<DOC>
[November 24, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 227)]
[Unified Agenda]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID: f:ua081103.wais]

[Page 71326-71353]

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Part IV

Department of Commerce

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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 71326]]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

_______________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary

13 CFR Ch. III

15 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, and XI

19 CFR Ch. III

37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V

48 CFR Ch. 13

50 CFR Chs. II, III, IV, and VI

Fall 2008 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866, entitled 
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
as amended, the Department of Commerce (Department), in the spring and 
fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of 
regulations under development or review over the next 12 months. 
Rulemaking actions are grouped according to prerulemaking, proposed 
rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed 
since the spring 2008 agenda. The purpose of the agenda is to provide 
information to the public on regulations currently under review, being 
proposed, or issued by the Department. The agenda is intended to 
facilitate comments and views by interested members of the public.

    The Department's fall 2008 regulatory agenda includes 
regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the 
period October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2009.

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 Jennifer K. Nist, Chief Counsel for 
Regulations, Office of the Assistant General Counsel for 
Legislation and Regulation, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 202-482-3151.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to 
publish an agenda of those regulations that are under consideration 
pursuant to this order. By memorandum of July 7, 2008, the Office of 
Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the 
preparation and publication of the fall 2008 Unified Agenda of Federal 
Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires agencies to publish, in the spring and 
fall of each year, a regulatory flexibility agenda that contains a 
brief description of the subject of any rule likely to have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The agenda also identifies those entries that have been selected for 
periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

     For this edition of the Department of Commerce's regulatory 
agenda, 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 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 will be 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 (5 U.S.C. 602), the Department of 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, the entireRegulatory Plan will 
continue to be printed in the Federal Register, as in past years, 
including the Department of Commerce's Regulatory Plan.

     Within the Department, the Office of the Secretary and various 
operating units may issue regulations. Operating units, such as the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau 
of Industry and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office issue 
the greatest share of the Department's regulations.

     A large number of regulatory actions reported in the agenda 
deal with fishery management programs of NOAA's National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS). To avoid repetition of programs and 
definitions, as well as to provide some understanding of the 
technical and institutional elements of the NMFS programs, 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.) (Act) governs the management of fisheries 
within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ refers to those 
waters from the outer edge of the State boundaries, generally 3 
nautical miles, to a distance of 200 nautical miles. Fishery 
Management Plans (FMPs) are to be prepared for fisheries that 
require conservation and management measures. Regulations 
implementing these FMPs regulate domestic fishing and foreign 
fishing where permitted. Foreign fishing 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

[[Page 71327]]

significance and timing of some regulatory actions under 
consideration by the Councils at the time the semiannual regulatory 
agenda is published.

 The Department's fall 2008 regulatory agenda follows.

 Lily Fu Claffee,

General Counsel.

                              International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
190         Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn............................................    0625-AA59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
191         Maximize Retention and Monitoring Program in the Shore-Based Pacific Whiting Fishery..    0648-AR63
192         Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery...................    0648-AS25
193         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Reducing Sea Turtle Takes....................    0648-AS49
194         Amendment to Coastal Migratory Pelagics FMP, Red Drum FMP, Reef Fish FMP, Spiny           0648-AS65
            Lobster FMP, and Stone Crab FMP To Provide for Regulation of Marine Aquaculture (Reg
            Plan Seq No. 20)......................................................................
195         American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures To Complement Interstate        0648-AT31
            Lobster Management Recommendations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
196         Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan..    0648-AT58
197         BSAI Amendment 73 and GOA Amendment 77 FMP To Revise Management Authority of Dark         0648-AU20
            Rockfish..............................................................................
198         Amendment 15 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.    0648-AU36
199         Restrictions for 2007 Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries in the Eastern Tropical          0648-AU79
            Pacific Ocean.........................................................................
200         South Atlantic Fishery Ecosystem Plan Comprehensive Amendment.........................    0648-AV31
201         Modifying Maximum Retainable Amounts (MRAs) for Selected Groundfish Species Caught by     0648-AV32
            the Non-American Fishing Act Trawl Catcher Processor Sector...........................
202         Certification of Nations Whose Fishing Vessels Are Engaged in IUU Fishing or Bycatch      0648-AV51
            of Protected Living Marine Resources (Reg Plan Seq No. 21)............................
203         Rule To Implement a Minimum Possession Size Limit on Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus)..    0648-AV61
204         Collection and Use of Tax Identification Numbers From Holders of and Applicants for       0648-AV76
            National Marine Fisheries Service Permits.............................................
205         American Lobster Data Collection and Broodstock Protection Measures...................    0648-AV77
206         Gulf Reef Fish Amendment 30B..........................................................    0648-AV80
207         Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto        0648-AV98
            Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Amendment 4 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management
            Plan of Puerto Rico and the U.S.......................................................
208         Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan: Limited Entry       0648-AW08
            Program for the Pacific Whiting Fishery...............................................
209         Amendment 17 to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Snapper Grouper Fishery     0648-AW11
            Management Plan.......................................................................
210         Amendment 15B to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Snapper Grouper Fishery    0648-AW12
            Management Plan.......................................................................
211         Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Queen Conch Fishery of Puerto Rico     0648-AW15
            and the U.S. Virgin Islands...........................................................
212         Amendment 7 to the South Atlantic Shrimp Fishery Management Plan......................    0648-AW19
213         Marine Mammal Protection Act Stranding Regulation Revisions...........................    0648-AW22
214         Revise Regulations Governing the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program............    0648-AW24
215         Amendment 3 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan....................    0648-AW30
216         Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Amendment 18 to      0648-AW49
            the Pelagics Fishery Management Plan; Shallow-Set Longline Swordfish Fishery..........
217         Establish a Permit Fee Collection Framework Under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S.    0648-AW50
            West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP)...........................
218         Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Compensation to Northwestern Hawaiian Islands           0648-AW52
            Bottomfish and Lobster Fishermen Due to Fishery Closure in the Papahanaumokuakea
            Marine National Monument..............................................................
219         Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the        0648-AW64
            South Atlantic Region.................................................................
220         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures.................    0648-AW65
221         Amendment 4 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan...........................    0648-AW75
222         Interim Action To Reduce Fishing Mortality and Maintain Stock Rebuilding; Northeast       0648-AW87
            Multispecies Fishery..................................................................
223         Halibut Charter Vessel Moratorium.....................................................    0648-AW92
224         Allowable Modifications to the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Requirements..............    0648-AW93

[[Page 71328]]

225         Seabird Avoidance Requirements Revisions for Hook-and-Line Vessels in International       0648-AW94
            Pacific Halibut Commission Regulatory Area 4E.........................................
226         Regulatory Amendment (<greek-i>3) To Correct and Clarify Amendment 13 and Subsequent      0648-AW95
            Frameworks of the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan......................
227         Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King      0648-AW97
            and Tanner Crab.......................................................................
228         Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Fishery Management Plan......    0648-AX05
229         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 2009 North and South Atlantic Commercial Quotas....    0648-AX07
230         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); 2009 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quota                 0648-AX12
            Specifications and Management Measures................................................
231         Amendment 92 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Groundfish    0648-AX14
            and Amendment 82 to the Fishery Management Plan for Gulf of Alaska Groundfish.........
232         2009 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Specifications and Management Measures..    0648-AX16
233         One-Fish Daily Bag Limit for the Guided Sport Charter Vessel Fishery for Halibut in       0648-AX17
            Regulatory Area 2C....................................................................
234         Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region Under the Endangered     0648-AV15
            Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act..........................................
235         Designation of Critical Habitat for the Endangered U.S. Distinct Population Segment       0648-AV74
            (DPS) of Smalltooth Sawfish...........................................................
236         Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Regulation Revisions..............................    0648-AV82
237         Rulemaking To Establish Take Prohibitions for the Threatened Southern Distinct            0648-AV94
            Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon...................................
238         Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan Measures..........................................    0648-AW51
239         Rulemaking To Designate Critical Habitat for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population        0648-AW77
            Segment of Atlantic Salmon............................................................
240         Rulemaking To Designate Critical Habitat for the Threatened Southern Distinct             0648-AX04
            Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon...................................
241         Rule To Revise Leatherback Critical Habitat...........................................    0648-AX06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.

                        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
242         Require Mandatory Observer Coverage in the At-Sea Processing Sector of the Whiting        0648-AK26
            Fishery...............................................................................
243         Revisions to the Scientific Research Activity, Exempted Fishing, and Exempted             0648-AR78
            Educational Activity Regulations......................................................
244         Western Pacific Squid Fishery.........................................................    0648-AS71
245         Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the        0648-AU28
            South Atlantic Region.................................................................
246         Framework 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for Monkfish...............................    0648-AU34
247         Revision to Allowable Bycatch Reduction Devices for the Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Fishery.    0648-AV14
248         Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA)           0648-AV53
            Environmental Review Procedure (Reg Plan Seq No. 24)..................................
249         Guidance for Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures to End Overfishing (Reg      0648-AV60
            Plan Seq No. 25)......................................................................
250         General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Specifications for Boarding Ladders........    0648-AV78
251         Amendment 27 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and      0648-AW73
            Tanner Crabs..........................................................................
252         Referendum Procedures for a Potential Gulf of Mexico Grouper and Tilefish Individual      0648-AW85
            Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program...........................................................
253         Provide Regulations for Permits for Capture, Transport, Import, and Export of             0648-AH26
            Protected Species for Public Display, and for Maintaining a Captive Marine Mammal
            Inventory.............................................................................
254         Virginia Modified Pound Net Leader Inspection Program.................................    0648-AU98
255         Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for Elkhorn and        0648-AV35
            Staghorn Corals.......................................................................
256         Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan.........................................    0648-AV65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.

                       National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
257         Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan...    0648-AP60

[[Page 71329]]

258         Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska..    0648-AR72
259         Amend Subsistence Halibut Fishing Regulations in Waters In and Off Alaska.............    0648-AU14
260         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; International Trade Permit Regulatory Amendment....    0648-AU88
261         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures.................    0648-AU89
262         Amendment 25 the Fishery Management Plan in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King      0648-AV19
            and Tanner Crab Fisheries off Alaska..................................................
263         Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Precious Corals Fisheries; Fishery Management Plan      0648-AV30
            for Amendment 7--Gold and Black Coral Management......................................
264         Reef Fish Amendment 30A for Greater Amberjack and Gray Triggerfish: TAC Adjustments,      0648-AV34
            Measures To End Overfishing and Establish SFA Parameters..............................
265         2008 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Fishery Management            0648-AV41
            Measures..............................................................................
266         Individual Fishing Quota Omnibus V Action 2 and 4: Allow Longline Pot Gear in Bering      0648-AV64
            Sea during June; Allow Mobilized Military Personnel To Make Temporary Individual
            Fishing Quota Transfers...............................................................
267         Framework Adjustment 19 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan...........    0648-AV90
268         Amendment 89 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bering Sea; Bering Sea Habitat        0648-AW06
            Conservation Measures.................................................................
269         Revisions to Regulations for the Guided Sport Charter Vessel Fishery for Halibut in       0648-AW23
            Regulatory Area 2C....................................................................
270         Revise Regulations To Exempt Certain Groundfish Catcher-Processors and Motherships        0648-AW28
            From Check-In/Check-Out Requirements With Active Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS)......
271         Framework Adjustment 5 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan........................    0648-AW33
272         Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and      0648-AW45
            Tanner Crabs..........................................................................
273         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Renewal of Atlantic Tunas Longline Limited       0648-AW46
            Access Permits (LAPs); Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop Attendance Requirements.
274         Approval of Eliminator Trawl Gear for Special Management Programs; Northeast              0648-AW53
            Multispecies Fishery..................................................................
275         Allocation of Trips to Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder Special Access Program......    0648-AW69
276         Framework Adjustment 6 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan........................    0648-AW81
277         Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction.....................................................    0648-AS36
278         Amendment To Discharge Regulations in Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay, and           0648-AW29
            Cordell Banks National Marine Sanctuaries.............................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  National Telecommunications and Information Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
279         Rulemaking To Waive the Household Eligibility and Application Process of the Coupon       0660-AA17
            Program for Individuals Residing in Nursing Homes.....................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
280         Fiscal Year 2009 Revision of Request for Continued Examination, 18-Month Publication,     0651-AC29
            and Other Miscellaneous Cost-Recovery Patent Fees.....................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
281         Examination of Patent Applications That Include Claims Containing Alternative Language    0651-AC00
282         Fiscal Year 2009 Changes to Patent Cooperation Treaty Search Fees.....................    0651-AC28
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 71330]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions
International Trade Administration (ITA)
_______________________________________________________________________

