[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 245 (Monday, December 22, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76682-76705]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28929]
[[Page 76681]]
Vol. 79
Monday,
No. 245
December 22, 2014
Part IV
Department of Commerce
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 /
Unified Agenda
[[Page 76682]]
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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 2014 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
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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 2014 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 2014 regulatory agenda includes regulatory
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October
1, 2014, through September 30, 2015.
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 2014
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 August 25, 2014, the Office of Management
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and
publication of the fall 2014 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, and a list that identifies
those entries that have been selected for periodic review under section
610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
In this edition of Commerce's regulatory agenda, a list of the most
important significant regulatory actions and a Statement of Regulatory
Priorities are included in the Regulatory Plan, which appears in both
the online Unified Agenda and in part II of the issue of the Federal
Register that includes the Unified Agenda.
In addition, 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.
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. 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.
Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) are to be prepared for fisheries that
require conservation and management measures. Regulations implementing
these FMPs regulate domestic fishing and foreign fishing where
permitted. Foreign fishing may be conducted in a fishery in which there
is no FMP only if a preliminary fishery management plan has been issued
to govern that foreign fishing. Under the Act, eight Regional Fishery
Management Councils (Councils) prepare FMPs or amendments to FMPs for
fisheries within their respective areas. In the development of such
plans or amendments and their implementing regulations, the Councils
are required by law to conduct public hearings on the draft plans and
to consider the use of alternative means of regulating.
The Council process for developing FMPs and amendments makes it
difficult for NMFS to determine the significance and timing of some
regulatory actions under consideration by the Councils at the time the
semiannual regulatory agenda is published.
Commerce's fall 2014 regulatory agenda follows.
Kelly R. Welsh,
General Counsel.
[[Page 76683]]
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Prerule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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185....................... Inner Limit of the 0648-BC92
Exclusive Economic Zone
under the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery
Conservation and
Management Act.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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186....................... Requirements for 0648-AY15
Importation of Fish and
Fish Product under the
U.S. Marine Mammal
Protection Act (Reg Plan
Seq No. 33).
187....................... Atlantic Highly Migratory 0648-BA17
Species; Future of the
Atlantic Shark Fishery.
188....................... Amendment 22 to the 0648-BA53
Fishery Management Plan
for the Snapper Grouper
Fishery of the South
Atlantic Region.
189....................... Fisheries Off West Coast 0648-BC95
States; West Coast
Salmon Fisheries;
Amendment 18; Essential
Fish Habitat
Descriptions for Pacific
Salmon.
190....................... Amendment 5b to the 0648-BD22
Highly Migratory Species
Fishery Management Plan.
191....................... Amendment 39 to the 0648-BD25
Fishery Management Plan
for the Reef Fish
Resources of the Gulf of
Mexico.
192....................... Implementation of a 0648-BD59
Program for
Transshipments by Large
Scale Fishing Vessels in
the Eastern Pacific
Ocean.
193....................... Amendment 45 to the 0648-BD61
Fishery Management Plan
for Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands King
and Tanner Crab Freezer
Longline Catcher/
Processor Pacific Cod
Sideboard Removal.
194....................... Red Snapper 0648-BD68
Allocation_Amendment 28
to the Fishery
Management Plan for the
Reef Fish Resources of
the Gulf of Mexico
(Section 610 Review).
195....................... Amendment 7 to the FMP 0648-BD76
for the Dolphin Wahoo
Fishery of the Atlantic
and Amendment 33 to the
FMP for the Snapper-
Grouper Fishery of the
South Atlantic.
196....................... Regulatory Amendment 16 0648-BD78
to the Fishery
Management Plan for the
Snapper-Grouper Fishery
of the South Atlantic
Region.
197....................... Amendment 20B to the 0648-BD86
Fishery Management Plan
for the Coastal
Migratory Pelagic
Resources of the Gulf of
Mexico and Atlantic
Region.
198....................... Modify the Fisheries 0648-BE15
Financing Program to
allow the Financing of
New Replacement Fishing
Vessel Construction in
Limited Access Fisheries.
199....................... Comprehensive Amendment 0648-BE28
to the U.S. Caribbean
Fishery Management
Plans: Annual Catch
Limit Control Rule.
200....................... Abrir La Sierra Bank, 0648-BE32
Bajo de Sico, and
Tourmaline Bank
Consistency Amendment.
201....................... Regulatory Amendment to 0648-BE41
Change the Definition of
Sport Fishing Guide
Services for Pacific
Halibut in International
Pacific Halibut
Commission Area 2C and
Area 3A.
202....................... Framework Action to 0648-BE44
Revise Recreational
Accountability Measures
for Red Snapper.
203....................... Rule for Amendment 16 to 0648-BE46
the Fishery Management
Plan for the Shrimp
Fishery of the Gulf of
Mexico, U.S. Waters.
204....................... Amendment 40 to the 0648-BE47
Fishery Management Plan
for the Reef Fish
Resources of the Gulf of
Mexico.
205....................... 2015 Specifications and 0648-BE49
Management Measures for
the Atlantic Mackerel,
Squid, and Butterfish
Fisheries.
206....................... Designation of Critical 0648-AY54
Habitat for the North
Atlantic Right Whale
(Reg Plan Seq No. 34).
207....................... Revision of Hawaiian Monk 0648-BA81
Seal Critical Habitat
(Reg Plan Seq No. 35).
208....................... Designate Critical 0648-BC45
Habitat for the Hawaiian
Insular False Killer
Whale Distinct
Population Segment.
209....................... Designation of Critical 0648-BC56
Habitat for the Arctic
Ringed Seal.
210....................... Revisions to Hawaiian 0648-BD97
Islands Humpback Whale
National Marine
Sanctuary Regulations.
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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
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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211....................... Fishery Management Plan 0648-AS65
for Regulating Offshore
Marine Aquaculture in
the Gulf of Mexico (Reg
Plan Seq No. 37).
212....................... Addendum IV to the 0648-AY41
Weakfish Interstate
Management Plan_Bycatch
Trip Limit.
213....................... Implement the 2010 Shark 0648-BB02
Conservation Act
Provisions and Other
Regulations in the
Atlantic Smoothhound
Shark Fishery.
214....................... Amendment 7 to the 2006 0648-BC09
Consolidated Highly
Migratory Species
Fishery Management Plan.
215....................... Amendment 43 to the FMP 0648-BC34
for BSAI King and Tanner
Crabs and Amendment 103
to the FMP for
Groundfish of the BSAI.
216....................... Pacific Coast Groundfish 0648-BC84
Trawl Rationalization
Program Trailing Action:
Rule to Modify Chafing
Gear Regulations for
Midwater Trawl Gear Used
in the Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery.
217....................... Codifying the Initial 0648-BD02
Vessel Monitoring System
Type-Approval Process
and Requirements, and
the Recertification and
Revocation Processes.
218....................... Regulatory Amendment 14 0648-BD07
to the Fishery
Management Plan for the
Snapper-Grouper Fishery
of the South Atlantic
Region.
219....................... Amendment 105 Bering Sea 0648-BD23
Flatfish Harvest
Specifications
Flexibility.
[[Page 76684]]
220....................... Pacific Coast Groundfish 0648-BD30
Trawl Rationalization
Program Trailing
Actions: Permitting
Requirements for
Observer and Catch
Monitor Providers.
221....................... International Fisheries; 0648-BD44
Western and Central
Pacific Fisheries for
Highly Migratory
Species; Fishing
Restrictions regarding
the Oceanic Whitetip
Shark, the Whale Shark,
and the Silky Shark.
222....................... Southern New England 0648-BD45
Effort Controls to
Address Lobster Stock
Rebuilding Measures.
223....................... Amendment 97 to the 0648-BD48
Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the
Gulf of Alaska to
Establish Chinook Salmon
Prohibited Species Catch
Limits for the Non-
Pollock Trawl Fisheries.
224....................... Implementation of the 0648-BD54
Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commission
Resolution to Establish
a Vessel Monitoring
System Program in the
Eastern Pacific Ocean.
225....................... South Atlantic Coastal 0648-BD58
Migratory Pelagics
Framework Action 2013
(Section 610 Review).
226....................... Information Collection 0648-BD64
Program for Atlantic
Surfclam and Ocean
Quahog Fisheries.
227....................... Amendment 96 to the 0648-BD74
Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the
Gulf of Alaska to revise
the Community Quota
Entity Program.
228....................... Amendment 8 to the 0648-BD81
Fishery Management Plan
for Coral, Coral Reefs,
and Live/Hard Bottom
Habitats of the South
Atlantic Region.
229....................... Temporary Rule Through 0648-BD87
Emergency Action to
Revise Annual Catch
Limits and
Accountability Measures
for Blueline Tilefish
and the Deep-Water
Complex in the South
Atlantic Region.
230....................... Amendment 100 to the FMP 0648-BD98
for Groundfish of the
BSAI Management Area and
Amendment 91 to the FMP
for Groundfish of the
Gulf of Alaska to add
Grenadiers to the
Ecosystem Component
Category.
231....................... Implementation of a Gulf 0648-BE09
of Alaska Trawl Fishery
Economic Data Collection
Program.
232....................... Amendment and Updates to 0648-BB37
the Bottlenose Dolphin
Take Reduction Plan.
233....................... Designation of Critical 0648-BC76
Habitat for the Distinct
Population Segments of
Yelloweye Rockfish,
Canary Rockfish, and
Bocaccio.
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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
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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234....................... Comprehensive Fishery 0648-BD32
Management Plan for
Puerto Rico.
235....................... Comprehensive Fishery 0648-BD33
Management Plan for St.
Croix.
236....................... Comprehensive Fishery 0648-BD34
Management Plan for St.
Thomas/St. John.
237....................... Marine Mammal Protection 0648-AV82
Act Permit Regulation
Revisions.
238....................... Endangered and Threatened 0648-BB30
Species: Designation of
Critical Habitat for
Threatened Lower
Columbia River Coho
Salmon and Puget Sound
Steelhead.
