[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 194 (Friday, October 6, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59338-59355]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-8528]



[[Page 59337]]

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Part VI





Department of Commerce





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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration



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15 CFR Part 922



Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Proposed 
Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 194 / Friday, October 6, 2006 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 59338]]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

15 CFR Part 922

[Docket No. 0648-AT14: 060809214-6214-01]
RIN 0648-AT14


Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Regulations

AGENCY: National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP), National Ocean 
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of public availability of draft 
management plan/draft environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is 
proposing a draft revised management plan and revised regulations for 
the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS or 
Sanctuary). The proposed set of regulations includes new regulations, 
modifications, as well as clarifications to existing regulations. 
Proposed new regulations include changes to the permit issuance 
criteria and procedures, and new or revised prohibitions on: 
Discharging or depositing from within or into the Sanctuary any 
material or matter from a cruise ship; discharging or depositing from 
beyond the boundary of the sanctuary any material or other matter that 
subsequently enters the Sanctuary and injures a Sanctuary resource or 
quality; taking or possessing marine mammals, birds and sea turtles 
within the Sanctuary; releasing introduced species into the Sanctuary; 
attracting or approaching a white shark; deserting a vessel or leaving 
harmful matter aboard a grounded or deserted vessel; possessing, 
moving, removing, or injuring, or attempting to possess, move, remove, 
or injure, a Sanctuary historical resource; and anchoring a vessel in a 
designated no-anchoring seagrass protection zone in Tomales Bay. The 
proposed actions would also permanently fix the shoreward boundary 
adjacent to Point Reyes National Seashore and add a manager's permit. 
The revised regulations would clarify: The description of the 
Sanctuary's boundaries; that the Sanctuary includes the submerged lands 
within its boundary; the exceptions for the prohibition on discharging 
or depositing materials and matter into the Sanctuary; and the 
exceptions for disturbing the submerged lands. Finally, the proposed 
regulations would revise the prohibition against dredging or otherwise 
altering the submerged lands by removing the exceptions for ecological 
maintenance and construction of outfalls; prohibit discharging or 
depositing into the Sanctuary food waste resulting from meals onboard 
vessels; and remove the exception for discharge of dredge materials 
disposed of at the interim dumpsite.
    No changes are proposed to be made to the ``Defense Activities'' 
section of the Designation Document.

DATES: Public hearings will be held as detailed in the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section.
    Comments will be considered if received by January 5, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent by mail to: Brady Phillips, 
JMPR Management Plan Coordinator, NOAA National Marine Sanctuary 
Program, 1305 East-West Highway, N/ORM-6, Silver Spring, MD 20910, by 
e-mail to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d07020403191d010c030e0200000803191e2d03020c0c430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bbd1d4d2d5cfcbd7dad5d8d4d6d6ded5cfc8fbd5d4dada95dcd4cd">[email protected]</span></a>, or by fax to (301) 713-0404. 
Copies of the DMP/DEIS are available from the same address and on the 
Web at http://www.sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov/jointplan. Comments can also 
be submitted to the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other 
aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this 
proposed rule may be submitted to David Bizot, National Permit 
Coordinator, National Marine Sanctuary Program, 1305 East-West Highway, 
N/ORM-6, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, by e-mail to 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eda98c9b8489c3af84978299ad83828c8cc38a829b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b8fcd9ced1dc96fad1c2d7ccf8d6d7d9d996dfd7ce">[email protected]</span></a>, or by fax to 301-713-0404; and by e-mail to 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c684d5a4548737e435f5847495e6c43414e0249435c024b435a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f5b7e69767b404d706c6b747a6d5f70727d317a706f31787069">[email protected]</span></a>, or fax to (202) 395-7285.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maria Brown, Sanctuary Superintendent 
at (415) 561-6622, Extension 301 or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#256844574c440b67574a524b654b4a44440b424a53"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8b5998a9199d6ba8a978f96b896979999d69f978e">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    Pursuant to section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act 
(16 U.S.C. 1434 (e)) the National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) has 
completed its review of the management plan for Gulf of the Farallones 
National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS or Sanctuary), located off the coast 
of northern California. The review has resulted in a proposed new 
management plan for the Sanctuary, some proposed changes to existing 
regulations, and some proposed new regulations. The proposed new 
regulations include prohibitions on:
    <bullet> Discharging or depositing from within or into the 
Sanctuary any material or matter from a cruise ship, except vessel 
engine cooling water;
    <bullet> Discharging or depositing, from beyond the boundary of the 
Sanctuary, any material or other matter that subsequently enters the 
Sanctuary and injures a Sanctuary resource or quality;
    <bullet> Taking and possessing marine mammals, birds and sea 
turtles, except as authorized by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Endangered Species Act, as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), and any regulations, as amended, 
promulgated under these acts;
    <bullet> Introducing or otherwise releasing from within or into the 
Sanctuary an introduced species, except striped bass (Morone saxatilis) 
released during catch-and-release fishing activity, and except species 
cultivated by mariculture activities in Tomales Bay pursuant to a valid 
lease, permit, license or other authorization issued by the State of 
California and in effect on the effective date of this regulation;
    <bullet> Attracting a white shark in the Sanctuary, and approaching 
within 50 meters of any white shark within the line approximating 2 nmi 
around the Farallon Islands;
    <bullet> Deserting a vessel within the Sanctuary adrift, at anchor 
or aground;
    <bullet> Leaving harmful matter aboard a grounded or deserted 
vessel in the Sanctuary; and
    <bullet> Anchoring a vessel in designated no-anchoring seagrass 
protection zones in Tomales Bay, except as necessary for mariculture 
operations conducted pursuant to a valid lease, permit or license.
    These measures would afford better protection to the nationally 
significant natural and cultural resources of GFNMS.
    Existing regulations would also be revised to:
    <bullet> Clarify that the Sanctuary includes the submerged lands 
within the Sanctuary boundary;
    <bullet> Permanently fix the shoreward boundary adjacent to Point 
Reyes National Seashore;
    <bullet> Clarify that discharges allowed from marine sanitation 
devices apply only to Type I and Type II marine sanitation devices, and 
that the vessel operators are required to lock all marine sanitation 
devices in a manner that prevents discharge of untreated sewage;

[[Page 59339]]

    <bullet> Specify that the existing exception for discharging or 
depositing fish, fish parts, or chumming materials (bait) applies only 
to lawful fishing activities within the Sanctuary;
    <bullet> Remove an exception for discharging or depositing food 
waste resulting from meals on board vessels;
    <bullet> Remove an exception for discharging dredge material 
disposed of at the interim dumpsite;
    <bullet> Specify that attempting to move, remove or injure a 
sanctuary historical resource is prohibited;
    <bullet> Remove the exceptions to the discharging or depositing 
prohibition that pertain to discharge of municipal sewage;
    <bullet> Clarify that the exception for laying of pipelines is 
specific to pipelines related to hydrocarbon operations in leases 
adjacent to the Sanctuary;
    <bullet> Clarify that the routine maintenance exception to dredging 
or otherwise altering the seabed applies to docks and piers in Tomales 
Bay; and
    <bullet> Remove the ecological maintenance exception to the 
disturbing of the submerged lands prohibition.
    The permit regulations for the Sanctuary are also being revised and 
clarified. Proposed permit regulations would add a manager's permit, 
which would be a new type of permit for GFNMS. Additionally, in 
deciding whether to issue a permit, the Director of the NMSP would be 
required to consider factors such as: Duration; effects on Sanctuary 
resources and qualities; potential indirect, secondary, or cumulative 
effects; and whether it is necessary to conduct the activity in the 
Sanctuary. In addition, the proposed modifications to the permit 
procedures and criteria (15 CFR 922.83) would further refine current 
requirements and procedures found in the general NMSP regulations (15 
CFR 922.48(a) and (c)). The revised section would add language to the 
GFNMS permit regulations about procedures and criteria for permit 
renewal. The proposed modifications to the permit regulations would 
also expressly require that the permittee agree to hold the United 
States harmless against any claims arising out of the permitted 
activities.
    The proposed revised management plan for the Sanctuary contains a 
series of action plans that outline management, research, education, 
operational, and performance measurement activities that are planned 
for the next five years. The activities are designed to address 
specific issues facing the Sanctuary and, in doing so, would help 
achieve the mandates of the NMSP and the Sanctuary's designation.
    This document publishes the proposed new regulations and the 
proposed changes to existing regulations, publishes the text of the 
proposed Revised Designation Document for the Sanctuary, and announces 
the availability of the draft management plan and the draft 
environmental impact statement (DMP/DEIS). The existing GFNMS 
Designation Document was published at the time of Sanctuary designation 
in 1981 and, per the NMSA (at 16 U.S.C. 1434(a)(4)), describes the 
geographic area included within the Sanctuary, the characteristics of 
the area that give it conservation, recreational, ecological, 
historical, research, educational, or esthetic value, and the types of 
activities that are subject to regulation by the Secretary to protect 
those characteristics. The NMSP is proposing certain revisions to the 
Sanctuary's Designation Document, which include changes to the 
description of the area, an updated and more complete description of 
characteristics that give the Sanctuary particular value, an updated 
explanation of the relation to other regulatory programs, and a number 
of substantive changes to the Sanctuary's scope of regulations.
    Since designation, the area of GFNMS has been described as 
approximately 948 square nautical miles. However, as a result of the 
proposed regulation changes that correct inaccuracies and ambiguities 
in the coordinates and the description of the Sanctuary's outer and 
shoreline boundaries, the GFNMS area is now calculated as approximately 
966 square nautical miles. The legal description of GFNMS is proposed 
to be updated to reflect this change. This update would not constitute 
a change in the geographic area of the Sanctuary but rather a more 
precise estimate of its size.
    Because this proposed action includes changes to the Sanctuary's 
Designation Document, the DMP/DEIS is developed pursuant to section 
304(a)(2) of the NMSA, 16 U.S.C. 1434(a)(2), consistent with, and in 
fulfillment of, the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969.

