[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 247 (Thursday, December 26, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71105-71119]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-26535]
[[Page 71105]]
Vol. 84
Thursday,
No. 247
December 26, 2019
Part IV
Department of Commerce
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2019 /
UA: Reg Flex Agenda
[[Page 71106]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 2019 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 (Commerce), in the spring and
fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of
regulations under development or review over the next 12 months.
Rulemaking actions are grouped according to prerulemaking, proposed
rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed
since the spring 2019 agenda. The purpose of the Agenda is to provide
information to the public on regulations that are currently under
review, being proposed, or issued by Commerce. The Agenda is intended
to facilitate comments and views by interested members of the public.
Commerce's fall 2019 regulatory agenda includes regulatory
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October
1, 2019, through September 30, 2020.
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 Asha Mathew, 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: Commerce hereby publishes its fall 2019
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions pursuant
to Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C.
601 et seq. Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to publish an
agenda of those regulations that are under consideration pursuant to
this order. By memorandum of June 26, 2019, the Office of Management
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and
publication of the fall 2019 Unified Agenda. The Regulatory Flexibility
Act requires agencies to publish, in the spring and fall of each year,
a regulatory flexibility agenda that contains a brief description of
the subject of any rule likely to have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
Beginning with the fall 2007 edition, the internet became the basic
means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda
is available online at www.reginfo.gov, in a format that offers users a
greatly enhanced ability to obtain information from the Agenda
database.
In this edition of Commerce's regulatory agenda, a list of the most
important significant regulatory and deregulatory actions and a
Statement of Regulatory Priorities are included in the Regulatory Plan,
which appears in both the online Unified Agenda and in part II of the
issue of the Federal Register that includes the Unified Agenda.
Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the
regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility
Act, Commerce's printed agenda entries include only:
(1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda,
in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities; and
(2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under
section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in
the Unified Agenda published on the internet. In addition, for fall
editions of the Agenda, Commerce's entire Regulatory Plan will continue
to be printed in the Federal Register.
Within Commerce, the Office of the Secretary and various operating
units may issue regulations. Among these operating units, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Industry
and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office issue the greatest
share of Commerce'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 NMFS' programs, an ``Explanation of
Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries'' is provided below.
Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) (the Act) governs the management of fisheries
within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States (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. For
fisheries that require conservation and management measures, eight
Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) prepare and submit to
NMFS Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for fisheries within their
respective areas in the EEZ. The Councils are required by law to
conduct public hearings on the development of FMPs and FMP amendments.
Consistent with applicable law, environmental and other analyses are
developed that consider alternatives to proposed actions.
Pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Councils also submit to
NMFS proposed regulations that they deem necessary or appropriate to
implement FMPs. The proposed regulations, FMPs, and FMP amendments are
subject to review and approval by NMFS, based on consistency with the
Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable law. NMFS is responsible for
conducting the rulemaking process for FMP implementing regulations. The
Council process for developing FMPs and amendments and proposed
regulations 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.
Commerce's fall 2019 regulatory agenda follows.
Dated: July 31, 2019.
Peter B. Davidson,
General Counsel.
[[Page 71107]]
International Trade Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
178....................... Regulations Concerning 0625-AB10
Scope Inquiries and
Covered Merchandise
Referrals From U.S.
Customs and Border
Protection.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau of Industry and Security--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
179....................... Expansion of Export, 0694-AH53
Reexport, and Transfer
(In-Country) Controls for
Military End Use or
Military End Users in the
People's Republic of
China (China), Russia, or
Venezuela.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
180....................... Comprehensive Fishery 0648-BD32
Management Plan for
Puerto Rico.
181....................... Comprehensive Fishery 0648-BD33
Management Plan for St.
Croix.
182....................... Comprehensive Fishery 0648-BD34
Management Plan for St.
Thomas/St. John.
183....................... International Fisheries; 0648-BF41
Western and Central
Pacific Fisheries for
Highly Migratory Species;
Treatment of U.S. Purse
Seine Fishing With
Respect to U.S.
Territories.
184....................... International Fisheries; 0648-BG04
South Pacific Tuna
Fisheries; Implementation
of Amendments to the
South Pacific Tuna Treaty.
185....................... Illegal, Unregulated, and 0648-BG11
Unreported Fishing;
Fisheries Enforcement;
High Seas Driftnet
Fishing Moratorium
Protection Act.
186....................... International Fisheries; 0648-BG66
Western and Central
Pacific Fisheries for
Highly Migratory Species;
Requirements to Safeguard
Fishery Observers.
187....................... Area of Overlap Between 0648-BH59
the Convention Areas of
the Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission
and the Western and
Central Pacific Fisheries
Commission.
188....................... Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral 0648-BH67
Amendment.
189....................... Regulatory Amendment to 0648-BH70
the Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan to
Implement an Electronic
Monitoring Program for
Bottom Trawl and Non-
Whiting Midwater Trawl
Vessels.
190....................... Vessel Movement, 0648-BI45
Monitoring, and
Declaration Management
Enhancement for the
Pacific Coast Groundfish
Fishery; Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan.
191....................... Requirements to Safeguard 0648-BI86
Fishery Observers in the
Eastern Pacific Ocean.
192....................... Revisions to the Seabird 0648-BI99
Avoidance Program for the
Pacific Coast Groundfish
Fishery Management Plan.
193....................... Framework Adjustment 59 to 0648-BJ12
the Northeast
Multispecies Fishery
Management Plan.
194....................... Designation of Critical 0648-BC56
Habitat for the Arctic
Ringed Seal.
195....................... Amendment and Updates to 0648-BF90
the Pelagic Longline Take
Reduction Plan.
196....................... Endangered and Threatened 0648-BG26
Species; Designation of
Critical Habitat for
Threatened Caribbean and
Indo-Pacific Reef-
Building Corals.