239....................... Designation of Critical 0648-BC55
Habitat for the Beringia
Distinct Population
Segment of the Bearded
Seal.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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240....................... American Lobster Fishery; 0648-AT31
Fishing Effort Control
Measures to Complement
Interstate Lobster
Management
Recommendations by the
Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Commission.
241....................... Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 0648-AV53
Conservation and
Management
Reauthorization Act
(MSRA) Environmental
Review Procedure.
242....................... Amendment 6 to the 0648-BA50
Monkfish Fishery
Management Plan.
243....................... Generic Amendment to 0648-BC12
Several Fishery
Management Plans in the
Gulf of Mexico and South
Atlantic Regions to
Modify Federally-
Permitted Seafood Dealer
Reporting Requirements.
244....................... Georges Bank Yellowtail 0648-BC33
Flounder Emergency
Action to Provide a
Partial Exemption from
Accountability Measures
to the Atlantic Scallop
Fishery.
245....................... Modification to the Hired 0648-BC62
Skipper Regulations for
Management of the
Individual Fishing Quota
Program for the Fixed-
Gear Commercial
Fisheries for Pacific
Halibut and Sablefish in
Waters of Alaska.
246....................... Amendment 3 to the Spiny 0648-BC77
Dogfish Fishery
Management Plan.
247....................... Amendment 5 to the 0648-BD08
Fishery Management Plan
for the Dolphin Wahoo
Fishery of the Atlantic.
248....................... Allowing Northeast 0648-BD09
Multispecies Sector
Vessels Access to Year
Round Closed Areas.
249....................... Pacific Coast Groundfish 0648-BD31
Trawl Rationalization
Program; Second Program
Improvement and
Enhancement Rule.
250....................... Modifications to the 0648-BD37
Pacific Coast Groundfish
Trawl Rockfish
Conservation Area
Boundaries.
251....................... Framework Adjustment 8 to 0648-BD50
the Atlantic Mackerel,
Squid and Butterfish
Fishery Management Plan.
252....................... Implementation of the 0648-BD53
Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commission
Resolution for the
Conservation of Whale
Sharks and the
Collection and Analyses
of Data on Fish
Aggregating Devices.
253....................... Implementation of the 0648-BD55
Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commission
Resolution to Adopt
Conservation and
Management Measures for
Pacific Bluefin Tuna in
the Eastern Pacific
Ocean.
254....................... Framework Adjustment 8 to 0648-BD56
the Monkfish Fishery
Management Plan.
255....................... 2014 Specifications and 0648-BD65
Management Measures for
the Atlantic Mackerel,
Squid, and Butterfish
Fisheries.
256....................... Modifications to 0648-BD66
Identification Markings
on Fishing Gear Marker
Buoys.
[[Page 76685]]
257....................... Pacific Coast Whiting 0648-BD75
Fishery for 2014.
258....................... Pacific Halibut 0648-BD82
Fisheries; Catch Sharing
Plan.
259....................... Amendment 20A to the 0648-BD83
Fishery Management Plan
for the Coastal
Migratory Pelagic
Resources of the Gulf of
Mexico and Atlantic
Region.
260....................... Framework Adjustment 51 0648-BD88
to the Northeast
Multispecies Fishery
Management Plan.
261....................... Framework Adjustment 2 to 0648-BD99
the Northeast Skate
Complex Fishery
Management Plan.
262....................... Framework Adjustment 25 0648-BE07
to the Atlantic Sea
Scallop Fishery
Management Plan.
263....................... Pacific Coast Groundfish 0648-BE14
Trawl Rationalization
Program; Correction to
the 2014 Shorebased
Trawl Allocation Table.
264....................... 2014 Summer Flounder, 0648-BE16
Scup, and Black Sea Bass
Recreational Harvest
Measures.
265....................... 2014-2015 Spiny Dogfish 0648-BE17
Specifications.
266....................... Amending the Atlantic 0648-BC90
Large Whale Take
Reduction Plan.
267....................... Designation of Critical 0648-BD27
Habitat for the
Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
DPS and the
Determination Regarding
Critical Habitat for the
North Pacific Ocean
Loggerhead DPS.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Prerule Stage
National Marine Fisheries Service
185. Inner Limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone Under the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action would define the term ``inner limit of the
exclusive economic zone'' under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (MSA). The MSA establishes sovereign
rights and exclusive management authority over fishery resources of the
U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The inner limit of the Exclusive Economic
Zone is described as a line coterminous with the seaward boundary of
each of the coastal states. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS),
as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and state partners, enforce Federal
fishery regulations on the basis of the 3 nautical mile line as it is
represented on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
charts. The use of 3 nautical mile line has caused confusion when NOAA
charts are updated because the baseline for establishing this line is
ambulatory. NMFS proposes to clarify/correct this by defining this
seaward boundary line to be a line established pursuant to the
Submerged Lands Act.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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ANPRM............................... 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BC92
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Proposed Rule Stage
National Marine Fisheries Service
186. Requirements for Importation of Fish and Fish Product Under the
U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 33 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 0648-AY15
187. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Future of the Atlantic Shark
Fishery
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service is considering
adjusting the regulations governing the U.S. Atlantic shark fishery to
address current fishery issues and to identify specific shark fishery
goals for the future. This action will discuss potential changes to the
quota and/or permit structure that are currently in place for the
Atlantic shark fishery, and various catch share programs such as
limited access privilege programs, individual fishing quotas, and
sectors for the Atlantic shark fishery.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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ANPRM............................... 09/20/10 75 FR 57235
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 01/14/11 .......................
Notice.............................. 05/27/14 79 FR 30064
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BA17
188. Amendment 22 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper
Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The red snapper stock in the South Atlantic was assessed
through the Southeast, Data, Assessment, and Review process in 2008 and
2010. The assessments indicate that the stock is experiencing
overfishing and is overfished. As a result of the 2008 assessment,
fishing for red snapper has been prohibited in Federal waters off the
south Atlantic states since January 4, 2010. In Amendment 22, the
National Marine Fisheries Service and the South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council are considering alternatives to change the current
harvest restrictions on red snapper as the stock increases in biomass.
Examples of measures under consideration include the implementation of
red snapper trip limits, bag limits, a catch share program, tag
program, temporal and spatial closures including those to protect
spawning stocks, and gear prohibitions.
Timetable:
[[Page 76686]]
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Action Date FR Cite
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Notice of Intent.......... 01/03/11 76 FR 101
Notice of Intent Comment 02/14/11 .................................
Period End.
NPRM...................... 09/00/15 .................................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BA53
189. Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries;
Amendment 18; Essential Fish Habitat Descriptions for Pacific Salmon
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The action would implement Amendment 18 to the Pacific
Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan. The purpose of the amendment is
to address revisions to the Pacific coast salmon essential fish habitat
provisions under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................. 06/16/14 79 FR 34272
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BC95
190. Amendment 5B to the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management
Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
Abstract: This rulemaking would propose management measures for
dusky sharks, based on a recent stock assessment, taking into
consideration comments received on the proposed rule and Amendment 5 to
the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan.
This rulemaking could consider a range of commercial and recreational
management measures in both directed and incidental shark fisheries
including, among other things, gear modifications, time/area closures,
permitting, shark identification requirements, and reporting
requirements. NMFS determined that dusky sharks are still overfished
and still experiencing overfishing and originally proposed management
measures to end overfishing and rebuild dusky sharks in a proposed rule
for Draft Amendment 5 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly
Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan. That proposed rule also
contained management measures for scalloped hammerhead, sandbar,
blacknose and Gulf of Mexico blacktip sharks. NMFS decided to move
forward with Draft Amendment 5's management measures for scalloped
hammerhead, sandbar, blacknose and Gulf of Mexico blacktip sharks in a
final rule and final amendment that will now be referred to as
``Amendment 5a'' to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory
Species Fishery Management Plan. Dusky shark management measures will
be addressed in this separate, but related, action and will be referred
to as ``Amendment 5b.''
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/00/15 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD22
191. Amendment 39 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The purpose of this action is to facilitate management of
the recreational red snapper component in the reef fish fishery by
reorganizing the federal fishery management strategy to better account
for biological, social, and economic differences among the regions of
the Gulf of Mexico. Regional management would enable regions and their
associated communities to specify the optimal management parameters
that best meet the needs of their local constituents thereby addressing
regional socio-economic concerns.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................. 05/13/13 78 FR 27956
Next State Undetermined............. 01/00/15 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD25
192. Implementation of a Program for Transshipments by Large Scale
Fishing Vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
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 a Pacific
Transshipment Declaration Form, which must be used to report
transshipments in the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
Convention Area. The rule is neither applicable to troll and pole-and-
line vessels, nor to vessels that transship fresh fish at sea. The
frequency of transshipments in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is uncertain,
but only a few transshipments are expected annually. A similar rule was
adopted in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and NMFS calculated
that an average of twenty-four at-sea transshipments of fish caught by
longline gear there have occurred annually from 1993 through 2009.
Transshipments in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are likely to be much less
than twenty-four per year. 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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
[[Page 76687]]
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BD59
193. Amendment 45 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Freezer Longline Catcher/
Processor Pacific Cod Sideboard Removal
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would establish conditions for the removal of
Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod catch limits, known as sideboards, which
apply to some catcher/processor vessels using hook-and-line gear, also
known as freezer longliners. The newly reorganized sideboard limits
have effectively eliminated the ability of these stakeholders to
participant in these Gulf of Alaska fisheries. The rule would remove
the Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod sideboards from 6 freezer longline
vessels if owners of vessels endorsed to catch and process Pacific cod
in the Western Gulf of Alaska, Central Gulf of Alaska, or both (a total
of 9 vessels) agree to removal of the sideboards, within one year from
the effective date of a final rule. If an agreement is not reached by
the deadline, the sideboarded vessels would not be able to participate
in the Gulf of Alaska fisheries. The requirement for an agreement is
intended to promote cooperation among all affected parties prior to the
removal of sideboards.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 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-BD61
194. Red Snapper Allocation--Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management
Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Section 610
Review)
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The current allocation of red snapper between the
commercial and recreational sectors is 51:49 percent, respectively. The
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) is considering a
change in the allocation with the aim of increasing the net benefits
from red snapper fishing and increasing the stability of the red
snapper component of the reef fish fishery, particularly for the
recreational sector which has experienced shorter and shorter seasons.
