheries, specifically the shore-based whiting fishery. At that meeting, the Pacific Council discussed the retention of salmon in the shore-based whiting fishery and took action to maintain a viable shore- based whiting fishery by using exempted fishing permits (EFPs). These EFPs allowed the shore-based whiting fleet to temporarily deliver unsorted catch to processing plants and provided for the monitoring of incidentally taken salmon until a permanent monitoring program could be implemented. In keeping with the Pacific Council's recommendation, NMFS is proceeding with implementing a monitoring program for the shore- based whiting fishery. This action will aid in the sustainable management of Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fisheries while providing an important economic opportunity to those associated with the harvest, processing, and selling of whiting taken by the shore- based whiting fleet. The need for implementing a permanent monitoring program in the shore-based Pacific whiting fishery is to provide for a full retention fishery by enabling the shore-based whiting fleet, comprised exclusively of catcher vessels, to deliver unsorted catch to processing plants. This practice is necessary to ensure that whiting landings are of market quality, while abiding by Federal groundfish regulations and those implementing the Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fishery management plans (FMPs). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AR63 _______________________________________________________________________ 559. AMENDMENT 8 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BOTTOMFISH FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 8 would establish bottomfish management areas in Federal waters around the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Pacific Remote Island Areas, add 48 bottomfish management unit species, and establish permit and reporting requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AR65 _______________________________________________________________________ 560. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ADD AND REVISE CERTAIN SPECIES CODES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would add or revise species codes to an existing collection. These changes are done in coordination with Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The species codes currently in use are presented in table 2 to part 679. Code 112, Pacific hake, would be added because fishermen in the EEZ off the coast of Alaska are now catching more [[Page 64434]] of this fish species and need a way to document the weight. Code 702, Big Skate, would be added because State of Alaska and NMFS management need to identify the catch of this species specifically rather than in the miscellaneous code 700, General Skates. Code 932, Opilio Tanner Crab, would be renamed as Snow Tanner Crab because this revised name is more common among the fishing industry. These changes in the species codes are not controversial and are expected to be supported by all interested entities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/01/05 70 FR 52060 NPRM Comment Period End 10/03/05 Final Action 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR67 _______________________________________________________________________ 561. 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 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR72 _______________________________________________________________________ 562. REVISIONS TO THE DEFINITIONS OF EXEMPTED FISHING AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS amends the regulations at 50 CFR 600.745. The action is intended to provide clearer guidance to the public for obtaining appropriate acknowledgments and permits and to facilitate the timely conduct of research to address bycatch and habitat issues in the fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 563. 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 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR96 _______________________________________________________________________ 564. FISH AND SEAFOOD PROMOTION ACT PROVISIONS; SEAFOOD MARKETING COUNCILS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 4001 to 4017 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 270 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1989, NOAA issued a final rule implementing the Fish and Seafood Promotion Act of 1986 (Act), as it pertains to seafood marketing councils for one or more species of fish or fish products. The rule was stricken from the Code of Federal Regulations as part of a Presidential regulatory reform effort along with a large number of other rules and regulations unused or little used. In light of evidence that seafood marketing councils may be a valuable tool in the near future NOAA now plans to reissue this rule which [[Page 64435]] governs the establishment and operations of such councils. This rule is intended to implement the Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 565. 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 02/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AS13 _______________________________________________________________________ 566. 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 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS15 _______________________________________________________________________ 567. 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 04/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AS22 _______________________________________________________________________ 568. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE TILEFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery would implement Individual Transferable Quotas in the tilefish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AS25 [[Page 64436]] _______________________________________________________________________ 569. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH MEASURES AUTHORIZING THE OPTIONAL USE OF ELECTRONIC LOGBOOK FORMS IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC FISHERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, March 2006, Final, Statutory, Final regulations must be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This regulatory amendment, under the western Pacific Pelagics FMP, would allow fishermen the option of using logbook forms in substitution of paper logbook forms for Federal data recording and reporting requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Final Action 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AS29 _______________________________________________________________________ 570. 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: NPRM, Statutory, Final, Statutory, Final regulations must be published within 30 days of NPRM comment period. Abstract: Amendment 6 to the Precious Corals FMP would designate the U.S. EEZ around the Northern Mariana Islands as an exploratory X-P-C and establish permit and reporting requirements, and harvest quota. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AS31 _______________________________________________________________________ 571. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); REDUCING SEA TURTLE TAKES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend the regulations governing the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery based upon a June 1, 2004, Biological Opinion regarding Atlantic sea turtles. This amendment could include framework mechanisms that would allow the Agency to take action, such as partial or rolling closures or gear or effort restrictions, if the number of sea turtle interactions or mortalities exceed anticipated levels during a certain period of time. This action would not change established quotas for target species and is not expected to change overall effort in the fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 08/12/04 69 FR 49858 ANPRM Comment Period End 10/12/04 NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 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-AS49 _______________________________________________________________________ 572. ESTABLISH MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS BOTTOMFISH FISHERY UNDER THE WESTERN PACIFIC BOTTOMFISH AND SEAMOUNT GROUNDFISH FMP Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, February 2005. Final, Statutory, April 2005. Final, Statutory, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the western Pacific Bottomfish/Seamount Groundfish FMP would establish measures including limits on bottomfish harvest, reporting requirements, area closures, and gear vessel restrictions in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Final Action 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AS63 _______________________________________________________________________ 573. REVISE PRECIOUS CORAL MEASURES TO INCREASE THE PROTECTION OF BLACK CORAL RESOURCES IN HAWAII Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq [[Page 64437]] CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, February 2005. Final, Statutory, May 2005. Final, Statutory, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the western Pacific Precious Corals FMP would revise the minimum harvest size for black corals and other measures to protect and conserve Hawaii black corals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AS64 _______________________________________________________________________ 574. GENERIC AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATIONS OF OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE OF SELECTED FISH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of the amendment is to develop a regulatory permitting process for regulating and promoting environmentally sound and economically sustainable aquaculture in the Gulf EEZ. Possible management actions include: 1) Types of aquaculture permits required; 2) duration aquaculture permits are effective; 3) conditions for permit issuance; 4) species allowed for aquaculture; 5) allowable aquaculture systems; 6) designation of sites or areas for conducting aquaculture; 7) buffer zones for aquaculture facilities; 8) recordkeeping and reporting requirements; and 9) regulations to aid in the enforcement of marine aquaculture facilities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS65 _______________________________________________________________________ 575. GENERIC AMENDMENT FOR ADDRESSING ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT REQUIREMENTS, HABITAT AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN, AND GEAR RESTRICTIONS FOR ALL FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS OF THE GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, April 2005. Final, Statutory, June 2005. Abstract: This action would amend all seven of the Council's fishery management plans and proposes alternatives that will: (1) Describe and identify essential fish habitat (EFH) and habitat areas of particular concern (HAPC) for all species and life stages in the fishery management unit of the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) minimize to the extent practicable the adverse effects of fishing gear or activities on EFH. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS66 _______________________________________________________________________ 576. AMENDMENT 26 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO TO ESTABLISH A RED SNAPPER INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish the Individual Fishing Quota Program (IFQ) for the Gulf commercial red snapper fishery. The amendment contains alternatives developed by the Ad Hoc Snapper Advisory Panel and the Council that provide for: (1) IFQ Program; (2) IFQ program donation; (3) eligibility for initial IFQ allocation; (4) initial apportionment of IFQ shares; (5) ownership caps and restrictions on IFQ share certificates or allocations; (6) transfer of eligibility requirements; (7) use-or-lose IFQ shares or allocations; (8) appeals process; (9) adjustments in commercial quota program; (10) vessel monitoring system; and (11) cost recovery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS67 [[Page 64438]] _______________________________________________________________________ 577. AMENDMENT 25 TO THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 25 would address whether to allow the current moratorium on the issuance of reef fish charter vessel/headboat (recreational for-hire) permits to expire on June 16, 2006, to extend the moratorium for a finite period (5 or 10 years), or replace the moratorium with a limited access system. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS68 _______________________________________________________________________ 578. AMENDMENT 17 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 17 would address whether to allow the current moratorium on the issuance of coastal migratory pelagic charter vessel/ headboat (recreational for-hire) permits to expire on June 16, 2006, or to extend the moratorium for a finite period (5 or 10 years), or replace the moratorium with a limited access system. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS70 _______________________________________________________________________ 579. ESTABLISH MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC SQUID FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under an amendment to the Western Pacific Pelagics FMP, pelagic squid would be designated as a management unit species and measures would be established, governing the pelagic squid fishery in the western Pacific region. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AS71 _______________________________________________________________________ 580. AMENDMENT TO REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE ANTARCTIC MARINE LIVING RESOURCES CONVENTION ACT OF 1984 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 2431 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 subpart G Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment to regulations for Antarctic Marine Living Resources implements measures adopted by the parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1917 Email: john.dunnigan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AS75 _______________________________________________________________________ 581. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA PROGRAM; RESTRUCTURE DATE-SPECIFIC QUOTA SHARE REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 to 773k; 16 USC 1801; 16 USC 3631 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679; 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would restructure date-specific regulations governing the halibut U.S. Individual Fishing Quota fishery to reference a time, relative to the season opening and closing dates, when operational events should occur relative to certain fishing season milestones. This action is necessary to provide the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) with flexibility to adjust fishing season durations and time periods to meet fishery management needs. [[Page 64439]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AS77 _______________________________________________________________________ 582. HALIBUT AND SABLEFISH IFQ PROGRAM AMENDMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300; 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposed action would amend regulations for the Halibut and Sablefish IFQ Program by: (1) Instituting an emergency medical transfer program; (2) tightening criteria for the use of hired masters; (3) adding vessel clearance requirements to the sablefish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; (4) changing product recovery rates for sablefish; (5) adjusting the halibut QS block program; and (6) amending vessel classification QS use allowances. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Related RIN: Merged with 0648-AR90 RIN: 0648-AS84 _______________________________________________________________________ 583. FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES AND IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; WEST COAST SALMON FISHERIES; AMENDMENT 14; ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT (EFH) DESCRIPTIONS FOR PACIFIC SALMON Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement Amendment 14 to the Pacific Salmon Fishery Management Plan (Salmon FMP) to identify and describe Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for Pacific salmon. The intent of this rule is to codify the EFH identifications and descriptions for freshwater and marine habitats of Pacific salmon managed under the Salmon FMP, including chinook, coho, and pink salmon in Washington, Oregon, and California. In addition, the intent of this rule is to comply with the October 1, 2003, court order of the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, and to promote the conservation and enhancement of Pacific salmon EFH. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AS96 _______________________________________________________________________ 584. IDENTIFY AND MANAGE ALASKA FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR EFH AND HAPC Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: Final, Judicial, August 13, 2006, Court settlement deadline. Abstract: This rulemaking would implement Amendments 65 and 78 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area; Amendments 65 and 73 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Amendments 12 and 16 to the FMP for BSAI King and Tanner Crabs; Amendments 7 and 8 to the FMP for the Scallop Fishery of Alaska; and Amendments 7 and 8 to the FMP for the Salmon Fisheries in the EEZ off the Coast of Alaska. This rulemaking would identify essential fish habitat (EFH). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AT09 _______________________________________________________________________ 585. AMENDMENT 11 TO THE COASTAL PELAGIC SPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 2005. Final, Statutory, December 2005. Abstract: Amendment 11 would implement a comprehensive, long-term allocation framework for annual apportionment of the Pacific sardine harvest guideline. Objectives of the action would include ensuring optimal utilization of the resource and equitably allocating harvest opportunity. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses [[Page 64440]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, 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-AT11 _______________________________________________________________________ 586. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO THE REEF FISH MANAGEMENT PLAN TO SET COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR GROUPER STARTING IN 2006 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Secretarial amendment 1 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan was implemented in 2004 and established a rebuilding plan, commercial quota, and a recreational target catch level for red grouper. Secretarial Amendment 1 also reduces the commercial quotas for deep-water and shallow-water grouper. In 2004, the commercial deep- water and shallow-water grouper fisheries were closed to prevent quota overruns. At the industry's request, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) requested that NMFS develop an emergency rule establishing trip limits in 2005 to prolong the commercial fishing season. In March 2005, the Council also requested that NMFS implement interim regulations for the recreational red grouper fishery to return landings to the recreational target catch level. Recreational red grouper landings were slightly above the target catch level in 2003 and well above the target catch level in 2004. The purpose of this regulatory amendment is to adjust regulatory management measures for the Gulf of Mexico red grouper fishery. The regulatory amendment evaluates commercial grouper trip limit alternatives to reduce the adverse socioeconomic effects of derby fishing. The regulatory amendment also evaluates a range of management measures to return recreational landings to levels specified in the red grouper rebuilding plan. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AT12 _______________________________________________________________________ 587. TRANSFER OF MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE ATLANTIC COAST RED DRUM RESOURCE FROM THE SOUTH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this action is to repeal the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council's) Atlantic Coast Red Drum Fishery Management Plan (Red Drum FMP) and transfer the Secretary's authority to regulate harvest and possession of red drum in and from the Atlantic Coast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from under the Magnuson-Stevens Act to under the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act (ACA), as requested by the Council, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. This action will maintain the prohibition on possession and harvest of red drum in the EEZ. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AT13 _______________________________________________________________________ 588. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the 2006 fishing year for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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-AT19 _______________________________________________________________________ 589. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 ATLANTIC BLUEFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement specifications for the 2006 fishing year for the Atlantic bluefish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State [[Page 64441]] Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT20 _______________________________________________________________________ 590. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the Atlantic herring fishery for the 2006 fishing year. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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-AT21 _______________________________________________________________________ 591. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 MONKFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the 2006 fishing year for the Monkfish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT22 _______________________________________________________________________ 592. FRAMEWORK 42 TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would make biennial adjustments to the Northeast multispecies fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT24 _______________________________________________________________________ 593. FRAMEWORK 18 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would make biennial adjustments to the Atlantic sea scallop fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT25 _______________________________________________________________________ 594. FRAMEWORK 16 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Framework 16 would provide alternatives for use of recreational data in setting specifications and to allow regional conservation equivalency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT26 _______________________________________________________________________ 595. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 FISHING YEAR FOR THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will establish specifications for the 2006 fishing year for the Summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 64442]] Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT27 _______________________________________________________________________ 596. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006 RECREATIONAL FISHERIES FOR SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement the specifications for the 2006 fishing year for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT28 _______________________________________________________________________ 597. FRAMEWORK 1 TO THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Framework 1 would provide for multiple year specifications for the spiny dogfish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT29 _______________________________________________________________________ 598. AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY; FISHING EFFORT CONTROL MEASURES TO COMPLEMENT INTERSTATE LOBSTER MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 697 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS announces that it is considering, and seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal American lobster regulations for the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) associated with effort control measures as recommended for Federal implementation by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC) as outlined in the Interstate Fishery Management (ISFMP) Plan for American Lobster. This action will evaluate effort control measures in certain Lobster Conservation Management Areas including: Limits on future access based on historic participation criteria; procedures to allow trap transfers among qualifiers and impose a trap reduction or conservation tax on any trap transfers; and a trap reduction schedule to meet the goals of the ISFMP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/10/05 70 FR 24495 ANPRM Comment Period End 06/09/05 NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/statefedoff URL For Public Comments: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/comments/index.html Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT31 _______________________________________________________________________ 599. WEST COAST HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES, CORRECTING AMENDMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will make clarifications and corrections to the final rules published to implement the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Highly Migratory Species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 RIN: 0648-AT32 _______________________________________________________________________ 600. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); ATLANTIC SHARK COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 64443]] Abstract: This rule would require vessels fishing for sharks with bottom longline gear to have NMFS-approved dehooking devices and materials on board during fishing activities. These devices are intended to reduce post-hooking mortality of sea turtles that may interact with this fishing gear and are already required on vessels using pelagic longline gear fishing for Highly Migratory Species, including sharks. In addition, these measures may reduce the post- release mortality of marine mammals, sharks, and other fishes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 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-AT37 _______________________________________________________________________ 601. [bull] INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA (IFQ) COST RECOVERY PROGRAM AMENDMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The action would amend regulations for the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Cost Recovery Fee Program under the Halibut and Sablefish IFQ Program and the Crab Rationalization Program. The action would provide a revised structure for determining the fee percentage applicable to a given fishery. The revised structure would remove any discretionary authority for determining fees from the Regional Administrator, making fee administration purely ministerial. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AT43 _______________________________________________________________________ 602. [bull] REMOVE REGULATIONS THAT IMPLEMENT SEASONAL AREA CLOSURES TO GROUNDFISH FISHING IN WATERS OFF CAPE SARICHEF AND IN THE CHINIAK GULLY RESEARCH AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would remove regulations that seasonally close a portion of waters located near Cape Sarichef in the Bering Sea subarea to directed groundfish fishing by vessels using trawl, pot, or hook-and-line gear. NMFS has concluded its research on the effects of commercial fishing on the localized abundance of Pacific cod so this closure is no longer needed. This rule would also remove expired regulations that seasonally closed waters in the Chiniak Gully area to Pacific cod. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AT54 _______________________________________________________________________ 603. [bull] MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR PACIFIC BIGEYE TUNA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 14 to the Pelagics FMP would implement management measures to address overfishing of bigeye tuna in the Pacific Ocean. The amendment would include non-regulatory procedures for the management of international fisheries that harvest bigeye tuna, and regulatory measures for fisheries managed under the FMP. These measures include a program of Federal permits and data collection for non- longline Hawaii-based commercial pelagic vessels (troll, handline, and pole and line). The amendment may include other regulatory measures, possibly including effort controls. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AT55 _______________________________________________________________________ 604. [bull] PACIFIC HALIBUT CATCH SHARING PLAN FOR 2006 AND BEYOND Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend the Pacific halibut catch sharing plan to provide more flexibility in managing the recreational fisheries inseason in order to fully utilize the available halibut; allocate halibut fishing opportunities between the May and June recreational fisheries off [[Page 64444]] Washington's north coast; and prohibit fishing for halibut in areas where yelloweye rockfish, an overfished species, are commonly found. This rule would also propose sport fishing seasons for 2006 that implement the catch sharing plan based on the expected total allowable catch in 2006 that is established by the International Pacific Halibut Commission. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AT56 _______________________________________________________________________ 605. [bull] OMNIBUS AMENDMENTS TO FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS TO ADDRESS ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This generic action would address issues related to essential fish habitat in certain Northeast fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT57 _______________________________________________________________________ 606. [bull] AMENDMENT 10 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish a limited access program for the Atlantic mackerel fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT58 _______________________________________________________________________ 607. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2006/2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFRV 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the spiny dogfish fishery for the 2006/2007 fishing year. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT59 _______________________________________________________________________ 608. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS FISHERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the 2007 fishing year for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT60 _______________________________________________________________________ 609. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE SURFCLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the 2007 fishing year for the surfclam and ocean quahog fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State [[Page 64445]] Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT61 _______________________________________________________________________ 610. [bull] FRAMEWORK 1 TO THE SURFCLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Framework 1 would require Vessel Monitoring Systems in the surfclam and ocean quahog fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT62 _______________________________________________________________________ 611. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE TILEFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the 2007 fishing year for the tilefish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT63 _______________________________________________________________________ 612. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries for the 2007 fishing year. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT65 _______________________________________________________________________ 613. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the Atlantic herring fishery for the 2007 fishing year. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT66 _______________________________________________________________________ 614. [bull] SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 FISHING YEAR FOR THE ATLANTIC BLUEFISH FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish specifications for the Atlantic bluefish fishery for the 2007 fishing year. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT67 _______________________________________________________________________ 615. [bull] CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA ROCKFISH PILOT PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement a pilot program that would recognize the historic participation of fishing vessels (1996 to 2002, best 5 of 7 years) [[Page 64446]] and historic participation of fish processors (1996 to 2000, best 4 of 5 years) for Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and pelagic shelf rockfish harvested in Central Gulf of Alaska. This pilot program would: (1) Provide for a set-aside of up to 5 percent for the total allowable catch of such fisheries for catcher vessels not eligible to participate in the pilot program, which shall be delivered to shore-based fish processors not eligible to participate in the pilot program; (2) establish catch limits for non-rockfish species and non-target rockfish species currently harvested with Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and pelagic shelf rockfish, which shall be based on historical harvesting of such bycatch species. The pilot program would sunset when a Gulf of Alaska Groundfish comprehensive rationalization plan is authorized by the Council and implemented by the Secretary, or 2 years from date of implementation, whichever is earlier. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AT71 _______________________________________________________________________ 616. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); 2006 BLUEFIN TUNA QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS AND EFFORT CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 971 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS proposes specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery to set BFT quotas General category effort controls, and seasonal management measures for the 2006 fishing year (June 1, 2006-- May 31, 2007). This action will implement the U.S. annual BFT quota as recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic tunas and allocate that quota among the domestic fishing categories. General category effort controls will allocate time-period subquotas and set certain restricted fishing days. The seasonal management measures would propose daily retention limits and their duration for both the General and Angling categories. NMFS would also amend the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan which could potentially amend the duration the 2006 fishing year (June 1, 2006-- December 31, 2006). An abbreviated 2006 fishing year, from June 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006, would be necessary to transition BFT from the current fishing year to a calendar year. Overall impacts to BFT fisheries from abbreviated 2006 fishing year are anticipated to be minimal since BFT fisheries are already strictly managed with seasons, size limits, and subquotas, any impacts are expected to be minor. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined 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-AT72 _______________________________________________________________________ 617. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; NORTH AND SOUTH ATLANTIC SWORDFISH COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would adjust the 2005 North and South Atlantic swordfish quotas to account for the underharvest from the 2004 fishing year. Based on the most recent landings data, 3,955.7 mt dw and 334.3 mt dw of the 2004 North and South Atlantic swordfish quotas remain unharvested, respectively. The underharvests would be added to the 2005 North and South Atlantic swordfish quotas. This action is necessary to ensure that current quotas are based on the most recent landings information and account for any underharvests from the 2004 fishing year, consistent with the regulations at 50 CFR part 635. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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-AT73 _______________________________________________________________________ 618. [bull] ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); ATLANTIC SHARK COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would establish regional quotas and announce season lengths for large and small coastal sharks, and pelagic sharks managed under the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks. This action is necessary to ensure that quotas are based upon the most recent landings information and account for any over- or underharvests from the 2005 first trimester season. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 [[Page 64447]] 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-AT74 _______________________________________________________________________ 619. [bull] REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER-GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment would: (1) Establish management measures to end overfishing of vermillion snapper, black sea bass, snowy grouper, and golden tilefish, and (2) establish management measures to allow increased harvest of red porgy. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AT75 _______________________________________________________________________ 620. [bull] IMPLEMENT SPECIFICATION MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE 2006 PACIFIC SARDINE FISHERY COASTAL PELAGIC SPECIES FMP Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will announce the annual harvest guideline for Pacific sardine in the exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast. The Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and its implementing regulations require NMFS to set an annual harvest guideline for Pacific sardine based on a formula in the FMP. The intended effect of this action is to establish allowable harvest levels for Pacific sardine off the Pacific coast and to minimize the impact on other coastal pelagic fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AT76 _______________________________________________________________________ 621. [bull] REVISION OF CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE (EUBALAENA GLACIALIS) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would revise the current designation of critical habitat for the Northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is currently analyzing the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the Northern right whale, and outlined steps it will take to propose any revisions to designated critical habitat that might be supported by new information and analysis. In October 2000, NMFS was petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity to designate critical habitat for right whales in the North Pacific. In February 2002, NMFS announced its decision that critical habitat could not be designated at that time because the essential biological requirements of the population were not sufficiently understood. However, in June 2005, a Federal judge found this reasoning invalid and ordered the Agency to publish a proposed rule designating critical habitat for the Northern right whale in the North Pacific Ocean by 28th October 2005. In compliance with that order, NMFS is proposing to revise the current critical habitat for this species by designating areas within the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea as critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AT84 _______________________________________________________________________ 622. [bull] 2006 AND 2007 QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS FOR ATLANTIC SURFCLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will specify the allowable quota to be harvested for the 2006 and 2007 fishing years for the surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. It is expected that the 2005 status quo will be recommended for both surfclams and ocean quahogs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 64448]] Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT85 _______________________________________________________________________ 623. [bull] FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT TO THE BYCATCH REDUCTION CRITERIA FOR THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) developed Amendment 9 to the Shrimp FMP, which established a requirement for the use of Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) in the shrimp fishery of the western Gulf of Mexico. Amendment 9 additionally established criteria by which BRDs would be tested and certified for use in the shrimp fishery of the western Gulf of Mexico. Since that time, many changes have occurred in both the directed red snapper fishery and the shrimp fishery to affect the fishing mortality reduction requirements. Because of changes in the shrimp fishery, existing certified BRDs reduce fishing mortality by a lesser amount than originally documented, and no new BRDs have been developed for use in the shrimp fishery. The Council is taking this framework action to modify the existing BRD certification criteria. The intent of the change is to better address reductions in bycatch of red snapper, and to better address National Standard 9 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AT86 _______________________________________________________________________ 624. [bull] JOINT AMENDMENT TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY (AMENDMENT 14) AND REEF FISH FISHERIES (AMENDMENT 27) OF THE GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Shrimp and reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico are managed under their respective FMPs. Both fisheries contribute to fishing mortality on reef fish, especially juvenile and undersized red snapper. Age 0 and Age 1 red snapper are taken by shrimp trawls, and Age 2 and older red snapper are caught in the directed commercial and recreational red snapper fishery. Red snapper is overfished and undergoing overfishing, and reducing fishing mortality on these younger age classes is needed to help rebuild the stock. Actions to reduce bycatch of red snapper are anticipated to reduce bycatch fishing mortality for other reef fish species as well. The joint amendment will consider a variety of harvesting and gear restrictions to further reduce fishing mortality and fishing effort in the shrimp and reef fish fisheries. Approval and implementation of the joint amendment would better address National Standards 1 and 9 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AT87 _______________________________________________________________________ 625. [bull] CONTROL DATE FOR THE SOUTH ATLANTIC SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 5101et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is considering management measures to further limit participation or effort in the commercial snapper grouper fishery in the exclusive economic zone of the South Atlantic. In order to avoid speculative entry into the fishery, the Council is considering establishment of a control date. Anyone entering the fishery after this date may not be assured of future participation in the fishery. This notice announces the control date. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AT88 _______________________________________________________________________ 626. 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 [[Page 64449]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action investigates the need to adopt regulations to decrease the negative impacts of whale watching. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/04/00 65 FR 270 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/06/00 NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AM85 _______________________________________________________________________ 627. PREVENTING HARASSMENT FROM HUMAN ACTIVITIES DIRECTED AT MARINE MAMMALS IN THE WILD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would prohibit the public from swimming with or otherwise interacting with dolphins and other marine mammals in the wild. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/30/02 67 FR 4379 ANPRM Comment Period End 04/01/02 NPRM 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Trevor Spradlin, Marine Mammal Biologist, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2289 Email: trevor.spradlin@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AN43 _______________________________________________________________________ 628. 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 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Kenneth R. Hollingshead, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20912 Phone: 301 713-2055 Email: ken.hollingshead@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ71 _______________________________________________________________________ 629. 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. These operational measures would be limited to areas and times when North Atlantic right whales and ships overlap to reduce the likelihood of ship strikes to the extent practicable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 06/01/04 69 FR 30857 ANPRM Comment Period Extended 07/09/04 69 FR 41446 ANPRM Comment Period Extended 09/13/04 69 FR 55135 NPRM 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal URL For More Information: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pr2 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 630. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO U.S. AIR FORCE PRECISION STRIKE WEAPONS EXERCISES IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO. Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the U.S. Air Force, Eglin Air Force Base for an authorization under the MMPA to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental [[Page 64450]] conducting precision strike weapons testing and training exercises within the waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico adjacent to Eglin AFB. As a result of this request, NMFS proposes regulations, that if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by Eglin AFB for this activity. In order to promulgate regulations and issue an LOA thereunder, NMFS must determine that the takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 502 980-4015 Fax: 502 980-4027 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AK76 RIN: 0648-AT39 _______________________________________________________________________ 631. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO COASTAL COMMERCIAL FIREWORKS DISPLAYS AT MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY, CA. Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.01 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary for an authorization under the MMPA to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to permitting professional fireworks displays within Sanctuary waters. As a result of this request, NMFS will propose regulations, that if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by Eglin Air Force Base for this activity. In order to promulgate regulations and issue an LOA thereunder, NMFS must determine that the takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 502 980-4015 Fax: 502 980-4027 RIN: 0648-AT46 _______________________________________________________________________ 632. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO ASSESSING NAVAL SHIP SURVIVABILITY. Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) expects to receive a request from the U.S. Navy for an authorization under the MMPA to take marine mammals, by harassment, injury and possible mortality, incidental conducting a shock trial along the U.S. East Coast/Gulf of Mexico. Shock trials are required to test the survivability of naval ship assets in accordance with section 2366, Title 10 United States Code. As a result of this request, NMFS will propose new regulations, that if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by the Navy for this activity. In order to promulgate regulations and issue an LOA thereunder, NMFS must determine that the takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 502 980-4015 Fax: 502 980-4027 RIN: 0648-AT77 _______________________________________________________________________ 633. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO DEPLOYMENT OF A NAVAL AT-SEA GUNNERY SCORING SYSTEM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the U.S. Navy for an authorization under the MMPA to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to deployment of a Naval At- Sea Gunnery Scoring System for the purpose of proficiency certification of U.S. Atlantic Fleet ships for naval surface fire support both within and seaward of established military operating areas. As a result of this request, NMFS is proposing regulations, that if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by the Navy. In order to promulgate regulations and issue LOAs thereunder, NMFS must determine that these takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. [[Page 64451]] Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 502 980-4015 Fax: 502 980-4027 RIN: 0648-AT78 _______________________________________________________________________ 634. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO THE EXPLOSIVE REMOVAL OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the Minerals Management Service (MMS), U.S. Department of the Interior, on behalf of offshore operators, for authorization to harass marine mammals incidental to explosive severance activities at offshore oil and gas structures in the Gulf of Mexico outer continental shelf. In compliance with Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act regulations and MMS guidelines, operators are required to remove sea-floor obstructions from their leases within one year of lease termination or after a structure has been deemed obsolete or unusable. As a result of this request, NMFS is proposing regulations, that if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine mammals under individual Letters of Authorization (LOAs) issued to participants in this industry to take marine mammals by harassment and non-serious auditory impairment. In order to promulgate regulations and issue LOAs thereunder, NMFS must determine that these takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 502 980-4015 Fax: 502 980-4027 RIN: 0648-AT79 _______________________________________________________________________ 635. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO TESTING AND TRAINING OF THE NAVY'S SURVEILLANCE TOWED ARRAY SENSOR SYSTEM-LOW FREQUENCY ACTIVE SONAR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) expects to receive a request from the U.S. Navy for an authorization under the MMPA to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to testing and training activities related to the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System-Low Frequency Active Sonar. The Navy is currently issued Letters of Authorization (LOA) under rulemaking scheduled to end on August 15, 2007. As a result of this request, NMFS will propose new regulations that, if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by the Navy for this activity. In order to promulgate regulations and issue LOAs thereunder, NMFS must determine that these takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 502 980-4015 Fax: 502 980-4027 RIN: 0648-AT80 _______________________________________________________________________ 636. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO NAVAL TRAINING OPERATIONS AT THE EAST COAST SHALLOW WATER TRAINING RANGE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the U.S. Navy for an authorization under the MMPA to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to naval vessels conducting shallow water anti-submarine training exercises in a specified area along the U.S. East Coast. As a result of this request, NMFS is proposing regulations, that if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by harassment and non-serious auditory impairment. In order to promulgate regulations and issue LOAs thereunder, NMFS must determine that these takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 502 980-4015 Fax: 502 980-4027 RIN: 0648-AT81 [[Page 64452]] _______________________________________________________________________ 637. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO U.S. AIR FORCE AIR-TO-SURFACE GUNNERY EXERCISES IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO. Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the U.S. Air Force, Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), for an authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting air-to-surface gunnery testing and training exercises from an AC-130 gunship within the waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico adjacent to Eglin AFB. As a result of this request, NMFS will propose regulations, that if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by Eglin AFB for this activity. In order to promulgate regulations and issue a Letter of Authorization (LOA) thereunder, NMFS must determine that the takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 502 980-4015 Fax: 502 980-4027 RIN: 0648-AT82 _______________________________________________________________________ 638. [bull] TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO NAVAL EXPLOSIVES ORDNANCE TESTING AND TRAINING EXERCISES IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.101 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the U.S. Air Force, Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) for an authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting naval explosives ordnance disposal school exercises within the waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico adjacent to Eglin AFB. As a result of this request, NMFS will propose regulations, that if implemented, would govern the incidental taking of marine mammals by Eglin AFB for this activity. In order to promulgate regulations and issue a Letter of Authorization (LOA) thereunder, NMFS must determine that the takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 502 980-4015 Fax: 502 980-4027 RIN: 0648-AT83 _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________ 639. NORTHWEST HAWAIIAN ISLANDS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY; DESIGNATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF REGULATIONS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 28 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0648-AS83 _______________________________________________________________________ 640. GULF OF THE FARALLONES NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 (H) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend the existing regulations and designation document, and add several new prohibitions to address specific resource management issues in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Maria Brown, Manager, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Fort Mason, Building 201, San Francisco, CA 94123 Phone: 415 561-6622 Fax: 415 561-6616 Email: maria.brown@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AT14 _______________________________________________________________________ 641. MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 (M) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend the existing regulations and designation document, and add several new prohibitions to address specific resource management issues in the [[Page 64453]] Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William J. Douros, Superintendent, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, 299 Foam Street, Monterey, CA 93940 Phone: 831 647-4201 Fax: 831 647-4250 Email: william.douros@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AT15 _______________________________________________________________________ 642. CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 (G) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend the existing regulations and designation document to address specific resource management issues in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Christopher Mobley, Superintendent, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 150, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 Phone: 805 966-7107 Fax: 805 568-1582 Email: chris.mobley@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AT17 _______________________________________________________________________ 643. CONSIDERATION OF MARINE RESERVES AND MARINE CONSERVATION AREAS WITHIN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 (G) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend the existing regulations and designation document for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. This action, which would complement existing marine protected areas designated by the State of California, seeks to further protect sanctuary resources by regulating certain extractive activities within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Christopher Mobley, Superintendent, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 150, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 Phone: 805 966-7107 Fax: 805 568-1582 Email: chris.mobley@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AT18 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR ____________________________________________________ 644. CORDELL BANK NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434; 16 USC 1439 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 922 (K) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend the existing regulations and designation document to address specific resource management issues in the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dan Howard, Manager, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, P. O. Box 159, Olema, CA 94950 Phone: 415 663-0314 Fax: 415 663-0315 Email: dan.howard@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AT16 [[Page 64454]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 645. REQUIRE MANDATORY OBSERVER COVERAGE IN THE AT-SEA PROCESSING SECTOR OF THE WHITING FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 2006, Final regulations to be published within 30 days of end of NPRM comment period. Abstract: This action amends the regulations implementing the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to provide for a mandatory, vessel-financed observer program on at-sea processing vessels. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/10/03 68 FR 53334 NPRM Comment Period End 10/10/03 Interim Final Rule 06/07/04 69 FR 31751 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/07/04 Final Action 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AK26 _______________________________________________________________________ 646. PROPOSED HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES PROCESS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 971 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS revises the administrative procedures it follows to prepare and issue highly migratory species (HMS) fishery management plans (FMPs), FMP amendments and implementing regulations for the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea in response to recent amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 09/18/97 62 FR 48990 Comment Period End 10/15/97 To Be Withdrawn 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Dunnigan, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1917 Email: john.dunnigan@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AK40 _______________________________________________________________________ 647. FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES; NATIONAL STANDARD 1 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 29 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0648-AQ63 _______________________________________________________________________ 648. TURTLE MITIGATION FOR NON-HAWAII-BASED PELAGIC LONGLINE AND NON- LONGLINE VESSELS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the western Pacific pelagics FMP would establish the following sea turtle mitigation measures: Gear and handling requirements, protected species workshop attendance, and shallow-setting restrictions for vessels registered for use with western Pacific longline general permits and non-longline vessels using hooks to target pelagic management unit species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/15/05 70 FR 47777 NPRM Comment Period End 09/14/05 Final Action 12/00/05 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: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AQ91 _______________________________________________________________________ 649. AMENDMENT 6 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHRIMP FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is developing Amendment 6 to refine and revise the management strategy for the various shrimp stocks. A permitting and reporting system will be established for the shrimp fishery of the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone. In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the amendment will revise or establish stock status thresholds and targets including MSY, OY, as well as the ``overfished'' and ``overfishing'' definitions for the shrimp species in the management unit. Additional actions will address bycatch reduction in the fisheries, as well as establish bycatch reporting requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 03/07/05 70 FR 10931 Comment Period End 05/06/05 NPRM 05/27/05 70 FR 30666 NPRM Comment Period End 07/11/05 Final Action 11/00/05 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 [[Page 64455]] Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS16 _______________________________________________________________________ 650. MEASURES TO REDUCE INTERACTIONS WITH SEABIRDS IN THE HAWAII-BASED LONGLINE FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory amendment under the western Pacific pelagics FMP would revise current seabird interaction mitigation measures governing the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery that may include longline gear side-setting methods, as well as other equally or more effective measures, to reduce the take of seabirds. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/13/05 70 FR 40302 NPRM Comment Period End 08/12/05 Final Action 10/00/05 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: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AS30 _______________________________________________________________________ 651. FEE SYSTEM FOR REPAYMENT OF THE LOAN TO HARVESTERS OF PACIFIC GROUNDFISH FISHERY AND CALIFORNIA, WASHINGTON, AND OREGON FISHERIES FOR DUNGENESS CRAB AND PINK SHRIMP Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1861 a(b) to 1861 a(e) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action implements a fee system for repayment of the fishing capacity reduction loans in the Pacific coast groundfish fishery and California, Oregon, and Washington dungeness crab and pink shrimp fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/16/04 69 FR 67100 NPRM Comment Period End 12/16/04 Second NPRM 04/08/05 70 FR 17949 Second NPRM Comment Period End 05/09/05 Final Action 07/13/05 70 FR 40225 Notice 08/08/05 70 FR 45695 Correction 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Michael L. Grable, Chief, Financial Services Division, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2390 Email: michael.grable@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AS38 _______________________________________________________________________ 652. FEE SYSTEM FOR REPAYMENT OF THE LOAN TO HARVESTORS OF BERING SEA/ ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1861a; 46 USC 1279f; PL 106-554 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement a fee system for repayment of the fishing capacity reduction loans in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands king and tanner crab fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/28/05 70 FR 43673 NPRM Comment Period End 08/29/05 Final Action 11/00/05 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-AS46 _______________________________________________________________________ 653. AMENDMENTS 18 AND 19 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA/ ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS--CRAB RATIONALIZATION PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679; 50 CFR 680 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, January 1, 2005, Secretary approval of statutorily mandated FMP Amendment. Abstract: This action would rationalize the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab fisheries in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska by amending the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs. The goal of rationalization is to end the race for fish and solve the problems of overcapacity while providing for a balanced distribution of benefits and improving fisheries management and resource conservation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 09/01/04 69 FR 53359 NPRM 10/29/04 69 FR 63200 NPRM Comment Period End 12/13/04 Final Action 03/02/05 70 FR 10174 Correction 03/18/05 70 FR 13097 Correction 06/08/05 70 FR 33390 Correction 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 [[Page 64456]] Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AS47 _______________________________________________________________________ 654. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OPTIMUM YIELD AND HARVEST LIMIT FOR PACIFIC MACKEREL Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, July 1, 2005. Abstract: NMFS announces the annual harvest guideline for Pacific mackerel in the exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast. The Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and its implementing regulations require NMFS to set an annual harvest guideline for Pacific mackerel based on a formula in the FMP. The intended effect of this action is to establish allowable harvest levels for Pacific mackerel off the Pacific coast and to minimize the impact on other coastal pelagic fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/29/05 70 FR 51004 NPRM Comment Period End 09/13/05 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 RIN: 0648-AS59 _______________________________________________________________________ 655. LIST OF FISHERIES FOR 2005 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: With this action, NMFS publishes the annual List of Fisheries (LOF), as required by section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The proposed LOF for 2005 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must categorize each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the levels of mortality and serious injury of marine mammals that occurs within each fishery. The categorization of a fishery in the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/02/04 69 FR 70094 NPRM Comment Period End 01/03/05 Other/Comment Period Extended 01/05/05 70 FR 776 Other/Comment Period Extended 08/25/05 70 FR 49902 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No 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-AS78 _______________________________________________________________________ 656. CORRECT AND CLARIFY AMENDMENT 13 AND FRAMEWORK 40-A TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action makes corrections and clarifications to the final rule implementing Amendment 13, as well as previous groundfish actions. These corrections are administrative in nature and are intended to correct inaccurate references and other inadvertent errors and to clarify specific regulations to maintain consistency with the intent of Amendment 13. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/08/05 70 FR 45628 NPRM Comment Period End 09/07/05 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AS80 _______________________________________________________________________ 657. WEST COAST HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN, CORRECTING AMENDMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS publishes a correction to the final rule published in the Federal Register on April 7, 2004 (69 FR 18444) to implement the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species. The final rule should have contained the language defining a loggerhead conservation area in which drift gillnet fishing would be prohibited during a declared El Nino year, as published in the Federal Register on December 16, 2003 (68 FR 69962). The intended effect of this action is to ensure that loggerhead sea turtles will receive the necessary protection from excessive takes in El Nino years. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 [[Page 64457]] Phone: 562 980-4040 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AP42 RIN: 0648-AS89 _______________________________________________________________________ 658. CHANGES TO REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE OBSERVER COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 to 773k; 16 USC 1801; 16 USC 3631 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679; 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would revise minimum operating system requirements for the Observer Communications System (OCS). The OCS consists of custom software and communications equipment that groundfish observers use to enter data collected in the course of their duties and communicate this data by satellite link to observer program staff. This action is intended to update requirements in support of the observer program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/08/05 70 FR 45638 NPRM Comment Period End 09/07/05 Final Action 11/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AS93 _______________________________________________________________________ 659. AMENDMENT 79 TO THE FMP FOR THE GROUNDFISH FISHERY OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS MANAGEMENT AREA ESTABLISHING A GROUNDFISH RETENTION STANDARD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 3631; 16 USC 773-773k CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The rule implementing Amendment 79 to the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Groundfish FMP would establish a groundfish retention standard (GRS) for non-AFA catcher/processors that are 125 ft or greater in length overall (LOA). This rule would establish a year-round GRS of 75 percent in 2006 (that is, vessels would be required to retain at least 75 percent of their groundfish catch in the initial year of the program); 80 percent in 2007; and 85 percent in 2008. This action is intended to further minimize discards in the BSAI. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 06/02/05 70 FR 32287 NPRM 06/16/05 70 FR 35054 NPRM Comment Period End 08/01/05 Final Action 11/00/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AT04 _______________________________________________________________________ 660. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 41 TO THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would allow greater participation in the Closed Area I Hook Gear Haddock Special Access Program approved under Framework Adjustment 40 A to the Northeast Multispecies FMP. Specifically, limited access vessels would be able to use Category B DAS to target healthy stocks of groundfish (haddock) in an area previously closed to fishing. The intended effect of this action would be to provide fishing opportunities that would mitigate some of the negative economic and social impacts caused by the effort reductions in Amendment 13. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/18/05 70 FR 41189 NPRM Comment Period End 08/17/05 Final Action 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT08 _______________________________________________________________________ 661. RESTRICTIONS FOR 2005 AND 2006 PURSE SEINE AND LONGLINE FISHERIES FOR TUNA IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN (ETP) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 951 to 961 ; 16 USC 971 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, July 1, 2005, agreement under IATTC. Abstract: NMFS announces the 2005 conservation and management measures for international tuna fisheries in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. These are a six-week closure of purse seine fisheries and a closure of any national longline fishery which reaches a catch level for bigeye tuna equal to the catch made by that fleet in 2001. The intended effect of the rule is to establish prohibition of U.S. vessels purse seine fishing for tuna in the IATTC Convention Area for the November 20 to December 31 period and to announce that the U.S. longline fishery in the Convention Area will be closed if the catch in 2005 reaches the catch level of 2001. This will conform to the IATTC recommendation that was approved by the Department of State. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/15/05 70 FR 47774 Final Rule 09/02/05 70 FR 52324 NPRM Comment Period End 09/14/05 Final Action 11/00/05 [[Page 64458]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 RIN: 0648-AT33 _______________________________________________________________________ 662. 2006-2007 MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR COMMERCIAL, RECREATIONAL, AND TREATY SALMON FISHERIES OFF THE COASTS OF WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND CALIFORNIA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 2006, The fishery must open on May 1. Abstract: This action establishes annual management measures for the 2006-2007 fishing year for commercial, recreational and treaty salmon fisheries off the coast of Washington, Oregon and California. In particular, this action specifies allowable ocean harvest levels (including quotas), allocations, management boundaries and zones, minimum size limits, gear definitions, seasons, selective fisheries, and in-season notice procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AT34 _______________________________________________________________________ 663. [bull] TEMPORARY RULE TO ADDRESS HADDOCK BYCATCH IN THE 2005 HERRING FISHERY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Due to concerns regarding the potential for significant increases of bycatch of undersized haddock in the herring fishery the New England Fishery Management Council voted at its March 29-31, 2005, meeting to request emergency action to implement a haddock incidental catch allowance for Category 1 herring vessels in the 2005 fishing year. This temporary rule would make a haddock incidental catch allowance for the herring fishery effective June--December 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/13/05 70 FR 34055 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/13/05 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT36 _______________________________________________________________________ 664. [bull] FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC; REEF FISH FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO; GULF GROUPER RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This temporary rule implements management measures for the recreational grouper fishery in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico, as requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council), to reduce overfishing of red grouper. This rule establishes a seasonal closure of the recreational fishery for all Gulf grouper species and reduces both the recreational bag limit for red grouper and the aggregate grouper bag limit. The intended effects are to reduce overfishing of red grouper in the Gulf of Mexico and to minimize potential adverse impacts on other grouper stocks that could result from a shift in fishing effort from red grouper to other grouper species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/25/05 70 FR 42510 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AT45 _______________________________________________________________________ 665. [bull] MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT PROVISIONS; FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN U.S.; FISHERY CLOSURE DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF THE TOXIN THAT CAUSES PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISONING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1855(c) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is promulgating this rule to close portions of Federal waters of the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England to the harvest of shellfish (bivalves), with the exception of sea scallop adductor muscles harvested and shucked at sea, due to the presence of the toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning. The concentrations of the toxins in state and adjacent Federal waters is great enough to warrant a public health emergency. The closure will remain in effect until the circumstances that created the emergency no longer exist. [[Page 64459]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/16/05 70 FR 35047 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/18/05 Comment Period Extended 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT48 _______________________________________________________________________ 666. [bull] FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES; ATLANTIC BLUEFISH AND SUMMER FLOUNDER FISHERIES; STATE QUOTA TRANSFERS AND COMBINATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend the regulations implementing the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the bluefish fishery and the FMP for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. This rule would make administrative changes that would allow NMFS to process state quota transfer and combination requests submitted through the end of the fishing year for the bluefish and summer flounder fisheries, i.e., December 31. The intent is to provide flexibility and efficiency to the management of the commercial bluefish and summer flounder fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/26/05 70 FR 43111 NPRM Comment Period End 08/10/05 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT50 _______________________________________________________________________ 667. [bull] ESTABLISH A NEW CONTROL DATE FOR THE COMMERCIAL SPANISH MACKEREL FISHERY IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 2005. Abstract: This notice would inform the industry the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is considering future action to control the number of participants in the Spanish mackerel fishery of the South Atlantic. The Council has concerns about increasing fishing effort and the possibility of the development of an excess harvesting capacity for the Spanish mackerel fishery of the region. If management measures to limit participation or effort in the fisheries are determined to be necessary, the Council is considering June 15, 2004, as a new control date. The old control date is July 2, 1993. Publication of the control date in the Federal Register will inform the commercial Spanish mackerel fishery the Council is considering potential management measures that would limit the number of participants in the fishery. Anyone entering that fishery after the control date will not be assured of future access should a management regime be implemented that limits the number of participants in the fishery. Establishment of a control date also is intended to discourage new entry into the fisheries based on economic speculation while the Council considers the issues and appropriate remedies. Implementation of any such program would require preparation of an amendment to the respective FMP and publication of a notice of availability and proposed rule with pertinent public comment periods. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AT64 _______________________________________________________________________ 668. [bull] 2006 SCALLOP RESEARCH SET-ASIDE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This notice is a solicitation for research projects to be conducted in accordance with requirements of Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan, Framework 16 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP and Framework 39 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP (Joint Framework); and with NOAA grant-review and award procedures. Amendment 10 established a procedure through which 2% of the overall Days-At-Sea (DAS) for use in open areas and 2% of the overall Total Available Catch (TAC) in Sea Scallop Access Areas for a given fishing year are set-aside by the New England Fishery Management Council as a mechanism to fund sea scallop research. Each year, NOAA Fisheries Service and the Councils issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) that identifies priorities for sea scallop research projects to be conducted under a RSA Program. The total value of the set-asides available for scallop-related research in fishing year 2006 is approximately $4.46 million dollars (79 percent from the open area DAS set-aside, 6 percent from the Closed Area I Access Area and 15 percent from the Nantucket Lightship Access Area). NOAA Fisheries anticipates issuing Letters of Authorization to allow participating vessels to harvest scallops used as compensation to fund the research project, as well as Letters of Acknowledgment for research trips where appropriate. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 11/00/05 [[Page 64460]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT68 _______________________________________________________________________ 669. [bull] CLOSURE OF THE U.S. LONGLINE BIGEYE TUNA FISHERY FOR 2005 IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will close the U.S. longline bigeye tuna fishery in the ETP. NMFS determined that the U.S. longline bigeye catch was reached July 2005. These measures are intended to limit 2005 fishing effort and fishing mortality and contribute to maintaining tuna stocks at levels that will sustain the stocks at maximum sustainable yield. The measures are proposed consistent with a recommendation made by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and approved by the Department of State. The U.S. fleets in the ETP will be subject to these management measures on an equal footing with vessels from nations party to the IATTC Convention. U.S. longline bigeye tuna fishing vessels fishing in the Convention Area will continue to be able to fish outside of the Convention Area. Therefore, the economic impacts would not be expected to be significant. Further, all member nations' fleets would be subject to the same limits so the U.S. would not be disadvantaged relative to foreign fleets. There has historically been little U.S. longline fishing in the Convention Area and the limit on catch to 2001 levels is not expected to affect those vessels significantly. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 RIN: 0648-AT70 _______________________________________________________________________ 670. HYDROPOWER/MANDATORY CONDITIONS REVIEW PROCESS (MCRP) RULE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 811 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 221 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Pursuant to Part I of the Federal Power Act (Act), 16 U.S.C. 791a et seq., the Department of Commerce (Department), acting through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), provides input to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) on a number of issues related to licensing non-federal hydroelectric generating facilities. Among others, NMFS' authorities include the authority to prescribe fishways pursuant to section 18 of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 811. Pursuant to its section 18 authority, NMFS reviews applications for hydropower licenses before the Commission, and after consultation with license applicants, prescribes new or modified fishways where such facilities are warranted based on studies and other information in the administrative record of the licensing proceeding. This action codifies the existing MCRP, providing for public review of NMFS' mandatory section 18 fishway prescriptions, and an opportunity to modify prescriptions if warranted based on public review, prior to their being included in a final license order. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/09/04 69 FR 54615 NPRM Comment Period End 11/08/04 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rolland Schmitten, Director, Office of Habitat Conservation, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282 Phone: 301 713-2325 Fax: 301 713-1043 Email: rolland.schmitt@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AS55 _______________________________________________________________________ 671. TAKING OF THE COOK INLET, ALASKA, STOCK OF BELUGA WHALES BY ALASKA NATIVES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is regulating subsistence harvest of Cook Inlet Beluga to ensure that the harvest is sustainable and does not substantially delay the recovery of this marine mammal stock. Specific harvest levels and distribution of the harvest will be based upon cooperative agreements with Alaska native organizations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/04/00 65 FR 59164 NPRM Comment Period End 11/27/00 Final Rule 04/06/04 69 FR 17973 Final Action 11/00/05 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 [[Page 64461]] _______________________________________________________________________ 672. TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO ROCKET LAUNCHES FROM THE KODIAK LAUNCH COMPLEX, KODIAK ISLAND, ALASKA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC) for a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to rocket launches from the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC), Kodiak Island, Alaska. As a result of that request, NMFS is proposing regulations that would authorize the incidental taking of a small number of marine mammals. In order to issue such regulations, NMFS must determine that these takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals and will not have an unmitigatable adverse impact on the availability of marine mammal species or stocks for subsistence uses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 11/05/01 66 FR 55909 ANPRM Comment Period End 12/05/01 NPRM 10/29/04 69 FR 63114 NPRM Comment Period End 12/13/04 Final Action 06/00/06 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 673. REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN TAKE REDUCTION PLAN Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 229 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 2003. Final, Statutory, January 2004. There is a deadline under the MMPA, but noting that we cannot meet this deadline because of requirements related to compliance with other laws, such as NEPA and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Abstract: This action would implement management measures to (1) reduce the incidental mortality and serious injury (bycatch) of the western North Atlantic coastal bottlenose dolphin stock (dolphins) (Tursiops truncatus) in the mid-Atlantic coastal gillnet fishery and eight other coastal fisheries operating within the dolphin's distributional range; and (2) amend current, seasonal restrictions on large mesh gillnet fisheries operating in the mid-Atlantic region to reduce the incidental take of sea turtles in North Carolina and Virginia State waters. This action would use effort reduction measures, gear proximity rules, gear or gear deployment modifications, fishermen training, and outreach and education measures to reduce dolphin bycatch below the marine mammal stock's potential biological removal level (PBR); and time/area closures and size restrictions on large mesh fisheries to reduce incidental takes of endangered and threatened sea turtles as well as to reduce dolphin bycatch below the stock's PBR. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/10/04 69 FR 65127 NPRM Comment Period End 02/08/05 Final Action 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: 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-AR39 _______________________________________________________________________ 674. TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO NAVY OPERATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is amending its regulations governing the taking of marine mammals incidental to operations of the U.S. Navy's SURTASS LFA sonar to implement provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (NDAA). The President signed into law the NDAA (P.L. 108-136) on November 24, 2003. Included in this law were amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) that apply where a ``military readiness activity'' is concerned. NMFS and the Navy have determined that the Navy's SURTASS LFA sonar testing and training operations that are the subject of NMFS' July 16, 2002 (67 FR 46712) final rule constitute a military readiness activity because those activities constitute ``training and operations of the Armed Forces that relate to combat'' and constitute ``adequate and realistic testing of military equipment, vehicles, weapons and sensors for proper operation and suitability for combat use.'' Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/29/04 69 FR 38873 NPRM Comment Period End 07/29/04 Final Action 11/00/05 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 [[Page 64462]] _______________________________________________________________________ 675. TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS; ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 224 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement modifications of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP). The ALWTRP was developed pursuant to section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The commercial fishery requirements provided in this rule are intended to implement the additional requirements recommended by the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team and NMFS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/21/05 70 FR 35894 Comment Period Extended 07/13/05 70 FR 40301 NPRM Comment Period End 07/21/05 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 676. SEA TURTLE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL SCALLOP FISHING Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is preparing a rule to require sea turtle conservation measures for all scallop vessels fishing in the mid-Atlantic from May 1 through November 30 each year. Implemented under the Endangered Species Act, the purpose of this rulemaking is to minimize the take of sea turtles in scallop gear. This rule would require all scallop vessels, regardless of size or permit category, to modify their dredge(s) when fishing south of 41 deg.9.0' N. latitude, from the shoreline to the Exclusive Economic Zone. All dredges used for fishing must be modified with evenly spaced ``tickler'' chains and ``vertical'' (up-and-down) chains with the configuration dependent on the size of the dredge frame width. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/27/05 70 FR 30660 Hearing 06/08/05 70 FR 33440 NPRM Comment Period End 06/27/05 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: 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-AS92 _______________________________________________________________________ 677. THREATENED STATUS FOR SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq; 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 224 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, December 17, 2004. Abstract: NMFS has completed an update on the status review of Southern Resident killer whales under the Endangered Species Act and is seeking to list this distinct population segment as threatened. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 03/02/04 69 9809 NPRM 12/22/04 69 FR 76673 NPRM Comment Period End 03/22/05 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 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-AS95 _______________________________________________________________________ 678. TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO OPERATION OF OFFSHORE OIL PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN BEAUFORT SEA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1371 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 200 to 210 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NOAA Fisheries is amending its regulations governing the taking of marine mammals incidental to operations at the Northstar oil production facility in the U.S. Beaufort Sea off Alaska. These revised regulations authorize the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of six species of marine mammals in the event that such taking occurred during the operation of the Northstar facility. Takings are limited to harassment and no injury or mortality of marine mammals is anticipated. Potential effects on native subsistence could result also from direct actions of oil development upon the biological resources or from associated changes in human behavior. As a result, in compliance with regulations, mitigation measures have been implemented that mitigate impacts on subsistence uses of marine resources. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/25/05 70 FR 42520 NPRM Comment Period End 08/24/05 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Tribal Agency Contact: Laurie Allen, Director, Office of Protected Resources, [[Page 64463]] Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2332 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AM09 RIN: 0648-AS98 _______________________________________________________________________ 679. PROPOSED THREATENED STATUS FOR SOUTHERN DISTINCT POPULATION SEGMENT OF NORTH AMERICAN GREEN STURGEON Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, April 1, 2005, District Court remanded ``not warranted'' determination to NMFS. Due to a court remand of our ``not warranted'' determination. Abstract: This is a rule to list the Southern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of green sturgeon as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. We conclude that the Southern DPS is not endangered because of actions being taken that provide some possible benefits to the DPS. However, the Southern DPS is threatened based on: (1) The reduction of potential spawning habitat; (2) the threats to the single remaining spawning population remaining severe and unlikely to be sufficiently alleviated by conservation measures currently in place; and (3) the downward trend of sturgeon salvage estimates from State (1968-2003) and Federal (1980-2003) facilities. The Northern DPS is neither endangered nor threatened, but remaining uncertainties have led us to retain the DPS on the ``species of concern'' list. Section 4(d) provides that the Secretary shall issue such regulations as he deems necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of threatened species. We intend to publish a regulation under section 4(d) for the conservation of the Southern DPS of green sturgeon. We also may designate critical habitat, as long as we find that it is both prudent and determinable. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/06/05 70 FR 17386 Public Hearing 06/20/05 70 FR 35391 NPRM Comment Period End 07/05/05 NPRM Comment Period Extended 07/06/05 70 FR 38861 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AT02 _______________________________________________________________________ 680. [bull] MARINE MAMMALS; SUBSISTENCE TAKING OF NORTHERN FUR SEALS; HARVEST ESTIMATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1151 et seq; 16 USC 1361 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216.72 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Pursuant to the regulations governing the subsistence taking of northern fur seals, this action summarizes the annual fur seal subsistence harvests on St. George and St. Paul Islands (the Pribilof Islands) for 2002 to 2004 and proposes annual estimates of fur seal subsistence needs for 2005 through 2007 on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska. NMFS solicits public comments on the proposed estimates. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/18/05 70 FR 41187 NPRM Comment Period End 08/17/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Tribal Agency Contact: Thomas C. Eagle, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 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 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AO40 RIN: 0648-AT49 _______________________________________________________________________ 681. CIVIL PROCEDURES GOVERNING PROSECUTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 1531 to 1543; 16 USC 1361 to 1407; 16 USC 3371 to 3378; . . . CFR Citation: 15 CFR 904 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the procedures governing NOAA's administrative proceedings for the assessment of civil penalties, suspension, revocation, modification, or denial of permits, issuance and use of written warnings, and release of forfeiture of seized property. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/12/04 69 FR 60569 NPRM Comment Period End 12/13/04 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Meggan Walls Engelke-Ros, Attorney Advisor, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 427-2202 Fax: 301 427-2211 Email: meggan.engelke-ros@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AS54 [[Page 64464]] _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________ 682. 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 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Reed Bohne, Manager, Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411 Phone: 912 598-2345 Fax: 912 598-2367 Email: reed.bohne@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AQ41 _______________________________________________________________________ 683. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NOAA ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL CHART DISTRIBUTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 33 USC 892(a) to 892(b); HSIA 2002, sec 303; HSIA 2002, sec 304 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 995 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, December 19, 2004, By not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the HSIA Amendments of 2002. Mandate to certify hydrographic products that satisfy the standards promulgated by the Administrator no later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2002. Abstract: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) amends its regulations to add certification requirements with standards for applicants who want to distribute NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts (NOAA ENCs) as official data. NOAA intends to offer two types of certification. The first type, ``Certified NOAA ENC Distributor,'' is for NOAA ENCs downloading, exact copying, and redistribution of those copies of NOAA ENCs data. The second type, ``Certified NOAA ENC Value Added Distributor,'' permits reformatting official NOAA ENCs into a System Electronic Navigational Chart (SENC) using type-approved software, and distribution of that SENC. Both types of certification result in products that meet Federal chart carriage regulations. Both types of certification permit, but do not require, compression, encryption, and packaging with other data. NOAA intends by this action to assure that quality official NOAA ENC data is offered to the public in support of safe navigation on U.S. waters. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/15/04 69 FR 61165 Final Action 11/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR ____________________________________________________ 684. LICENSING OF PRIVATE LAND REMOTE-SENSING SPACE SYSTEMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 5621 CFR Citation: 15 CFR 960 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) amends its regulations governing the licensing of private Earth remote sensing space systems under title II of the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 (the Act). The amendments update the regulations to reflect: (1) The new U.S. policy on commercial remote sensing issued in April 2003, (2) experience gained since August 2000 with respect to the licensing of commercial remote sensing space systems, and (3) improvements that take into account public comments received on the regulations. This rule will allow NOAA to more effectively license Earth remote sensing space systems and help to ensure their compliance with the requirements of the Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/20/05 70 FR 29380 NPRM Comment Period End 06/20/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Glenn E. Tallia, Senior Counselor for Atmospheric and Space Services and Research, NOAA, GC, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA GCW, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 15861, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1337 [[Page 64465]] Fax: 301 713-1494 RIN: 0648-AT00 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ____________________________________________________ 685. 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 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216 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 12/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tanya Dobrzynski Phone: 301 713-2289 RIN: 0648-AH26 _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________ 686. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE/OFFICE OF MINERAL ENERGY ____________________________________________________ 687. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT FEDERAL CONSISTENCY REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 15 CFR 930 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/11/03 68 FR 34851 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David W. Kaiser Phone: 301 713-3155 Fax: 301 713-4367 Email: david.kaiser@noaa.gov RIN: 0648-AR16 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR ____________________________________________________ 688. 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 [[Page 64466]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ 689. REGULATORY AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE GULF OF MEXICO BRD FRAMEWORK 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, September 2005, 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/09/05 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, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AN84 _______________________________________________________________________ 690. AMENDMENT 22 TO THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN 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 establishes 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 08/04/04 69 FR 46518 NPRM 11/23/04 69 FR 68119 NPRM Comment Period End 01/07/05 Final Action 06/02/05 70 FR 32266 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, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AP02 _______________________________________________________________________ 691. 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 01/14/05 70 FR 2586 NPRM Comment Period End 02/14/05 Comment Period Extended 02/24/05 70 FR 9029 NPRM Comment Period Extended 03/07/05 Final Action 04/28/05 70 FR 21927 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-AQ25 _______________________________________________________________________ 692. AMENDMENT 11 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PELAGIC FISHERIES OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION (AMERICAN SAMOA LONGLINE LIMITED ACCESS PERMIT 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 06/23/04 69 FR 34988 NPRM 07/22/04 69 FR 43789 NPRM Comment Period End 09/07/04 Final Action 05/24/05 70 FR 29646 Correction 06/09/05 70 FR 33719 Correction 07/18/05 70 FR 41163 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: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AQ92 _______________________________________________________________________ 693. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; AMENDMENTS TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC TUNAS, SWORDFISH, AND SHARKS AND THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ATLANTIC BILLFISH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 [[Page 64467]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will address numerous issues for the Atlantic tunas, swordfish, shark, and billfish fisheries. These issues include reviewing data for updates as part of a five-year review of essential fish habitat; considering workshops to reduce bycatch and bycatch mortality, increase regulatory compliance, and increase communication with fishermen; reviewing current time/area closures and the need for modifications; preventing overfishing of finetooth sharks and albacore tuna; adjusting bluefin tuna effort controls and quota allocations to improve management; considering changes to the fishing year definition and currently authorized gear types; and strengthening measures to reduce billfish mortality across all highly migratory species fisheries. This rule will also consider combining the two fishery management plans into one document. This action would affect fishermen fishing for highly migratory species in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Many of the actions in this rule will simplify or improve the management of the fisheries to help fishermen understand the regulations and the management process. Other actions in this rule could change quota allocations, but would not likely change overall quotas. Additionally, while the actions may establish new requirements, such as workshops, or modify existing requirements, such as the time/ area closures, the actions are not expected to reduce the number of people fishing for highly migratory species. Some actions, for example, modifications to time/area closures, could have negative or positive economic impacts, depending on the extent of the changes needed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Merged With 0648-AQ65 08/05/05 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 Related RIN: Merged with 0648-AR61 RIN: 0648-AR60 _______________________________________________________________________ 694. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Merged With 0648-AS84 06/10/05 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AR90 _______________________________________________________________________ 695. 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 11/26/04 69 FR 68865 NPRM Comment Period End 12/27/04 Final Action 03/24/05 70 FR 15010 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AS00 _______________________________________________________________________ 696. 