197....................... Revision to Critical 0648-BH95
Habitat Designation for
Endangered Southern
Resident Killer Whales.
198....................... Designation of Critical 0648-BI06
Habitat for the Mexico,
Central American, and
Western Pacific Distinct
Population Segments of
Humpback Whales Under the
Endangered Species Act.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
199....................... Jonah Crab Fishery; 0648-BF43
Interstate Fishery
Management Plan for Jonah
Crab.
200....................... Commerce Trusted Trader 0648-BG51
Program.
201....................... Rule to Implement the For- 0648-BG75
Hire Reporting Amendments.
202....................... Generic Amendment to the 0648-BH72
Fishery Management Plans
for the Reef Fish
Resources of the Gulf of
Mexico and Coastal
Migratory Pelagic
Resources in the Gulf of
Mexico and Atlantic
Region.
203....................... Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries 0648-BH87
Conservation and
Management Act;
Traceability Information
Program for Seafood (Reg
Plan Seq No. 15).
204....................... Atlantic Highly Migratory 0648-BI51
Species; Pelagic Longline
Bluefin Tuna Area-Based
and Weak Hook Management.
205....................... Reduce Gulf of Mexico Red 0648-BI63
Grouper Annual Catch
Limits and Annual Catch
Targets.
206....................... Interim 2019 Tribal 0648-BI67
Pacific Whiting
Allocation and Require
Consideration of Chinook
Salmon Bycatch Before
Reapportioning Tribal
Whiting; Pacific Coast
Groundfish.
207....................... Framework Action to Reduce 0648-BI95
Gulf of Mexico Red
Grouper Annual Catch
Limits and Annual Catch
Targets to the Fishery
Management Plan for the
Reef Fish Resources of
the Gulf of Mexico.
208....................... Amendment 18 to the 0648-BI96
Fishery Management Plan
for the Shrimp Fishery of
the Gulf of Mexico, U.S.
Waters.
209....................... Reducing Disturbances to 0648-AU02
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
From Human Interactions.
210....................... Taking and Importing 0648-BB38
Marine Mammals: Taking
Marine Mammals Incidental
to Geophysical Surveys
Related to Oil and Gas
Activities in the Gulf of
Mexico (Reg Plan Seq No.
14).
[[Page 71108]]
211....................... Regulation to Reduce 0648-BG45
Incidental Bycatch and
Mortality of Sea Turtles
in the Southeastern U.S.
Shrimp Fisheries.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
212....................... Implementation of a 0648-BD59
Program for
Transshipments by Large
Scale Fishing Vessels in
the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
213....................... Wisconsin-Lake Michigan 0648-BG01
National Marine Sanctuary
Designation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
214....................... Pacific Coast Groundfish 0648-BE90
Fishing Capacity
Reduction Loan Refinance.
215....................... Regulatory Amendment to 0648-BF52
the Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan to
Implement an Electronic
Monitoring Program for
the Pacific Whiting
Fishery.
216....................... Halibut Deck Sorting 0648-BI53
Monitoring Requirements
for Trawl Catcher/
Processors Operating in
Non-Pollock Groundfish
Fisheries off Alaska.
217....................... Establishing an 0648-BI73
Overfishing Limit,
Acceptable Biological
Catch, and Annual Catch
Limit for the Central
Subpopulation of Northern
Anchovy; Coastal Pelagic
Species Fishery
Management Plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
218....................... Trademark Fee Adjustment 0651-AD42
(Reg Plan Seq No. 16).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
219....................... Setting and Adjusting 0651-AD31
Patent Fees During Fiscal
Year 2020 (Reg Plan Seq
No. 17).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
International Trade Administration (ITA)
Proposed Rule Stage
178. Regulations Concerning Scope Inquiries and Covered Merchandise
Referrals From U.S. Customs and Border Protection
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 19 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.; Pub. L. 114-125, sec. 421
Abstract: The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is proposing to
amend its regulations concerning scope inquiries (19 CFR 351.225) and
to set forth procedures addressing covered merchandise referrals from
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP or the Customs Service).
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jessica Link, Department of Commerce, International
Trade Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20230, Phone: 202 482-1411, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0625-AB10
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
Final Rule Stage
179. Expansion of Export, Reexport, and Transfer (In-Country) Controls
for Military End Use or Military End Users in the People's Republic of
China (China), Russia, or Venezuela
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 10 U.S.C. 7420; 10 U.S.C. 7430(e); 15 U.S.C.
1824a; 22 U.S.C. 287c; 22 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6004; 22
U.S.C. 7201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 7210; 30 U.S.C. 185(s); 30 U.S.C.
185(u); 42 U.S.C. 2139a; 43 U.S.C. 1354; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 50
U.S.C. 4305; 50 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.; E.O. 12058; E.O. 12851; E.O.
12938; E.O. 12947; E.O.