Sanctuary Environment

    Designated on January 16, 1981, (46 FR 7936) the Gulf of the 
Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) lies off the coast of 
California, to the west and north of San Francisco. The GFNMS is 
composed of offshore waters extending out to and around the Farallon 
Islands and nearshore waters (up to the mean high tide line) from 
Bodega Head to Rocky Point in Marin.
    The GFNMS is characterized by the widest continental shelf on the 
west coast of the contiguous United States. In the Gulf of the 
Farallones, the shelf reaches a width of 32 nautical miles (59 km). 
Shoreward of the Farallon Islands, the continental shelf is a 
relatively flat sandy/muddy plain, which slopes gently to the west and 
north from the mainland shoreline. It provides an especially large and 
relatively shallow (120 meters) habitat for coastal and oceanic 
seabirds, marine mammals, and fish.
    The Farallon Islands lie along the outer edge of the continental 
shelf, between 13 and 19 nautical miles (24 and 35 km) southwest of 
Point Reyes and approximately 26 nautical miles (48 km) due west of San 
Francisco. The islands are located on part of a larger submarine ridge 
that extends approximately 10 nautical miles along the shelf edge. 
These islands provide essential habitat for seabirds and marine 
mammals.
    In addition to sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, small coves, and 
offshore stacks, the GFNMS includes open bays (Bodega Bay, Drakes Bay) 
and enclosed bays or estuaries (Bolinas Lagoon, Tomales Bay, Estero 
Americano, and Estero de San Antonio). The open bays are sheltered from 
prevailing southward flows and allow some plankton to be retained 
there. Water and water-borne materials in the enclosed bays are 
exchanged with coastal waters through tidal currents, although inner 
bay waters may be resident for long periods. The mouths of the two 
Esteros are closed during summer and fall, but the mouths of Tomales 
and Bolinas remain open year-round. Tomales Bay, Bolinas Lagoon and 
Bodega Bay lie on the San Andreas Fault.
    Offshore, currents are dominated by the seasonal winds. Lying 
inshore of the large California Current, these waters are characterized 
by wind-driven upwelling, high nutrient supply and high levels of 
phytoplankton. The inner Gulf of Farallones is also influenced by 
outflow from San Francisco Bay.
    During the spring-summer upwelling season (typically March-July), 
strong northerly winds drive surface waters offshore (due to the 
Coriolis effect) and cold deep waters are upwelled to the surface over 
the continental shelf. These waters are rich in nutrients and feed very 
high levels of primary production near-surface. The resultant 
phytoplankton blooms are the foundation of the rich GFNMS food webs, 
involving zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals. 
Over the middle and outer shelf, currents are strongly southward, but 
nearshore flow patterns are mixed. During brief periods of weak winds

[[Page 59340]]

(relaxation periods), much of the inner and mid-shelf waters move as 
currents north along the coast past Point Reyes and Bodega Head. 
Phytoplankton levels peak during these relaxation periods. At depth 
along the shelf-edge, the California Undercurrent carries cold high-
salinity waters north, providing a source for upwelling. And, 
nearshore, the San Francisco Bay and other outflows are carried south 
by the prevailing coastal currents.
    In the fall, upwelling winds weaken and water temperatures 
increase. Sometimes known as the oceanic season, this period (typically 
August-November) is also characterized by onshore flow of oceanic 
surface waters (warmer and lower salinity). Periods of upwelling winds 
and phytoplankton blooms do still occur during the fall.
    Winter in the GFNMS is characterized by the passage of rain-bearing 
cold fronts, accompanied by westerly and southerly winds that drive 
northward flow and downwelling over the shelf. While these fronts 
characterize the months of December through March, northerly upwelling 
winds are equally common and many upwelling events are also observed 
(although phytoplankton blooms are weak owing to the lower levels of 
light in winter). During the downwelling events, surface waters move 
onshore and land runoff is held nearshore. Further, large runoff plumes 
are also subject to the Coriolis effect and the San Francisco Bay 
outflow typically remains nearshore and moves north around Point Reyes 
following major rain and runoff events. Lowest salinities are observed 
in the GFNMS during this winter runoff season.
    Both offshore, in the core of the California Current, and in the 
waters over the shelf, flows exhibit a complexity due to eddies. In the 
coastal waters of the GFNMS, fast flow past headlands like Point Reyes 
and Bodega Head creates eddies that may then move through the region. 
This interaction of flow with the coastline results in a partial 
retention of these rich, upwelled waters and helps explain the high 
levels of plankton, fish, mammals and birds observed in this region--
marine life protected by the Sanctuary.

Proposed Revised Designation Document

    The Designation Document for the Sanctuary contains the terms of 
designation as defined in the NMSA (16 U.S.C. 1434(a)(4)). NOAA is 
proposing some changes to the Designation Document as part of this 
management plan review process. Specifically, NOAA is proposing to 
clarify in the Designation Document that the submerged lands at GFNMS 
are legally part of the Sanctuary and are included in the boundary 
description. At the time the Sanctuary was designated in 1981, Title 
III of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (now also 
known as the NMSA) characterized national marine sanctuaries as 
consisting of coastal and ocean waters but did not expressly mention 
submerged lands thereunder. NOAA has consistently interpreted its 
authority under the NMSA as extending to submerged lands, and 
amendments to the NMSA in 1984 (Pub. L. 98-498) clarified that 
submerged lands may be designated by the Secretary of Commerce as part 
of a national marine sanctuary (16 U.S.C. 1432(3)). Therefore, NOAA is 
updating the Designation Document and the boundary description, and is 
also replacing the term ``seabed'' with ``submerged lands.'' 
Additionally, boundary coordinates in the revised Designation Document 
and in the sanctuary regulations would be expressed by coordinates 
based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).
    NOAA also proposes to modify the Designation Document to authorize 
Sanctuary regulation of: Discharging or depositing from beyond the 
boundary of the Sanctuary; possessing, moving, removing, or injuring, 
or attempting to possess, move, remove, or injure, a Sanctuary 
historical resource; taking or possessing any marine mammal, sea 
turtle, or bird within or above the Sanctuary except as permitted by 
the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and the 
Migratory Bird Treaty Act; releasing or otherwise introducing from 
within or into the Sanctuary an introduced species; attracting or 
approaching any animal; and operating a vessel (i.e., watercraft of any 
description) within the Sanctuary, including but not limited to, 
anchoring or deserting. These proposed revisions to and addition of new 
activities subject to Sanctuary regulation would enable new and 
emerging resource management issues to be addressed, and are necessary 
in order to ensure the protection, preservation, and management of the 
conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, cultural, 
educational, archeological, scientific, and esthetic resources and 
qualities of the Sanctuary.
    Additional proposed changes to the Designation Document would 
provide: An updated and more complete description of characteristics 
that give the Sanctuary particular value; greater clarity on the 
applicability of Sanctuary emergency regulations (and consistent with 
the National Marine Sanctuary Program regulations of general 
applicability, 15 CFR part 922, subpart E); an updated explanation of 
the effect of Sanctuary authority on preexisting leases, permits, 
licenses, and rights; and various minor revisions to conform wording of 
the Designation Document, where appropriate, to wording used for more 
recently designated sanctuaries. In Article V (Relation to Other 
Regulatory Programs), the ``Fishing and Waterfowl Hunting'' section is 
being revised to clarify the original intent that, although the 
Sanctuary does not have authority to regulate fishing, fishing vessels 
may be regulated with respect to discharge and anchoring in accordance 
with Article IV. No changes are proposed to be made to the ``Defense 
Activities'' section of the Designation Document.
    An additional proposed change to the Designation Document would 
update Article VI regarding the process to modify the Designation. This 
change would delete the requirement that modifications to the 
Designation must be approved by the President of the United States and 
would require instead that changes be approved by the Secretary of 
Commerce or his or her designee. This would be consistent with 
amendments to the NMSA that were enacted after the Sanctuary was 
designated in 1981 and which removed Presidential approval as a 
requirement for designation.
    The NMSP has carefully considered existing state and federal 
authorities in proposing new regulatory authorities to ensure 
protection and management of sanctuary resources. Proposed new 
authorities are intended to complement existing authorities.