190. COMMERCIAL AVAILABILITY OF FABRIC AND YARN

Legal Authority: PL 106-200, sec 112(b)(5)(B); PL 106-200, sec 211; EO 
13191; PL 107-210, sec 3103

Abstract: This rule implements certain provisions of the Trade and 
Development Act of 2000 (the Act). Title I of the Act (the African 
Growth and Opportunity Act or AGOA), title II of the Act (the United 
States-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act or CBTPA), and title XXXI 
of the Trade Act of 2002 (the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug 
Eradication Act or ATPDEA) provide for quota- and duty-free treatment 
for qualifying apparel products from designated beneficiary countries. 
AGOA and CBTPA authorize quota- and duty-free treatment for apparel 
articles that are both cut (or knit-to-shape) and sewn or otherwise 
assembled in one or more designated beneficiary countries from yarn or 
fabric that is not formed in the United States or a beneficiary 
country, provided it has been determined that such yarn or fabric 
cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in 
a timely manner. The President has delegated to the Committee for the 
Implementation of Textile Agreements (the Committee), which is chaired 
by Commerce, the authority to determine whether yarn or fabric cannot 
be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a 
timely manner under the AGOA, the ATPDEA, and the CBTPA, and has 
authorized the Committee to extend quota- and duty-free treatment to 
apparel of such yarn or fabric. The rule provides the procedure for 
interested parties to submit a request alleging that a yarn or fabric 
cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in 
a timely manner, the procedure for public comments, and relevant 
factors that will be considered in the Committee's determination. The 
rule also outlines the factors to be considered by the Committee in 
extending quota- and duty-free treatment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Janet Heinzen
Phone: 202 482-4006
Email: janet--heinzen@ita.doc.gov

RIN: 0625-AA59
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
____________________________________________________
191. MAXIMIZE RETENTION AND MONITORING PROGRAM IN THE SHORE-BASED 
PACIFIC WHITING FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) at 
their October 21 to 25, 1996, meeting in San Francisco, California 
addressed the treatment and disposition of salmon in the groundfish 
trawl fisheries, specifically the shore-based whiting fishery. At that 
meeting, the Pacific Council discussed the retention of salmon in the 
shore-based whiting fishery and took action to maintain a viable shore-
based whiting fishery by using exempted fishing permits (EFPs). These 
EFPs allowed the shore-based whiting fleet to temporarily deliver 
unsorted catch to processing plants and provided for the monitoring of 
incidentally taken salmon until a permanent monitoring program could be 
implemented. In keeping with the Pacific Council's recommendation, NMFS 
is proceeding with implementing a monitoring program for the shore-
based whiting fishery. This action will aid in the sustainable 
management of Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fisheries while 
providing an important economic opportunity to those associated with 
the harvest, processing, and selling of whiting taken by the shore-
based whiting fleet. The need for implementing a permanent monitoring 
program in the shore-based Pacific whiting fishery is to provide for a 
full retention fishery by enabling the shore-based whiting fleet, 
comprised exclusively of catcher vessels, to deliver unsorted catch to 
processing plants. This practice is necessary to ensure that whiting 
landings are of market quality, while abiding by Federal groundfish 
regulations and those implementing the Pacific Coast salmon and 
groundfish fishery management plans (FMPs).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AR63
_______________________________________________________________________

192. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE TILEFISH FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish 
Fishery would implement Individual Transferable Quotas in the tilefish 
fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AS25

[[Page 71331]]

_______________________________________________________________________

193. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); REDUCING SEA TURTLE TAKES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 971; 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This action would amend the regulations governing the 
Atlantic pelagic longline fishery based upon a June 1, 2004, Biological 
Opinion regarding Atlantic sea turtles. This amendment could include 
framework mechanisms that would allow the Agency to take action, such 
as partial or rolling closures or gear or effort restrictions, if the 
number of sea turtle interactions or mortalities exceed anticipated 
levels during a certain period of time. This action would not change 
established quotas for target species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           08/12/04                    69 FR 49858
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/12/04
NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AS49
_______________________________________________________________________

194. AMENDMENT TO COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGICS FMP, RED DRUM FMP, REEF 
FISH FMP, SPINY LOBSTER FMP, AND STONE CRAB FMP TO PROVIDE FOR 
REGULATION OF MARINE AQUACULTURE

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 20 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0648-AS65
_______________________________________________________________________

195. AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY; FISHING EFFORT CONTROL MEASURES TO 
COMPLEMENT INTERSTATE LOBSTER MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE ATLANTIC 
STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service announces that it is 
considering, and seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal 
American lobster regulations for the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 
associated with effort control measures as recommended for Federal 
implementation by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission 
(ASFMC) as outlined in the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (ISFMP) 
for American Lobster. This action will evaluate effort control measures 
in certain Lobster Conservation Management Areas including: Limits on 
future access based on historic participation criteria; procedures to 
allow trap transfers among qualifiers and impose a trap reduction or 
conservation tax on any trap transfers; and a trap reduction schedule 
to meet the goals of the ISFMP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/10/05                    70 FR 24495
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/09/05
NPRM                            12/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AT31
_______________________________________________________________________

196. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This action would implement a rebuilding program for 
butterfish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AT58
_______________________________________________________________________

197. BSAI AMENDMENT 73 AND GOA AMENDMENT 77 FMP TO REVISE MANAGEMENT 
AUTHORITY OF DARK ROCKFISH

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This amendment would remove dark rockfish (Sebastes ciliatus) 
from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and Gulf of Alaska 
(GOA) groundfish fishery management plans (FMP). The State of Alaska 
would then assume management of dark rockfish in the BSAI and GOA. 
Regulatory amendments are needed to implement these FMP amendments to 
remove dark rockfish from Table 2a of 50 CFR part 679 (FMP species) and 
to add dark rockfish to Table 2d of 50 CFR part 679 (non-FMP species). 
The regulations implementing Amendment 73/77 also would revise the 
scientific name and species code for dusky rockfish on Table 2a to 50 
CFR part 679.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/24/08                    73 FR 55010
NPRM Comment Period End         11/17/08
Final Action                    05/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AU20
_______________________________________________________________________

198. AMENDMENT 15 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 15 would address allocation and other issues in the 
summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries.

[[Page 71332]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AU36
_______________________________________________________________________

199. RESTRICTIONS FOR 2007 PURSE SEINE AND LONGLINE FISHERIES IN THE 
EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 951 to 961; 16 USC 971

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service announces the 2007 
conservation and management measures for international tuna fisheries 
in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The purse seine fishery will be 
closed for six-weeks and any national longline fishery which reaches a 
catch level for bigeye tuna equal to the 2001 catch levels will also be 
closed. The intended effect of this rule is to establish prohibition of 
U.S. vessels purse seine fishing for tuna in the Inter-American 
Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) Convention Area from November 20 to 
December 31 period, and to announce the closure of the U.S. longline 
fishery. This will conform to the IATTC recommendation that was 
approved by the State Department.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802
Phone: 562 980-4040

RIN: 0648-AU79
_______________________________________________________________________

200. SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY ECOSYSTEM PLAN COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The purpose of this action is to develop an ecosystem-based 
approach to resource management. The South Atlantic Council plans to 
develop a Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Comprehensive Amendment, which 
would modify all its Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). The initial 
amendment would include the following actions: (1) Various actions to 
comply with new essential fish habitat requirements; (2) establishment 
of deep water coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern, with possible 
gear limitations, such as the establishment of allowable trawl areas; 
and (3) other possible actions necessary to implement ecosystem-based 
fishery management.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08
Final Rule                      01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AV31
_______________________________________________________________________

201. MODIFYING MAXIMUM RETAINABLE AMOUNTS (MRAS) FOR SELECTED GROUNDFISH 
SPECIES CAUGHT BY THE NON-AMERICAN FISHING ACT TRAWL CATCHER PROCESSOR 
SECTOR

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service issues this action to 
amend regulations specifying the current interval of time allowed for 
determining the maximum retainable amount (MRA) of selected groundfish 
species that can be retained by non-American Fishery Act trawl catcher 
processors. This action would change MRA regulations located at 50 CFR 
679.20(e) that establish the calculation of MRAs for groundfish species 
that are closed to directed fishing by increasing the interval of time 
each vessel in this sector would have to retain the MRA specified in 
regulation for several species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. 
This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the 
Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands Management Area.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/08
NPRM Comment Period end         01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AV32
_______________________________________________________________________

202. CERTIFICATION OF NATIONS WHOSE FISHING VESSELS ARE ENGAGED IN IUU 
FISHING OR BYCATCH OF PROTECTED LIVING MARINE RESOURCES

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 21 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0648-AV51
_______________________________________________________________________

203. RULE TO IMPLEMENT A MINIMUM POSSESSION SIZE LIMIT ON SPINY LOBSTER 
(PANULIRUS ARGUS)

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The United States is a major importer of spiny lobster from 
the Caribbean, importing over 88,000 tons (over 194 million lbs) over 
the past 10 years, worth an estimated $2.27 billion dollars. The United 
States imports over 90 percent of the spiny lobster harvested in 
Brazil, Colombia, Central America and the Caribbean countries. The 
major exporters to the United States are the Bahamas, Brazil, Honduras 
and Nicaragua. All of these exporting countries have some form of 
minimum size requirement, but they are not standardized and enforcement 
is severely lacking. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries Service in coordination 
with the Caribbean, South Atlantic, and Gulf

[[Page 71333]]

of Mexico Fishery Management Councils is proposing to place a minimum 
size limit restriction on imports to curtail the flow of undersized 
lobster harvested in foreign countries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          07/26/07                    72 FR 41063
NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AV61
_______________________________________________________________________

204. COLLECTION AND USE OF TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS FROM HOLDERS OF 
AND APPLICANTS FOR NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE PERMITS