[[Page 71109]]
13026; E.O. 13099; E.O. 13222; E.O. 13224; Pub. L. 108-11
Abstract: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to expand license requirements
on exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) of items intended for
military end use or military end users in the People's Republic of
China (China), Russia, or Venezuela. Specifically, this rule expands
the licensing requirements for China to include ``military end users,''
in addition to ``military end use.'' It broadens the items for which
the licensing requirements and review policy apply and expand the
definition of ``military end use.'' Next, it creates a new reason for
control and associated review policy for regional stability for certain
items to China, Russia, or Venezuela, moving existing text related to
this policy. Finally, it adds Electronic Export Information filing
requirements in the Automated Export System for exports to China,
Russia, and Venezuela.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Hillary Hess, Director, Regulatory Policy Division,
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 14th Street
and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202 482-2440,
Fax: 202 482-3355, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0694-AH53
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Proposed Rule Stage
National Marine Fisheries Service
180. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for Puerto Rico
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would implement a comprehensive Puerto Rico
Fishery Management Plan. The Plan would incorporate, and modify as
needed, Federal fisheries management measures presently included in
each of the existing species-based U.S. Caribbean Fishery Management
Plans (Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral, and Queen Conch Fishery
Management Plans) as those measures pertain to Puerto Rico exclusive
economic zone waters. The goal of this action is to create a Fishery
Management Plan tailored to the specific fishery management needs of
Puerto Rico. This new Plan, in conjunction with similar comprehensive
Fishery Management Plans being developed for St. Croix and St. Thomas/
St. John, would replace the Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral and Queen
Conch Fishery Management Plans presently governing the commercial and
recreational harvest in U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone waters.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone:
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD32
181. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Croix
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would implement a comprehensive St. Croix
Fishery Management Plan. The Plan would incorporate, and modify as
needed, Federal fisheries management measures presently included in
each of the existing species-based U.S. Caribbean Fishery Management
Plans (Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral, and Queen Conch Fishery
Management Plans) as those measures pertain to St. Croix exclusive
economic zone waters. The goal of this action is to create a Fishery
Management Plan tailored to the specific fishery management needs of
St. Croix. This new Plan, in conjunction with similar comprehensive
Fishery Management Plans being developed for Puerto Rico and St.
Thomas/St. John, would replace the Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral and
Queen Conch Fishery Management Plans presently governing the commercial
and recreational harvest in U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone
waters.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone:
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD33
182. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Thomas/St. John
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would implement a comprehensive St. Thomas/St.
John Fishery Management Plan. The Plan would incorporate, and modify as
needed, Federal fisheries management measures presently included in
each of the existing species-based U.S. Caribbean Fishery Management
Plans (Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral, and Queen Conch Fishery
Management Plans) as those measures pertain to St. Thomas/St. John
exclusive economic zone waters. The goal of this action is to create a
Fishery Management Plan tailored to the specific fishery management
needs of St. Thomas/St. John. This new Plan, in conjunction with
similar comprehensive Fishery Management Plans being developed for St.
Croix and Puerto Rico, would replace the Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish,
Coral and Queen Conch Fishery Management Plans presently governing the
commercial and recreational harvest in U.S. Caribbean exclusive
economic zone waters.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone:
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD34
183. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for
Highly Migratory Species; Treatment of U.S. Purse Seine Fishing With
Respect to U.S. Territories
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
Abstract: This action would establish rules and/or procedures to
address the
[[Page 71110]]
treatment of U.S.-flagged purse seine vessels and their fishing
activities in regulations issued by the National Marine Fisheries
Service that implement decisions of the Commission for the Conservation
and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and
Central Pacific Ocean (Commission), of which the United States is a
member. Under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention
Implementation Act, the National Marine Fisheries Service exercises
broad discretion when determining how it implements Commission
decisions, such as purse seine fishing restrictions. The National
Marine Fisheries Service intends to examine the potential impacts of
the domestic implementation of Commission decisions, such as purse
seine fishing restrictions, on the economies of the U.S. territories
that participate in the Commission, and examine the connectivity
between the activities of U.S.-flagged purse seine fishing vessels and
the economies of the territories. Based on that and other information,
the National Marine Fisheries Service might propose regulations that
mitigate adverse economic impacts of purse seine fishing restrictions
on the U.S. territories and/or that, in the context of the Convention
on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in
the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Convention), recognize that one
or more of the U.S. territories have their own purse seine fisheries
that are distinct from the purse seine fishery of the United States and
that are consequently subject to special provisions of the Convention
and of Commission decisions.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM............................... 10/23/15 80 FR 64382
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 11/23/15 .......................
NPRM................................ 09/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176,
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BF41
184. International Fisheries; South Pacific Tuna Fisheries;
Implementation of Amendments to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 973 et seq.
Abstract: Under authority of the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988,
this rule would implement recent amendments to the Treaty on Fisheries
between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the
Government of the United States of America (also known as the South
Pacific Tuna Treaty). The rule would include modification to the
procedures used to request licenses for U.S. vessels in the western and
central Pacific Ocean purse seine fishery, including changing the
annual licensing period from June-to-June to the calendar year, and
modifications to existing reporting requirements for purse seine
vessels fishing in the western and central Pacific Ocean. The rule
would implement only those aspects of the Treaty amendments that can be
implemented under the existing South Pacific Tuna Act.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176,
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BG04
185. Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing; Fisheries
Enforcement; High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-81
Abstract: This proposed rule will make conforming amendments to
regulations implementing the various statutes amended by the Illegal,
Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015 (Pub. L.
114-81). The Act amends several regional fishery management
organization implementing statutes as well as the High Seas Driftnet
Fishing Moratorium Protection Act. It also provides authority to
implement two new international agreements under the Antigua
Convention, which amends the Convention for the establishment of an
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, and the United Nations Food
and Agriculture Organization Agreement on Port State Measures to
Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated
Fishing (Port State Measures Agreement), which restricts the entry into
U.S. ports by foreign fishing vessels that are known to be or are
suspected of engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
This proposed rule will also implement the Port State Measures
Agreement. To that end, this proposed rule will require the collection
of certain information from foreign fishing vessels requesting
permission to use U.S. ports. It also includes procedures to designate
and publicize the ports to which foreign fishing vessels may seek entry
and procedures for conducting inspections of these foreign vessels
accessing U.S. ports. Further, the rule establishes procedures for
notification of: the denial of port entry or port services for a
foreign vessel, the withdrawal of the denial of port services if
applicable, the taking of enforcement action with respect to a foreign
vessel, or the results of any inspection of a foreign vessel to the
flag nation of the vessel and other competent authorities as
appropriate.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alexa Cole, Acting Director, Office of
International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, Department of Commerce,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8286, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BG11
186. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for
Highly Migratory Species; Requirements To Safeguard Fishery Observers
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would establish requirements to enhance the
safety of fishery observers on highly migratory species fishing
vessels. This rule would be issued under the authority of the Western
and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act, and
pursuant to decisions made by the Commission for the Conservation and
Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central
Pacific Ocean. This action is necessary
[[Page 71111]]
for the United States to satisfy its obligations under the Convention
on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in
the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, to which it is a Contracting
Party.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176,
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BG66
187. Area of Overlap Between the Convention Areas of the Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries
Commission
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.