Proposed Revised Designation Document for Gulf of the Farallones 
National Marine Sanctuary

Preamble

    Under the authority of Title III of the Marine Protection, Research 
and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, Public Law 92-532 (the Act), the waters 
and submerged lands along the Coast of California north and south of 
Point Reyes Headlands, between Bodega Head and Rocky Point and 
surrounding the Farallon Islands, are hereby designated a Marine 
Sanctuary for the purposes of preserving and protecting this unique and 
fragile ecological community.

Article I. Effect of Designation

    Within the area designated in 1981 as The Point Reyes/ Farallon 
Islands Marine Sanctuary (the Sanctuary) described in Article II, the 
Act authorizes the promulgation of such regulations as are reasonable 
and

[[Page 59341]]

necessary to protect the values of the Sanctuary. Section 1 of Article 
IV of this Designation Document lists activities of the types that are 
either to be regulated on the effective date of final rulemaking or may 
have to be regulated at some later date in order to protect Sanctuary 
resources and qualities. Listing does not necessarily mean that a type 
of activity will be regulated; however, if a type of activity is not 
listed it may not be regulated, except on an emergency basis, unless 
section 1 of Article IV is amended to include the type of activity by 
the same procedures by which the original designation was made.

Article II. Description of the Area

    The Sanctuary consists of an area of the waters and the submerged 
lands thereunder adjacent to the coast of California of approximately 
966 square nautical miles (nmi), extending seaward to a distance of 6 
nmi from the mainland and 12 nmi from the Farallon Islands and Noonday 
Rock, and including the intervening waters and submerged lands. The 
precise boundaries are defined by regulation.

Article III. Characteristics of the Area That Give it Particular Value

    The Sanctuary includes a rich and diverse marine ecosystem and a 
wide variety of marine habitats, including habitat for over 36 species 
of marine mammals. Rookeries for over half of California's nesting 
marine bird and nesting areas for at least 12 of 16 known U.S. nesting 
marine bird species are found within the boundaries. Abundant fish and 
shellfish are also found within the Sanctuary.

Article IV. Scope of Regulation

    Section 1. Activities Subject to Regulation. The following 
activities are subject to regulation, including prohibition, as may be 
necessary to ensure the management, protection, and preservation of the 
conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, cultural, 
archeological, scientific, educational, and aesthetic resources and 
qualities of this area:
    a. Hydrocarbon operations.
    b. Discharging or depositing any substance within or from beyond 
the boundary of the Sanctuary.
    c. Drilling into, dredging, or otherwise altering the submerged 
lands of the Sanctuary; or constructing, placing, or abandoning any 
structure, material, or other matter on or in the submerged lands of 
the Sanctuary.
    d. Activities regarding cultural or historical resources.
    e. Introducing or otherwise releasing from within or into the 
Sanctuary an introduced species.
    f. Taking or possessing any marine mammal, marine reptile, or bird 
within or above the Sanctuary except as permitted by the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act, Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
    g. Attracting or approaching any animal.
    h. Operating a vessel (i.e., watercraft of any description) within 
the Sanctuary, including, but not limited to, anchoring or deserting.
    Section 2. Consistency with International Law. The regulations 
governing the activities listed in section 1 of this Article will apply 
to foreign flag vessels and persons not citizens of the United States 
only to the extent consistent with recognized principles of 
international law, including treaties and international agreements to 
which the United States is signatory.
    Section 3. Emergency Regulations. Where necessary to prevent or 
minimize the destruction of, loss of, or injury to a Sanctuary resource 
or quality, or minimize the imminent risk of such destruction, loss, or 
injury, any and all activities, including those not listed in section 1 
of this Article, are subject to immediate temporary regulation, 
including prohibition.

Article V. Relation to Other Regulatory Programs

    Section 1. Fishing and Waterfowl Hunting. The regulation of 
fishing, including fishing for shellfish and invertebrates, and 
waterfowl hunting, is not authorized under Article IV. However, fishing 
vessels may be regulated with respect to vessel operations in 
accordance with Article IV, section 1, paragraphs (b) and (h), and 
mariculture activities involving alterations of or construction on the 
seabed, or release of introduced species by mariculture activities not 
covered by a valid lease from the State of California and in effect on 
the effective date of the final regulation, can be regulated in 
accordance with Article IV, section 1, paragraph (c) and (e). All 
regulatory programs pertaining to fishing, and to waterfowl hunting, 
including regulations promulgated under the California Fish and Game 
Code and Fishery Management Plans promulgated under the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, 16 U.S.C 1801 
et seq., will remain in effect, and all permits, licenses, and other 
authorizations issued pursuant thereto will be valid within the 
Sanctuary unless authorizing any activity prohibited by any regulation 
implementing Article IV.
    The term ``fishing'' as used in this Article and in Article IV 
includes mariculture.
    Section 2. Defense Activities. The regulation of activities listed 
in Article IV shall not prohibit any Department of Defense activity 
that is essential for national defense or because of emergency. Such 
activities shall be consistent with the regulations to the maximum 
extent practicable.
    Section 3. Other Programs. All applicable regulatory programs will 
remain in effect, and all permits, licenses, and other authorizations 
issued pursuant thereto will be valid within the Sanctuary unless 
authorizing any activity prohibited by any regulation implementing 
Article IV. The Sanctuary regulations will set forth any necessary 
certification procedures.

Article VI. Alterations to This Designation

    The terms of designation, as defined under section 304(a) of the 
Act, may be modified only by the same procedures by which the original 
designation is made, including public hearings, consultation with 
interested Federal, State, and local agencies, review by the 
appropriate Congressional committees and Governor of the State of 
California, and approval by the Secretary of Commerce or designee.
[END OF DESIGNATION DOCUMENT]

Summary of the Proposed Regulatory Amendments

    The proposed regulatory changes would clarify that ``submerged 
lands'' are within the Sanctuary boundary, i.e. part of the Sanctuary. 
This would update the boundary regulation to make it consistent with 
the NMSA and the revised Designation Document. (See explanation of 
boundary clarification in preceding discussion of proposed revised 
Designation Document.) The Sanctuary's outer boundary coordinates and 
description of the shoreline boundary demarcation are also proposed for 
technical corrections using the North American Datum of 1983, and to 
clarify that the shoreline boundary is the Mean High Water Line (MHWL) 
of island shores. Since designation the area of GFNMS has been 
described as approximately 948 square nautical miles. However, 
adjusting for technical corrections and using updated technologies, the 
GFNMS area is now calculated as approximately 966 square nautical 
miles. The legal description of GFNMS is proposed to be updated to 
reflect this change. This update would

[[Page 59342]]