The Council initially considered options that increased the commercial
sectors allocation above the current 51 percent. However, after
considering the economic analyses conducted by the Southeast Fisheries
Science Center and the loss of fishing opportunities by the
recreational sector, the Council concluded that such a reallocation
would not meet the purpose and need of this action. Therefore, the
Council has limited the options under consideration to those that would
increase the recreational sectors allocation above 49 percent.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD68
195. Amendment 7 to the FMP for the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery of the
Atlantic and Amendment 33 to the FMP for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of
the South Atlantic
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The intent of this amendment is to make regulations for
dolphin and wahoo consistent with those existing regulations for
snapper-grouper species. Amendment 7 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery
Management Plan would allow fishermen to bring fillets of dolphin and
wahoo from the Bahamas into the U.S. exclusive economic zone, as
regulations already allow fillets of snapper-grouper species to be
brought from the Bahamas into the U.S. exclusive economic zone. This
rule would allow fishermen to bring fillets of dolphin and wahoo into
the U.S. exclusive economic zone that were lawfully harvested in
Bahamian waters, provided valid Bahamian fishing and cruising permits
are on board the vessel, and the vessel is in transit through the
Atlantic exclusive economic zone.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD76
196. Regulatory Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for the
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: Regulatory Amendment 16 contains an action to address the
prohibition on the use of black sea bass pots annually from November 1
through April 30 that was implemented through Regulatory Amendment 19.
The prohibition was a precautionary measure to prevent interactions
between black sea bass pot gear and whales listed under the Endangered
Species Act during large whale migrations and the right whale calving
season off the southeastern coast. The South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council, through Regulatory Amendment 16, is considering
removal of the closure, changing the length of the closure, and
changing the area of the closure. The goal is to minimize adverse
socio-economic impacts to black sea bass pot endorsement holders while
maintaining protection for Endangered Species Act-listed whales in the
South Atlantic region.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/00/15 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD78
[[Page 76688]]
197. Amendment 20B to the Fishery Management Plan for the
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic
Region
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would adjust trip limits and fishing seasons
for zones and subzones of the Gulf migratory group king mackerel. It
would also allow transit of vessels with king mackerel on board through
areas closed to king mackerel fishing, and would divide the annual
catch limit for Atlantic migratory group king and Spanish mackerel into
zones. Futhermore, the action addresses the results of the most recent
stock assessment for cobia, and divides the annual catch limit into
zones. The need for the proposed action is to achieve optimum yield
while ensuring regulations are fair and equitable, and fishery
resources are utilized efficiently.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD86
198. Modify the Fisheries Financing Program to Allow the
Financing of New Replacement Fishing Vessel Construction in Limited
Access Fisheries
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 4101; 46 U.S.C. 53701
Abstract: This rulemaking will propose to amend the Fisheries
Finance Program's regulations to allow the financing of new vessel
construction and rehabilitation of existing vessels in limited access
fisheries. This rule is intended to implement the authority provided by
Congress, as well as additional lending authority of $41 million in
2014, to support efforts to recapitalize the fishing fleets in limited
access fisheries.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM............................... 06/30/14 79 FR 36699
NPRM................................ 02/00/15 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Rivelli, Acting Director, Office of
Management and Budget, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD
20910, Phone: 301 327-8795.
RIN: 0648-BE15
199. Comprehensive Amendment to the U.S. Caribbean Fishery
Management Plans: Annual Catch Limit Control Rule
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The purpose of this comprehensive amendment is to
establish a control rule to modify the buffer reduction that is applied
to the overfishing limit or to the acceptable biological catch (if
specified) to derive an annual catch limit in response to changes in
the overfishing status of any U.S. Caribbean fishery management unit.
The annual catch limit control rule would apply a specific buffer
reduction based on the current status of the fishery management unit as
determined by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The proposed rule
implementing this action would apply a 15% buffer reduction to the
overfishing limit or to the acceptable biological catch for units
determined to be subject to overfishing, and a 10% buffer reduction to
the overfishing limit or the acceptable biological catch for units
determined not to be subject to overfishing in a specific year.
Specific units would be exempted from the application of the control
rule and buffer reductions established for those units in the 2010 and
2011 Caribbean annual catch limit Amendments would continue to be
applied. Establishing this control rule would provide for a new and
straightforward process that would allow for annual catch limit
revisions based on overfishing status.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/00/15 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BE28
200. Abrir La Sierra Bank, Bajo De Sico, and Tourmaline Bank
Consistency Amendment
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The regulatory amendment would establish consistent
regulations among three management areas off the west coast of Puerto
Rico (Abrir la Sierra Bank, Bajo de Sico, Tourmaline Bank). Regulations
differ among these areas within federal waters, as well as between
state and federal boundaries for the two areas (Tourmaline Bank and
Bajo de Sico) that cross the two jurisdictions. The purpose of this
amendment is to establish consistent federal regulations across the
three areas, while ensuring adequate protection of spawning
aggregations of reef fish and the benthic habitat supporting those
aggregations, which also serves as residential, recruitment, and
foraging habitat for a variety of species. The proposed action would:
Modify the length of the seasonal closures; modify reef fish, spiny
lobster, and highly migratory species fishing regulations; modify
anchoring restrictions; and modify spearfishing prohibitions within the
management areas.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/00/15 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BE32
201. Regulatory Amendment To Change the Definition of Sport
Fishing Guide Services for Pacific Halibut in International Pacific
Halibut Commission Area 2C and Area 3A
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations that would revise Federal
regulatory text regarding sport fishing guide services for Pacific
halibut in International Pacific Halibut Commission Regulatory Areas 2C
(Southeast Alaska) and 3A (Central Gulf of Alaska) to remove the
requirement that a charter vessel guide be on board the same vessel as
a charter vessel angler to provide sport fishing guide services. The
proposed action would clarify that all sport fishing in which anglers
receive assistance from a compensated guide will be managed under
charter fishery regulations and all harvest will accrue toward charter
allocations. This action would align Federal regulations with State of
Alaska regulations. If approved, the definition of ``sport fishing
guide services'' would
[[Page 76689]]
be revised and a definition for ``compensation'' would be added to
Federal regulations. Additional minor changes to the regulatory text
pertaining to the charter halibut fishery would be required to maintain
consistency in the regulations with these new definitions. This action
is necessary to achieve the halibut fishery management goals of the
North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 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-BE41
202. Framework Action To Revise Recreational Accountability
Measures for Red Snapper
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: To address the court ruling in Guindon v. Pritzker, (Mar.
26, 2014), the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council developed this
framework action that evaluates two accountability measures for the
recreational red snapper sector. The first recreational accountability
measure action would establish an annual catch target that is lower
than the quota/annual catch limit and set the recreational season
length based on the annual catch target. Currently, the season length
is set based on the quota/annual catch limit. The second recreational
accountability measure action would establish an overage adjustment to
mitigate the effects of any overage by reducing the quota/annual catch
limit in the following year.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BE44
203. Rule for Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for
the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Waters
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to change the annual catch
limit and select an accountability measure for royal red shrimp. On
January 30, 2012, NOAA Fisheries implemented regulations developed
through a generic annual catch limit and accountability measure
amendment to multiple fishery management plans, including the Shrimp
fishery management plan. However, the ``no action'' alternatives and
discussions were incorrect in stating that there were currently no
management restrictions or accountability measures for that species
although a quota and in-season quota closure were in the regulations.
Now, the quota and in-season closure are in conflict with the
subsequently established annual catch limit and accountability measure.
The rule would remove the quota and in-season closure, and increase the
annual catch limit. The current accountability measure, which requires
in-season monitoring and closure the year following an annual catch
limit overage, will remain in effect.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BE46
204. Amendment 40 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This proposed rule would define distinct private angling
and federal for-hire components of the recreational red snapper fishery
and allocate red snapper resources between the components of the
recreational sector to increase stability for the for-hire component;
provide a basis for increased flexibility in future management of the
recreational sector; and minimize the chance for recreational quota
overruns which could jeopardize the rebuilding of the red snapper
stock. More specifically this action would define the components of the
recreational sector and establish the baseline allocation how the
allocation would be adjusted if membership in the federal for-hire
component is voluntary and recreational season closure provisions for
each component.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BE47
205. 2015 Specifications and Management Measures for the
Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This proposed rule would establish catch levels and
associated management measures for the 2015-2017 fishing years for
species managed under the Atlantic Mackerel Squid and Butterfish
Fishery Management Plan. More specifically this action would: renew
status quo quotas on longfin and Illex squids for an additional 3
years; lower the cap on river herring and shad catch in the mackerel
fishery; increase the cap on river herring and shad catch in the
mackerel fishery once the mackerel fishery catches more than 10000 mt
tons; lower the Atlantic mackerel quota; substantially increase the
butterfish quota; and simplify the controls on butterfish daily trip
limits.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BE49
[[Page 76690]]
206. Designation of Critical Habitat for the North Atlantic Right Whale
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 34 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 0648-AY54
207. Revision of Hawaiian Monk Seal Critical Habitat
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 35 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 0648-BA81
208. Designate Critical Habitat for the Hawaiian Insular False Killer
Whale Distinct Population Segment
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533
Abstract: The proposed action, if approved, would designate
critical habitat for the Hawaiian insular false killer whale distinct
population segment, pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered Species Act
(ESA). Proposed critical habitat would only be designated in the main
Hawaiian Islands as the Hawaiian insular false killer whales range is
restricted from nearshore out to 140 km from the main Hawaiian Islands.