Abstract: Under authority of the Western and Central Pacific
Fisheries Convention Implementation Act and the Tuna Conventions Act,
an area of overlap (overlap area) exists between the respective areas
of competence of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of
Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean
and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. NMFS proposes to
change the application of the two Commissions' management decisions in
the overlap area to specifically apply Inter-American Tropical Tuna
Commission management measures in the overlap area rather than those of
the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory
Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean that currently
apply there.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM............................... 06/12/18 83 FR 27305
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 07/12/18 .......................
NPRM................................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator, Pacific
Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176,
Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BH59
188. Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral Amendment
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action would implement the New England Fishery
Management Council's Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral Amendment. The Amendment
would implement measures that reduce impacts of fishing gear on deep-
sea corals in the Gulf of Maine and on the outer continental shelf. In
doing so, this action would prohibit the use of mobile bottom-tending
gear in two areas in the Gulf of Maine (Mount Desert Rock and Outer
Schoodic Ridge), and it would prohibit the use of all gear (with an
exception for red crab pots) along the outer continental shelf in
waters deeper than a minimum of 600 meters.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 08/26/19 84 FR 44596
NPRM................................ 12/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA
01930, Phone: 978 281-9283, Fax: 978 281-9207, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BH67
189. Regulatory Amendment to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan To Implement an Electronic Monitoring Program for
Bottom Trawl and Non-Whiting Midwater Trawl Vessels
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The proposed action would implement a regulatory
amendment to the Pacific Fishery Management Council's Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to allow bottom trawl and midwater
trawl vessels targeting non-whiting species the option to use
electronic monitoring (video cameras and associated sensors) in place
of observers to meet requirements for 100-percent observer coverage. By
allowing vessels the option to use electronic monitoring to meet
monitoring requirements, this action is intended to increase
operational flexibility and reduce monitoring costs for the fleet.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BH70
190. Vessel Movement, Monitoring, and Declaration Management
Enhancement for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rulemaking action would implement the Pacific
Fishery Management Council's action to implement various measures that
provide more efficient and effective monitoring, improve enforcement of
restricted areas, and reduce costs for the Pacific coast groundfish
fleet. This action would: Increase the required frequency of signals
transmitted from type-approved vessel monitoring system (VMS) units
from once per hour to every 15 minutes to provide finer-scale vessel
location data; allow vessels to use alternative VMS units; add a VMS
declaration to indicate when a vessel is testing gear; allow vessels
participating in the midwater trawl whiting fishery to change their
declaration while at-sea to select a new whiting fishery; and allow
vessels to move pot gear from one management area to another during a
single trip while retaining fish from the primary management area.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/10/19 84 FR 54579
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/12/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BI45
[[Page 71112]]
191. Requirements To Safeguard Fishery Observers in the Eastern Pacific
Ocean
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.
Abstract: This rulemaking action would domestically implement
recently adopted resolutions on improving observer safety at sea by
parties to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the
Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP),
including the United States. The resolutions are binding for IATTC
member nations and AIDCP Parties, and under the Tuna Conventions Act,
16 U.S.C. 951 et seq. and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as
amended. These resolutions aim to strengthen protections for observers
required in longline and transshipment observer programs required under
the IATTC and on purse seine vessels required by the AIDCP. In
implementing them, this rulemaking proposes to include provisions that
detail responsibilities for vessel owners and operators,
responsibilities for IATTC and AIDCP members to which fishing vessels
are flagged, responsibilities for members that have jurisdiction over
ports, and responsibilities for observer providers. The action is
necessary for the United States to satisfy its international
obligations as a Member of the IATTC and AIDCP.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BI86
192. Revisions to the Seabird Avoidance Program for the
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: In response to a recommendation by the Pacific Fishery
Management Council, this proposed rule would require commercial
groundfish bottom longline vessels 26 feet length overall (LOA) and
longer managed under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management
Plan (FMP) to deploy streamer lines or to set gear during civil
twilight when fishing in Federal waters north of 36 degrees N.
latitude. The purpose of this proposed rule is to reduce interactions
between seabirds, especially Endangered Species Act listed species, and
groundfish longline gear. The action is necessary to fulfill terms and
conditions of a 2017 biological opinion published by the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service to minimize takes of endangered short-tailed
albatross by the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/12/19 84 FR 48094
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/15/19 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 12/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BI99
193. Framework Adjustment 59 to the Northeast Multispecies
Fishery Management Plan
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rulemaking action proposes to implement management
measures included in the New England Fishery Management Council's
Framework Adjustment 59 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery
Management Plan (Framework 59) developed in response to new scientific
information. The proposed action would set fishing years 2020-2022
specifications for 15 groundfish stocks, and fishing year 2020 total
allocable catches (TAC) for the three U.S./Canada stocks: Eastern
Georges Bank cod, Eastern Georges Bank haddock, and Georges Bank
yellowtail flounder. This action would also revise the Georges Bank cod
incidental TAC to remove the allocation to the Closed Area I Hook Gear
Haddock Special Access Program, and as necessary in response to any new
data coming from the Marine Recreational Information Program, address
commercial/recreational allocation issues.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA
01930, Phone: 978 281-9283, Fax: 978 281-9207, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BJ12
194. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Arctic Ringed Seal
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service published a final
rule to list the Arctic ringed seal as a threatened species under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) in December 2012. The ESA requires
designation of critical habitat at the time a species is listed as
threatened or endangered, or within one year of listing if critical
habitat is not then determinable. This rulemaking would designate
critical habitat for the Arctic ringed seal. The critical habitat
designation would be in the northern Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas
within the current range of the species.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/03/14 79 FR 71714
Proposed Rule....................... 12/09/14 79 FR 73010
Notice of Public Hearings........... 01/13/15 80 FR 1618
Comment Period Extended............. 02/02/15 80 FR 5498
Proposed Rule 2..................... 09/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, Office of Protected
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400.