not constitute a change in the geographic area of the Sanctuary but 
rather a more precise estimate of its size.
    The proposed regulatory changes would include permanently fixing 
the shoreward boundary of the Sanctuary that is adjacent to Point Reyes 
National Seashore (PRNS). The 1981 sanctuary designation linked that 
portion of the boundary to the seaward limit of PRNS. Since then, PRNS 
has made at least two boundary modifications in areas adjacent to the 
sanctuary, requiring the sanctuary to redefine its own boundary, the 
geographic extent of its authority, and enforcement and implementation 
of programs. Fixing the shoreward boundary of the Sanctuary that is 
adjacent to PRNS as it was at the time of Sanctuary designation in 1981 
by coordinates using the North American Datum of 1983 would ensure 
consistency and continuity for the sanctuary boundary, sanctuary 
management and user groups.
    The proposed regulations would also clarify and otherwise modify 
the existing (1981) regulation prohibiting discharging or depositing 
any material or other matter. Clarifications would be made to make it 
clear that the regulation applies to discharges and deposits ``from 
within or into the Sanctuary'' (``into'' is intended to make clear that 
the prohibition would apply not only to discharges and deposits 
originating in the Sanctuary (e.g., from vessels in the Sanctuary), but 
also, for example, from discharges and deposits above the Sanctuary, 
such as from aircraft and from outside the Sanctuary such as outfall 
pipes). The exception for fish, fish parts, or chumming materials 
(bait) is clarified so that it applies only to such discharges or 
deposits made during the conduct of lawful fishing activity within the 
Sanctuary. The exception for biodegradable effluent discharges from 
marine sanitation devices is clarified to apply only to operable Type I 
or II marine sanitation devices approved by the United States Coast 
Guard in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as 
amended. Although the existing exception for vessel wastes ``generated 
by marine sanitation devices'' was intended to prohibit the discharge 
of untreated sewage into the Sanctuary, the proposed change would 
clarify that such discharges are only allowed if generated by Type I or 
II marine sanitation devices. (Type I and Type II marine sanitation 
devices treat wastes, but Type III marine sanitation devices store 
waste until it is removed at designated pump-out stations on shore or 
discharged at sea.)
    The discharge and deposit regulation would be modified by removing 
the exception for discharging or depositing food waste resulting from 
meals onboard vessels. Coast Guard regulations prohibit discharge of 
food wastes (garbage) within three nmi and prohibit discharge of food 
wastes unless ground to less than one inch within three to twelve nmi. 
The proposed Sanctuary regulation modification would mirror the Coast 
Guard regulations within three nmi and provide increased protection to 
Sanctuary resources and qualities from such marine debris vis-[agrave]-
vis the Coast Guard regulations in the area of the Sanctuary beyond 
three nmi.
    No other changes are being made to the exceptions that allow 
discharge of water (including vessel cooling water) and other 
biodegradable effluents incidental to vessel use of the Sanctuary 
generated by routine vessel maintenance (e.g., deck wash down) and 
engine exhaust. These exceptions do not include and, therefore, it 
continues to be prohibited to discharge, ballast water or oily wastes 
resulting from bilge pumping. Ballast water is a known vector for 
introduced species and other contaminants from the source area. The 
discharge of oily wastes from bilge pumping is interpreted here to mean 
any waste that produces a visible sheen. The proposed clarifications 
and modifications are intended to achieve increased protection of 
Sanctuary resources and qualities.
    The discharge and deposit regulation would be augmented by adding a 
prohibition on discharging or depositing any material or other matter 
from beyond the boundary of the Sanctuary that subsequently enters the 
Sanctuary and injures a Sanctuary resource or quality. ``Sanctuary 
resource'' is defined at 15 CFR 922.3 as ``any living or non-living 
resource of a National Marine Sanctuary that contributes to the 
conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, research, 
educational, or aesthetic value of the Sanctuary, including, but not 
limited to, the substratum of the area of the Sanctuary, other 
submerged features and the surrounding seabed, carbonate rock, corals 
and other bottom formations, coralline algae and other marine plants 
and algae, marine invertebrates, brine-seep biota, phytoplankton, 
zooplankton, fish, seabirds, sea turtles and other marine reptiles, 
marine mammals and historical resources.'' ``Sanctuary quality'' is 
defined at 15 CFR 922.3 as ``any of those ambient conditions, physical-
chemical characteristics and natural processes, the maintenance of 
which is essential to the ecological health of the Sanctuary, 
including, but not limited to, water quality, sediment quality and air 
quality.'' This modification would provide consistency with the 
regulatory language of other more recently designated sanctuaries, and 
help to protect Sanctuary resources and qualities from harmful 
influences originating outside the boundaries of the GFNMS. The coastal 
waters of the sanctuary, particularly the estuarine habitats of Bolinas 
Lagoon, Tomales Bay, Estero Americano and Estero de San Antonio, are 
vulnerable to land-based nonpoint source pollution from outside the 
sanctuary. Sources of concern include runoff, agriculture, marinas and 
boating activities, past mining, and aging and undersized septic 
systems. Water quality in offshore areas of the sanctuary could be 
threatened or impacted by large or continuous discharges from shore, 
spills by vessels, illegal dumping activities or residual contaminants 
from past dumping activities. The threat of an offshore oil spill is a 
constant reality near the busy shipping lanes in and adjacent to the 
sanctuary. This new proposed regulatory action would contribute to 
increased protection of water quality, impacting both physical and 
biological resources in the sanctuary.
    The proposed regulations would also modify the existing (1981) 
regulation prohibiting discharging or depositing any material or other 
matter by removing the exception of dredge material disposed of at the 
interim dumpsite, and the discharge of municipal sewage if certified in 
accordance with 922.84. The interim dumpsite, located approximately 10 
nmi south of Southeast Farallon Island, is no longer in use as the 
permanent dumpsite has been selected and in use for more than fifteen 
years, making this a remnant and an outdated exception to the discharge 
regulation. Additionally, at the time of designation of the sanctuary 
in 1981, there was no permit, license or authorization that had been 
issued within the sanctuary for municipal sewage discharge. No 
applications have been submitted for more than 25 years, thus NOAA 
finds it unnecessary to maintain this exception to the discharge 
regulation. By removing these two exceptions, the discharge regulation 
has been streamlined, focusing on current and necessary exceptions to 
the prohibition.
    The proposed exceptions to the revised discharge and deposit 
regulation would restrict cruise ships to discharging only vessel 
cooling water into the Sanctuary. ``Cruise ship'' is defined to mean: A 
vessel with 250 or more passenger berths for hire. The

[[Page 59343]]

prohibition would protect Sanctuary water quality from the potentially 
large volume of wastewater that may be discharged by cruise ships, 
while allowing for them to transit the Sanctuary. Currently 643,000 
cruise ship passengers embark annually from California ports in San 
Francisco Bay, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Ninety cruise ship arrivals 
and departures (Metropolitan Stevedore Company) are estimated at the 
San Francisco Passenger Terminal in 2006. Many of these cruise ships 
will be entering and exiting the Bay through the northbound vessel 
traffic lanes, which transit through the Sanctuary. Although partly 
constrained by the lack of local docking facilities, cruise ship visits 
are likely to continue to increase as the fleet shifts from 
international to more domestic cruises, and begins using a new cruise 
ship docking facility planned for San Francisco Bay. Due to their sheer 
size and passenger capacity, cruise ships can cause serious impacts to 
the marine environment. The main pollutants generated by a cruise ship 
are: Sewage, also referred to as black water; gray water; oily bilge 
water; hazardous wastes, and solid wastes. Based on EPA estimates, in 
one week a 3,000-passenger cruise ship generates about 210,000 gallons 
of sewage, 1,000,000 gallons of gray water, 37,000 gallons of oily 
bilge water, more than 8 tons of solid waste, millions of gallons of 
ballast water containing potentially invasive species, and toxic wastes 
from dry cleaning and photo-processing laboratories. Although cruise 
ships discharge waste from a single source, they are exempted from 
regulation under the Clean Water Act (CWA) point source permitting 
system. The CWA allows the discharge of untreated black water anywhere 
beyond three miles from shore, and does not require any treatment of 
gray or ballast water.
    The proposed regulatory changes would also modify the existing 
prohibition against altering the seabed of the Sanctuary or 
constructing a structure thereupon. The term ``seabed'' would be 
replaced with ``submerged lands'' to be consistent with language used 
in the NMSA. The proposed regulations would clarify that the existing 
(1981) regulation prohibiting disturbance to the submerged lands except 
for the laying of pipelines is specific to pipelines related to 
hydrocarbon operations in leases adjacent to the Sanctuary as 
referenced in 15 CFR 922.82 (1) and in accordance with section 922.84: 
``Pipelines related to hydrocarbon operations outside the sanctuary may 
be placed at a distance greater than 2 nmi from the Farallon Islands, 
Bolinas Lagoon, and any Areas of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) 
where certified to have no significant effect on sanctuary resources in 
accordance with section 922.'' Clarifying that the laying of pipelines 
is specifically limited to hydrocarbon operations adjacent to the 
Sanctuary (i.e., bordering) rather than anywhere outside the Sanctuary 
will protect sensitive sanctuary benthic habitats from impacts from 
disturbance.
    The proposed regulations would modify the existing (1981) 
regulation prohibiting disturbance to the submerged lands, by removing 
the exception for ecological maintenance. Ecological maintenance is not 
defined in the regulations or administrative record, making it 
difficult to interpret, and thus is being removed to streamline the 
regulatory language. There is no record of the ecological maintenance 
exception ever having been used.
    The proposed regulatory changes would also specify that abandoning, 
by which is meant leaving without intent to remove, any structure, 
material, or other matter on or in the submerged lands of the Sanctuary 
is prohibited. This change would be consistent with similar regulations 
at more recently designated sanctuaries and would help protect the 
Sanctuary from debris (e.g., wrecked vessels or seabed research 
equipment) abandoned by Sanctuary users.
    The proposed regulatory changes would also include a modification 
to the existing (1981) prohibition on removing or damaging any 
historical or cultural resource. The proposed modification would add 
``moving'' and ``possessing'' to the existing prohibition; would 
replace ``damage'' with ``injure,'' a term defined at 15 CFR 922.3; and 
add ``attempting'' to move, remove, injure, or possess as a 
prohibition. The intent of this modification is to provide added 
protection to these fragile, finite, and non-renewable resources so 
they may be studied, and so appropriate information about them may be 
made available for the benefit of the public. The proposed regulation 
would also replace ``historical or cultural resource'' with ``Sanctuary 
historical resource'' to be consistent with regulatory language used at 
several other more recently designated national marine sanctuaries. 
(``Historical resource'' is defined in NMSP program-wide regulations as 
``any resource possessing historical, cultural, archaeological or 
paleontological significance, including sites, contextual information, 
structures, districts, and objects significantly associated with or 
representative of earlier people, cultures, maritime heritage, and 
human activities and events. Historical resources include ``submerged 
cultural resources,'' and also include ``historical properties,'' as 
defined in the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, and its 
implementing regulations, at 15 CFR 922.3).
    The proposed regulatory changes would also include a new 
prohibition on take of marine mammals, birds, and sea turtles, except 
as expressly authorized by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as amended 
(16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) (MMPA), Endangered Species Act, as amended (16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended (16 
U.S.C. 703 et seq.) (MBTA), or any regulation, as amended, promulgated 
under one of these acts. The intent of this regulation is to bring a 
special focus to protection of the diverse and vital marine mammal and 
bird populations and the sea turtles of the Sanctuary. This area-
specific focus is complementary to the efforts of other resource 
protection agencies, especially given that other federal and state 
authorities must spread limited resources over much wider geographic 
areas. This regulation would be consistent with regulations at several 
other more recently designated national marine sanctuaries, and would 
provide additional deterrence per the higher civil penalties afforded 
under the NMSA than the penalties provided by the MMPA, ESA, and MBTA. 
Further, the prohibition would cover all marine mammals, sea turtles, 
and birds (including, but not limited to, seabirds, shorebirds and 
waterfowl) within or above the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary's proposed 
regulation would not apply if an activity (including a federally or 
state-approved fishery) that does or might cause take of marine 
mammals, birds or sea turtles has been expressly authorized to do so 
under the MMPA, ESA, or MBTA or an implementing regulation. With this 
proposed regulation, if the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) or 
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issues a permit for 
the take of a marine mammal, bird, or sea turtle, the permitted taking 
would be allowed under NMSP regulations and therefore would not require 
a permit from the Sanctuary unless the activity would also violate 
another Sanctuary regulation.
    The proposed regulatory changes would also prohibit possessing 
within the Sanctuary (regardless of where taken, moved, or removed 
from) any marine mammal, bird, or sea turtle except as authorized under 
the MMPA, the ESA, the MBTA, and any