Impacts from the designation stem mainly from Federal agencies
requirement to consult with National Marine Fisheries Service, under
section 7 of the ESA, to insure 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.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/00/15 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, 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: 301 713-2322.
RIN: 0648-BC45
209. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Arctic Ringed Seal
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 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 proposed 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................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, 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: 301 713-2322.
RIN: 0648-BC56
NOS/ONMS
210. Revisions to Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine
Sanctuary Regulations
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.
Abstract: In 2010, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS)
initiated a review of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National
Marine Sanctuary management plan, to evaluate substantive progress
toward implementing the goals for the sanctuary, and to make revisions
to its management plan and regulations as necessary to fulfill the
purposes and policies of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) and
the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act (HINMSA; Title II,
Subtitle C, Pub. L. 102587). ONMS intends to publish a proposed rule
and draft EIS that proposes to expand the scope of the sanctuary to
ecosystem based management rather than concentrating on only humpback
whales. In addition, possible boundary expansion will be discussed.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................. 07/14/10 75 FR 40759
NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Edward Lindelof, Department of Commerce, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-3137, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD97
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Final Rule Stage
National Marine Fisheries Service
211. Fishery Management Plan for Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture
in the Gulf of Mexico
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 37 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 0648-AS65
212. Addendum IV to the Weakfish Interstate Management Plan--Bycatch
Trip Limit
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5101
Abstract: This action would modify management restrictions in the
Federal weakfish fishery in a manner consistent with the Atlantic
States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Plan. The proposed change
would decrease the incidental catch allowance for weakfish in the
exclusive economic zone in non-directed fisheries using smaller mesh
sizes, from 150 pounds to no more than 100 pounds per day or trip,
whichever is longer in duration. In addition, it would impose a one
fish possession limit on recreational fishers.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 05/12/10 75 FR 26703
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/11/10 .......................
NPRM Comment Period Re-opened....... 06/16/10 75 FR 34092
Comment Period End.................. 06/30/10 .......................
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-AY41
213. Implement the 2010 Shark Conservation Act Provisions and Other
Regulations in the Atlantic Smoothhound Shark Fishery
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule considers implementing the provisions of the
2010 Shark Conservation Act and other regulations in the Atlantic
Smoothhound Fishery (which includes
[[Page 76691]]
smooth dogfish and the Florida smoothhound). Specifically, this action
would: (1) Modify regulations for smooth dogfish as needed to be
consistent with the Shark Conservation Act; (2) consider other
management measures, as needed, including the terms and conditions of
the Endangered Species Act Smoothhound Biological Opinion; and (3)
consider revising the current smoothhound shark quota based on updated
catch data.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/07/14 79 FR 46217
Final Action........................ 06/00/15 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BB02
214. Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species
Fishery Management Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
Abstract: Amendment 7 focuses on bluefin tuna fishery management
issues consistent with the need to end overfishing and rebuild the
stock. Measures in draft Amendment 7 address several of the long-
standing challenges facing the fishery and will analyze, among other
things, revisiting quota allocations; reducing and accounting for dead
discards; adding or modifying time/area closures or gear-restricted
areas; and improving the reporting and monitoring of dead discards and
landings in all categories.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................. 04/23/12 77 FR 24161
Notice.............................. 06/08/12 77 FR 34025
NPRM................................ 08/21/13 78 FR 52032
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 09/18/13 78 FR 57340
Public Hearing...................... 11/05/13 78 FR 66327
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........ 12/11/13 78 FR 75327
Public Hearing...................... 12/26/13 78 FR 78322
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BC09
215. Amendment 43 to the FMP for BSAI King and Tanner Crabs and
Amendment 103 to the FMP for Groundfish of the BSAI
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
Abstract: This rule would implement both Amendment 43 to the
Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner
Crabs and Amendment 103 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish
of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area. Amendment 43
revises the current rebuilding plan for Pribilof Islands blue king crab
(blue king crab) and Amendment 103 implements groundfish fishing
restrictions. A no-trawl Pribilof Islands Habitat Conservation Zone
(Zone) was established in 1995 and the directed fishery for blue king
crab has been closed since 1999. A rebuilding plan was implemented in
2003; however, blue king crab remains overfished and the current
rebuilding plan has not achieved adequate progress towards rebuilding
the stock by 2014. The rule would close the Zone to all Pacific cod pot
fishing in addition to the current trawl prohibition. This measure
would help support blue king crab rebuilding and prevent exceeding the
overfishing limit of blue king crab by minimizing to the extent
practical blue king crab bycatch in the groundfish fisheries.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................. 08/21/14 79 FR 49463
NPRM................................ 08/29/14 79 FR 51520
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/29/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 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-BC34
216. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program Trailing
Action: Rule To Modify Chafing Gear Regulations for Midwater Trawl Gear
Used in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action would modify the existing chafing gear
regulations for midwater trawl gear, and includes housekeeping measures
to clarify which vessels can use midwater trawl gear and where midwater
trawl gear can be used. This action includes regulations that affect
all trawl sectors (Shorebased Individual Fishing Quota Program,
Mothership Cooperative Program, Catcher/Processor Cooperative Program,
and tribal fishery) managed under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/19/14 79 FR 15296
NPRM Correction Notice.............. 04/04/14 79 FR 18876
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy Regional Administrator,
Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE.,
Seattle, WA 48115-0070, Phone: 206 526-6150, Fax: 206 526-6426, Email:
[email protected].
William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West Coast Region,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BC84
217. Codifying the Initial Vessel Monitoring System Type-Approval
Process and Requirements, and the Recertification and Revocation
Processes
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: All vessels participating in a National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Vessel Monitoring System program are
required to acquire a National Marine Fisheries Service-approved mobile
transmitting unit to comply with the Vessel Monitoring System
requirements. Previously, this action was only taken through the
publication of a notice in the Federal Register. However, this rule
will establish the type-approval standards, specifications, and
procedures that
[[Page 76692]]
vendors may reference to maintain type-approval for their products and/
or services. This action will establish type-approval standards for the
initial approval, subsequent assessments, and the procedures for
rescinding the type-approval if the vendor fails to comply with the
performance standards. This action is necessary to ensure Vessel
Monitoring System vendors continue to meet minimum performance
standards over the long term.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/09/14 79 FR 53386
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910, Phone: 301 713-2334, Fax: 301 713-0596, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD02
218. Regulatory Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The purpose of Regulatory Amendment 14 is to enhance
socioeconomic benefits to fishermen and fishing communities that
utilize the snapper-grouper fishery. Specifically, this rulemaking
modifies the fishing year for greater amberjack, increases the minimum
size limit for hogfish, modify the fishing year for black sea bass,
changes the commercial fishing season for vermilion snapper, modifies
the aggregate grouper bag limit, and revises the accountability
measures for gag and vermilion snapper. Modifying the accountability
measures for gag and vermilion snapper would enhance consistency and
accuracy in the approach taken when the annual catch limit is met or
projected to be met for these species.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................. 04/17/13 78 FR 22846
Notice.............................. 08/02/13 78 FR 46925
NPRM................................ 04/27/14 79 FR 22936
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD07
219. Amendment 105 Bering Sea Flatfish Harvest Specifications
Flexibility
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action intends to provide additional harvest
opportunities to participants in Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI)
flatfish fisheries while (1) maintaining catch below the annual catch
limits for these species, and (2) ensuring that the maximum optimum
yield for BSAI groundfish fisheries will not be exceeded. Specifically,
Amendment 105 to the BSAI Fishery Management Plan would establish a
process for Amendment 80 cooperatives and Western Alaska Community
Development Quota groups to exchange harvest quota from one of the
three flatfish species for an equivalent amount of quota of another
species. In no case could the amount of fish exchanged exceed the
annual catch limit, commonly known as the allowable biological catch,
of that species. This action would modify the annual harvest
specification process to allow the North Pacific Fishery Management
Council (Council) to establish the maximum amount of harvest quota that
can be exchanged for each of the three flatfish species. This process
would allow the Council to establish a buffer below the allowable
biological catch to account for management or socioeconomic
considerations. Each participant could only exchange harvest quota up
to three times per year. This action is intended to promote the goals
and objectives of the BSAI Fishery Management Plan, the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable
laws.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................. 06/13/14 79 FR 33889
NPRM................................ 06/30/14 79 FR 36702
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 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-BD23
220. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program Trailing
Actions: Permitting Requirements for Observer and Catch Monitor
Providers
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action would modify regulations pertaining to
certified catch monitors and observers required under the Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. The action specifies permitting
requirements for business entities interested in providing certified
observers and catch monitor services, as well as addresses numerous
housekeeping measures and updates observer provider and vessel
responsibilities relative to observer safety such that the regulations
are consistent with the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of
2012. This action affects individuals serving as certified catch
monitors and observers, business entities that provide certified catch
monitors and observers, vessels that are required to carry certified
observers, and shore-based business entities that are required to
employ the services of certified catch monitors.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/19/14 79 FR 9591
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BD30
221. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for
Highly Migratory Species; Fishing Restrictions Regarding the Oceanic
Whitetip Shark, the Whale Shark, and the Silky Shark
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.
Abstract: The rule would establish regulations under authority of
the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act
to implement decisions of the Commission for the Conservation and
Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central
Pacific Ocean on fishing restrictions regarding the oceanic whitetip
shark and the whale shark. The regulations would apply to owners and
operators of U.S. fishing vessels used for commercial fishing for
highly migratory species in the area of
[[Page 76693]]
application of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of
Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean
(Convention). The regulations for oceanic whitetip sharks would
prohibit the retention, transshipment, storage, or landing of oceanic
whitetip sharks and would require the release of any oceanic whitetip
shark as soon as possible after it is caught. The regulations for whale
sharks would prohibit setting a purse seine on a whale shark and would
specify certain measures to be taken and reporting requirements in the
event a whale shark is encircled in a purse seine net. This action is
necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations under the
Convention, to which it is a Contracting Party.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/22/14 79 FR 49745
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, Regional Administrator for the
Pacific Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110,
Honolulu, HI 96814, Phone: 808 944-2281.