RIN: 0648-BC56
195. Amendment and Updates to the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
Abstract: Serious injury and mortality of the Western North
Atlantic short-finned pilot whale stock incidental to the Category I
Atlantic pelagic longline fishery continues at levels exceeding
[[Page 71113]]
their Potential Biological Removal. This proposed action will examine a
number of management measures to amend the Pelagic Longline Take
Reduction Plan to reduce the incidental mortality and serious injury of
short-finned pilot whales taken in the Atlantic Pelagic Longline
fishery to below Potential Biological Removal. Potential management
measures may include changes to the current limitations on mainline
length, new requirements to use weak hooks (hooks with reduced breaking
strength), and non-regulatory measures related to determining the best
procedures for safe handling and release of marine mammals. The need
for the proposed action is to ensure the Pelagic Longline Take
Reduction Plan meets its Marine Mammal Protection Act mandated short-
and long-term goals.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, Office of Protected
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400.
RIN: 0648-BF90
196. Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat
for Threatened Caribbean and Indo-Pacific Reef-Building Corals
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: On September 10, 2014, the National Marine Fisheries
Service listed 20 species of reef-building corals as threatened under
the Endangered Species Act, 15 in the Indo-Pacific and five in the
Caribbean. Of the 15 Indo-Pacific species, seven occur in U.S. waters
of the Pacific Islands Region, including in American Samoa, Guam, the
Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands, and the Pacific Remote Island
Areas. This proposed rule would designate critical habitat for the
seven species in U.S. waters (Acropora globiceps, Acropora
jacquelineae, Acropora retusa, Acropora speciosa, Euphyllia paradivisa,
Isopora crateriformis, and Seriatopora aculeata). The proposed
designation would cover coral reef habitat around 17 island or atoll
units in the Pacific Islands Region, including four in American Samoa,
one in Guam, seven in the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands, and five
in Pacific Remote Island Areas, containing essential features that
support reproduction, growth, and survival of the listed coral species.
This rule also proposes to designate critical habitat for the five
Caribbean corals and proposed to revise critical habitat for two
previously-listed corals, Acropora palmata and Acropora cervicornis.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, Office of Protected
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400.
RIN: 0648-BG26
197. Revision to Critical Habitat Designation for Endangered Southern
Resident Killer Whales
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: The proposed action would revise the designation of
critical habitat for the endangered Southern Resident killer whale
distinct population segment, pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered
Species Act. Critical habitat for this population is currently
designated within inland waters of Washington. In response to a 2014
petition, NMFS is proposing to expand the designation to include areas
occupied by Southern Resident killer whales in waters along the U.S.
West Coast. Impacts from the designation would stem mainly from Federal
agencies' requirement to consult with NMFS, under section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act, to ensure that any action they carry out,
permit (authorize), or fund will not result in the destruction or
adverse modification of critical habitat of a listed species. Federal
agencies are already required to consult on effects to the currently
designated critical habitat in inland waters of Washington, but
consultation would be newly required for actions affecting the expanded
critical habitat areas. Federal agencies are also already required to
consult within the Southern Resident killer whales' range (including
along the U.S. West Coast) to ensure that any action they carry out,
permit, or fund will not jeopardize the continued existence of the
species; this requirement would not change with a revision to the
critical habitat designation.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/19/19 84 FR 49214
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/18/19 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 09/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, Office of Protected
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400.
RIN: 0648-BH95
198. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Mexico, Central American,
and Western Pacific Distinct Population Segments of Humpback Whales
Under the Endangered Species Act
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: This action will propose the designation of critical
habitat for three distinct population segments of humpback whales
(Megaptera novaeangliae) pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered
Species Act. The three distinct population segments of humpback whales
concerned--the Mexico, Central American, and Western Pacific distinct
population segments--were listed under the Endangered Species Act on
September 8, 2016, thereby triggering the requirement under section 4
of the Endangered Species Act to designate critical habitat to the
maximum extent prudent and determinable. Proposed critical habitat for
these three distinct population segments of humpback whales will
include marine habitats within the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea and
will likely overlap with several existing designations, including
critical habitat for leatherback sea turtles, North Pacific right
whales, Steller sea lions, southern resident killer whales, and the
southern distinct population segment of green sturgeon. Impacts from
the designations for humpback whales would stem from the statutory
requirement for Federal agencies to consult with NMFS, under section 7
of the Endangered Species Act, to ensure that any action they carry
out, authorize, or fund will not result in the destruction or adverse
modification of humpback whale critical habitat. Within many of the
areas we are evaluating for potential proposal as critical habitat for
the humpback whales distinct
[[Page 71114]]
population segments, Federal agencies are already required to consult
on effects to currently designated critical habitat for other listed
species. Federal agencies are also already required to consult with
NMFS under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act to ensure that any
action they authorize, fund or carry out will not jeopardize the
continued existence of the listed distinct population segments of
humpback whales.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/09/19 84 FR 54354
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/09/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, Office of Protected
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400.
RIN: 0648-BI06
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Final Rule Stage
National Marine Fisheries Service
199. Jonah Crab Fishery; Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Jonah
Crab
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.
Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes Federal
Jonah crab regulations to help achieve the goal of the Atlantic States
Marine Fisheries Commission's Interstate Fishery Management Plan to
promote Jonah crab conservation, reduce the possibility of recruitment
failure, and allow the industry to continue fishing the resource at
present levels. The Jonah Crab Plan was developed out of concern for
potential impacts to the status of the Jonah crab resource, given the
recent and rapid increase in landings. Commercial and recreational
measures and reporting requirements were recommended for Federal
implementation in the Jonah Crab Plan. Measures include: Permitting,
minimum size, prohibition on retaining egg-bearing females, and
incidental bycatch limit, and reporting requirements that are
consistent with American lobster fishery requirements. Most States have
implemented measures consistent with the Plan. The proposed measures
would complement those implemented by the States.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM............................... 10/13/16 81 FR 70658
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 11/14/16 .......................
NPRM................................ 03/22/19 84 FR 10756
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/22/19 .......................
Final Action........................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater
Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA
01930, Phone: 978 281-9283, Fax: 978 281-9207, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BF43
200. Commerce Trusted Trader Program
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule will establish a voluntary Commerce Trusted
Trader Program for importers, aiming to provide benefits such as
reduced targeting and inspections and enhanced streamlined entry into
the United States for certified importers. Specifically, this rule
would establish the criteria required of a Commerce Trusted Trader, and
identify specifically how the program will be monitored and by whom. It
will require that a Commerce Trusted Trader establish a secure supply
chain and maintain the records necessary to verify the legality of all
designated product entering into U.S. commerce, but will excuse the
Commerce Trusted Trader from entering that data into the International
Trade Data System prior to entry, as required by Seafood Import
Monitoring Program (finalized on December 9, 2016). The rule will
identify the benefits available to a Commerce Trusted Trader, detail
the application process, and specify how the Commerce Trusted Trader
will be audited by third-party entities while the overall program will
be monitored by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/17/18 83 FR 2412
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/19/18 .......................
Withdrawal.......................... 12/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alexa Cole, Acting Director, Office of
International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, Department of Commerce,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8286, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BG51
201. Rule To Implement the For-Hire Reporting Amendments
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule proposes to implement Amendment 39 for the
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, Amendment 9 for
the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, and Amendment 27 to the
Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic
Regions (For-Hire Reporting Amendments). The For-Hire Reporting
Amendments rule proposes mandatory weekly electronic reporting for
charter vessel operators with a Federal for-hire permit in the snapper-
grouper, dolphin wahoo, or coastal migratory pelagics fisheries;
reduces the time allowed for headboat operators to complete their
electronic reports; and requires location reporting by charter vessels
with the same level of detail currently required for headboat vessels.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 03/14/18 83 FR 11164
NPRM................................ 04/04/18 83 FR 14400
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/04/18 .......................
Final Action........................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone:
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BG75
[[Page 71115]]
202. Generic Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans for the Reef
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Coastal Migratory Pelagic
Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action, recommended by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery
Management Council, would modify data reporting for owners or operators
of federally permitted for-hire vessels (charter vessels and headboats)
in the Gulf of Mexico, requiring them to declare the type of trip (for-
hire or other) prior to departing for any trip, and electronically
submit trip-level reports prior to off-loading fish at the end of each
fishing trip. The declaration would include the expected return time
and landing location. Landing reports would include information about
catch and effort during the trip. The action would also require that
these reports be submitted via approved hardware that includes a global
positioning system attached to the vessel that is capable, at a
minimum, of archiving global positioning system locations. This
requirement would not preclude the use of global positioning system
devices that provide real-time location data, such as the currently
approved vessel monitoring systems.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 06/21/18 83 FR 28797
NPRM................................ 10/26/18 83 FR 54069
Correction.......................... 11/08/18 83 FR 55850
Comment Period Extended............. 11/20/18 83 FR 58522
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/26/18 .......................
Comment Period Extended End......... 01/09/19 .......................
Final Action........................ 01/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone:
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BH72
203. Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act;
Traceability Information Program for Seafood
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 15 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 0648-BH87
204. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Pelagic Longline Bluefin Tuna
Area-Based and Weak Hook Management
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
Abstract: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fisheries are
managed under the dual authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Conservation
and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the Atlantic Tunas
Convention Act (ATCA). This rulemaking will address the area-based and
weak hook management measures for bluefin tuna in the pelagic longline
fishery. NMFS implemented an individual bluefin tuna quota system for
pelagic longline fishery participants in 2015. With this approach and
its emphasis on individual vessel accountability, NMFS has determined
some fleetwide measures may be redundant. This action would
appropriately streamline regulations and increase flexibility to the
Atlantic pelagic longline fishery while maintaining bycatch reduction
and conservation and management obligations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/12/19 84 FR 33205
NPRM Correction..................... 08/08/19 84 FR 38918
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/30/19 .......................
Final Action........................ 04/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BI51
205. Reduce Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper Annual Catch Limits and Annual
Catch Targets
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council)
has requested that NMFS publish a rule under section 305(c) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to
temporarily reduce the red grouper commercial and recreational Annual
Catch Limits (ACLs) and associated Annual Catch Targets (ACTs). In
October 2018, the Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC)
reviewed the results of an interim analysis performed by the Southeast
Fisheries Science Center and recommended that the Council reduce the
red grouper commercial and recreational ACLs and ACTs, effective for
the 2019 fishing year. In addition, there have been recent deceases in
red grouper landings and public testimony at the October Council
meeting expressed concern about the status of the red grouper stock.
Therefore, the Council is developing a framework action to reduce the
ACLs and ACTs. In the meantime, based on these recent unforeseen
circumstances, and consistent with the Council's request, NMFS intends
to implement a rule under MSA section 305(c) to establish lower red
grouper ACLs and ACTs for 2019.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Emergency Rule............. 03/05/19 84 FR 7864
Proposed Emergency Rule Comment 03/20/19 .......................
Period End.