[[Page 59344]]

regulations, as amended, promulgated under these acts. This proposed 
regulation serves to provide a stronger deterrent for violations of 
existing laws protecting marine mammals, birds, or sea turtles, than 
that offered by those other laws alone. This proposed regulation would 
also be consistent with recent regulations adopted by other national 
marine sanctuaries and would enhance protection provided by the 
prohibition on take of marine mammals, birds and sea turtles (see 
above). With this proposed regulation, if NMFS or the USFWS issues a 
permit for the possession of a marine mammal, bird, or sea turtle, the 
permitted activity would be allowed under NMSP regulations and 
therefore would not require a permit from the Sanctuary unless the 
activity would also violate another Sanctuary regulation.
    ``Take'' is defined in the NMSP program-wide regulations at 15 CFR 
922.3. The proposed prohibition on take of marine mammals, birds, and 
sea turtles would complement the current regulation prohibiting 
disturbing birds or marine mammals by flying motorized aircraft at less 
than 1000 feet over the waters within one nmi of the Farallon Islands, 
Bolinas Lagoon, or any ASBS. The current regulation remains unique and 
important in that it provides special focus on a specific type of 
activity, operation of motorized aircraft, within particularly 
sensitive environments of the Sanctuary. The current regulation 
includes several exceptions (for enforcement purposes, or to transport 
persons or supplies to or from an Island), that would remain subject to 
the prohibitions of the MMPA, ESA and the MBTA, and any regulations, as 
amended, promulgated under these acts.
    The proposed regulatory changes would prohibit releasing or 
otherwise introducing from within or into the Sanctuary an introduced 
species, except striped bass (Morone saxatilis) released during catch 
and release fishing activity; and except species cultivated by 
mariculture activities in Tomales Bay pursuant to a valid lease, 
permit, license or other authorization issued by the State of 
California and in effect on the effective date of this regulation, 
provided that the renewal by the State of any authorization does not 
increase the type of introduced species being cultivated or the size of 
the area under cultivation with introduced species.
    ``Introduced species'' is defined to mean: (1) A species (including 
any of its biological matter capable of propagation) that is non-native 
to the ecosystems protected by the Sanctuary; or (2) any organism into 
which genetic matter from another species has been transferred in order 
that the host organism acquires the genetic traits of the transferred 
genes. The prohibition would not apply to activities such as the 
release of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) during catch and release 
fishing activity because the fish was already present in the Sanctuary 
and its release would not constitute an ``introduction.'' Striped bass 
were intentionally introduced in California in 1879, and in 1980 the 
California Department of Fish and Game initiated a striped bass 
hatchery program to support the striped bass sport fishery, which 
according to the California Department of Fish and Game is one of the 
most important fisheries on the Pacific Coast. The California 
Department of Fish and Game manages the striped bass fishery through a 
Striped Bass Management Conservation Plan.
    There are currently twelve active state water bottom mariculture 
leases in Tomales Bay managed by the California Department of Fish and 
Game. Three of those leases have been recently renewed: M-430-19 (Marin 
Oyster Company, 2001), M430-05 (Tomales Bay Oyster Company, 2002), and 
M-430-06 (Cove Mussel Company, 2002). The other nine leases were issued 
in the 1980s and have not yet come up for renewal. The exception to the 
introduced species prohibition would grandfather in the current lease 
agreements that are in effect on the effective date of the final 
regulation and allow for the introduction of introduced species as 
specified in these lease agreements. However, any new lease agreements 
executed after this date would be subject to this prohibition. 
Operations conducted under new lease agreements could cultivate native 
species but would be subject to the prohibition regarding introduced 
species. NOAA is not aware of any pending lease applications.
    This prohibition is designed to help reduce the risk from 
introduced species, including their seeds, eggs, spores, and other 
biological material capable of propagating. The intent of the 
prohibition is to prevent injury to Sanctuary resources and qualities, 
to protect the biodiversity of the Sanctuary ecosystems, and to 
preserve the native functional aspects of the Sanctuary ecosystems, all 
of which are put at risk by introduced species. Introduced species may 
become a new form of predator, competitor, disturber, parasite, or 
disease that can have devastating effects upon ecosystems. For example, 
introduced species impacts on native coastal marine species of the 
Sanctuary could include: Replacement of a functionally similar native 
species through competition; reduction in abundance or elimination of 
an entire population of a native species, which can affect native 
species richness; inhibition of normal growth or increased mortality of 
the host and associated species; increased intra- or interspecies 
competition with native species; creation or alteration of original 
substrate and habitat; hybridization with native species; and direct or 
indirect toxicity (e.g., toxic diatoms). Changes in species 
interactions can lead to disrupted nutrient cycles and altered energy 
flows that ripple with unpredictable results through an entire 
ecosystem. Introduced species may also pose threats to endangered 
species and native species diversity. A number of non-native species 
now found in the Gulf of the Farallones region were introduced 
elsewhere on the west coast but have spread through hull-fouling and 
accidental introductions.
    The proposed regulatory changes would prohibit approaching within 
50 meters of a white shark within 2 nmi around the Farallon Islands and 
prohibit attracting any white shark within the Sanctuary. Attract or 
attracting means the conduct of any activity that lures or may lure any 
animal in the Sanctuary by using food, bait, chum, dyes, decoys (e.g., 
surfboards or body boards used as decoys), acoustics or any other 
means, except the mere presence of human beings (e.g., swimmers, 
divers, boaters, kayakers, surfers). Harassment and disturbance related 
to human interaction is increasing from controversial shark diving 
programs known as adventure tourism. These programs may degrade the 
natural environment, impacting the species as a whole, and individual 
sharks that may be negatively impacted from repeated encounters with 
humans and boats. Implementing these regulations will resolve user 
conflicts (shark researchers vs. adventure tourism) and prevent 
interference with the seasonal feeding behavior of white sharks. 
Reducing human interaction and chumming would decrease the impacts on 
natural shark behavior.
    The proposed regulatory changes would add a new prohibition on 
deserting a vessel within the sanctuary. In particular, Tomales Bay is 
believed to have more than 100 derelict vessels. Leaving vessels 
unattended increases the likelihood of a calamitous event, or the risk 
of sinking. These events could result in the discharge of harmful 
toxins, chemicals or oils into the marine environment, reducing water 
quality and impacting biological resources and habitats. The proposed 
regulation would help to protect biological resources from