RIN: 0648-BD44
222. Southern New England Effort Controls to Address Lobster Stock
Rebuilding Measures
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: NMFS is considering to make revisions to Federal American
lobster regulations intended to assist in rebuilding the Southern New
England lobster stock. The proposed measures include trap reductions in
Lobster Management Areas 2 and 3, a minimum carapace size increase for
Lobster Management Area 3, mandatory v-notching of egg-bearing female
lobster in Lobster Management Areas 2, 4, and 5, and seasonal closures
in Lobster Management Areas 4, 5, and 6. These actions are recommended
for Federal implementation by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission (Commission). The proposed stock rebuilding measures were
recommended by the Commission in consultation with some, but not all,
Federal lobster permit holders through associated industry
participation on the Commissions Lobster Conservation Management Teams.
While this action could limit fishing effort and landings by Federal
lobster permit holders in Southern New England, the proposed measures
are consistent with those already implemented by the affected States.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM............................... 08/20/13 78 FR 51131
NPRM................................ 07/25/14 79 FR 43379
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD45
223. Amendment 97 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Gulf of Alaska to Establish Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species Catch
Limits for the Non-Pollock Trawl Fisheries
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would limit Chinook salmon prohibited species
catch in the Western and Central Gulf of Alaska non-pollock trawl
fisheries. Chinook salmon is a fully utilized species in Alaska coastal
subsistence, recreational, and commercial fisheries. In recent years
the returns of Chinook salmon to some Alaska river systems have been
below the biological escapement goals established by the State of
Alaska. This action is necessary to minimize the catch of Chinook
salmon to the extent practicable in the Gulf of Alaska non-pollock
trawl fisheries. The rule would establish a 7,500 Chinook salmon
prohibited species annual limit that would be seasonally apportioned
among fishing vessel sectors. If a sector reached its Chinook salmon
prohibited species limit, further directed fishing for groundfish by
vessels in that sector and season would be prohibited. Vessel operators
would be required to retain salmon until the number of salmon has been
determined by the vessel or plant observer and the observers data
collection has been completed. About 70 vessels could be affected by
this action. This action could reduce revenues from the fisheries, if
the Chinook salmon prohibited species limit is reached before the
groundfish quota is harvested. The action may also increase costs if
vessel operators move fishing operations or take other actions to lower
their catch of Chinook salmon.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................. 06/05/14 79 FR 32525
NPRM................................ 06/25/14 79 FR 35971
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 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-BD48
224. Implementation of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
Resolution To Establish a Vessel Monitoring System Program in the
Eastern Pacific Ocean
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 Commissions Resolution intended to require owners and operators of
tuna-fishing vessels to have installed, activate, carry and operate
vessel monitoring system units (also known as mobile transmitting
units). This regulation would apply to owners and operators of tuna-
fishing vessels 24 meters or more in length, operating in the eastern
Pacific Ocean. The vessel monitoring system units would have to be
type-approved, and authorize the Inter-American Tropical Tuna
Commission and NMFS to receive and relay transmissions (also called
position reports) from the vessel monitoring system unit. Vessel
monitoring systems may enhance the safety of some vessels by allowing
the vessels location to be tracked, which could assist in rescue
efforts. This regulation would apply to commercial vessels and would
not apply to recreational or charter vessels. This rule would apply to
approximately seventy-four vessels, however, roughly thirty-eight of
these vessels are already subject to vessel monitoring system
requirements under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries
Commission. Due to the relatively small number of vessels affected,
this rule is not expected to garner public opposition or congressional
interest.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/06/14 79 FR 7152
Correction.......................... 02/25/14 79 FR 10465
Final Action........................ 03/00/15 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
[[Page 76694]]
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BD54
225. South Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagics Framework Action 2013
(Section 610 Review)
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: Currently in the South Atlantic, transfer of harvested
fish at sea is prohibited for any species under a commercial trip
limit, and only two gillnets are allowed on a federally permitted
Spanish mackerel vessel. In some instances the trip limit may be
exceeded with just one gillnet set, and the excess fish must be
discarded. Most discarded fish caught in gillnet gear die due to trauma
caused during capture. The Framework Action would allow a portion of a
gillnet and its contents to be transferred from a vessel that has met
the Spanish mackerel trip limit to another vessel that has not yet
reached the trip limit. Allowing transfer at sea for federally
permitted Spanish mackerel vessels using gillnet gear is intended to
reduce dead discards, and minimize waste when catch in one net exceeds
the trip limit for the vessel. Additionally, the Framework Action would
modify the commercial trip limits for Atlantic king mackerel in the
Florida east coast subzone. The current system of trip limits may
increase the rate of harvest causing the commercial sector to close
before Lent, the most lucrative part of the fishing season. Therefore,
the trip limit modifications that would be implemented through the
Framework Action are expected to help minimize lost opportunities to
fish, and optimize profitability in the king mackerel sector of the
coastal migratory pelagics fishery.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/19/14 79 FR 15293
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD58
226. Information Collection Program for Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean
Quahog Fisheries
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: NMFS is implementing this information collection program
at the request of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
(Council). This program will collect additional information about the
individuals who hold and/or control Individual Transferable Quota in
the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. This information will
be used by the Council in the consideration and development of
excessive shares cap(s) in these Individual Transferable Quota
fisheries.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/07/14 79 FR 46233
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD64
227. Amendment 96 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Gulf of Alaska to Revise the Community Quota Entity Program
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
Abstract: Amendment 96 to the Fishery Management Plan for
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska would modify the halibut and sablefish
Individual Fishing Quota Program regulations for management of
community quota entities in the Gulf of Alaska. The action revises the
Individual Fishing Quota Program by removing a restriction on community
quota entities holdings of quota share. Removing this restriction
provides community quota entities access to more affordable quota
shares, which could enhance the ability of the community quota entities
community to realize economic benefits from additional community
resident participation in the halibut and sablefish fisheries.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................. 07/25/14 79 FR 43377
NPRM................................ 08/07/14 79 FR 46237
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 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-BD74
228. Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coral, Coral Reefs,
and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: Coral Amendment 8 would modify the boundaries of the
Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern, the Stetson-Miami
Terrace Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern, and the Cape Lookout
Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern to protect deepwater coral
ecosystems. The amendment also proposes to implement a transit
provision through the Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern
for fishing vessels with rock shrimp onboard.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice.............................. 05/20/14 79 FR 28880
NPRM................................ 06/03/14 79 FR 31907
Correction.......................... 07/01/14 79 FR 37269
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD81
229. Temporary Rule Through Emergency Action To Revise Annual Catch
Limits and Accountability Measures for Blueline Tilefish and the Deep-
Water Complex in the South Atlantic Region
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: In October 2013, NMFS determined the blueline tilefish
stock in the South Atlantic is experiencing overfishing and is
overfished. As mandated by Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act, NMFS and the Council must prepare and implement a plan
amendment and
[[Page 76695]]
regulations to end overfishing immediately and rebuild the stock by
December 6, 2015. The Council and NMFS, through actions in a future
amendment, plan to implement a rebuilding plan and management actions
to end overfishing and rebuild the blueline tilefish stock. In the
interim, NMFS will publish an emergency rule to implement temporary
annual catch limits and accountability measures for blueline tilefish,
and modify the current annual catch limits and accountability measures
for the deep-water complex. The goal of this action is to minimize
future adverse biological effects to the blueline tilefish stock, and
the socio-economic effects to fishermen and fishing communities that
utilize the blueline tilefish, while a permanent rulemaking designed to
end overfishing and rebuild the stock is developed.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emergency Rule...................... 04/17/14 79 FR 21636
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD87
230. Amendment 100 to the FMP for Groundfish of the BSAI Management
Area and Amendment 91 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska
To add Grenadiers to the Ecosystem Component Category
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: Amendments 100 and 91 would amend the Fishery Management
Plan to add grenadiers to the ecosystem component category. Grenadiers
are caught incidentally in the groundfish fisheries, and adding them to
the Fishery Management Plans would recognize their role in the
ecosystem. NMFS would also implement regulations for federally-
permitted groundfish fishermen to improve reporting of grenadiers,
limit retention, and prevent directed fishing for grenadiers. This
action is necessary to limit the groundfish fisheries impact on
grenadiers. Federally-permitted groundfish fishermen would be affected
by the proposed rule, however, the anticipated impacts are considered
to be de minimis according the economic analysis prepared for this
action.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 05/05/14 79 FR 25558
NPRM................................ 05/14/14 79 FR 27557
Final Action........................ 12/00/14 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 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-BD98
231. Implementation of a Gulf of Alaska Trawl Fishery Economic
Data Collection Program
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16
U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; Pub. L. 108-199
Abstract: NMFS proposes to implement the Trawl Economic Data Report
Program to evaluate the economic effects of current and future
groundfish and prohibited species catch management measures for the
Gulf of Alaska trawl fisheries under the Fishery Management Plan for
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. This data collection program is
necessary to provide the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and
other analysts with baseline information on affected harvesters, crew,
processors, and communities in the Gulf of Alaska that could be used to
assess the impacts of major changes in the groundfish management
regime, including catch share programs for prohibited species catch
species and target species. The data collected for this program would
be submitted by vessel owners and leaseholders of Gulf of Alaska trawl
vessels, processors receiving deliveries from those trawl vessels, and
Amendment 80 catcher/processors. The type of data collected may
include, but would not be limited to labor information, revenues
received, capital and operational expenses, and other operational or
financial data.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/11/14 79 FR 46758
Final Action........................ 12/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 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-BE09
232. Amendment and Updates to the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction
Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: This action would amend regulations under the Bottlenose
Dolphin Take Reduction Plan (Plan) to reduce bottlenose dolphin serious
injuries and mortalities incidental to the Virginia Pound net fishery.