Final Emergency Rule................ 05/17/19 84 FR 22389
Final Emergency Rule Effective...... 05/17/19 .......................
Extension of Emergency Rule......... 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone:
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BI63
206. Interim 2019 Tribal Pacific Whiting Allocation and Require
Consideration of Chinook Salmon Bycatch Before Reapportioning Tribal
Whiting; Pacific Coast Groundfish
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: NMFS issued a final rule for the tribal Pacific whiting
(whiting) fishery off the coast of Washington State. The purpose is to
establish an interim 2019 tribal whiting allocation, and to protect
ESA-listed Chinook salmon, as required in the Terms and Conditions of a
December 11, 2017, Biological Opinion. NMFS developed this rule after
discussions with the
[[Page 71116]]
affected tribes and the non-tribal fisheries interests. As in prior
years, this allocation is an ``interim'' allocation that is not
intended to set precedent for future years.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/15/19 84 FR 9471
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/01/19 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 05/10/19 84 FR 20578
Final Rule Effective................ 05/10/19 .......................
Correcting Amendment................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BI67
207. Framework Action To Reduce Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper
Annual Catch Limits and Annual Catch Targets to the Fishery Management
Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: NMFS proposes to implement management measures described
in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), as prepared by the Gulf of
Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). The framework action is
titled ``Modification of Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper Annual Catch Limits
and Annual Catch Targets.'' This proposed rule would reduce the red
grouper commercial and recreational annual catch limits (ACLs) and
annual catch targets (ACTs). The purpose of this rule is to continue
the Gulf red grouper commercial and recreational ACL and ACT reductions
implemented through emergency rulemaking in 2019 to protect the stock
and to continue to achieve optimum yield.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/19/19 84 FR 34845
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/19/19 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 10/01/19 84 FR 52036
Final Rule Effective................ 10/31/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone:
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BI95
208. Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for the
Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Waters
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action would implement the Gulf of Mexico Fishery
Management Council's Amendment 18 to the Shrimp Fishery Management
Plan. It would do so by adjusting the target reduction goal for
juvenile red snapper mortality in the Federal Gulf of Mexico (Gulf)
shrimp trawl fishery in the 10-30 fathom depth zone, as well as
modifying the Plan's framework procedure to streamline the process to
make future modifications to this target reduction goal. As part of the
Gulf red snapper rebuilding plan, NMFS previously capped effort in the
Gulf shrimp fishery based on Council recommendation to protect juvenile
red snapper caught as bycatch in shrimp nets. However, the Gulf red
snapper stock is no longer overfished or undergoing overfishing, and
the red snapper stock acceptable biological catch (ABC) has
consistently increased under the rebuilding plan. Accordingly, this
action is expected to promote economic stability and achievement of
optimum yield in the Federal Gulf shrimp fishery by reducing effort
constraints, while continuing to protect Gulf red snapper.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 08/01/19 84 FR 37611
NPRM................................ 08/29/19 84 FR 45459
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/30/19 .......................
Final Action........................ 11/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone:
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BI96
209. Reducing Disturbances to Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins From Human
Interactions
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
Abstract: This action would implement regulatory measures under the
Marine Mammal Protection Act to protect Hawaiian spinner dolphins that
are resting in protected bays from take due to close approach
interactions with humans.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM............................... 12/12/05 70 FR 73426
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 01/11/06 .......................
NPRM................................ 08/24/16 81 FR 57854
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/23/16 .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........ 11/16/16 81 FR 80629
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End.... 12/01/16 .......................
Final Action........................ 01/00/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, Office of Protected
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400.
RIN: 0648-AU02
210. Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Taking Marine Mammals
Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in
the Gulf of Mexico
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 14 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 0648-BB38
211. Regulation To Reduce Incidental Bycatch and Mortality of Sea
Turtles in the Southeastern U.S. Shrimp Fisheries
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: The purpose of the proposed action is to aid in the
protection and recovery of listed sea turtle populations by reducing
incidental bycatch and mortality of small sea turtles in the
Southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries. As a result of new information on
sea turtle bycatch in shrimp trawls and turtle excluder device testing,
NMFS conducted an evaluation of the Southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries
that
[[Page 71117]]
resulted in a draft environmental impact statement. This rule proposes
to withdraw the alternative tow time restriction and require certain
vessels using skimmer trawls, pusher-head trawls, and wing nets
(butterfly trawls), with the exception of vessels participating in the
Biscayne Bay wing net fishery in Miami-Dade County, Florida, to use
turtle excluder devices designed to exclude small sea turtles.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/16/16 81 FR 91097
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/14/17 .......................
Final Action........................ 12/00/19 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Director, Office of Protected
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400.
RIN: 0648-BG45
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Long-Term Actions
National Marine Fisheries Service
212. Implementation of a Program for Transshipments by Large Scale
Fishing Vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would implement the Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commission program to monitor transshipments by large-scale tuna
fishing vessels, and would govern transshipments by U.S. large-scale
tuna fishing vessels and carrier, or receiving, vessels. The rule would
establish: Criteria for transshipping in port; criteria for
transshipping at sea by longline vessels to an authorized carrier
vessel with an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission observer onboard
and an operational vessel monitoring system; and require the Pacific
Transshipment Declaration Form, which must be used to report
transshipments in the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
Convention Area. This rule is necessary for the United States to
satisfy its international obligations under the 1949 Convention for the
Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna, to which it is a
Contracting Party.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD59
NOS/ONMS
213. Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary Designation
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.