Legal Authority: 31 USC 7701; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 1361 et seq; 
16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: In conformance with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 
1996 (Debt Collection Act), the National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) will issue a rule to require that each existing holder of and 
future applicant for a permit, license, endorsement, authorization, 
transfer or like instrument issued by the agency to provide a Taxpayer 
Identification Number (TIN) (business' employer identification number 
or individual's social security number) and Date of Incorporation or 
Date of Birth, as appropriate. Under the Debt Collection Act, NMFS is 
required to collect the TIN to report on and collect any delinquent 
non-tax debt owed to the Federal Government. NMFS plans to use Date of 
Incorporation or Date of Birth information for administrative aspects 
of permitting procedures with appropriate confidentiality safeguards 
pursuant to the Privacy Act. The rule will specify (a) The particular 
uses that may be made of the reported TIN, (b) the effects, if any, of 
not providing the required information, (c) how the information will be 
used to ascertain if the permit holder or applicant owes delinquent 
non-tax debt to the Government pursuant to the Debt Collection Act, (d) 
the effects on the permit holder or applicant when such delinquent 
debts are owed, and (e) the agency's intended communications with the 
permit holder or applicant regarding the relationship of such 
delinquent debts to its permitting process and the need to resolve such 
debts as a basis for completing permit issuance or renewal. The rule 
will amend existing agency permit regulations and contain all 
appropriate modified and new collections-of-information pursuant to the 
Paperwork Reduction Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AV76
_______________________________________________________________________

205. AMERICAN LOBSTER DATA COLLECTION AND BROODSTOCK PROTECTION MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service is considering the 
implementation of management measures in the Federal lobster fishery, 
consistent with recommendations for Federal action as specified in the 
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Interstate Fishery 
Management Plan for American Lobster. These proposed management 
measures include: 100 percent mandatory dealer reporting requirements 
for Federal lobster dealers; implementation of a maximum size limit 
(maximum carapace length restriction) in several Lobster Management 
Areas (LMA); and, revision to the definition of a V-notch for 
protection of egg-bearing female lobsters in several LMAs in the 
Federal American lobster fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/19/07                    72 FR 53978
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/22/07
NPRM                            10/06/08                    73 FR 58099
NPRM Comment Period End         11/20/08
Final Rule                      02/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AV77
_______________________________________________________________________

206. GULF REEF FISH AMENDMENT 30B

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Amendment 30B addresses the findings of Gulf of Mexico red 
grouper and gag stock assessments. Red grouper is not undergoing 
overfishing and is not overfished. Gag is undergoing overfishing and 
whether gag are overfished is still being determined. This action 
incorporates both red grouper and gag management measures together as 
the measures affecting one species invariably affect the other. The 
amendment would implement management measures to increase red grouper 
total allowable catch and to end overfishing of gag. The amendment also 
proposes definitions for gag status criteria and reference points. The 
amendment also examines grouper accountability measures, closed fishing 
areas, and ways to reduce discard mortality.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          03/07/08                    73 FR 12393
NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583

[[Page 71334]]

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AV80
_______________________________________________________________________

207. AMENDMENT 3 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SPINY LOBSTER 
FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND AMENDMENT 4 TO 
THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S.

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Many species of fish in the reef fish fishery in Puerto Rico 
and the USVI are believed to be overexploited, largely due to trap 
fishing and bycatch associated with this fishery. Landings from the 
trap fishery have continuously decreased since 1990 in Puerto Rico; 
species composition has changed; and size frequency of some fish has 
decreased over the last 10 years. These effects have been attributed to 
excessive trap fishing effort, lack of compliance with trap 
construction requirements (i.e., fishers often do not use the required 
biodegradable fasteners on trap doors), use of other gears by 
commercial fishers (e.g., gill nets), and the lack of escape panels in 
traps which would allow smaller fishes to escape, resulting in high 
mortality of juveniles and a loss of long-term potential yield. Under 
current fishing practices, bycatch and the associated mortality of 
bycatch is not expected to be reduced sufficiently in the reef fish or 
spiny lobster trap fisheries. Without a reduction in bycatch, those 
stocks experiencing overfishing may become overfished, and those stocks 
overfished may not meet the goals of the rebuilding plan set forth in 
the Sustainable Fisheries Act Amendment of 2005. Therefore, the use of 
escape panels as a management tool is proposed in this amendment to 
help achieve the necessary reductions in fishing mortality among the 
species harvested by traps.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/09
NPRM Comment Perioed End        02/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AV98
_______________________________________________________________________

208. AMENDMENT 15 TO THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
PLAN: LIMITED ENTRY PROGRAM FOR THE PACIFIC WHITING FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP would 
implement a limited entry program for the Pacific whiting fishery, 
which occurs within the Exclusive Economic Zone off the coasts of 
Washington, Oregon, and California. This action would limit future 
participation in each of the three non-tribal sectors of the Pacific 
whiting fishery to those vessels with historic participation in those 
particular sectors.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AW08
_______________________________________________________________________

209. AMENDMENT 17 TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL 
SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Amendment 17 is intended to: establish management reference 
points (MSY, OY) for red snapper; establish a rebuilding plan 
(rebuilding timeframe and rebuilding strategy) for red snapper; specify 
Annual Catch Limits (ACL), Annual Catch Targets (ACT), and 
Accountability Measures (AM) for 10 species undergoing overfishing; 
specify allocations for 10 species undergoing overfishing; reconsider 
OY for 10 species undergoing overfishing; specify ABC Control Rules; 
extend the range of the snapper grouper fishery management plan north 
through the Mid-Atlantic Council's area of authority; promote fair and 
equitable regulations in the commercial fishery for snowy grouper; and 
modify management measures to ensure future catch is equal to or below 
the ACL.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW11
_______________________________________________________________________

210. AMENDMENT 15B TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL 
SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Amendment 15B would assess the practicability of prohibiting 
the sale of recreationally caught fish; assess the practicability of 
changes to the renewal period on commercial snapper grouper permits; 
assess the practicability of allowing one-to-one transfer of commercial 
permits from an individual to a family-held corporation; implement a 
plan to monitor and assess bycatch; implement measures to minimize the 
impacts of incidental take on sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish; 
update management reference points for golden tilefish; and define 
allocation for snowy grouper and black sea bass.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

[[Page 71335]]

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW12
_______________________________________________________________________

211. AMENDMENT 2 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE QUEEN CONCH 
FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: St. Croix queen conch landings by commercial fishermen alone 
have exceeded sustainable harvest levels since the 2000 to 2001 fishing 
season. In 2005 to 2006 the commercial harvest was over four times 
sustainable levels. Additionally, there is an unknown but significant 
recreational harvest. Overfishing of queen conch has led to resource 
collapse in other regions and in some cases, long-term resource loss. 
According to the NMFS Report on the Status of the U.S. Fisheries for 
2006, queen conch is overfished and undergoing overfishing. Under 
current fishing practices, reductions in mortality are not expected to 
be sufficient in the queen conch fishery. Without a reduction in 
mortality, queen conch are not expected to achieve the rebuilding goals 
established in the Sustainable Fisheries Amendment of 2005. Therefore, 
a change in fishing practices is needed to help achieve the necessary 
reductions in queen conch fishing mortality.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                10/11/07                    72 FR 58057
NPRM                            11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW15
_______________________________________________________________________

212. AMENDMENT 7 TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC SHRIMP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) in 
conjunction with NMFS intends to prepare a DEIS to assess the impacts 
on the natural and human environment of the management measures 
proposed in its draft Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) 
for the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. Options will 
address the 15,000-pound landings requirement for permits, permits that 
may have been lost due to not meeting the 15,000-pound requirement or 
failure to renew the limited entry permit, and requirements for all 
shrimp permit holders to provide economic data if selected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW19
_______________________________________________________________________

213. MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT STRANDING REGULATION REVISIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1379; 16 USC 1382; 16 USC 1421

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering 
proposing changes to its implementing regulations (50 CFR section 216) 
governing the taking of stranded marine mammals under section 109(h), 
section 112(c), and title IV of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and is 
soliciting public comment to better inform the process. NMFS intends 
clarify the requirements and procedures for responding to stranded 
marine mammals and for determining the disposition of rehabilitated 
marine mammals, which includes the procedures for the placement of non-
releasable animals and for authorizing the retention of releasable 
rehabilitated marine mammals for scientific research, enhancement, or 
public display. This action will be analyzed under the National 
Environmental Policy Act with an Environmental Assessment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/31/08                     73 FR 5786
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/31/08
NPRM                            11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: David Cottingham, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Email: david.cottingham@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW22
_______________________________________________________________________

214. REVISE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE NORTH PACIFIC GROUNDFISH OBSERVER 
PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 118 Stat 110; 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 
16 USC 3631 et seq; PL 108-199

Abstract: This rulemaking would revise Federal regulations relevant to 
numerous administrative and procedural requirements applicable to 
observer providers, observers, and industry participating in the North 
Pacific Groundfish Observer Program. Specifically, the proposed actions 
would: Modify the current permit issuance process so that observer and 
observer provider permit issuance is a discretionary National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS) decision; amend current Federal regulations 
addressing observer behavior involving drugs, alcohol, and physical 
sexual conduct to remove NMFS oversight of observer behavior that does 
not affect job performance; require that observer providers submit 
policies related to these activities and continue to notify NMFS upon 
learning of an incident; revise Federal regulations so that observer 
providers are allowed to provide observers or technical staff for 
purposes of exempted fishing permits, scientific research permits, or 
other scientific research activities; revise the definition of 
``fishing day'' in Federal regulations; require observer providers to 
annually submit detailed economic information to NMFS; specify a date 
by which observers who have collected

[[Page 71336]]

data in the previous fishing year would be required to be available for 
debriefing; and implement housekeeping issues related to errors or 
clarifications in existing regulations at 50 CFR 679.50.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AW24
_______________________________________________________________________

215. AMENDMENT 3 TO THE NORTHEAST SKATE COMPLEX FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Amendment 3 is intended to address the overfished status of 
winter and thorny skates, and prevent other skate species in the 
complex from becoming overfished. It will establish a rebuilding 
program for winter skate, and modify the Skate FMP to reduce fishing 
mortality on the entire skate complex.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period end         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AW30
_______________________________________________________________________

216. FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; WESTERN PACIFIC PELAGIC 
FISHERIES; AMENDMENT 18 TO THE PELAGICS FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN; 
SHALLOW-SET LONGLINE SWORDFISH FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The Hawaii-based shallow-set longline fishery currently 
operates under regulations that limit fishing effort and interactions 
with sea turtles. This action would increase fishing opportunities, 
while continuing to protected turtles and other protected resources.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AW49
_______________________________________________________________________

217. ESTABLISH A PERMIT FEE COLLECTION FRAMEWORK UNDER THE FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR U.S. WEST COAST FISHERIES FOR HIGHLY MIGRATORY 
SPECIES (HMS FMP)

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action would establish the authority to collect permit 
fees under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries 
for Highly Migratory Species. This rule would amend the FMP regulations 
under 50 CFR 660.707 to establish a permit fee collection framework for 
HMS commercial and recreational charter vessels operating off the West 
Coast. The action is consistent with and implements elements of the 
NMFS Permit Fee National Policy Directive 30-120.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Craig Heberer, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 West 
Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 760 431-9440
Fax: 562 980-4047
Email: craig.heberer@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW50
_______________________________________________________________________

218. FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; COMPENSATION TO NORTHWESTERN 
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS BOTTOMFISH AND LOBSTER FISHERMEN DUE TO FISHERY CLOSURE 
IN THE PAPAHANAUMOKUAKEA MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT

Legal Authority: PL 110-161

Abstract: The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 authorizes the 
Secretary of Commerce to provide compensation to bottomfish and lobster 
fishery participants who will be displaced by the 2011 fishery closure 
resulting from the establishment by Presidential Proclamation of the 
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Northwestern Hawaiian 
Islands. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (designee of the 
Secretary) is required to promulgate regulations to implement a 
voluntary capacity reduction program that: (1) Identifies eligible 
participants as those individuals holding Federal fishing permits for 
lobster or bottomfish in the designated waters within the monument, (2) 
provides a mechanism to compensate eligible participants for no more 
than the economic value of their permits, and (3) at the option of each 
eligible permit holder, provides an optional mechanism for additional 
compensation based on the value of the fishing vessel and gear of 
eligible participants who decide to receive these additional funds, 
provided that the vessels of such participants will not be used for 
fishing. For this purpose, $6,697,500 is authorized to be appropriated 
to the NMFS for FY 2008.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

[[Page 71337]]

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AW52
_______________________________________________________________________

219. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> AMENDMENT 16 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
THE SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The need for action through Amendment 16 is to end 
overfishing of gag and vermilion snapper. Species in the fishery 
management unit are assessed on a routine basis and stock status may 
change as new information becomes available. In addition, changes in 
management regulations, fishing techniques, and social/economic 
structure can result in shifts in the percentage of harvest between 
user groups over time. More specifically, these proposed actions for 
gag and vermilion snapper would: Implement measures to end overfishing 
of gag and vermilion snapper; allow the Regional Administrator to make 
adjustments to commercial and recreational management measures based on 
the reduction in harvest needed to achieve yield at Foy pending the 
outcome of a new benchmark assessment for vermillion snapper; specify 
the total allowable catch and define interim allocations for gag and 
vermilion snapper; update management reference points for gag and 
vermilion snapper; and reduce bycatch of snapper grouper species.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Availability of DEIS  04/25/08                    73 FR 22365
NPRM                            02/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW64
_______________________________________________________________________

220. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC 
SHARK MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This rule would evaluate the management measures for small 
coastal sharks (SCS) based on the results of the 2007 SCS stock 
assessment. This rulemaking could consider, among other things, 
commercial quotas and trip limits, recreational minimum size and bag 
limits, time/area closures, and the public display quota. In addition, 
this rule would implement a rebuilding plan for blacknose sharks. To 
the extent that blacknose sharks are caught in fisheries that are not 
targeted highly migratory species fisheries, the National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS) will work with the appropriate Regional 
Fishery Management Council, Interstate Commission, and States to 
implement regulations through their processes to rebuild blacknose 
sharks. This action is necessary in light of recent stock assessments, 
which have determined that blacknose sharks are overfished with 
overfishing occurring. As needed, this rule may include others items to 
clarify existing regulations. This action is not significant under the 
meaning of E.O. 12866 since it is below the economic threshold of 
impact and has no novel policy issues associated with it. Additionally, 
NMFS does not anticipate that major changes to shark management will 
occur as a result of this action.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-0234
Email: margo.schulze-haugen@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW65
_______________________________________________________________________

221. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> AMENDMENT 4 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The goal of Amendment 4 is to improve catch monitoring and 
ensure compliance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) of 2006. The proposed objectives 
of Amendment 4 are as follows: To implement measures to improve the 
long-term monitoring of catch (landings and bycatch) in the herring 
fishery; to implement Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability 
Measures (AMs) consistent with the MSRA; to implement other management 
measures as necessary to ensure compliance with the new provisions of 
the MSRA; to develop a sector allocation process or other Limited 
Access Privilege Program (LAPP) for the herring fishery; and in the 
context of the previous objectives, to consider the health of the 
herring resource and the important role of herring as a forage fish and 
predator fish throughout.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          05/08/08                    73 FR 26082
Notice Comment Period End       06/30/08
NPRM                            11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AW75
_______________________________________________________________________

222. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> INTERIM ACTION TO REDUCE FISHING MORTALITY AND 
MAINTAIN STOCK REBUILDING; NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The Fishery Management Plan (FMP) requires fishing mortality 
reductions to be implemented May 1, 2009, as a part of the rebuilding 
plan specified under Amendment 13 to the FMP, and if additional 
reductions in fishing mortality are necessary as a result of stock 
assessments that will occur in August 2008. The New England Fishery 
Management Council is currently developing Amendment 16 to the FMP 
that, if approved, would implement management measures to achieve the 
necessary fishing mortality

[[Page 71338]]

reductions to meet the required objectives of the FMP, as well as other 
extensive modifications to the FMP. However, due to the scope and 
complexity of Amendment 16, it is likely that the development of the 
Amendment may be behind schedule and not be implemented by May 1, 2009. 
Therefore, due to the need to meet the rebuilding goals of the FMP by 
May 1, 2009, an interim action is being developed by NOAA's National 
Marine Fisheries Service. This interim action would be more narrow in 
scope than Amendment 16 and focus on the required adjustments to the 
FMP, and include a measure that would provide flexibility to the 
industry and mitigate negative economic impacts. This action would 
remain in effect until Amendment 16 is implemented, which is expected 
no later than May 1, 2010.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AW87
_______________________________________________________________________

223. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> HALIBUT CHARTER VESSEL MORATORIUM

Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 to 773k

Abstract: This action would implement a moratorium on the entry of 
additional charter vessels into the guided sport fishery for Pacific 
halibut in waters of International Pacific Halibut Commission 
regulatory areas 2C (Southeast Alaska) and 3A (Central Gulf of Alaska). 
If approved, this moratorium would limit the number of charter vessels 
that may participate in the guided sport fishery for halibut in these 
areas. The National Marine Fisheries Service would issue a moratorium 
permit to a licensed charter vessel fishing business owner based on his 
or her past participation in the charter vessel fishery for halibut and 
to a Community Quota Entity representing specific rural communities. 
All moratorium permit holders would be subject to limits on the number 
of permits they could hold and on the number of charter vessel anglers 
who could catch and retain halibut on the permitted charter vessel. 
This action is proposed to achieve the halibut fishery management goals 
of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. The intended effect is 
to curtail growth of fishing capacity in the guided sport fishery for 
halibut.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/09
Final Action                    03/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AW92
_______________________________________________________________________

224. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ALLOWABLE MODIFICATIONS TO THE TURTLE EXCLUDER 
DEVICE (TED) REQUIREMENTS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to revise the 
turtle excluder device (TED) requirements to allow new materials and 
modifications to existing approved TED designs. Specifically, proposed 
allowable modifications include the use of flat bar, box pipe, and oval 
pipe for use in currently-approved TED grids; an increase in mesh size 
on escape flaps from 1-5/8 inches to 2 inches; the use of the Boone 
single straight cut and triangular escape openings; specifications on 
the use of TED grid brace bars; and the use of the Chauvin Shrimp 
Kicker to improve shrimp retention.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Michael Barnette, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 551-5794

RIN: 0648-AW93
_______________________________________________________________________

225. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> SEABIRD AVOIDANCE REQUIREMENTS REVISIONS FOR 
HOOK-AND-LINE VESSELS IN INTERNATIONAL PACIFIC HALIBUT COMMISSION 
REGULATORY AREA 4E

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service takes this action to 
revise the seabird avoidance regulations for the hook-and-line fishery 
for groundfish and halibut in the International Pacific Halibut 
Commission regulatory area 4E of the Bering Sea. This action would 
eliminate seabird avoidance requirements for hook-and-line vessels less 
than or equal to 55 feet length overall in portions of Area 4E. This 
action is necessary to revise seabird avoidance regulations based on 
the latest scientific information regarding the location of seabirds 
and fishing activities and to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and 
associated costs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08
Final Rule                      01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AW94
_______________________________________________________________________

226. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> REGULATORY AMENDMENT (#3) TO CORRECT AND CLARIFY 
AMENDMENT 13 AND SUBSEQUENT FRAMEWORKS OF THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This action would make corrections and clarifications to the 
final rule implementing Amendment 13 to the Northeast Multispecies 
Fishery Management Plan, as well as subsequent groundfish actions. 
These

[[Page 71339]]

corrections are administrative in nature and are intended to correct 
inaccurate references and other inadvertent errors and to clarify 
specific regulations to maintain consistency with the intent of 
Amendment 13 and subsequent actions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AW95
_______________________________________________________________________

227. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> AMENDMENT 28 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRAB

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1862; PL 109-241; PL 109-479

Abstract: This action would implement Amendment 28 to the Fishery 
Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner 
Crabs to allow unlimited post-delivery transfers of shares to cover 
overages within the crab fishing year ending June 30. Under the crab 
rationalization program, harvesters receive annual allocations of 
individual fishing quota that provide an exclusive privilege to harvest 
a specific number of pounds of crab from a fishery. Any harvest in 
excess of an individual fishing quota allocation is a regulatory 
violation punishable by confiscation of crab or other penalties. 
Precisely estimating of catch at sea during the fishery is difficult 
and costly due to variation in size of crab, and sorting and 
measurement requirements. Overages can result from inadvertent mistakes 
by participants attempting to accurately estimate catch. A provision 
allowing for post-delivery transfer of individual fishing quota to 
cover overages could reduce the number of inadvertent violations, 
allowing for more complete harvest of allocations, and reduce 
enforcement costs without increasing the risk of over harvest of 
allocations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/08
Final Rule                      01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AW97
_______________________________________________________________________

228. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> AMENDMENT 11 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, 
BUTTERFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 11 may consider: (1) Limited access in the Atlantic 
mackerel (mackerel) fishery; (2) implementation of annual catch limits 
(ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for mackerel and butterfish 
required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSRA); (3) updating of the description and 
identification of essential fish habitat (EFH) for all life stages of 
mackerel, Loligo squid, Illex squid, and butterfish (including gear 
impacts on Loligo squid egg EFH); and (4) possible limitations on at-
sea processing of mackerel.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                08/11/08                    73 FR 46590
NPRM                            06/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AX05
_______________________________________________________________________

229. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; 2009 NORTH 
AND SOUTH ATLANTIC COMMERCIAL QUOTAS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This rule would establish the 2009 fishing season quotas for 
North and South Atlantic swordfish based on recent updated landings 
information and recommendations from the 2008 annual meeting of the 
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas 
(ICCAT). This rule is necessary to ensure that current swordfish quotas 
account for underharvests and reserve transfer from the 2008 fishing 
year, consistent with regulations at 50 CFR part 635 and ICCAT 
recommendations that establish the U.S. North and South Atlantic 
swordfish allocations. This proposed rule may also include other minor 
regulatory clarifications.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-0234
Email: margo.schulze-haugen@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AX07
_______________________________________________________________________

230. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); 2009 
ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This rule would set Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota 
specifications and seasonal management measures for the 2009 fishing 
year (January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009), and amend the BFT 
regulations. This action would implement the U.S. annual BFT quota as 
recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of 
Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and allocate that quota among the domestic 
fishing categories. The seasonal management measures would set daily 
retention limits and their duration for both the General and Angling 
categories. The annual specification process is set forth in current 
regulations implemented under the Consolidated Highly Migratory Species 
Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Other BFT regulatory

[[Page 71340]]

amendments would be made within the framework procedures of the FMP.
As ICCAT meets in November of the prior year, the rulemaking process 
needs to be performed expeditiously in order to publish the measures as 
soon as possible in the 2009 fishing year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/09
Final Action                    03/00/09
Final Action Effective          04/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AX12
_______________________________________________________________________

231. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> AMENDMENT 92 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
BERING SEA/ALEUTIAN ISLANDS GROUNDFISH AND AMENDMENT 82 TO THE FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GULF OF ALASKA GROUNDFISH

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendments 92/82 would remove trawl gear endorsements on 
licenses issued under the license limitation program in specific 
management areas if those licenses have not been used on vessels that 
meet minimum recent landing requirements using trawl gear. This action 
would provide exemptions to this requirement for licenses that are used 
in trawl fisheries subject to quota-based management. This action would 
issue new area endorsements for trawl catcher vessels in the Aleutian 
Islands if minimum recent landing requirements in the Aleutian Islands 
were met. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives 
of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the 
FMPs, and other applicable law.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
Final Action                    01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AX14
_______________________________________________________________________

232. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> 2009 ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH 
SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action would establish 2009 specifications and 
management measures for the MSB fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AX16
_______________________________________________________________________

233. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ONE-FISH DAILY BAG LIMIT FOR THE GUIDED SPORT 
CHARTER VESSEL FISHERY FOR HALIBUT IN REGULATORY AREA 2C

Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 to 773K

Abstract: The regulatory action would implement a one-fish daily bag 
limit to reduce the charter halibut fishery harvest in Area 2C to the 
guideline harvest limit.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AX17
_______________________________________________________________________

234. PROTECTIVE REGULATIONS FOR KILLER WHALES IN THE NORTHWEST REGION 
UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AND MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq; 16 USC 1531 to 1543

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering 
whether to propose regulations to protect killer whales (Orcinus orca) 
in the Pacific Northwest. The Southern Resident killer whale distinct 
population segment (DPS) was listed as endangered under the Endangered 
Species Act (ESA) on November 18, 2005 (70 FR 69903). In the final rule 
announcing the listing, NMFS identified vessel effects, including 
direct interference and sound, as a potential contributing factor in 
the recent decline of this population. Both the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act (MMPA) and the ESA prohibit take, including harassment, 
of killer whales, but these statutes do not prohibit specified acts. 
NMFS is now considering whether to propose regulations that would 
prohibit certain acts, under our general authorities under the ESA and 
MMPA and their implementing regulations. The Proposed Recovery Plan for 
Southern Resident killer whales (71 FR 69101; November 29, 2006) 
includes as a management action the evaluation of current guidelines 
and the need for regulations and/or protected areas. The scope of this 
ANPR encompasses the activities of any person or conveyance that may 
result in the unauthorized taking of killer whales and/or that may 
cause detrimental individual-level and population-level impacts. NMFS 
requests comments on whether--and if so, what type of--conservation 
measures, regulations, and, if necessary, other measures would be 
appropriate to protect killer whales from the effects of these 
activities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/22/07                    72 FR 13464
NPRM Comment Period End         04/23/07
Second NPRM                     12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

[[Page 71341]]

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AV15
_______________________________________________________________________

235. DESIGNATION OF CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE ENDANGERED U.S. DISTINCT 
POPULATION SEGMENT (DPS) OF SMALLTOOTH SAWFISH

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: This action would designate critical habitat for the U.S. DPS 
of smalltooth sawfish, which was listed as endangered on April 1, 2003. 
The designation would be located in Florida, within the current 
geographic range of the species. Comments from the public on the 
proposal, including information on the economic impacts, national 
security, and other relevant documents, as well as the benefits to the 
species from the designation will be solicited during a 60-day comment 
period. A draft economic analysis and Section 4(b)(2) report will be 
conducted in support of this proposed rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Shelley L. Norton, Smalltooth Sawfish and Johnson's 
Seagrass Coordinator, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 253 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 
33701
Phone: 727 551-5781
Fax: 727 524-5309
Email: shelley.norton@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AV74
_______________________________________________________________________

236. MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT PERMIT REGULATION REVISIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1374

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering 
proposing changes to its implementing regulations (50 CFR part 216) 
governing the issuance of permits for scientific research and 
enhancement activities under Section 104 of the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act and is soliciting public comment to better inform the 
process. NMFS intends to streamline and clarify general permitting 
requirements and requirements for scientific research and enhancement 
permits, simplify procedures for transferring marine mammal parts, 
possibly apply the General Authorization (GA) to research activities 
involving Level A harassment of non-endangered marine mammals, and 
implement a `permit application cycle' for application submission and 
processing of all marine mammal permits. NMFS intends to write 
regulations for marine mammal photography permits and is considering 
whether this activity should be covered by the GA. Any recommendations 
received in response to this advance notice of proposed rulemaking 
regarding regulations at 50 CFR part 216 will be considered prior to 
proposed rulemaking.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/13/07                    72 FR 52339
Comment Period Extended to 
December 13, 2007               10/15/07                    72 FR 58279
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/13/07
NPRM                            07/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AV82
_______________________________________________________________________

237. RULEMAKING TO ESTABLISH TAKE PROHIBITIONS FOR THE THREATENED 
SOUTHERN DISTINCT POPULATION SEGMENT OF NORTH AMERICAN GREEN STURGEON

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543

Abstract: Under section 4(d) of the Federal Endangered Species Act 
(ESA), the Secretary of Commerce is required to adopt such regulations 
as he deems necessary and advisable for the conservation of species 
listed as threatened. This rulemaking would establish an ESA 4(d) rule 
representing regulations that NMFS believes necessary and advisable to 
conserve the threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North 
American green sturgeon (Southern DPS of green sturgeon). The 4(d) rule 
would apply the prohibitions listed under ESA section 9(a)(1)(A) and 
9(a)(1)(D) through 9(a)(1)(G) for the Southern DPS and apply ESA 
section 9(a)(1)(B) and (a)(1)(C) prohibitions (called the ``take 
prohibitions'') to specific activities that take Southern DPS fish or 
alter its habitat in a manner detrimental to the continued existence of 
the species. The 4(d) rule would include exceptions to the take 
prohibitions for activities conducted in a way that NMFS deems adequate 
to protect or conserve the Southern DPS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Marta Nammack, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 427-2523
Email: marta.nammack@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AV94
_______________________________________________________________________

238. HARBOR PORPOISE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service is preparing a proposed 
rule to reduce the number of harbor porpoise taken in sink gillnet 
fisheries in the Gulf of Maine and Mid-Atlantic. The Harbor Porpoise 
Take Reduction Plan implemented measures to reduce the incidental 
capture of harbor porpoises in sink gillnets to below the stock's 
Potential Biological Removal level (PBR) in 1999. Measures include: 
management areas in which deterrent devices (pingers) are required on 
gillnets; gear modifications; and seasonal closures. Between 2001 and 
2005, incidental takes of harbor porpoise showed an increasing trend, 
and currently takes exceed PBR. The proposed rule will implement 
measures developed through discussions with the Harbor Porpoise Take 
Reduction Team,

[[Page 71342]]

which was reconvened in 2007 when it was clear that existing measures 
were not sufficient to keep porpoise bycatch to below PBR. For the Gulf 
of Maine, this action would expand pinger use in Massachusetts Bay to 
include November; establish Stellwagen Bank Management Area, requiring 
pingers November to May; establish Coastal Gulf of Maine Consequence 
Closure Area and require closure in October and November only if, after 
the most current two years, the average bycatch rate exceeds the 
trigger rate of .031, identified from observed compliant boats from the 
Mid-Coast, Massachusetts Bay, and Stellwagen Bank Management Areas; 
create Southern New England Management Area (includes current Cape Cod 
South Management Area); require pingers from December to May; establish 
Cape Cod South Expansion and Eastern Cape Cod Consequence Closure 
Areas; and require closure from February to April only if, after the 
most current two years, the average bycatch rate exceeds the trigger 
rate of 0.023, identified from observed compliant vessels fishing in 
the Southern New England Management Area. For the Mid Atlantic, this 
action would establish Mudhole South Management Area. Close from 
February 1 to March 15; and modify tie-down requirement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/09
Final Action                    06/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Melissa Andersen, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Email: melissa.andersen@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW51
_______________________________________________________________________

239. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> RULEMAKING TO DESIGNATE CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE 
GULF OF MAINE DISTINCT POPULATION SEGMENT OF ATLANTIC SALMON

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: Under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the 
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) shall designate critical habitat for 
species listed as threatened or endangered. This rulemaking would 
designate critical habitat in 45 specific areas occupied by Atlantic 
salmon at the time of listing that comprise approximately 203,781 km of 
perennial river, stream, and estuary habitat and 868 square km of lake 
habitat within the range of the Gulf of Maine's distinct population 
segment and on which are found those physical and biological features 
essential to the conservation of the species. A draft economic 
analysis, biological report, and ESA section 4(b)(2) analysis report in 
support of the proposed rulemaking will be available for public review 
and comment. We solicit comments from the public regarding the proposed 
rulemaking, including comments on economic, national security, or other 
relevant impacts, as well as the benefits of the designation to Gulf of 
Maine Atlantic salmon.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/05/08                    73 FR 51747
NPRM Comment Period End         11/04/08
NPRM Comment Period End Extended12/05/08
Final Action                    02/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332
Fax: 301 427-2520
Email: jim.lecky@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW77
_______________________________________________________________________

240. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> RULEMAKING TO DESIGNATE CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE 
THREATENED SOUTHERN DISTINCT POPULATION SEGMENT OF NORTH AMERICAN GREEN 
STURGEON

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: Under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the 
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) shall designate critical habitat for 
species listed as threatened or endangered. This rulemaking would 
designate critical habitat for the threatened Southern Distinct 
Population Segment of North American green sturgeon (Southern DPS), 
including: the Sacramento River, lower Feather River, and lower Yuba 
River in California; the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Suisun, San 
Pablo, and San Francisco Bays in California; certain coastal bays and 
estuaries in California, Oregon, and Washington; and coastal marine 
waters within 110 m depth off California, Oregon, and Washington. A 
draft economic analysis, biological report, and ESA section 4(b)(2) 
analysis report in support of the proposed rulemaking will be available 
for public review and comment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/08/08                    73 FR 52084
NPRM Comment Period End         12/22/08
Final Action                    06/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332
Fax: 301 427-2520
Email: jim.lecky@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AX04
_______________________________________________________________________

241. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> RULE TO REVISE LEATHERBACK CRITICAL HABITAT

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service announces a rule to 
revise leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) critical habitat under 
the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The leatherback is 
currently listed as endangered throughout its range, and critical 
habitat consists of Sandy Point Beach and adjacent waters, St. Croix, 
U.S. Virgin Islands. This rule would revise critical habitat to include 
waters along the U.S. West Coast.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Therese Conant, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1431

[[Page 71343]]

Fax: 301 713-0376

RIN: 0648-AX06
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
____________________________________________________
242. REQUIRE MANDATORY OBSERVER COVERAGE IN THE AT-SEA PROCESSING SECTOR 
OF THE WHITING FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This action amends the regulations implementing the Pacific 
Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to provide for a mandatory, 
vessel-financed observer program on at-sea processing vessels.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/10/03                    68 FR 53334
NPRM Comment Period End         10/10/03
Interim Final Rule              06/07/04                    69 FR 31751
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/07/04
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, Northwest 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426