The Plan recommends the year-round use of modified leaders for offshore
pound nets within parts of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia coastal
waters. Regulations for Virginia Pound Nets are currently implemented
under the Endangered Species Act for sea turtle conservation. The Plan
recommended similar regulations to those currently enacted under the
Endangered Species Act; however, the regulations under the Plan will
offer greater conservation benefits to both bottlenose dolphins and sea
turtles. Because the regulations may affect current sea turtle
regulations, a joint-rulemaking will be conducted under both the Marine
Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act to amend: (1) the Plan
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, proposing Virginia pound net
requirements; and (2) current federal sea turtle regulations for
Virginia pound nets under the Endangered Species Act to ensure
consistency between regulations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/17/14 79 FR 21695
Final Action........................ 12/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, 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: 301 713-2322.
RIN: 0648-BB37
[[Page 76696]]
233. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Distinct Population
Segments of Yelloweye Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, and Bocaccio
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: This action proposes to designate critical habitat under
the Endangered Species Act for three Distinct Population Segments of
rockfish in the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin: (1) the threatened Distinct
Population Segments of yelloweye rockfish; (2) the threatened Distinct
Population Segments of canary rockfish; and (3) the endangered Distinct
Population Segments of bocaccio. The proposed specific areas for canary
rockfish and bocaccio comprise approximately 505 hectares (1,249 acres)
of marine habitat in Puget Sound. The proposed areas for yelloweye
rockfish comprise approximately of 245 hectares (606 acres) of marine
habitat in Puget Sound.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/06/13 78 FR 47635
Final Action........................ 12/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, 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: 301 713-2322.
RIN: 0648-BC76
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Long-Term Actions
National Marine Fisheries Service
234. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for Puerto Rico
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This comprehensive Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan
will 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. If approved, this new Puerto Rico
Fishery Management Plan, in conjunction with similar comprehensive
Fishery Management Plans being developed for each of St. Croix and St.
Thomas/St. John, will 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................................ 12/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Phone: 727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-
5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD32
235. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Croix
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This comprehensive St. Croix Fishery Management Plan will
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. If approved, this new St. Croix Fishery
Management Plan, in conjunction with similar comprehensive Fishery
Management Plans being developed for each of Puerto Rico and St.
Thomas/St. John, will 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................................ 12/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Phone: 727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-
5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD33
236. Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Thomas/St. John
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This comprehensive St. Thomas/St. John Fishery Management
Plan will 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. If
approved, this new St. Thomas/St. John Fishery Management Plan, in
conjunction with similar comprehensive Fishery Management Plans being
developed for each of St. Croix and Puerto Rico, will 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................................ 12/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Phone: 727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-
5308, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD34
237. Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Regulation Revisions
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1374
Abstract: This action would consider revisions to the implementing
regulations governing the issuance of permits for activities under
section 104 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The intent of this
action would be to streamline and update (using plain language) the
general permitting information and the specific requirements for the
four categories of permits: scientific research (including the General
Authorization); enhancement; educational and commercial photography;
and public display. The revisions would also simplify procedures for
collection, possession, and transfer of marine mammals parts collected
before the effective date of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and also
clarify reporting requirements for public display facilities holding
marine mammals.
[[Page 76697]]
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM............................... 09/13/07 72 FR 52339
ANPRM Comment Period Extended....... 10/15/07 72 FR 58279
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 11/13/07 72 FR 52339
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 12/13/07 72 FR 58279
NPRM................................ 12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Phone: 301 713-2322.
RIN: 0648-AV82
238. Endangered and Threatened Species: Designation of Critical Habitat
for Threatened Lower Columbia River Coho Salmon and Puget Sound
Steelhead
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 to 1544
Abstract: This action will designate critical habitat for lower
Columbia River coho salmon and Puget Sound steelhead, currently listed
as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The specific
areas proposed for designation in for lower Columbia River coho include
approximately 2,288 mi (3,681 km) of freshwater and estuarine habitat
in Oregon and Washington. The specific areas proposed for designation
for Puget Sound steelhead include approximately 1,880 mi (3,026 km) of
freshwater and estuarine habitat in Puget Sound, Washington.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/14/13 78 FR 2725
Final Action........................ 12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Phone: 301 713-2322.
RIN: 0648-BB30
239. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Beringia Distinct
Population Segment of the Bearded Seal
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a
final rule to list the Beringia Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of
the bearded 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
Beringia DPS of the bearded seal. The proposed 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................................ 12/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Phone: 301 713-2322.
RIN: 0648-BC55
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Completed Actions
240. American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures to
Complement Interstate Lobster Management Recommendations by the
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.
Abstract: The action would limit future access in the Lobster
Conservation Management Area (Area) 2 and Outer Cape Area lobster trap
fishery based on historic participation criteria, and implement a
transferable trap program in Area 2, Area 3, and the Outer Cape Area as
recommended by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to use the same historic
participation data and qualification criteria used by state agencies to
qualify state lobstermen fishing in the state waters of the subject
management areas.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM.............................. 05/10/05 70 FR 24495
Notice of Public Meeting........... 05/03/10 75 FR 23245
NPRM............................... 06/12/13 78 FR 35217
Final Action....................... 04/07/14 79 FR 19015
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Phone:
978 281-9287. Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-AT31
241. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Reauthorization Act (MSRA) Environmental Review Procedure
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rule revises and updates the National Marine
Fisheries Service procedures for complying with National Environmental
Protection Act in the context of fishery management actions developed
pursuant to MSRA.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM............................... 05/14/08 73 FR 27998
Withdrawal of Proposed Rule........ 07/14/14 79 FR 40703
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Steve Leathery, Department of Commerce, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-2239, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-AV53
242. Amendment 6 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The purpose of Amendment 6 to the Monkfish Fishery
Management Plan is to consider developing a catch share management
program for this fishery. This would very likely also involve the
development of a referendum for such a program as required under the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action_Notice of Intent to 11/30/10 75 FR 74005
Prepare an EIS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BA50
[[Page 76698]]
243. Generic Amendment to Several Fishery Management Plans in the Gulf
of Mexico and South Atlantic Regions to Modify Federally-Permitted
Seafood Dealer Reporting Requirements
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: To better ensure commercial landings of managed fish
stocks do not exceed annual catch limits, improvements are needed to
the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness of data
submitted by federally-permitted seafood dealers. The purpose of the
generic amendment is to change the current reporting requirements for
those dealers who purchase fish managed under several of the Gulf of
Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council fishery management
plans. Changes are proposed to the current six dealer permits to
increase the species that must be reported. Changes are also proposed
to the method and frequency of dealer reporting. This action will aid
in achieving the optimum yield from each fishery while reducing (1)
undue socioeconomic harm to dealers and fishermen and (2)
administrative burdens to fishery agencies
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice............................. 12/19/13 78 FR 76807
NPRM............................... 01/02/14 79 FR 81
NPRM Comment Period End............ 02/03/14 ......................
Final Action....................... 04/09/14 79 FR 19490
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BC12
244. Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder Emergency Action To Provide a
Partial Exemption From Accountability Measures to the Atlantic Scallop
Fishery
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action, requested by the New England Fishery
Management Council, exempts the Atlantic sea scallop fishery from any
accountability measure for catch of Georges Bank yellowtail flounder
exceeding the revised sub-annual catch limit of 156.9 mt up to the
initial sub-annual catch limit level of 307.5 mt. By exempting the
scallop fleet from accountability measures at the lower revised 156.9
mt sub-ACL, but maintaining accountability at the 307.5 mt level
initially set for the fishing year, there remains a need for the
scallop fleet to mitigate yellowtail flounder catch but to do so within
the context of the initial level established for the fishing year. This
specific accountability measure is not needed to comply with Magnuson
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requirements because
there is an accountability measure at the fishery level that remains
unchanged by this proposed action. Any overage of the fishery level ACL
is repaid pound-for-pound in a subsequent fishing year.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/01/12 77 FR 59883
Withdrawal of Proposed Rule......... 03/24/14 79 FR 15932
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BC33
245. Modification to the Hired Skipper Regulations for Management of
the Individual Fishing Quota Program for the Fixed-Gear Commercial
Fisheries for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Waters of Alaska
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
Abstract: This action would amend the hired master regulations of
the Individual Fishing Quota Program for the fixed-gear commercial
Pacific halibut and sablefish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands management area and the Gulf of Alaska. The Individual Fishing
Quota Program allows initial recipients of catcher vessel halibut and
sablefish quota share to hire a vessel master to harvest Individual
Fishing Quota derived from the quota share. When a hired master fishes
an initial recipients Individual Fishing Quota, the initial recipient
is exempt from being onboard the vessel. This action would remove the
owner-onboard exemption to hire a master to harvest Individual Fishing
Quota derived from quota share that an initial recipient received by
transfer after February 12, 2010. Between February 12, 2010 and the
effective date of this action, initial recipient quota share
transferred into a quota share block of the same category would retain
the hired master privilege. After the effective date of this action, no
hired master privilege would be retained on initial recipient quota
share consolidated with quota share of the same category. This action
is necessary to maintain a predominantly owner-operated fishery.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/26/13 78 FR 24707
Final Action........................ 07/28/14 79 FR 43679
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 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-BC62
246. Amendment 3 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The action would make four modifications to the
management measures in the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan. These
include allowing up to 3 percent of the annual quota to be set aside
for research purposes (research set-aside), updating the essential fish
habitat definitions for spiny dogfish, allowing the previous year's
management measures to be carried over into the subsequent year in the
case of rulemaking delays, and removing the seasonal allocation of the
commercial quota. The action is needed to improve the efficiency of the
Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan, and help reduce misalignment of
regulations with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's
Interstate Fishery Management Plan for spiny dogfish.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 03/26/14 79 FR 16775
NPRM................................ 04/10/14 79 FR 19861
Final Action........................ 07/14/14 79 FR 41141
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
[[Page 76699]]
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BC77
247. Amendment 5 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin Wahoo
Fishery of the Atlantic
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: Amendment 5 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan
includes revisions to the acceptable biological catches, annual catch
limits, recreational annual catch targets, and accountability measures
for dolphin and wahoo; modifications to the framework procedure; and
modifications to the sector allocations and trip limits for dolphin.