[[Page 59345]]

the threat posed by derelict vessels. Deserting means: leaving a vessel 
aground or adrift: (1) Without notification to the Director of the 
vessel going aground or becoming adrift within 12 hours of its 
discovery and developing and presenting to the Director a preliminary 
salvage plan within 24 hours of such notification; (2) after expressing 
or otherwise manifesting intention not to undertake or to cease salvage 
efforts; or (3) when the owner/operator cannot after reasonable efforts 
by the Director be reached within 12 hours of the vessel's condition 
being reported to authorities. Deserting also means leaving a vessel at 
anchor when its condition creates potential for a grounding, discharge, 
or deposit and the owner/operator fails to secure the vessel in a 
timely manner.
    The proposed regulatory changes would add a new prohibition on 
leaving harmful matter aboard a grounded or deserted vessel in the 
Sanctuary. Once a vessel is grounded there is a high risk of discharge/
deposit of harmful matter into the marine environment. Harmful matter 
aboard a deserted vessel also poses a threat to water quality. 
Currently, preemptive removal of harmful substance (e.g., motor oil) is 
not required by regulation. This prohibition would help reduce or avoid 
harm to Sanctuary resources and qualities from potential leakage of 
hazardous or other harmful matter from a vessel.
    The proposed regulatory changes would add a new prohibition on 
anchoring a vessel in a designated no-anchoring seagrass protection 
zone in Tomales Bay. This prohibition would not apply to vessels 
anchoring as necessary for mariculture operations that are conducted 
pursuant to a valid lease, permit, or license. For the purposes of this 
regulation, anchoring refers to the dropping and placement of an anchor 
that is attached to a vessel, and which, being cast overboard, retains 
the vessel in a particular station. There are a total of seven no-
anchoring zones proposed as part of this regulation, which comprise 22% 
of the surface area of Tomales Bay. The zones encompass the known 
seagrass coverage areas, as based upon data provided by California 
Department of Fish and Game from 1992, 2000, 2001 and 2002. The 
location and coverage area of seagrass beds can change over time. The 
adequacy of these zones will be reviewed and updated periodically, as 
needed, based on new seagrass monitoring data.
    This prohibition is intended to protect seagrass beds in Tomales 
Bay from the destructive effects of anchoring vessels. Seagrass means 
any species of marine angiosperms (flowering plants) that inhabit 
portions of the seabed in the Sanctuary. Those species include, but are 
not limited to: Zostera asiatica and Zostera marina. Seagrass beds are 
commonly found in tidal and upper subtidal zones and foster high levels 
of biological productivity. Seagrass beds are located throughout the 
sanctuary in estuaries, bays and lagoons, such as Tomales Bay and 
Bolinas Lagoon. Seagrass species, including Zostera marina and 
Gracilaria spp., cover about 397 hectares (1.5 mi<SUP>2</SUP>) or 13% 
of Tomales Bay. The seagrass beds help trap sediments and reduce excess 
nutrients and pollutants in the water column and thereby contribute 
towards the Bay's high water quality. Seagrass provides breeding and 
nursery grounds for fish such as herring, which attach their eggs to 
the seagrass blades. Seagrass beds also provide important habitats for 
migratory birds, such as shorebirds, who feed upon the abundant fish 
and invertebrate species that live in the seagrass beds. The rapid 
disappearance of this habitat, undergoing conversion for agriculture 
and aquaculture, poses a particular threat to these vulnerable species. 
Seagrass beds also serve as buffer zones in protecting coastal erosion 
and are a filter for pollutants. In 2003 a Technical Committee (TC), 
consisting of 7 state and federal agencies, was formed to address 
boater impacts in Tomales Bay. In 2005, members of the TC discussed the 
need for no-anchor zones in the seagrass beds as a way to prevent 
habitat damage in Tomales Bay. It was determined that the Gulf of the 
Farallones National Marine Sanctuary has the broadest jurisdictional 
authority over the waters of Tomales Bay, and should propose an action 
to prohibit anchoring by vessels on seagrass beds. This action would 
afford direct and indirect protection to biological resources and 
habitats, and the ecological services they provide.
    Since 2005, Tomales Bay has been the subject of a collaborative 
effort among ten local, state and Federal agencies (including NOAA/
GFNMS) to develop additional conservation measures to better protect 
the Bay's sensitive habitats and resources. The framework for the 
multi-agency Tomales Bay plan is proposed to be included in the GFNMS 
draft management plan as a strategy in the Resource Protection section. 
Although the multi-agency plan for Tomales Bay is not part of this 
proposed rule, it would include narrowing the current exception for the 
construction of docks and piers in Tomales Bay to allow only the 
reconstruction of existing docks and piers, and only within their 
existing footprint; construction of new docks and piers would be 
prohibited in Tomales Bay. GFNMS is publishing notice of this element 
of the multi-agency plan and this possible future regulatory change to 
the GFNMS regulation regarding docks and piers in Tomales Bay in order 
to advise the public of this potential change and to seek comment on it 
at this time, together with public comment on the proposed changes to 
GFNMS regulations that are the subject of this Notice.
    The proposed regulatory changes would also modify the Sanctuary's 
permit regulations by adding a manager's permit to ``assist in the 
managing of the Sanctuary.'' Activities that ``assist in managing the 
Sanctuary'' would be added to the types of activities (i.e., research, 
education, and salvage) for which the Director may issue a permit. This 
addition provides a mechanism by which the Director may issue permits 
for otherwise prohibited activities that will further Sanctuary 
management.
    Another proposed modification to the permit regulations would, 
based on the decades of permitting experience the NMSP now has, 
strengthen and augment the criteria that the Director considers when 
evaluating permit applications. Whereas the existing regulation simply 
indicates that the Director shall consider certain matters in deciding 
whether to grant a permit, the proposed modified regulation would state 
that the Director may not issue a permit unless the Director first 
considers certain factors, including but not limited to whether: The 
proposed activity will be conducted in a manner compatible with the 
primary objective of protection of Sanctuary resources and qualities, 
considering the extent to which the conduct of the activity may 
diminish or enhance Sanctuary resources and qualities, any potential 
indirect, secondary, or cumulative effects of the activity, and the 
duration of such effects; and it is necessary to conduct the proposed 
activity within the Sanctuary.
    The proposed modifications would also add permit application 
requirements. Permit applicants would be required to submit information 
addressing the criteria that the Director must consider in order to 
issue a permit. Additionally, the permit regulation would stipulate 
that Sanctuary permits are nontransferable.
    The proposed modifications to the permit regulations would also 
stipulate that Sanctuary permits must contain certain terms and 
conditions. These terms and conditions would include

[[Page 59346]]

information deemed appropriate by the Director of the National Marine 
Sanctuary Program.
    The proposed modifications to the permit regulations would also 
expressly require that in addition to any other terms and conditions 
that the Director deems appropriate, Sanctuary permits must require 
that the permittee agree to hold the United States harmless against any 
claims arising out of the permitted activities.

Public Hearings

    NOAA is publishing this proposed rule to provide notice to the 
public and invite advice, recommendations, information, and other 
comments from interested parties on the proposed rule and Draft 
Management Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DMP/DEIS). These 
are joint public hearings conducted by CBNMS, GFNMS and MBNMS and will 
be held as detailed below:
    (1) November 29, 2006, 6:30 p.m. at the Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 
Burton Drive, Cambria, CA 93428.
    (2) November 29, 2006, 6:30 p.m. at the Bodega Marine Laboratory, 
2099 Westside Road, Bodega Bay, CA 94923.
    (3) November 30, 2006, 6:30 p.m. at the Monterey Conference Center, 
One Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940.
    (4) November 30, 2006, 6:30 p.m. at the Dance Palace Community 
Center, 503 B Street, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956.
    (5) December 5, 2006, 6:30 p.m. at the University of California 
Santa Cruz Inn and Conference Center, 611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 
95060.
    (6) December 5, 2006, 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Mason Center, Firehouse 
(NE corner of Center), San Francisco, CA 94123.
    (7) December 6, 2006, 6:30 p.m. at the Community United Methodist 
Church, 777 Miramontes Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.

Miscellaneous Rulemaking Requirements

National Marine Sanctuaries Act

    Section 304(a)(4) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 
1434(a)(4)) requires that the procedures specified in section 304 for 
designating a National Marine Sanctuary be followed for modifying any 
term of designation. In particular, section 304 requires that the 
Secretary of Commerce submit to the Committee on Resources of the 
United States House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the United States Senate, no later than 
the same day as this notice is published, documents including a copy of 
this notice, the terms of the proposed designation (or in this case, 
the proposed changes thereto), the proposed regulations, a draft 
management plan detailing the proposed goals and objectives, management 
responsibilities, research activities for the area, and a draft 
environmental impact statement. In accordance with section 304, the 
required documents are being submitted to the specified Congressional 
Committees.

National Environmental Policy Act

    When changing a term of designation of a National Marine Sanctuary, 
section 304 of the NMSA (16 U.S.C. 1434) requires the preparation of a 
draft environmental impact statement (DEIS), as provided by the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
that the DEIS be made available to the public. NOAA has prepared a DMP/
DEIS on the proposal and copies are available at the address and Web 
site listed in the ADDRESSES section of this proposed rule. Responses 
to comments received on the DMP/DEIS will be published in the FMP/FEIS 
and final rule.

Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Impact

    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant within 
the meaning of section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 13132: Federalism Assessment

    NOAA has concluded that this regulatory action falls within the 
definition of ``policies that have federalism implications'' within the 
meaning of Executive Order 13132. The proposed changes will not preempt 
State law, but will simply complement existing State authorities. In 
keeping with the intent of the Executive Order, the NMSP consulted with 
a number of entities within the State who participated in development 
of the proposed rule, including but not limited to, the California 
Department of Boating and Waterways, the California State Lands 
Commission, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the 
California Resources Agency.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration that this proposed rule, if adopted, would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The factual basis for this certification is as follows:
    Based primarily on recent socioeconomic studies, NOAA has 
identified the following small businesses and small organizations as 
defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Small business concerns 
operating within the Sanctuary include commercial fishermen, 
mariculture operations, consumptive recreational charter businesses, 
and non-consumptive recreational charter businesses. Small 
organizations operating within the Sanctuary include non-governmental 
organizations (NGOs) and/or non-profit organizations (NPOs) dedicated 
to environmental education, research, restoration and conservation 
concerning marine and maritime heritage resources. There are no small 
governmental jurisdictions in the Sanctuary, though as explained below, 
there are some adjacent to the Sanctuary.
    Small business concerns operating within the Sanctuary include 
commercial fishermen who vary in number seasonally and annually from 
approximately 300 to 500 boats; twelve mariculture lease holders in 
Tomales Bay; approximately 25 recreational charter fishing businesses; 
and approximately 7 recreational charter businesses engaged in wildlife 
viewing. The approximately 3 small organizations operating within the 
Sanctuary include non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and/or non-
profit organizations (NPOs) dedicated to environmental education, 
research, restoration, and conservation concerning marine and maritime 
heritage resources. The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601(5)) 
defines the term ``small governmental jurisdictions'' as governments of 
cities, counties, towns, townships, villages, school districts, or 
special districts, with a population of less than fifty thousand. 
Bodega, Bolinas and Tomales Bay settlements would qualify as ``small 
governmental jurisdictions'' directly adjacent to the Sanctuary.
    The proposed prohibition on abandoning any structure, material or 
other matter on or in the submerged lands of the Sanctuary would have 
no significant adverse impacts on small entities within the Sanctuary 
because none of these operations are dependent upon a practice of 
abandoning structures or other matter on or in the submerged lands of 
the Sanctuary. However, should a small entity, such as a research 
entity, occasionally want to temporarily leave materials on the 
submerged lands of the Sanctuary, such as research equipment, a 
Sanctuary research permit could be applied for. Additionally, this 
prohibition may offer

[[Page 59347]]

an indirect beneficial effect to marine salvage companies whose 
services may be called upon to remove grounded, sinking or submerged 
vessels that would otherwise be illegal to leave abandoned upon the 
submerged lands of the Sanctuary.
    The proposed prohibitions on take and possession of marine mammals, 
birds and sea turtles are not expected to result in a significant 
adverse impact on small entities because those entities' operations may 
lawfully involve such takes under authorization granted pursuant to the 
Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), Endangered 
Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 
U.S.C. 703 et seq.), or any regulation promulgated under one of these 
acts. Additionally, non-consumptive recreational charter businesses may 
receive indirect beneficial effects from these proposed regulations 
because the added protection to marine mammals, birds, and sea turtles 
can complement business activities focused on whale watching, kayaking, 
or other marine excursion tours. For example, the additional protection 
this prohibition affords to certain animals may potentially result in 
improved status of such animals, particularly at the Farallon Islands. 
This in turn may lead to the beneficial effect of more consumer 
interest in services rendered by non-consumptive recreational charter 
businesses.
    The proposed prohibition on releasing or otherwise introducing from 
within or into the Sanctuary an introduced species is not expected to 
significantly adversely impact small entities because releasing or 
otherwise introducing an introduced species is not part of the business 
associated with most of the identified small entities. Small entities 
whose business may include catch and release of striped bass (Morone 
saxatilis) (i.e., consumptive recreational charter businesses) would 
not be affected because the prohibition would not apply to the catch 
and release of striped bass. By prohibiting such introductions, 
indirect benefits may result for certain small entities since their 
activities could potentially be negatively impacted by the spread of 
introduced species.
    There are twelve mariculture lease holders in Tomales Bay. All 
twelve of these lease holders would be exempt from the introduced 
species prohibition if they have active lease agreements at the time of 
implementation of this regulation. The exception only applies to 
introduced species specified in the lease agreement and for the term of 
that active lease. In other words, species cultivated by mariculture 
activity in Tomales Bay pursuant to a valid lease, permit, license, or 
other authorization issued by the State of California and in effect on 
the effective date of this regulation, would be permitted, provided 
that the renewal by the State of any authorization does not increase 
the type of introduced species being cultivated, or the size of the 
area under cultivation with introduced species. New mariculture leases 
would not be exempt from this prohibition. This prohibition would not 
put any current operations out of business.
    None of the small entities conducting activities within the 
Sanctuary is expected to be significantly adversely impacted by the 
proposed clarifications and corrections to the Sanctuary's boundary 
because there would be no practical change resulting from these 
clarifications and corrections. The clarification that submerged lands 
are part of the existing Sanctuary boundary would not have a 
significant adverse impact on small entities within the Sanctuary 
because the Sanctuary has managed the submerged lands and has 
administered protective measures for them since designation in 1981. 
The NMSP manages submerged lands as part of national marine sanctuaries 
and this is reflected in amendments to the NMSA passed in 1984 (16 
U.S.C. 1432(3)). Similarly, proposed corrections and clarifications to 
the Sanctuary's boundary coordinates would not significantly adversely 
impact any of the small entities operating within the Sanctuary because 
the proposed corrections and clarifications are merely technical in 
nature and will not affect the measurable size of the Sanctuary. For 
example, boundary coordinates are proposed to be updated using the 
North American Datum of 1983, which provides more accurate information 
than that originally used to describe the Sanctuary boundary 
coordinates.
    The proposed modification to the Sanctuary's discharge/deposit 
regulation clarifying that discharges allowed from marine sanitation 
devices applies only to Type I and Type II marine sanitation devices 
would not introduce any new restrictions on small entities and would 
merely clarify the original intent of the Sanctuary's discharge 
regulation. To the extent that this clarification might affect 
customary, though illegal, sewage discharge practices of some small 
entities, the adverse affect on those operations is expected to be less 
than significant because such discharges may legally occur beyond the 
Sanctuary's boundary, or vessel sewage may be pumped out and disposed 
of at mainland ports and harbors. Additionally, some small entities may 
receive indirect benefits from this clarification, especially as it 
might pertain to preventing large volume discharges from larger 
vessels, since it may contribute to sustaining favorable environmental 
quality in their area of operation.
    The proposed modification to the Sanctuary's discharge/deposit 
regulation that would specify that discharging or depositing fish, fish 
parts, or chumming materials (bait) may occur only during the conduct 
of lawful fishing activity within the Sanctuary is not expected to have 
a significant adverse impact on small entities because it would not 
apply to conduct of lawful fishing activity within the Sanctuary. In 
some areas ``chumming'' is a practice that has been associated with 
non-consumptive recreational activities (e.g., attracting sharks for 
photography) or in some cases research activities (e.g., attracting 
birds for study). The two known shark viewing operations in business 
during the management plan review process were consulted with and 
support this proposed regulatory action. Furthermore, small entities 
not engaged in lawful fishing could apply for and, if appropriate, be 
granted a Sanctuary permit (e.g., research or education) to conduct 
this otherwise prohibited discharge/deposit.
    The proposed modification that would prohibit the discharge of food 
waste as a result of meals on board vessels would not result in a 
significant impact to small entities because it would merely introduce 
a new requirement that boaters not discard food wastes within the 
Sanctuary. Such discharges/deposits are already prohibited under the 
Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, 33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq., within the 
first three nmi from shore and out to twelve nmi unless the food wastes 
are ground to less than one inch. Therefore, boaters could either 
properly dispose of food waste at port or appropriately discard it 
beyond the Sanctuary's boundary, when food wastes are ground to less 
than one inch. Resulting impacts may include additional costs and time 
potentially involved in traveling the additional distance offshore to 
appropriately dispose of food waste, although wastes may also be 
disposed of shoreside.
    The proposed modification to the sanctuary's discharge regulation 
exception that would result in dredge material disposed of at the 
interim dumpsite is no longer applicable to any entity as the interim 
dumpsite is no longer in use.