RIN: 0648-AK26
_______________________________________________________________________

243. REVISIONS TO THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ACTIVITY, EXEMPTED FISHING, 
AND EXEMPTED EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service amends the regulations 
at 50 CFR 600.745. The action is intended to provide clearer guidance 
to the public for obtaining appropriate acknowledgments and permits and 
to facilitate the timely conduct of research to address bycatch and 
habitat issues in the fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/21/07                    72 FR 72657
NPRM Comment Period Extended    03/18/08                    73 FR 14428
NPRM Comment Period End         03/20/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended End04/04/08
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AR78
_______________________________________________________________________

244. WESTERN PACIFIC SQUID FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This action would designate pelagic squid as a management 
unit species under the Western Pacific Pelagics Fishery Management 
Plan, and establish permitting and reporting requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice Of Availability          08/11/08                    73 FR 46581
NPRM                            08/28/08                    73 FR 50751
Notice Comment Period End       10/10/08
NPRM Comment Period End         10/14/08
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AS71
_______________________________________________________________________

245. AMENDMENT 14 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER-GROUPER 
FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 14 would establish a series of 8 Type II Marine 
Protected Areas (MPAs) in Federal waters in the South Atlantic. The 
MPAs range in size from 8 square nautical miles to 150 square nautical 
miles, and would be distributed from North Carolina south to the 
Florida Keys. Within the MPAs, fishing for, or retention of, species in 
the snapper grouper management complex would be prohibited, as would 
the use of shark bottom longline fishing gear. Trolling for pelagic 
species such as tuna, dolphin, and mackerel would be allowed within the 
MPAs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          07/20/06                    71 FR 41207
Notice Of Availability          06/06/08                    73 FR 32281
NPRM                            07/16/08                    73 FR 40824
NPRM Comment Period End         08/15/08
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AU28
_______________________________________________________________________

246. FRAMEWORK 4 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MONKFISH

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This framework adjustment would establish target TACs of 
5,000 mt and 5,100 mt for the Northern Fishery Management Area (NFMA) 
and Southern Fishery Management Area (SFMA), respectively, for the 
final 3 years of the rebuilding plan (FY 2007

[[Page 71344]]

to FY 2009), unless otherwise modified by the Monkfish Monitoring 
Committee (MFMC) during their annual review process. Essentially, this 
framework adjustment would remove the Framework 2 control rule and 
replace it with target TACs that were developed based upon an analysis 
conducted by the Monkfish Plan Development Team (PDT). This framework 
would also implement monkfish Days-at-Sea requirements for vessels 
fishing in the NFMA, and addresses other minor issues raised by 
industry.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule and Proposed 
Interim Rule                    03/20/07                    72 FR 13069
Comment Period End              04/19/07
Interim Final Rule              04/27/07                    72 FR 20952
Interim Final Rule              09/21/07                    72 FR 53942
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/22/07
Final Action                    12/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AU34
_______________________________________________________________________

247. REVISION TO ALLOWABLE BYCATCH REDUCTION DEVICES FOR THE GULF OF 
MEXICO SHRIMP FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: In accordance with the framework procedures for adjusting 
management measures of the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp 
Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), the National Marine Fisheries 
Service proposes to decertify the expanded mesh bycatch reduction 
device (BRD), the Gulf fisheye BRD, and to revise the allowable 
configuration of the fisheye BRD for use in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp 
fishery. The intended effect of this rule is to improve bycatch 
reduction in the shrimp fishery and better meet the requirements of 
national standard 9.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/03/08                    73 FR 31669
NPRM Comment Period End         07/03/08
Comment Period Extended         07/07/08                    73 FR 38387
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AV14
_______________________________________________________________________

248. MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT (MSRA) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURE

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 24 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0648-AV53
_______________________________________________________________________

249. GUIDANCE FOR ANNUAL CATCH LIMITS AND ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES TO END 
OVERFISHING

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 25 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0648-AV60
_______________________________________________________________________

250. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR DOMESTIC FISHERIES; SPECIFICATIONS FOR 
BOARDING LADDERS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 2431 et seq; 16 USC 
3636(b); 16 USC 5501 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 951 to 961; 16 
USC 973 to 973r; 16 USC 971 et seq

Abstract: This regulation would require domestic fishing vessels to 
have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved pilot ladder on board as a safer means 
for authorized personnel to board the vessels in carrying out their 
duties under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act, the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act and other applicable laws. This 
action is necessary to provide for the safety of personnel boarding 
domestic fishing vessels, as current standards have proven to be 
inadequate. This action would establish a safer and more enforceable 
national standard for ladders used by authorized officers for boarding 
domestic fishing vessels subject to Federal regulation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/11/07                    72 FR 70286
NPRM Comment Period End         01/10/08
Second NPRM                     01/25/08                     73 FR 4514
Second NPRM Comment Period End  02/25/08
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AV78
_______________________________________________________________________

251. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> AMENDMENT 27 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
BERING SEA/ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 27 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) would amend 
the FMP to allow processors to modify use caps that limit the amount of 
individual processor quota (IPQ) shares that may be used by persons 
processing crab. Specifically, Amendment 27 would allow persons holding 
IPQ shares to process their crab at processing facilities they do not 
own through contractual arrangements with the facility owners to have 
their crab custom processed at that facility. Any crab processed under 
such a custom processing arrangement would not be applied against the 
IPQ use cap of the facility owners. This action is intended to promote 
the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable law.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/19/08                    73 FR 54346

[[Page 71345]]

NPRM Comment Period End         11/03/09
Final Rule                      01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AW73
_______________________________________________________________________

252. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> REFERENDUM PROCEDURES FOR A POTENTIAL GULF OF 
MEXICO GROUPER AND TILEFISH INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA (IFQ) PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Grouper and tilefish species in the Gulf of Mexico are 
managed under the reef fish fishery management plan. Past management 
practices under the plan have contributed to overcapitalization in 
these fisheries, which the Council now seeks to address. The Council is 
considering an IFQ program to further control effort in the commercial 
grouper and tilefish fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. Under the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act), NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service must conduct a 
referendum to determine whether an IFQ program, as ultimately 
developed, should be submitted to the Secretary of Commerce for review, 
approval, and implementation. This proposed rule would provide 
potential referendum participants information concerning the schedule, 
procedures, and eligibility requirements for participating in the 
referendum. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to implement 
the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act for implementing an IFQ 
program in the Gulf of Mexico.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/04/08                    73 FR 51617
NPRM Comment Period End         10/06/08
Final Rule                      01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW85
_______________________________________________________________________

253. PROVIDE REGULATIONS FOR PERMITS FOR CAPTURE, TRANSPORT, IMPORT, AND 
EXPORT OF PROTECTED SPECIES FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY, AND FOR MAINTAINING A 
CAPTIVE MARINE MAMMAL INVENTORY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1372(c)

Abstract: This rule will revise and simplify criteria and procedures 
specific to permits for taking, transporting, importing, and exporting 
protected species for public display and provide convenient formats for 
reporting marine mammal captive holdings and transports as required by 
amendments made in 1994 to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/03/01                    66 FR 35209
NPRM Comment Period Extended    08/22/01                    66 FR 44109
NPRM Comment Period End         09/04/01
Comment Period Extended         11/02/01
Final Action                    07/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Tanya Dobrzynski, Marine Resource Manager, Office of 
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2289

RIN: 0648-AH26
_______________________________________________________________________

254. VIRGINIA MODIFIED POUND NET LEADER INSPECTION PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: With this action, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) issues a rule to implement an inspection program for modified 
pound net leaders in the Virginia waters of the mainstem Chesapeake 
Bay. Previous regulations (71 FR 36024, June 23, 2006) required 
modified pound net leaders in a portion of the Virginia Chesapeake Bay 
from May 6 to July 15 each year, and this action would ensure that 
leaders used in that area do in fact meet the definition of a modified 
pound net leader. To comply with the inspection program, a pound net 
fisherman intending to set a modified leader must call NMFS to arrange 
for an inspection meeting. Then, the fisherman must meet NMFS and allow 
for the inspection of his or her gear to ensure the modified leader 
meets the definition of a modified pound net leader, as described in 
the regulations. The purpose of this action is to help protect 
threatened and endangered sea turtles, while enabling fishermen to use 
leaders, an important component of pound net gear, during the regulated 
period.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/01/07                     72 FR 9297
NPRM Comment Period End         04/02/07
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Carrie Upite, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One 
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9300
Email: carrie.upite@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AU98
_______________________________________________________________________

255. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES; DESIGNATION OF CRITICAL HABITAT 
FOR ELKHORN AND STAGHORN CORALS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1544

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to designate 
critical habitat for elkhorn and staghorn corals, which we recently 
listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Areas 
proposed for designation will be within the current geographic ranges 
of these species that are under U.S. jurisdiction, including areas in 
Southeast Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Comments 
from the public on all aspects of the proposal, including information 
on the economic, national security, and other

[[Page 71346]]

relevant impacts of the proposed designation, as well as the benefits 
to elkhorn and staghorn corals from designation will be solicited 
during a 60-day comment period. A draft economic analysis and Section 
4(b)(2) report will be conducted in support of this proposal.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/06/08                     73 FR 6895
Correction                      03/06/08                    73 FR 12068
NPRM Comment Period End         05/06/08
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Marta Nammack, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 427-2523
Email: marta.nammack@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AV35
_______________________________________________________________________

256. ATLANTIC PELAGIC LONGLINE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

Abstract: With this action, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
implements the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan in order 
to reduce serious injuries and mortalities of long-finned pilot whales, 
short-finned pilot whales, and Risso's dolphins in the Atlantic pelagic 
longline fishery to insignificant levels approaching a zero mortality 
and serious injury rate, within five years of its implementation. The 
proposed plan is based on consensus recommendations draft plan was by 
the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Team (Team) and includes 
including both regulatory and non-regulatory measures. Regulatory 
measures include: (1) Limiting the mainline length to 20 nautical miles 
or less within the Mid-Atlantic Bight; (2) designating a special 
research area offshore of Cape Hatteras, NC; and (3) requiring all 
pelagic longline vessels post an informational placards on careful 
handling and release of marine mammals in the wheelhouse and working 
decks of the vessel. Non-regulatory measures of the plan include: (1) 
Providing for 12 to 15 percent observer coverage throughout all 
Atlantic pelagic longline fisheries that interact with pilot whales or 
Risso's dolphins; (2) encouraging vessel operators throughout the 
fishery to maintain daily communications with other local vessel 
captains; (3) updating guidelines for careful handling and release of 
entangled or hooked marine mammals; and (4) distributing quarterly 
reports of bycatch of marine mammals in the pelagic longline fishery to 
the Team.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/24/08                    73 FR 35623
NPRM Comment Period End         09/22/08
Final Action                    02/00/09
Final Rule Effective            03/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Kristy Long, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East 
West Highway, Room 13738, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Fax: 301 427-2522
Email: kristy.long@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AV65
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________