Abstract: On December 2, 2014, pursuant to section 304 of the
National Marine Sanctuaries Act and the Sanctuary Nomination Process
(79 FR 33851), a coalition of community groups submitted a nomination
asking NOAA to designate an area of Wisconsin's Lake Michigan waters as
a national marine sanctuary. The area is a region that includes 875
square miles of Lake Michigan waters and bottomlands adjacent to
Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Ozaukee counties and the cities of Port
Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and Two Rivers. It includes 80 miles
of shoreline and extends 9 to 14 miles from the shoreline. The area
contains an extraordinary collection of submerged maritime heritage
resources (shipwrecks) as demonstrated by the listing of 15 shipwrecks
on the National Register of Historic Places. The area includes 39 known
shipwrecks, 123 reported vessel losses, numerous other historic
maritime-related features, and is adjacent to communities that have
embraced their centuries-long relationship with Lake Michigan. NOAA
completed its review of the nomination in accordance with the Sanctuary
Nomination Process and on February 5, 2015, added the area to the
inventory of nominations that are eligible for designation. On October
7, 2015, NOAA issued a notice of intent to begin the designation
process and asked for public comment on making this area a national
marine sanctuary. Designation under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act
would allow NOAA to supplement and complement work by the State of
Wisconsin and other Federal agencies to protect this collection of
nationally significant shipwrecks.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/09/17 82 FR 2269
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/31/17
Final Action........................ 11/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Vicki Wedell, Phone: 240 533-0650, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BG01
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Completed Actions
214. Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishing Capacity Reduction Loan Refinance
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.; 5
U.S.C. 561 et seq.
Abstract: Congress enacted the 2015 National Defense Authorization
Act to refinance the existing debt obligation funding the fishing
capacity reduction program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish fishery
implemented under section 212. Pending appropriation of funds to effect
the refinance, the National Marine Fisheries Service issued proposed
regulations to seek comment on the refinancing and to prepare for an
industry referendum and final rule. However, a subsequent appropriation
to fund the refinancing was never enacted. As a result, the National
Marine Fisheries Service has no funds with which to proceed, and the
refinancing authority cannot be implemented at this time.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/06/15 80 FR 46941
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/08/15
Withdrawn........................... 08/28/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brian Pawlak, Department of Commerce, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8621, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BE90
[[Page 71118]]
215. Regulatory Amendment to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan To Implement an Electronic Monitoring Program for the
Pacific Whiting Fishery
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action implements a regulatory amendment to the
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to allow Pacific
whiting vessels the option to use electronic monitoring (video cameras
and associated sensors) in place of observers to meet requirements for
100-percent observer coverage. Vessels participating in the catch share
program are required to carry an observer on all trips to ensure total
accountability for at-sea discards. For some vessels, electronic
monitoring may have lower costs than observers and a reduced logistical
burden. By allowing vessels the option to use electronic monitoring to
meet monitoring requirements, this action is intended to increase
operational flexibility and reduce monitoring costs for the Pacific
whiting fleet.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/06/16 81 FR 61161
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/06/16
Final Rule.......................... 06/28/19 84 FR 31146
Correction.......................... 07/26/19 84 FR 36034
Final Rule Effective................ 07/29/19
Correction Effective................ 07/29/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BF52
216. Halibut Deck Sorting Monitoring Requirements for Trawl Catcher/
Processors Operating in Non-Pollock Groundfish Fisheries off Alaska
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C 1801 et seq.
Abstract: In the non-pollock trawl groundfish fisheries off Alaska,
there are catch limits for Pacific halibut as a prohibited species if
halibut mortality reaches the limit, the fishery closes regardless of
whether or not fishery participants have reached the quotas for the
actual target groundfish species. This proposed action would implement
catch handling and monitoring requirements to allow the sorting of
Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) on the deck of trawl
catcher/processors and motherships participating in these fisheries.
This would allow Pacific halibut to be discarded prior to entering the
onboard factory, thereby reducing discard mortality. Reducing halibut
discard mortality could in turn maximize harvest of the directed
groundfish fisheries that otherwise might be constrained by the
regulatory halibut PSC limits. To participate in halibut deck sorting,
a vessel would be required to comply with additional monitoring and
equipment requirements to ensure accurate accounting for halibut PSC
sorted on deck. Participation in this program along with the associated
costs would be voluntary, allowing for flexibility for individual
vessel owners of non-pollock trawl catcher/processors and motherships
to determine if the benefits of reduced halibut mortality, and the
corresponding reduction in fleet-wide PSC rates, outweigh the
individual costs of complying with the monitoring and enforcement
requirements.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/16/19 84 FR 15566
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/16/19
Final Rule.......................... 10/15/19 84 FR 55044
Final Rule Effective................ 11/14/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Regional Administrator, Alaska
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BI53
217. Establishing an Overfishing Limit, Acceptable Biological Catch,
and Annual Catch Limit for the Central Subpopulation of Northern
Anchovy; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: On January 18, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of California granted summary judgment to the
conservation group Oceana, in litigation over management of Northern
Anchovy off the West Coast under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (Oceana, Inc. v. Ross). Specifically,
the court vacated all currently existing management reference points
(i.e., Annual Catch Limit, Overfishing Limit, Acceptable Biological
Catch) for the central subpopulation of Northern Anchovy (CSNA). This
was followed by a separate court order requiring NMFS to establish a
new Overfishing Limit (OFL), Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), and
Annual Catch Limit (ACL) no later than April 18, 2019. This action is
the result of these court orders and establishes a new OFL, ABC, and
ACL for the CSNA. NMFS originally intended to issue a final rule
without advance public notice and comment to ensure a rule was in place
before the court-ordered deadline. The Court rejected this plan and
ordered NMFS to publish a proposed rule with opportunity for public
comment followed by a final rule.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/08/19 84 FR 13858
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/23/19
Final Action........................ 05/31/19 84 FR 25196
Final Action Effective.............. 07/01/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast
Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR
97232, Phone: 503 231-6266, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BI73
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
Proposed Rule Stage
218. Trademark Fee Adjustment
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 16 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 0651-AD42
[[Page 71119]]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
Final Rule Stage
219. Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2020
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 17 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 0651-AD31
[FR Doc. 2019-26535 Filed 12-23-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P