The revisions incorporate updates to the recreational data as per the
Marine Recreational Information Program, as well as revisions to
commercial and for-hire landings. The revisions are necessary to avoid
triggering accountability measures for dolphin and wahoo based on
recreational data under the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics
Survey system. National Marine Fisheries Service no longer uses the
Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey system, and now
estimates recreational landings using the Marine Recreational
Information Program. Additionally, this amendment would modify the
framework procedure for dolphin and wahoo; modify sector allocations
and adjust trip limits for dolphin.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 02/28/14 79 FR 11383
NPRM................................ 03/14/14 79 FR 14466
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/14/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 06/09/14 79 FR 32878
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD08
248. Allowing Northeast Multispecies Sector Vessels Access to Year
Round Closed Areas
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action allows Northeast Multispecies vessels
enrolled in a sector to fish in any of three year-round closed areas on
Georges Bank during select times of the 2013 fishing year. This rule
allows fishing access for Northeast multispecies sectors to two
portions of the Southern New England Nantucket Lightship Closed Area
for the remainder of the 2013 fishing year, under specified conditions.
The intent of this rule is to allow sector vessels increased
opportunities to harvest non-groundfish stocks such as monkfish,
dogfish, and skates, while minimizing impacts to overfished groundfish
stock such as Georges Bank cod and yellowtail flounder.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/11/13 78 FR 41772
Interim Final Rule.................. 12/16/13 78 FR 76077
Final Action........................ 04/21/14 79 FR 22043
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD09
249. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program; Second
Program Improvement and Enhancement Rule
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action implements trailing actions for the Pacific
coast groundfish trawl rationalization program in order to further
improve and refine the program. Since implementation of the program in
January 2011, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS
have developed numerous trailing actions to the program. This action
includes multiple components that either implement original provisions
of the program, or increase flexibility or efficiency, or address minor
revisions/clarifications. Implementation of Quota share transfer
regulations is also included in this action. The other components of
this action are intended to increase flexibility and efficiency for
participants and the Agency, and to make minor clarifications to the
program regulations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/19/13 78 FR 43125
Final Rule.......................... 11/15/13 78 FR 68764
Correcting Amendment................ 03/05/14 79 FR 12412
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BD31
250. Modifications to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rockfish
Conservation Area Boundaries
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action would implement recommendations from the
Pacific Fishery Management Council to liberalize trawl Rockfish
Conservation Area boundaries for participants in the Pacific Coast
groundfish shorebased individual fishing quota program, beginning
November 1, 2013 through the end of 2014. Different trawl Rockfish
Conservation Area variations have been in place since 2002-2003 and are
typically adjusted through routine inseason actions to keep overfished
fish species within acceptable catch limits or harvest guidelines. This
rule proposes to modify the trawl Rockfish Conservation Area
boundaries, in order to increase access to target species. This rule
would increase fishermen's access to their target species allocations,
while allowing the individual accountability inherent in the individual
fishing quota program to reduce bycatch. This action would also
increase the flexibility and efficiency for individual fishing quota
program participants, and maintain the full catch accounting
requirements of the individual fishing quota program.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/13/13 78 FR 56641
Final Rule.......................... 04/17/14 79 FR 21639
Correcting Amendment................ 05/13/14 79 FR 27196
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BD37
251. Framework Adjustment 8 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid and
Butterfish Fishery Management Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: Framework 8 announces several changes to facilitate the
operation of the butterfish discard cap
[[Page 76700]]
on the longfin squid fishery. The alternatives proposed in Framework 8
would allocate the butterfish discard cap among the Trimesters in the
same percentages used for the trimester allocations for longfin squid
In addition, Framework 8 would allow NMFS to transfer, in either
direction, a certain amount of unused quota between the butterfish
landing allocation and the discard cap on the longfin squid fishery.
This would occur near the end of the year, in order to optimally
utilize the butterfish that is available for fishing each year.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/31/14 79 FR 5364
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/03/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 04/02/14 79 FR 18478
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD50
252. Implementation of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
Resolution for the Conservation of Whale Sharks and the Collection and
Analyses of Data on Fish Aggregating Devices
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 961 et seq.; 16
U.S.C. 971 et seq.
Abstract: This rule would implement the Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commissions Resolution intended to conserve whale sharks and
collect information on fish aggregating devices. This action would
require that by July 1, 2014, owners and operators of purse seine
vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean would be prohibited from setting a
purse seine on a school of tuna associated with a live whale shark, if
the shark is sighted prior to the beginning of the set. If a whale
shark is encircled in the purse seine net the master of the vessel
would be required to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to
ensure its safe release and report the details of the incident to the
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and NMFS. By January 1, 2015,
owners and operators of purse seine vessels operating in the Inter-
American Tropical Tuna Commission Convention area when fishing on fish
aggregating devices would be required to collect and report the fish
aggregating devices location and type. The data may be collected
through a dedicated logbook, modifications to existing regional
logsheets, or other domestic reporting procedures.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/13/14 79 FR 33851
Final Action........................ 09/18/14 79 FR 56017
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BD53
253. Implementation of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
Resolution To Adopt Conservation and Management Measures for Pacific
Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
Abstract: This action proposes regulations adopted by the Inter-
American Tropical Tuna Commission that would place a limit on
commercial harvests of Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific
Ocean in 2014. The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission resolution
imposes an international aggregate catch limit of 5,000 metric tons for
commercial fleets in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and, as in past years,
the Resolution allows a minimum of 500 metric tons for nations such as
the United States that have historically fished Pacific bluefin tuna in
the Eastern Pacific Ocean but do not harvest large amounts. The rule is
expected to have a beneficial impact on Pacific bluefin tuna and other
living marine resources since it would extend catch limits currently
set to expire December 31, 2013. This rule is likely to have negligible
economic impacts because the U.S. fleets that catch Pacific bluefin
tuna have not caught more than 500 metric tons of bluefin in more than
a decade.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/10/14 79 FR 1810
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/10/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 05/16/14 79 FR 28448
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BD55
254. Framework Adjustment 8 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: Framework Adjustment 8 would specify acceptable
biological catch amounts, and annual catch limits, for the monkfish
fishery during fishing years 2014-2016, based on an updated stock
assessment completed in April 2013. This action would also set monkfish
days-at-sea allocations and trip limits for both the Northern and
Southern Fishery Management Areas to achieve recommended annual catch
targets. In addition, this action would allow vessels issued a limited
access monkfish Category H permit to fish throughout the Southern
Fishery Management Area. Both the directed and incidental monkfish
fisheries would be affected by this action. Specifically, Category H
vessels would be provided with greater flexibility to fish for monkfish
in a broader geographical area. Since the fishery has not fully
harvested available quotas in recent years, it is not expected that
potential increases or decreases in catch allowances are likely to have
a substantial economic effect.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/27/14 79 FR 30056
Final Action........................ 07/18/14 79 FR 41918
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD56
255. 2014 Specifications and Management Measures for the Atlantic
Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action establishes catch levels and associated
management measures for the 2014 fishing year for species managed under
the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery
[[Page 76701]]
Management Plan. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council reaffirmed
the 3-year catch level recommendations for Illex squid and longfin
squid (2012-2014), and for Atlantic mackerel (2013-2015), so no changes
are proposed for catch levels for those species. The proposed action
would: increase the butterfish ABC by 8 percent, and the butterfish
landings limit by 24 percent, compared to 2013; set a 236 mt cap on
river herring and shad catch in the mackerel fishery; raise the post-
closure possession limit for longfin squid to 10,000 lb for vessels
targeting Illex squid; and change the butterfish Phase 3 trip limit to
600 lb (from 500 lb) for longfin squid/butterfish moratorium permit
holders to make it consistent with the incidental butterfish trip
limit.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/10/14 79 FR 1813
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/10/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 04/04/14 79 FR 18834
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD65
256. Modifications to Identification Markings on Fishing Gear Marker
Buoys
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; 16
U.S.C. 773 et seq.; Pub. L. 108-447
Abstract: This rule would eliminate the requirement that buoys
marking the location of commercial fishing gear be marked with the
vessel's name, in addition to a vessel identification number. Current
regulations require buoy markings to make it possible to identify the
vessel from which the gear was deployed. Experience shows that it is
not necessary to mark buoys with both the vessel's name and Federal
fisheries permit number. While one vessel may share the same name as
another vessel, vessel identification numbers are exclusive and unique
to the recipient vessel. The purpose of this action is to reduce
regulatory burdens by eliminating the requirement to mark buoys with
the vessel's name, and will reduce costs to vessel owners by reducing
the labor and materials needed to mark buoys.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/03/14 79 FR 381
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/03/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 04/03/14 79 FR 18655
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 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-BD66
257. Pacific Coast Whiting Fishery for 2014
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The rule would be issued consistent with a regulatory
framework that was established in 1996 to routinely implement the
Washington coastal Indian tribes treaty rights to harvest Pacific Coast
groundfish. The rule would establish a Pacific whiting tribal
allocation for 2014. The final rule for Pacific whiting in 2014 will
include the tribal allocation as well as final allocations to the non-
tribal sector.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/28/14 79 FR 11385
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/31/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 05/13/14 79 FR 27198
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BD75
258. Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
Abstract: Each year, the Pacific Fishery Management Council
(Council) reviews and receives public comment on its Pacific Halibut
Catch Sharing Plan (Plan) to determine whether revisions are needed to
achieve management objectives for any of the West Coast halibut
fisheries. For 2014 and beyond, the Council has recommended minor
changes to the portion of the Plan covering the allocations and sport
fisheries. For the Washington north coast subarea sport fishery the
recommended changes clarify the season structure and remove the