257. AMENDMENT 9 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 
(MSB) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) was developed by the Mid-Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council to remedy deficiencies in the FMP and to 
address other issues that have arisen since Amendment 8 to the MSB FMP 
became effective in 1998. Amendment 9 to the MSB FMP considers: 
Allowing multi-year specifications and management measures; extending 
or eliminating the moratorium on entry into the directed Illex fishery; 
revising current biological reference points for Loligo; designating 
essential fish habitat (EFH) for Loligo eggs; implementing closures of 
EFH areas to reduce gear impacts from MSB fisheries; increasing the 
Loligo possession limit for Illex vessels during a closure of the 
Loligo fishery; and requiring real-time electronic reporting via a 
vessel monitoring system in the Illex fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice Of Availability          03/25/08                    73 FR 15716
NPRM                            04/04/08                    73 FR 18483
NPRM Comment Period End         05/19/08
Final Action                    07/01/08                    73 FR 37382

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AP60
_______________________________________________________________________

258. AMENDMENT 72 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH OF 
THE GULF OF ALASKA

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This amendment would revise the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) 
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to state that the Council will 
annually review the discards of shallow-water flatfish in Gulf of 
Alaska groundfish fisheries. After review of this annual report, the 
Council may recommend revisions to the retention and utilization 
requirements if the discard rate for shallow-water flatfish falls above 
or below a specified threshold. This fishery management plan has no 
implementing regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                05/28/08                    73 FR 30598

[[Page 71347]]

Final Action                    08/29/08                    73 FR 50888
Final Action Effective          10/25/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AR72
_______________________________________________________________________

259. AMEND SUBSISTENCE HALIBUT FISHING REGULATIONS IN WATERS IN AND OFF 
ALASKA

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq

Abstract: This regulatory action amends the subsistence fishery rules 
for Pacific halibut in waters in and off Alaska. This action proposes 
six changes to the subsistence halibut regulations that would: (1) 
Revise the subsistence gear restrictions in Kodiak and add seasonal 
gear and vessel limits in Sitka Sound; (2) add the village of Naukati 
to the list of eligible subsistence halibut communities; (3) implement 
a possession limit to enhance enforcement; (4) revise the definition of 
charter vessel; (5) revise regulations allowing customary trade; and 
(6) allow the use of special permits within non-subsistence use areas 
by tribes eligible for the permits. Additional administrative revisions 
to regulations include converting the gear and harvest restrictions 
from text to table format and revising language to consistently refer 
to Sitka Sound rather than Sitka LAMP. These regulations are necessary 
to address subsistence halibut management concerns in densely populated 
areas. This action is intended to support the conservation and 
management provisions of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/14/08                    73 FR 20008
NPRM Comment Period End         05/14/08
Final Action                    09/24/08                    73 FR 54932

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AU14
_______________________________________________________________________

260. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; INTERNATIONAL TRADE PERMIT 
REGULATORY AMENDMENT

Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Species makes regulatory 
changes to the highly migratory species (HMS) international trade 
program, which encompasses dealer permitting and reporting for 
international trade of swordfish, bluefin tuna, and bigeye tuna. The 
regulatory changes will include adjustments to improve program efficacy 
and consistency with regulations of other U.S. agencies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/04/08                    73 FR 18473
NPRM Comment Period End         05/05/08
Final Action                    06/02/08                    73 FR 31380

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AU88
_______________________________________________________________________

261. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC SHARK MANAGEMENT 
MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This rule would reevaluate the management measures for large 
coastal sharks (LCS) and pelagic sharks based on the 2005/2006 LCS 
stock assessment, the 2006 dusky shark stock assessment, and the 
Canadian 2005 porbeagle shark stock assessment. This rulemaking could 
consider, among other things, changes to existing rebuilding plans for 
overfished species, commercial quotas and trip limits, recreational 
minimum size and bag limits, and the public display quota. In addition, 
this rule would likely reevaluate the Mid-Atlantic shark closure and 
its role in the rebuilding plan for LCS. This action is necessary in 
light of recent stock assessments, which have determined that dusky and 
sandbar sharks are overfished with overfishing occurring, the status is 
unknown for the Atlantic blacktip shark population, and porbeagle 
sharks are likely overfished. In addition, the 2005/2006 LCS stock 
assessment determined it is inappropriate to assess the LCS complex as 
a whole, which has been the basis of managing these species since 1993.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/27/07                    72 FR 41392
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    10/03/07                    72 FR 56330
NPRM Comment Period End         10/10/07
Comment Period End              11/02/07
Final Action                    06/24/08                    73 FR 35778
Correction                      07/15/08                    73 FR 40658
Final Rule Announcing OMB 
Approval for PRA                08/14/08                    73 FR 47851
Correction                      08/15/08                    73 FR 47851

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334

RIN: 0648-AU89
_______________________________________________________________________

262. AMENDMENT 25 THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN IN THE BERING SEA AND 
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRAB FISHERIES OFF ALASKA

Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 to 773k; 16 USC 1801; 16 USC 3631

Abstract: On January 12, 2007, the President signed the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 
2006, which requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), not later 
than 90 days after the date of enactment of that Act, to amend the 
Fishery Management Plan for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and 
Tanner Crabs (FMP) to

[[Page 71348]]

authorize conversion of catcher vessel owner quota shares and processor 
quota shares to newly created North Region catcher/processor owner 
quota shares. Proposed Amendment 25 to the FMP would satisfy this 
requirement. Proposed Amendment 25 to the Fishery Management Plan in 
the BSAI King and Tanner Crab Fisheries would promote the goals and 
objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the FMP, and other applicable laws.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NOA                             02/05/07                     72 FR 5255
NPRM                            02/15/08                     73 FR 8838
NPRM Comment Period End         03/17/08
Final Action                    05/23/08                    73 FR 29979

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AV19
_______________________________________________________________________

263. FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; PRECIOUS CORALS FISHERIES; 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR AMENDMENT 7--GOLD AND BLACK CORAL MANAGEMENT

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for Precious Coral 
Fisheries in the Western Pacific would establish the Auau Channel, 
Hawaii, black coral bed as an established bed with an annual harvest 
quota of 5,000 kg every 2 years, and would place a 5-year moratorium on 
the harvest of gold coral in the Western Pacific.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice Of Availability          05/23/08                    73 FR 30038
Proposed Rule                   05/30/08                    73 FR 31047
NPRM Comment Period End         07/14/08
Final Rule                      08/13/08                    73 FR 47098

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 944-2207

RIN: 0648-AV30
_______________________________________________________________________

264. REEF FISH AMENDMENT 30A FOR GREATER AMBERJACK AND GRAY TRIGGERFISH: 
TAC ADJUSTMENTS, MEASURES TO END OVERFISHING AND ESTABLISH SFA 
PARAMETERS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Greater amberjack are under a rebuilding plan. A 2006 stock 
assessment (SEDAR 9) concluded the stock is not recovering as 
projected. It continues to be overfished and is undergoing overfishing. 
Adjustments to TAC and management measures are needed to end 
overfishing and bring the recovery of the greater amberjack stock back 
into compliance with its ten-year rebuilding time frame. Gray 
triggerfish were determined to be undergoing overfishing based on a 
2006 stock assessment (SEDAR 9). Management measures are necessary to 
end overfishing of gray triggerfish. Additionally, the Council has not 
yet approved post-Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA) benchmarks and 
reference points for gray triggerfish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/08/08                    73 FR 19040
NPRM Comment Period End         05/23/08
Final Action                    07/03/08                    73 FR 38139

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AV34
_______________________________________________________________________

265. 2008 SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS RECREATIONAL FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action would establish the recreational management 
measures (minimum fish size, possession limits, and fishing seasons) 
for the 2008 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational 
fisheries. The annual recreational management measures are considered 
to be annual specifications. This action initially assigned to the 2008 
fluke, scup, and BSB specifications; that action published under 0648-
XC84 (X-RIN) because the action contained no implementing regulations. 
This action was reassigned to the recreational management measures on 
January 23, 2008.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/21/08                    73 FR 15111
NPRM Comment Period End         04/21/08
Final Rule                      05/23/08                    73 FR 29990
Correction                      06/04/08                    73 FR 31769

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AV41
_______________________________________________________________________

266. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA OMNIBUS V ACTION 2 AND 4: ALLOW LONGLINE 
POT GEAR IN BERING SEA DURING JUNE; ALLOW MOBILIZED MILITARY PERSONNEL 
TO MAKE TEMPORARY INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA TRANSFERS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The regulatory action amends existing commercial fishing 
regulations at 50 CFR part 679. The amendment would enhance the 
management of the halibut and sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) 
fisheries, as well as the sablefish Community Development Quota (CDQ) 
fishery. In June 2006, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council 
recommended a suite of four amendments to the halibut and sablefish IFQ 
fishery regulations, otherwise known as OMNI V. This proposed action 
addresses Action 2 and Action 4 of the Council's proposed regulatory 
amendments. The action would amend regulations to (1) Allow the use of 
longline pot gear in the Bering Sea sablefish IFQ and CDQ

[[Page 71349]]

fisheries during the month of June; and (2) allow the temporary 
transfer of IFQ held by mobilized reservists and guardsmen.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/05/08                    73 FR 11851
NPRM Comment Period End         04/04/08
Final Action                    05/19/08                    73 FR 28733

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AV64
_______________________________________________________________________

267. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 19 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Framework 19 would establish management measures for the 
scallop fishery for the 2008 and 2009 fishing years. It will include 
measures to implement new management measures developed and implemented 
under Amendment 11 to the Scallop FMP, if approved. Management measures 
in Framework 19 would include scallop days-at-sea and trip allocations, 
new area closures and/or access areas, and allocations for scallop 
fishing in the groundfish closed areas. It would also include 
improvements to some current management measures to make management of 
the scallop fishery more efficient and effective.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/19/08                    73 FR 14748
NPRM Comment Period End         04/08/08
Final Rule                      05/29/08                    73 FR 30790

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AV90
_______________________________________________________________________

268. AMENDMENT 89 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BERING SEA; 
BERING SEA HABITAT CONSERVATION MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would implement Amendment 89 to the 
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands Management Area. The regulations would prohibit nonpelagic 
trawling in certain areas of the Bering Sea subarea to protect bottom 
habitat and certain nearshore bottom habitat areas that provide 
subsistence resources. The amendment also would provide for a Northern 
Bering Sea research area where the effects of nonpelagic trawling may 
be studied.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/07/08                    73 FR 12357
NPRM Comment Period End         04/21/08
Final Action                    07/25/08                    73 FR 43362

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AW06
_______________________________________________________________________

269. REVISIONS TO REGULATIONS FOR THE GUIDED SPORT CHARTER VESSEL 
FISHERY FOR HALIBUT IN REGULATORY AREA 2C

Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 to 773k

Abstract: The proposed action would implement management measures to 
reduce the charter halibut fishery harvest in Area 2C to the GHL.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/31/07                    72 FR 74257
NPRM Comment Period End         01/30/08
Final Action                    05/28/08                    73 FR 30504

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AW23
_______________________________________________________________________

270. REVISE REGULATIONS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN GROUNDFISH CATCHER-PROCESSORS 
AND MOTHERSHIPS FROM CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT REQUIREMENTS WITH ACTIVE VESSEL 
MONITORING SYSTEMS (VMS)