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 12/07/04 69 FR 70973 [[Page 64468]] NPRM Comment Period End 12/23/04 Final Action 06/22/05 70 FR 36053 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 RIN: 0648-AS17 _______________________________________________________________________ 697. 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 (NMFS) 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 NMFS to end overfishing and rebuild the stock to a level capable of sustaining maximum sustainable yield on a 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 02/24/05 70 FR 9028 Notice Comment Period End 04/25/05 NPRM 03/09/05 70 FR 11600 NPRM Comment Period End 04/25/05 Final Action 06/08/05 70 FR 33385 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, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS19 _______________________________________________________________________ 698. 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 03/15/05 70 FR 12639 NPRM Comment Period End 03/30/05 Final Action 06/16/05 70 FR 35042 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-AS21 _______________________________________________________________________ 699. 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 01/31/05 70 FR 4808 NPRM Comment Period End 03/02/05 Final Action 04/28/05 70 FR 21971 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-AS23 _______________________________________________________________________ 700. 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 03/28/05 70 FR 12168 NPRM Comment Period End 03/28/05 Final Action 05/03/05 70 FR 22806 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of [[Page 64469]] Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AS24 _______________________________________________________________________ 701. 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 03/29/05 70 FR 15803 NPRM Comment Period End 04/18/05 Final Action 06/01/05 70 FR 31323 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-AS33 _______________________________________________________________________ 702. 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 05/20/05 70 FR 29265 NPRM Comment Period End 06/20/05 Final Action 08/01/05 70 FR 44066 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-AS35 _______________________________________________________________________ 703. AMENDMENT NUMBER 15 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 15 provides alternatives to address the current commercial king mackerel permit moratorium that will be expiring on October 15, 2005. Alternatives include possible extensions of the moratorium for a finite period of time or to establish a limited access license for an indefinite period of time. Amendment 15 also provides alternatives to potentially change the fishing year for Atlantic migratory group king and Spanish mackerel from an April 1 through March 31 period to a March 1 through February 28/29 period or a January 1 through December 31 period. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 03/07/05 70 FR 10933 Comment Period End 05/06/05 NPRM 03/18/05 70 FR 13152 NPRM Comment Period End 05/02/05 Final Action 07/07/05 70 FR 39187 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes 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, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS53 _______________________________________________________________________ 704. 2005-2006 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, 2005, The fishery must open on May 1. Abstract: The annual management measures for the 2004-20005 fishing year specify allowable ocean harvest levels (including quotas), allocations, management boundaries and zones, minimum size limits, gear definitions, seasons, selective fisheries, and in-season notice procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/04/05 70 FR 23054 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-AS58 _______________________________________________________________________ 705. AMENDMENT 24 TO THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH RESOURCES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment 24 will address whether to allow the current moratorium on the issuance of reef fish permits to expire on December 31, 2005, and the reef fish fishery to revert to open access, to extend the moratorium for a finite period (5 or 10 [[Page 64470]] years), or to replace the moratorium with a limited access system. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/06/05 70 FR 17401 NPRM Comment Period End 06/06/05 NPRM 04/23/05 70 FR 21170 NPRM Comment Period End 06/09/05 Final Action 07/18/05 70 FR 41161 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, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS69 _______________________________________________________________________ 706. ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT TO MEASURES FOR THE MONKFISH FISHERY FOR THE 2005 FISHING YEAR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action makes annual adjustments to measures for the 2005 fishing year for the Monkfish Fishery. The fishing year begins May 1, 2005. This action will make necessary adjustments in total allowable catch levels and trip limits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/18/05 70 FR 13156 NPRM Comment Period End 04/04/05 Final Action 04/28/05 70 FR 22242 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-AS72 _______________________________________________________________________ 707. ADJUSTMENT OF QUOTA OVERAGES IN THE U.S./CANADA AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would adjust any overages of quotas for Georges Bank cod, haddock, and/or yellowtail flounder in the U.S./Canada Management Area, as required by Amendment 13. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/14/05 70 FR 19724 NPRM Comment Period End 05/16/05 Final Action 07/07/05 70 FR 39190 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-AS74 _______________________________________________________________________ 708. SEAFOOD DEALER REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would modify reporting and recordkeeping requirements for dealers federally permitted in the summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, Atlantic sea scallop, Northeast multispecies, monkfish, Atlantic mackerel, squid, butterfish, Atlantic surfclam, ocean quahog, Atlantic herring, Atlantic deep-sea red crab, tilefish, Atlantic bluefish, skate and/or spiny dogfish fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/04/05 70 FR 10585 NPRM Comment Period End 03/21/05 Final Action 04/28/05 70 FR 21976 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-AS87 _______________________________________________________________________ 709. COMMERCIAL GROUPER FISHERY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO; ESTABLISHMENT OF A CONTROL DATE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In anticipation of future action to establish regulations limiting participation in the grouper fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has voted to establish a control date of October 15, 2004, for the commercial grouper fishery. The establishment of a control date does not commit the Council or the National Marine Fisheries Service to any particular management regime. A control date may be used as part of the qualifying criteria for entry into the fishery. Fishermen, however, are not guaranteed future participation in the fishery regardless of their entry date or intensity of participation in the fishery before or after the control date under consideration. The Council may choose to use a different control date or they may choose a management regime that does not make use of such a date. The Council may choose to give variably weighted consideration to fishermen active in the fishery before and after the control date. Other qualifying criteria, such as documentation of landings and sales, may be applied for entry. The Council also may choose to take no further action to control entry or access to the fishery, in which case the control date may be rescinded. [[Page 64471]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/16/04 69 FR 67106 Comment Period End 12/16/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 824-5305 Fax: 727 824-5308 RIN: 0648-AS88 _______________________________________________________________________ 710. FMP FOR THE SCALLOP FISHERY OFF ALASKA AMENDMENT 10 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 773; 16 USC 1801; 16 USC 3631 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would modify the gear endorsements under a license limitation program (scallop LLP) for the scallop fishery. The LLP limits access to the commercial scallop fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Alaska. This rulemaking would change the 6-foot dredge restriction endorsement in the scallop LLP to a two 10-foot dredge (or two dredges with a combined width of 20 ft) restriction endorsement. This change would allow two LLP holders with the current endorsement to fish in Federal waters outside Cook Inlet with a maximum of two ten-foot dredges. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ PR/Notice of Availability 03/24/05 70 FR 15063 NOA/Comment Period End 05/23/05 NPRM 04/13/05 70 FR 19409 NPRM Comment Period End 05/31/05 Final Action 07/11/05 70 FR 39664 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AS90 _______________________________________________________________________ 711. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); 2005 BLUEFIN TUNA QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS AND EFFORT CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would implement specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery to set BFT quotas and General category effort controls for the 2005 fishing year. The purpose of this action is to implement the U.S. annual BFT quota as recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and allocate that quota among the domestic fishing categories. Effort controls for the General category would allocate monthly quotas and set certain restricted fishing days. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/23/05 70 FR 14630 NPRM Comment Period End 04/18/05 Final Action 06/07/05 70 FR 33033 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-AT01 _______________________________________________________________________ 712. AREA 4C/4D SELECTIVE IFQ/CDQ BOUNDARY PERMEABILITY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300; 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would allow holders of Area 4C halibut Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) and Community Development Quota (CDQ) to harvest such halibut IFQ/CDQ in Area 4D. Currently, halibut IFQ and CDQ allocated in a particular area may only be harvested in that same area, in accordance with biomass-based quotas, except that halibut CDQ (only) allocated in Area 4D may be harvested in Area 4E. This action would also allow additional fishing opportunities to attain the assigned Area 4C IFQ and CDQ quotas for two Pribilof Island communities (St. Paul and St. George) in Area 4C, which are managed by two CDQ groups. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/05/05 70 FR 23829 NPRM Comment Period End 06/06/05 Final Action 07/27/05 70 FR 43328 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 RIN: 0648-AT03 _______________________________________________________________________ 713. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; LIFTING 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 modify trade restriction measures pursuant to recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) approved during the 2004 meeting. This rule would lift the trade restrictions on import of bigeye tuna from Cambodia; the ban on the import of bigeye tuna and bluefin tuna from Equatorial Guinea; and the trade restrictions on the import of bigeye tuna, bluefin tuna, and swordfish from Sierra Leone. This [[Page 64472]] rule would also correct section reference conflicts between two rules that published in the Federal Register on November 17, 2004, and December 6, 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/08/05 70 FR 11190 NPRM Comment Period End 04/07/05 Final Action 05/17/05 70 FR 28218 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-AT05 _______________________________________________________________________ 714. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); ATLANTIC SHARK COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would establish regional quotas and announce season lengths for large and small coastal sharks, and pelagic sharks managed under the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic tunas, swordfish and sharks. This action is necessary to ensure that current management measures are consistent with the most recent landings information. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/10/05 70 FR 11922 NPRM Comment Period End 03/25/05 Final Action 04/27/05 70 FR 21673 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-AT07 _______________________________________________________________________ 715. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 17 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Framework Adjustment 17 would revise a provision included in the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan that allows vessels to terminate special access area trips early for unforeseen events. The revised provision eliminates an automatic charge and associated reduction in possession limit by allowing vessels to resume trips into the special access areas without loss of allowed scallop possession limit. Framework Adjustment 17 would also require that all vessels issued open access, General Category scallop permits that intend to land more than 40 pounds of scallops be equipped with electronic vessel monitoring systems to allow fishing activity to be monitored and tracked for enforcement and fishery evaluation purposes. General Category scallop vessels operating vessel monitoring systems would be allowed to turn off the vessel monitoring systems if the vessel does not have any scallops on board and while the vessel is secured to a fixed dock or mooring. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/02/05 70 FR 32282 NPRM Comment Period End 06/17/05 Final Action 08/22/05 70 FR 48860 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 RIN: 0648-AT10 _______________________________________________________________________ 716. LIMITED ENTRY PROGRAM FOR LONGLINE AND DRIFT GILLNET VESSELS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 2005, Final rule must be published within 60 days of end of comment period on the proposed rule. Abstract: This rule will establish a limited entry program and associated management measures for vessels fishing with longline and drift gillnet gear under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Highly Migratory Species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/11/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 RIN: 0648-AT35 _______________________________________________________________________ 717. [bull] FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES AND IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; ROUTINE MANAGEMENT MEASURE AUTHORITY TO CLOSE THE PACIFIC COAST DIRECTED GROUNDFISH OPEN ACCESS FISHERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This emergency rule establishes routine management measure authority, under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP), to reduce trip limits to incidental levels in the open access fishery for groundfish before the sector has taken its full target groundfish species' allocations, to minimize impacts on overfished species. This action establishes a mechanism that can be [[Page 64473]] used to quickly restrict the directed open access groundfish fishery if NMFS estimates that the incidental catch of an overfished species is too high. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/05/05 70 FR 23804 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AT38 _______________________________________________________________________ 718. [bull] SPINY DOGFISH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND TRAWL INDIVIDUAL QUOTA PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) is considering implementing management measures for the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) fishery off Washington, Oregon and California. This document announces a control date of April 8, 2005, for the spiny dogfish fishery. The control date for the spiny dogfish fishery is intended to discourage increased fishing effort in the limited entry and open access groundfish fisheries targeting spiny dogfish based on economic speculation while the Pacific Council develops and considers management measures for the spiny dogfish fishery. In addition, this document provides supplemental information on a control date for a limited entry groundfish trawl individual quota (IQ) program announced in the Federal Register on January 9, 2004 by clarifying that the control date does not preclude processors from being eligible to own quota as part of the trawl IQ program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/24/05 70 FR 29713 Comment Period End 06/23/05 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-AT40 _______________________________________________________________________ 719. [bull] PACIFIC HALIBUT FISHERIES; SUBSISTENCE FISHING; CORRECTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 77S et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document corrects a final rule published in the Federal Register amending the Subsistence Halibut Program. This correcting amendment corrects the description, geographic coordinates, and associated figures for the Anchorage/Matsu/Kenai non-subsistence marine waters area and the Local Area Management Plan (LAMP) for the halibut fishery in Sitka Sound in the Gulf of Alaska. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/18/05 70 FR 41159 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. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AR88 RIN: 0648-AT44 _______________________________________________________________________ 720. [bull] FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES AND IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; WESTERN PACIFIC BOTTOMFISH FISHERIES; MAIN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS; CONTROL DATE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS announces that persons who enter the bottomfish fishery in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) after June 2, 2005, (``control date'') are not guaranteed future participation in the fishery if the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) prepares and NMFS approves a program limiting entry or effort. This action does not commit the Council or NMFS to limit entry, or prevent any other date from being selected for eligibility to participate in the MHI bottomfish fishery. The Council or NMFS may also use other criteria to limit fishing effort or participation in a limited entry program that is developed in the future. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/13/05 70 FR 40305 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: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AT47 _______________________________________________________________________ 721. [bull] MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT PROVISIONS; FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN U.S.; FISHERY CLOSURE DUE TO PRESENCE OF TOXIN THAT CAUSES PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISONING; CORRECTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1855(c) CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS is clarifying emergency regulations that closed [[Page 64474]] portions of Federal waters of the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England to the harvest of bivalve shellfish due to the presence of the toxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). This correction will allow for the collection and testing of samples for the toxin that causes PSP. In addition, this rule will correct the effective date for the definition of a ``Category 1 herring vessel'' and reinstate a prohibition on the sale of certain haddock that was inadvertently overwritten by the emergency rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/07/05 70 FR 39192 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-AT51 _______________________________________________________________________ 722. [bull] CONTROL DATE FOR NON-LONGLINE COMMERCIAL PELAGIC FISHERIES IN EEZ AROUND HAWAII Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS announces that persons who enter the non-longline commercial pelagic fisheries (e.g., troll, handline, pole and line, etc.) in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Hawaiian Islands after June 2, 2005 (``control date'') are not guaranteed future participation in the fishery if the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (WPFMC) recommends, and NMFS approves, a program limiting entry or effort. This action does not commit the WPFMC or NMFS to limit entry, or prevent any other date from being selected for eligibility to participate in the non-longline commercial pelagic fisheries. The WPFMC or NMFS may also use other criteria to limit fishing effort or participation in a limited entry program that is developed in the future. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/15/05 70 FR 47781 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: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AT52 _______________________________________________________________________ 723. [bull] CONTROL DATE FOR DOMESTIC PURSE SEINE AND LONGLINE PELAGIC FISHERIES IN U.S. EEZ OF WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: NMFS announces that persons who enter the pelagic purse seine and longline fisheries in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the western Pacific region after June 2, 2005 (``control date'') are not guaranteed future participation in the fishery if the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (WPFMC) recommends, and NMFS approves, a program limiting entry or effort. This action does not commit the WPFMC or NMFS to limit entry, or prevent any other date from being selected for eligibility to participate in the pelagic purse seine or longline fisheries. The WPFMC or NMFS may also use other criteria to limit fishing effort or participation in a limited entry program that is developed in the future. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/15/05 70 FR 47782 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: 808 973-2937 RIN: 0648-AT53 _______________________________________________________________________ 724. [bull] SALMON CONSERVATION ZONE FOR THE PACIFIC COAST WHITING PRIMARY FISHING SEASON Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would prohibit vessels participating in the primary Pacific whiting fishery from fishing shoreward of a boundary line approximating the 100 fm depth contour. This action is intended to reduce bycatch of endangered and threatened Chinook salmon in the whiting fishery. To constrain further impacts from the 2005 whiting fishery on ESA-listed salmon, NMFS is implementing an emergency closure of nearshore waters, where salmon are more likely to be taken in common with Pacific whiting. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/31/05 70 FR 51682 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 RIN: 0648-AT69 _______________________________________________________________________ 725. DESIGNATE CRITICAL HABITAT FOR 7 EVOLUTIONARILY SIGNIFICANT UNITS (ESUS) OF PACIFIC SALMON AND STEELHEAD IN CALIFORNIA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, November 30, 2004. Final, Judicial, June 15, 2005. Abstract: This action would designate critical habitat for seven Pacific salmon and O. mykiss Evolutionarily [[Page 64475]] Significant Units (ESUs) listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The geographic area proposed for designation include riverine and estuarine habitat in California. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/19/00 65 FR 79328 NPRM Comment Period End 02/20/01 NPRM 12/10/04 69 FR 71880 NPRM Comment Period End 01/24/05 Comment Period Extended 02/07/05 70 FR 6394 Second NPRM Comment Period End 03/14/05 Final Action 09/02/05 70 FR 52488 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Assistant Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., No. 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 502 980-4015 Fax: 502 980-4027 Related RIN: Related to 0648-AQ77 RIN: 0648-AO04 _______________________________________________________________________ 726. DESIGNATE CRITICAL HABITAT FOR 12 EVOLUTIONARILY SIGNIFICANT UNITS (ESUS) OF PACIFIC SALMON AND STEELHEAD IN WASHINGTON, OREGON AND IDAHO Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533 CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226; 50 CFR 424 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, September 30, 2004. Final, Judicial, June 15, 2005. Abstract: This action would designate critical habitat for 12 Pacific salmon and O. mykiss Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The geographic areas proposed for designation include lakes, riverine, and estuarine habitat in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and marine nearshore habitat in Washington. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/29/03 68 FR 55926 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/13/03 NPRM 12/14/04 69 FR 74572 NPRM Comment Period End 01/28/05 Comment Period Extended 02/07/05 70 FR 6394 Second NPRM Comment Period End 03/14/05 Final Action 09/02/05 70 FR 52630 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 727. LISTING DETERMINATIONS FOR 27 EVOLUTIONARILY SIGNIFICANT UNITS (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 April 23, 2004. Abstract: NMFS has completed status reviews for 26 West Coast salmon and O. mykiss (inclusive of anadromous steelhead and co-occurring resident 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 06/14/04 69 FR 33102 NPRM Comment Period End 09/13/04 NPRM 08/31/04 69 FR 53031 NPRM Comment Period Extended 10/20/04 Final Action 06/28/05 70 FR 37160 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 728. SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION; EXCEPTIONS TO TAKING PROHIBITIONS FOR ENDANGERED SEA TURTLES 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 proposes to allow any agent or employee of NMFS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the U.S. Coast Guard, or any other Federal land or water management agency, or any agent or employee of a State agency responsible for fish and wildlife who is designated by his or her agency for such purposes, when acting in the course of his or her official duties, to take endangered sea turtles if such taking is necessary to aid a sick, injured, entangled or stranded endangered sea turtle or dispose of such specimen or salvage such specimen which may be useful for scientific and educational purposes. This action is necessary to provide [[Page 64476]] equal conservation and protection measures to sick, injured, entangled and stranded endangered sea turtles as is afforded for threatened sea turtles under 50 CFR 223.206. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/29/05 70 FR 15800 NPRM Comment Period End 04/28/05 Final Action 07/25/05 70 FR 42508 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No 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-AS57 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) _______________________________________________________________________ 729. CHANGES TO REPRESENTATION OF OTHERS BEFORE THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 500(a); 35 USC 2(b) 2(D) CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1; 37 CFR 2; 37 CFR 10; 37 CFR 11 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) amends its regulations to update the procedures regarding enrollment and discipline. The office also replaces the current USPTO Code of Professional Responsibility, which is based on the Model Code of Professional Responsibility of the American Bar Association, with USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct, which are based largely on the Model Rules of Professional Conduct of the American Bar Association. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/12/03 68 FR 66648 NPRM Comment Period End 02/12/04 Notice 03/03/04 69 FR 9986 Comment Period End 06/11/04 Final Action - Part I 06/24/04 69 FR 35428 NPRM 10/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Final Action - Part II 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: See 69 FR 9986-9987. Agency Contact: Harry I. Moatz, Director of Enrollment and Discipline, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Office of Enrollment and Discipline, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313 Phone: 571 272-4097 Related RIN: Related to 0651-AB38 RIN: 0651-AB55 _______________________________________________________________________ 730. CHANGES IN TRADEMARK RULES OF PRACTICE IN INTER PARTES PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 1067; 35 USC 2(8)(2)(A) CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2.99(b) to (d); 37 CFR 2.101(a), (b) and (d); 37 CFR 2.105(a) and (c); 37 CFR 2.111(a) to (c); 37 CFR 2.113(a), (c) and (e); 37 CFR 2.116(a) and (g); 37 CFR 2.118; 37 CFR 2.119(a) and (b); 37 CFR 2.120(a), (d) and (j); 37 CFR 2.121(a), (d) and (e); 37 CFR 2.123(e); 37 CFR 2.126 (a) and (b); 37 CFR 2.127(a), (c) and (e); 37 CFR 2.129(a); 37 CFR 2.133 (a) and (b); 37 CFR 2.142(e); 37 CFR 2.173(a); 37 CFR 2.176 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office amends its rules of practice in connection with inter partes proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to require that plaintiffs serve notice of their claims directly on defendants, to follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure insofar as they require disclosure by parties of certain types of discoverable information and pre-trial disclosures, and to permit service of documents by e-mail. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James David Sams, Chief Administrative Trademark Judge, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, ST-9A03, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22313 Phone: 571 272-4304 Email: david.sams@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB56 _______________________________________________________________________ 731. REVISION OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 35 USC 41; 35 USC 376; 35 USC 2(b)(2) CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1.16 to 1.21; 37 CFR 1.26; 37 CFR 1.445; 37 CFR 1.482; 37 CFR 1.492; 37 CFR 41.20; 37 CFR 2.6 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 1, 2006, Final Action Effective Date. Abstract: This rulemaking revises certain patent and trademark fees to reflect fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) consistent with PL105-358, as amended by PL108-447. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/06 Final Action 07/00/06 Final Action Effective 10/00/06 [[Page 64477]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: C/OF Tamara McClure, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, 2051 Jamieson Ave., Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 571 272-6345 Fax: 571 273-6500 Email: tamara.mcclure@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB81 _______________________________________________________________________ 732. AMENDMENT OF RULES FOR FILING INTENT TO USE DOCUMENTS IN SECTION 1(B) APPLICATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 1123; 35 USC 2 CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2.76, 2.87, 2.88, 2.89 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office amends the rules to (1) change the deadline for filing second and subsequent requests for extensions of time to file a statement of use under section 1(d)(2) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. 1051(d)(2), from six months to one year; and (2) simplify and clarify procedures pertaining to the filing of intent-to-use documents in applications under section 1(b) of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 1051(b). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/05 Final Action 01/00/06 Final Action Effective 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mary E. Hannon, Attorney Advisor, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P. O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451 Phone: 571 272-9569 Fax: 571 273-9569 Email: mary.hannon@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB90 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) _______________________________________________________________________ 733. CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT THE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENT (CREATE) ACT OF 2004 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2) CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act of 2004 amends the patent laws to provide that subject matter developed by another person shall be considered treated as owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person for purposes of determining obviousness if the claimed invention was made by or on behalf of parties to a joint research agreement that was in effect on or before the date the claimed invention was made, and the claimed invention was made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of the joint research agreement. The CREATE Act of 2004 also requires that the application for patent for the claimed invention disclose or be amended to disclose the names of the parties to the joint research agreement. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) would in this action change its rules of practice in patent cases to implement the CREATE Act of 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/11/05 70 FR 1818 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/10/05 Final Action 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313 Phone: 571 272-8090 Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) _______________________________________________________________________ 734. CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT PRIORITY APPLICATION EXCHANGE BETWEEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr Phone: 571 272-8090 Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB75 [[Page 64478]] _______________________________________________________________________ 735. REVISION OF EX PARTE AND INTER PARTES REEXAMINATION PRACTICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr Phone: 571 272-8090 Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov RIN: 0651-AB77 _______________________________________________________________________ 736. CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT THE REFUND PROVISIONS OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2004 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/21/05 70 FR 35571 NPRM Comment Period End 08/22/05 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr Phone: 571 272-8090 Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov Related RIN: Related to 0651-AB54, Related to 0651-AB69 RIN: 0651-AB79 _______________________________________________________________________ 737. PROVISIONS FOR CLAIMING THE BENEFIT OF A PROVISIONAL APPLICATION WITH A NON-ENGLISH SPECIFICATION AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1, 3 and 10 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/07/05 70 FR 17629 NPRM Comment Period End 06/06/05 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr Phone: 571 272-8800 Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov Related RIN: Related to 0651-AB63 RIN: 0651-AB85 _______________________________________________________________________