provisions for a nearshore fishery. For the Columbia River subarea
sport fishery the recommended changes revise the days of the week the
fishery is open and modify the subarea allocation to provide for a new
nearshore fishery within the subarea. For the Oregon central coast
subarea sport fishery the changes include modifying the nearshore
fishery. For the South of Humbug Mountain subarea, the recommended
changes include breaking the subarea into separate subareas for
Southern Oregon and California, and allocating catch to these subareas
from existing allocations. These recommended changes to the Plan are
implemented through the annual regulations. The annual regulations will
also include the 2014 halibut quota for the West Coast fisheries as
recommended by the International Pacific Halibut Commission.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/06/14 79 FR 7156
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/21/14 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 03/12/14 79 FR 13906
Final Action_Correcting Amendment... 04/04/14 79 FR 18827
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BD82
259. Amendment 20A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal
Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: Amendment 20A would prohibit the sale of king and Spanish
mackerel caught under the bag limit in the Gulf of Mexico and South
Atlantic regions except under limited circumstances. For the Gulf of
Mexico, the amendment would prohibit the sale of king and Spanish
mackerel caught under the bag limit unless those fish are either caught
on a for-hire trip and the vessel has both a for-hire and commercial
vessel permit, or the fish are caught as part of a state-permitted
tournament and the proceeds from the sale are donated to charity. For
the South Atlantic region, the amendment
[[Page 76702]]
would prohibit the sale of king and Spanish mackerel caught under the
bag limit unless the fish are caught as part of a state-permitted
tournament and the proceeds from the sale are donated to charity. In
addition, the amendment would remove the income qualification
requirement for king and Spanish mackerel commercial permits. This
action would not affect the number of king mackerel permits, which are
limited access, but could increase the number of Spanish mackerel
permits, which are open access.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability.............. 03/03/14 79 FR 11748
NPRM................................ 03/19/14 79 FR 15284
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/05/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 06/16/14 79 FR 34246
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator,
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-BD83
260. Framework Adjustment 51 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery
Management Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action would implement the annual measures included
in Framework Adjustment 51 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery
Management Plan (Framework 51). Framework 51 would set specifications
for white hake for fishing years 2014 through 2016, as well as fishing
year 2014 shared U.S./Canada quotas for Georges Bank yellowtail
flounder and Eastern Georges Bank cod and haddock. The specifications
for white hake are 10 percent higher than 2013, and are based on the
2013 stock assessment. The U.S. quota for Georges Bank yellowtail
flounder is proposed to increase by 53 percent compared to 2013, and
the Eastern Georges Bank cod and haddock quotas are proposed to
increase by 60 percent, and more than 150 percent, respectively. These
quotas are based on the 2013 joint U.S./Canada assessment for these
stocks. The quotas for all other species were set last year in
Framework 50.Framework 51 would also revise the rebuilding program for
Gulf of Maine cod and American plaice. Both programs are proposed to be
10 years to ensure stocks rebuild in a timely manner, while allowing
the fishery to continue. Other management measures included in
Framework 51 are accountability measures for the small-mesh fishery for
Georges Bank yellowtail flounder, modification to the U.S./Canada Area
management measures, and consideration of a prohibition on possession
of yellowtail flounder by the scallop fishery.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/17/14 79 FR 14951
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/01/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 04/22/14 79 FR 22421
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD88
261. Framework Adjustment 2 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery
Management Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action includes skate fishery specifications for the
2014-2015 fishing years, and modifications to skate reporting
requirements for vessels and dealers. This action would establish: an
annual catch limit for the skate complex of 35,479 mt (a decrease from
50,435 mt in 2013); an overall total allowable landings of 16,385 mt (a
decrease from 23,365 mt in 2013); status quo possession limits for the
skate wing and bait fisheries; and changes to skate vessel and dealer
reporting requirements to improve species-specific landings data,
including removal of ``unclassified skate'' reporting options.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/19/14 79 FR 29154
Final Action........................ 08/29/14 79 FR 51504
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BD99
262. Framework Adjustment 25 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop
Fishery Management Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The purpose of Framework 25 is to set management measures
for the scallop fishery for the 2014 fishing year, including the annual
catch limits and annual catch targets for the limited access and
limited access general category fleets, as well as days-at-sea
allocations and sea scallop access area trip allocations. In addition,
Framework 25 will also include an adjustment to the fishing mortality
limit in scallop fishery open areas (those fished under days at sea) in
order to allow more harvest from open areas while not exceeding
overfishing limits for the fishery; considers allowing pounds that went
unharvested in Closed Area I in 2012 and 2013 to be landed in a future
year; develops Southern windowpane flounder Accountability Measures;
and provides Full-Time vessels the option to exchange their allocated
Delmarva Access Area trip for five days-at-sea.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/09/14 79 FR 26690
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/27/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 06/16/14 79 FR 34251
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BE07
263. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program;
Correction to the 2014 Shorebased Trawl Allocation Table
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This action contains one correction to the Biennial
Specifications and Management Measures regulations that published in
the Federal Register on January 3, 2013. This notice corrects 2014
shorebased trawl allocations for several species of groundfish in the
shorebased trawl allocation table that were inadvertently misreported
in the Biennial Specifications and Management Measures final rule. This
will result in a very minor increase in quota pounds (the number of
pounds of fish this particular sector is allowed to catch) for several
species. Historically, this sector has not caught the full quota
[[Page 76703]]
of those species, so there is not likely to be an economic impact due
to this correction. The following species will be affected: English
sole, Lingcod N. of 40'10[deg] N latitude (OR & WA), Lingcod S. of
40'10[deg] N latitude (CA), Minor Slope Rockfish North 40[deg]10' N.
lat., Other Flatfish, Pacific cod, Shortspine Thornyhead, and
Yellowtail rockfish.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Correcting Amendment................ 05/16/14 79 FR 28455
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., Regional Administrator West
Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115,
Phone: 206 526-6150.
RIN: 0648-BE14
264. 2014 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass
Recreational Harvest Measures
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: This rulemaking would propose management measures to
achieve recreational harvest limits for the 2014 summer flounder, scup,
and black sea bass recreational fisheries. Recreational management
measures include recreational possession limits, minimum fish sizes,
and seasonal closures.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/09/14 79 FR 26685
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/27/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 07/07/14 79 FR 38259
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BE16
265. 2014-2015 Spiny Dogfish Specifications
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Abstract: The proposed action includes spiny dogfish fishery
specifications for the 2014-2015 fishing years, as recommended by the
Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils. In summary,
the Councils proposes Spiny dogfish annual catch limits of 60.695
million lb for 2014, and 62.413 million lb for 2015 (increases from
54.295 million lb in 2013); coastwide commercial quotas of 49.037
million lb for 2014, and 50.612 million lb for 2015 (increases from
40.842 million lb in 2013); and two alternatives for spiny dogfish trip
limits: 4,000 lb (status quo) or unlimited possession for 2014 and
2015.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/13/14 79 FR 27274
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/12/14 .......................
Final Action........................ 08/08/14 79 FR 46376
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, Northeast Regional Administrator,
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone:
978 281-9287, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0648-BE17
266. Amending the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposes
to amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. These changes
are designed to address ongoing right, humpback, and fin whale
entanglements resulting in serious injury or mortality. In 2009, the
Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (Team) agreed on a schedule to
develop conservation measures for reducing the risk of serious injury
and mortality of large whales that become entangled in vertical lines.
In an August 2012 American Lobster Biological Opinion, NMFS committed
to publishing a proposed rule to address vertical line entanglements in
2013, and to publish a final rule by April 2014. Unlike the broad-scale
management approach taken to address entanglement risks associated with
groundlines (rope between trap/pots), the approach for the vertical
line rulemaking will focus on reducing the risk of vertical line
entanglements in finer-scale high impact areas. Using fishing gear
characterization data and whale sightings per unit effort data, NMFS
developed a model to determine the co-occurrence of fishing gear
density and whale density to serve as a guide in the identification of
these high risk areas. Potential measures include: expanding the gear
marking scheme to require larger and more frequent marks along the buoy
line; increasing the number of traps per trawl based on area fished and
miles fished from shore in the northeast; establishing several closures
in the northeast for trap/pot fisheries; modifying weak link and
breaking strength requirements of buoy lines; and requiring the use of
one buoy line with one trap in the southeast.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/16/13 78 FR 42653
Notice.............................. 07/24/13 78 FR 44536
Final Action........................ 06/27/14 79 FR 36585
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, 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: 301 713-2322.
RIN: 0648-BC90
267. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Loggerhead Sea Turtle DPS and the Determination Regarding Critical
Habitat for the North Pacific Ocean Loggerhead DPS
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Abstract: This action would designate critical habitat for the
Loggerhead sea turtle pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973,
as amended. The loggerhead sea turtle was originally listed worldwide
as a threatened species on July 28, 1978. No critical habitat was
designated for the loggerhead at that time. On September 22, 2011, NMFS
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service jointly published a final rule
revising the loggerheads listing from a single worldwide threatened
species to nine Distinct Population Segments. The two Distinct
Population Segments occurring in U.S. jurisdiction are the Northwest
Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment (range defined as north of
the equator, south of 60 N. lat., and west of 40 W. long.) and the
North Pacific Ocean Distinct Population Segments (range defined as
north of the equator and south of 60 N. lat.). For the 2011 final
listing rule, NMFS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found
designation of critical habitat to be not determinable. This action
will satisfy the provisions under the Endangered Species Act requiring
critical habitat to be designated for these Distinct Population
Segments.
Timetable:
[[Page 76704]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/18/13 78 FR 43006
Proposed Rule Correction............ 08/01/13 78 FR 46563
Notice.............................. 08/21/13 78 FR 51705
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........ 09/30/13 78 FR 59907
Public Hearing...................... 11/04/13 78 FR 65959
Final Action........................ 07/10/14 79 FR 39855
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, Fishery Biologist, 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: 301 713-2322.
RIN: 0648-BD27
[FR Doc. 2014-28929 Filed 12-19-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P