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This regulatory amendment would exempt groundfish catcher-
processors (CPs) and motherships carrying a transmitting vessel 
monitoring system (VMS) unit from check-in and check-out requirements 
in Alaska Region groundfish fishing regulations. The current check-in/
out regulation requires CPs and motherships to submit check-in/out 
reports before they deploy gear in, or begin to process fish from, 
Federal management areas off Alaska. Additional reports are required 
for the use of additional gears, or for changes in the status (e.g., 
community development quota, exempted permit) of the fish being 
targeted. For many years the Alaska Region has required groundfish CPs 
and mothership vessels to file check-in check-out reports. This 
information was used for in-season management. However, in recent years 
new sources of information have become available, such as VMS, which 
make check in/out reports unnecessary.
This action is expected to reduce industry costs by about $60,000 per 
year and to reduce public administrative costs by about $40,000 per 
year. This rule is not anticipating additional costs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/29/08                    73 FR 30876
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/08
Final Action                    09/16/08                    73 FR 53390

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric

[[Page 71350]]

Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249

RIN: 0648-AW28
_______________________________________________________________________

271. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 5 TO THE MONKFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Framework Adjustment 5 to the Monkfish FMP will update the 
biological reference points in the Monkfish FMP to be consistent with 
the most recent monkfish stock assessment (i.e., July 2007 Northeast 
Data Poor Stocks working Group). In addition, this action will reduce 
carryover days-at-sea (DAS); eliminate a provision that allows gillnet 
vessels to land monkfish on trips less than 3-hours and only be charged 
for the actual time fished; establish a restrictive monkfish incidental 
catch limit for vessels that are fishing in the Southern New England 
Regulated Mesh Area (as defined under the Northeast Multispecies FMP) 
east of 72 degrees 30 feet west longitude; and eliminate the 
requirement to obtain a letter of authorization to fish in the Northern 
Fishery Management Area for vessels that are using a vessel monitoring 
system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/04/08                    73 FR 11606
NPRM Comment Period End         03/25/08
Final Action                    04/28/08                    73 FR 22831

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AW33
_______________________________________________________________________

272. AMENDMENT 26 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA/ALEUTIAN 
ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 26 to the FMP would amend the FMP to exempt quota 
share issued to crew members, and the annual harvest privileges derived 
from that quota share, from requirements for: delivery to specific 
processors; delivery within specific geographic regions; and 
participation in an arbitration system to resolve price disputes. This 
action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other 
applicable law.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/31/08                    73 FR 16830
NPRM Comment Period End         05/15/08
Final Action                    06/20/08                    73 FR 35084

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, 
AK 99801
Phone: 907 586-7221
Email: jim.balisger@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW45
_______________________________________________________________________

273. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); RENEWAL OF ATLANTIC TUNAS 
LONGLINE LIMITED ACCESS PERMITS (LAPS); ATLANTIC SHARK IDENTIFICATION 
WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations governing the renewal 
of Atlantic tunas longline LAPs, and workshop attendance requirements 
for businesses issued Atlantic shark dealer permits. Specifically, 
these regulatory changes would allow for the renewal of Atlantic tunas 
longline LAPs that have been expired for more than one year, if an 
otherwise qualified permit holder has maintained their associated 
swordfish and shark LAPs through timely renewal. Also, the rule would 
modify the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop attendance 
requirements for businesses issued Atlantic shark dealer permits that 
have more than one dealer location listed on their permit. The 
regulations would specify that a dealer must submit a Atlantic Shark 
Identification Workshop certificate (dealer or proxy) for each place of 
business where Atlantic sharks are received, rather than from each 
location listed on their dealer permit.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/11/08                    73 FR 19795
NPRM Comment Period End         05/12/08
Final Rule                      07/03/08                    73 FR 38144

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-0234
Email: margo.schulze-haugen@noaa.gov

RIN: 0648-AW46
_______________________________________________________________________

274. APPROVAL OF ELIMINATOR TRAWL GEAR FOR SPECIAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS; 
NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action would authorize the use of the `eliminator trawl' 
gear for use in two special management programs of the Northeast 
Multispecies Fishery. The Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management 
Plan (FMP) specifies a procedure for approval of additional gear for 
two of the Special Management Programs (Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock 
Special Access Program and Regular B Days-at-Sea Program). At the 
request of the New England Fishery Management Council (Council), the 
Regional Administrator may authorize additional gear if, based upon an 
experiment, the gear satisfies existing standards. On February 13, 
2008, the Council sent a letter to the National Marine Fisheries 
Service (NMFS) requesting that it authorize the proposed trawl gear. 
Based upon a preliminary review of the experimental data, the proposed 
eliminator trawl net meets one of the current gear standards. The 
implementation of new gear requirement would provide another option for 
vessels fishing in these Special Management Programs, which could 
provide additional flexibility for the industry. Further, authorization 
of the net would enhance industry and NMFS efforts to reduce bycatch in 
the FMP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/20/08                    73 FR 29098

[[Page 71351]]

NPRM Comment Period End         06/04/08
Final Action                    07/14/08                    73 FR 40186

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AW53
_______________________________________________________________________

275. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ALLOCATION OF TRIPS TO CLOSED AREA II YELLOWTAIL 
FLOUNDER SPECIAL ACCESS PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This action would set allocations for Trips to Closed Area II 
Yellowtail Flounder Special Access Program for 2008 fishing year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/06/08                    73 FR 24936
NPRM Comment Period End         05/21/08
Final Rule                      06/04/08                    73 FR 31770

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AW69
_______________________________________________________________________

276. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 6 TO THE MONKFISH FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The proposed action would eliminate the backstop provision 
adopted in Framework 4. This provision would have adjusted, and 
potentially closed, the directed monkfish fishery in 2009 if the 
monkfish landings in the 2007 fishing year (FY) exceeded the target 
total allowable catch (TTAC). Available landings information for FY 
2007 indicates that the TTAC will be exceeded by 30 percent in the 
Southern Fishery Management Area. Given the most recent information on 
the status of the monkfish stocks, and the expected minimal biological 
impact of a 30-percent TTAC overage on stock status, based on the 
revised reference points established through the recently implemented 
Framework Adjustment 5 to the FMP (73 FR 22831; April 28, 2008), the 
backstop provision is deemed no longer necessary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/10/08                    73 FR 39643
NPRM Comment Period End         08/11/08
Final Action                    09/10/08                    73 FR 52635

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200

RIN: 0648-AW81
_______________________________________________________________________

277. RIGHT WHALE SHIP STRIKE REDUCTION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361

Abstract: These regulations would establish speed restrictions to 
reduce the number of deaths to North Atlantic right whales as a result 
of collisions with vessels, which account for more confirmed right 
whale deaths than any other anthropogenic cause. Speed restrictions 
would be limited to areas and times when North Atlantic right whales 
and ships overlap to reduce the likelihood of ship strikes to the 
extent practicable.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/01/04                    69 FR 30857
ANPRM Comment Period Extended   07/09/04                    69 FR 41446
ANPRM Comment Period Extended   09/13/04                    69 FR 55135
NPRM                            06/26/06                    71 FR 36299
Comment Period Extended         08/14/06                    71 FR 46440
NPRM Comment Period End         08/25/06
Comment Period End              10/05/06
Final Action                    10/10/08                    73 FR 60173

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332

RIN: 0648-AS36
_______________________________________________________________________

278. AMENDMENT TO DISCHARGE REGULATIONS IN GULF OF THE FARALLONES, 
MONTEREY BAY, AND CORDELL BANKS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Duplicate of RINs 0648-AT14, 
AT15 and AT16                   11/06/08

RIN: 0648-AW29
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
_______________________________________________________________________

279. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> RULEMAKING TO WAIVE THE HOUSEHOLD ELIGIBILITY 
AND APPLICATION PROCESS OF THE COUPON PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS RESIDING 
IN NURSING HOMES

Legal Authority: PL 109-171

Abstract: In this document, the National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration (NTIA) proposes certain changes affecting 
section 301.3 of its Digital-To-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program 
rules. 47 CFR section 301.3. Specifically, NTIA proposes to waive the 
``eligible household'' and application requirements in section 
301.3(a), and section 301.3(e), for individuals residing in nursing 
homes or other senior care facilities, subject to alternative 
application requirements specified herein. NTIA also proposes to amend 
section 301.3(a)(2) to permit an

[[Page 71352]]

otherwise eligible household that utilizes a post office box for mail 
receipt to apply for and receive coupons subject to providing 
satisfactory proof of physical residence as specified herein.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/24/08                    73 FR 22120
NPRM Comment Period End         06/09/08
Final Rule                      09/19/08                    73 FR 54325
Final Action Effective          10/20/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Milton Brown, Deputy Chief Counsel, Department of 
Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202 482-1816
Fax: 202 501-8013
Email: mbrown@ntia.doc.gov

RIN: 0660-AA17
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
_______________________________________________________________________

280. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> FISCAL YEAR 2009 REVISION OF REQUEST FOR 
CONTINUED EXAMINATION, 18-MONTH PUBLICATION, AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS 
COST-RECOVERY PATENT FEES

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2); 35 USC 41(d); 35 USC 132(b)

Abstract: The USPTO is proposing to revise the rules of practice to 
adjust the fee or set a fee for certain processes and services for 
which the USPTO is required to set a cost-recovery fee. The USPTO is 
specifically proposing to adjust the fee for a request for continued 
examination, 18-month publication, and a certificate of correction 
(applicant's mistake) fee, and set a fee for requesting a corrected 
republication of a patent application publication. The rules of 
practice currently do not set a fee, or do not set a fee that recovers 
the USPTO's costs, for these processes or services. The USPTO is 
proposing to adjust or set these fee amounts such that they more 
accurately reflect the Office costs for these processes or services.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Mail Stop Comments-Patents, 
Commissioner for Patents, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov

RIN: 0651-AC29
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
_______________________________________________________________________

281. EXAMINATION OF PATENT APPLICATIONS THAT INCLUDE CLAIMS CONTAINING 
ALTERNATIVE LANGUAGE

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)

Abstract: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is considering 
revising the rules of practice to address Markush-type and other claims 
written so as to claim an invention in the alternative. The search and 
examination of Markush-type and other claims written in the alternative 
generally consume a disproportionate amount of Office resources as 
compared to other types of claims, because these claims can encompass 
multiple independent and distinct inventions and determining the 
patentability of such a claim may require a separate examination of 
each of the alternatives within the claim. The Office anticipates that 
requiring applicants who choose this claim-drafting format to ensure a 
certain degree of relatedness among the members of a Markush group or 
the alternatives presented in the claims will allow the Office to do a 
better, more thorough and reliable examination of Markush-type and 
other claims written in the alternative.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/10/07                    72 FR 44992
NPRM Comment Period End         10/09/07
NPRM                            03/10/08                    73 FR 12679
NPRM Comment Period End         04/09/08
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, Mail Stop Comments-Patents, 
Commissioner for Patents, P. O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov

RIN: 0651-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________

282. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> FISCAL YEAR 2009 CHANGES TO PATENT COOPERATION 
TREATY SEARCH FEES

Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2) ; 35 USC 376

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is 
proposing to revise the rules of practice to adjust the transmittal and 
search fees for international applications filed under the Patent 
Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The USPTO is proposing to adjust the PCT 
transmittal and search fees to recover the estimated average cost to 
the USPTO of processing PCT international applications and preparing 
international search reports and written opinions for PCT international 
applications.

[[Page 71353]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/18/08                    73 FR 34672
NPRM Comment Period End         08/18/08
Final Action                    11/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert W. Bahr, Senior Patent Attorney, Department of 
Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313-1450
Phone: 571 272-8800
Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov

RIN: 0651-AC28
[FR Doc. E8-21259 Filed 11-21-08; 8:45 am]
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