[[Page 59348]]

    The proposed modification to the sanctuary's discharge regulation 
that would no longer exempt municipal sewage discharge is only 
applicable to Marin and Sonoma counties. No permit applications have 
been received, nor has interest been expressed in applying for a 
permit, for the past 25 years. Thus, the proposed modification is 
expected to result in less than significant impact.
    The proposed prohibition on discharge from cruise ships would have 
no adverse impacts on any current small entity operations. The Small 
Business Administration defines the threshold for a ``Scenic and 
Sightseeing Transportation, Water'' small business as an entity that 
has average annual receipts of $6.5 million per year or less (NAICS 
487210). ``Cruise ship'' is defined by the Sanctuary to mean a vessel 
with 250 or more passenger berths for hire. All of the cruise ship 
entities that operate vessels in the Sanctuary with more than 250 
passenger berths are considered large entities. Additionally, cruise 
ships would not be prevented from transiting the sanctuary, as 
indicated by the exception for ``vessel cooling water.'' All other 
discharge material must be disposed of beyond the sanctuary boundary, 
provided that it does not enter and injure a sanctuary resource.
    Significant adverse impacts are not expected to result for any of 
the Sanctuary's small entities from the proposed prohibition on 
discharging or depositing any material or other matter from beyond the 
boundary of the Sanctuary that subsequently enters the Sanctuary and 
injures a Sanctuary resource or quality because in the course of 
normal, lawful operations, no small entity activities (e.g., commercial 
fishing businesses, recreational fishing businesses, non-consumptive 
charter businesses, research and education entities, aircraft 
businesses) are expected to produce such discharges/deposits beyond the 
Sanctuary boundary. Additionally, this proposed regulation would except 
discharges/deposits likely to come from vessel-based small entities, 
including: Biodegradable effluent incidental to vessel use and 
generated by an operable Type I or II marine sanitation device (U.S. 
Coast Guard classification) approved in accordance with section 312 of 
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321 et seq.); 
biodegradable matter from a vessel resulting from deck wash down and 
vessel engine cooling water; vessel engine exhaust; and fish, fish 
parts, or chumming materials (bait) used in or resulting from lawful 
fishing activity beyond the boundary of the Sanctuary, provided that 
such discharge or deposit is during the conduct of lawful fishing 
activity there.
    The proposed clarification to the sanctuary's disturbing the 
submerged lands regulation that would no longer exempt laying of 
pipelines except those related to hydrocarbon operations in leases 
adjacent to the sanctuary is not applicable to any known entity. Over 
the past 25 years, no permit applications have been received, and no 
interest in applying for a permit has been expressed. Thus, the 
proposed modification is expected to result in no significant impact.
    The proposed modification to the sanctuary's disturbing the 
submerged lands regulation that would no longer exempt ecological 
maintenance is not applicable to any known entity. Over the past 25 
years, no permit applications have been received, and no interest in 
applying for a permit has been expressed. Thus, the proposed 
modification is expected to result in no significant impact.
    Significant adverse impacts to small entities are not expected to 
result from the revision and strengthening of the Sanctuary's 
regulation protecting historical resources because the regulation would 
remain essentially the same with regard to how small entities may 
conduct their activities. For example, non-consumptive recreational 
charter businesses are expected to continue to operate chartered trips 
in a manner that does not involve the unlawful practice of injuring or 
removing submerged cultural resources. Thus, although the proposed 
revised regulation would be more comprehensive in the protection 
provided to these resources (prohibiting possessing, moving, removing, 
or injuring, or attempting to possess, move, remove, or injure, a 
Sanctuary historical resource), no significant adverse impact is 
expected for existing lawful business practices. The proposed 
regulation may offer an indirect beneficial effect for non-consumptive 
recreational charter businesses, as it would help ensure that submerged 
cultural resources remain intact for divers and shoreline visitors to 
enjoy.
    The proposed prohibition on attracting a white shark in the 
sanctuary, or approaching within 50 meters of any white shark within 2 
nmi of the Farallon Islands would only be applicable to those vessel-
based small entities that seasonally (Sept.-Dec.) run adventure tourism 
operations adjacent to the Farallon Islands. These proposed actions 
will not prevent the adventure tourism activities from taking place, 
but do prohibit deployment of attractants in the Sanctuary and limit 
approach distances around the Farallon Islands. Some of the operations 
may be eligible for research or education permits. The two known shark 
viewing operations in business during the management plan review 
process were consulted with as part of a working group and support this 
proposed regulatory action. These specific small entities are expected 
to experience a less than significant impact from this proposed 
regulatory action.
    The proposed prohibition on deserting a vessel and leaving harmful 
matter on a grounded or deserted vessel in the sanctuary will not have 
a significant economic impact on any small commercial entity or 
organization. The estimated 100 plus deserted vessels currently in 
existence (primarily in Tomales Bay,) may have been privately owned at 
one time, although at this time there is no apparent ownership, or it 
is not clear. The prohibition against deserting a vessel or leaving 
harmful matter on a grounded or deserted vessel would not have a 
significant adverse impact on small entities, as doing so is not an 
aspect of operation; as such the adverse impact to small entities would 
be less than significant. Indirect beneficial effects from this 
prohibition may result for those small entities, such as commercial and 
recreational charter businesses, which rely upon a healthy nearshore 
marine environment that is not impacted by vessel groundings, hazardous 
spills, and wildlife disturbance risks that grounded vessels can pose.
    To the extent that small business-owned vessels do use the 
Sanctuary, and have in the past anchored in seagrass beds in Tomales 
Bay, the proposed prohibition against vessels anchoring in designated 
no-anchoring seagrass protection zones in Tomales Bay will not have a 
significant economic impact on any small commercial entity or 
organization. The seven no-anchoring seagrass protection zones comprise 
about 22% of the existing surface area in Tomales Bay. These zones 
include many areas that are unsuitable for vessel anchoring since it is 
exposed mud flat at low tide. As such, the net loss of anchoring area 
to vessel operators is likely less than 22% of the bay. Further, the 
no-anchoring zones were created to exclude known anchoring areas near 
marinas and recreational day-use areas. This design helped to reduce 
the likelihood of any potential impacts to vessel operators, including 
sailboats, pleasure craft and recreational fishermen. Although 
anchoring vessels in the seven proposed zones would be prohibited, 
vessel operators can still safely anchor in the remaining 78% of

[[Page 59349]]

the Sanctuary. While the no-anchoring zones may require some individual 
vessel owners to anchor in a new location outside one of the proposed 
zones, it would not prohibit them from using their vessel or accessing 
nearshore facilities. The proposed prohibition on will not affect 
aquaculture facilities in Tomales Bay because vessels that are 
operating in association with valid mariculture leases, permits, or 
licenses, would not be subject to the prohibition. In addition, the 
regulation only applies to vessels anchoring in these zones and not 
facilities, such as mariculture that may require anchoring structures 
to the seabed. This regulation prohibiting vessels from anchoring in 
specific zones is not expected negatively impact the 34 permitted 
commercial Pacific herring fishermen in Tomales Bay. Although the 
fishermen use gillnets, which are anchored to the bottom of the 
seafloor near or occasionally in seagrass beds, they do not need to 
anchor their vessels in seagrass to conduct their operations. Overall 
this proposed regulation would provide direct and indirect protection 
to biological resources and habitats, and the ecological services they 
provide, while having few, if any, impacts to small business entities.
    The proposed modification of permit issuance criteria and 
procedures is not expected to significantly adversely affect any of the 
small entities within the Sanctuary as most of their activities do not 
require a Sanctuary permit. Furthermore, the proposed revised permit 
regulations not only maintain the current scope of activities for which 
a permit may be issued (research, education, and salvage), but also add 
one more such activity category (for activities that will assist in 
managing the Sanctuary), thereby broadening the types of otherwise 
prohibited activities for which a permit may be granted. If a 
Sanctuary-based research, education, salvage, or other project requires 
a permit, the proposed modified criteria and procedures are not 
expected to significantly adversely affect the activities of the 
requesting entities, because the proposed revised permit regulation 
merely clarifies other concepts implicit in the current regulation.
    Because this action would not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities, no initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis was prepared.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule involves an existing information collection 
requirement currently approved by OMB (OMB approval number 0648-0141) 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The 
proposed rule will not require any change to the currently approved OMB 
approval and would not result in any change in the public burden in 
applying for and complying with NMSP permitting requirements.
    The public reporting burden for these permit application 
requirements is estimated to average 1.00 hour per response, including 
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing 
the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden 
estimate, or any other aspect of this data collection, including 
suggestions for reducing the burden, to David Bizot, National Permit 
Coordinator, NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program, 1305 East-West 
Highway, N/ORM-6, Silver Spring, MD 20910, by e-mail to 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#793d180f101d573b1003160d3917161818571e160f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8aceebfce3eea4c8e3f0e5fecae4e5ebeba4ede5fc">[email protected]</span></a>, by fax to (301) 713-0404; or by e-mail to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2a6e4b5c434e757845595e414f586a454748044f455a044d455c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="296d485f404d767b465a5d424c5b6946444b074c4659074e465f">[email protected]</span></a>, or fax to (202) 395-7285.
    The proposed revised permit regulations would require the Director 
of the NMSP to consider the proposed activity for which a permit 
application has been received. The proposed modifications to the permit 
procedures and criteria (15 CFR 922.83) would further refine current 
requirements and procedures of the general National Marine Sanctuary 
Program regulations (15 CFR 922.48(a) and (c)). The proposed 
modifications would also clarify existing requirements for permit 
applications found in the Office of Management and Budget approved 
applicant guidelines (OMB Control Number 0648-0141). The revised permit 
regulations would add language about: The qualifications, finances, and 
proposed methods of the applicant; the compatibility of the proposed 
method with the value of the Sanctuary and the primary objective of 
protection of Sanctuary resources and qualities; the necessity of the 
proposed activity; and the reasonably expected end value of the 
proposed activity.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure 
to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements 
of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.

List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 922

    Administrative practice and procedure, coastal zone, historic 
preservation, intergovernmental relations, marine resources, natural 
resources, penalties, recreation and recreation areas, reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, wildlife, incorporation by reference.

(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number 11.429 Marine Sanctuary 
Program)

    Dated: September 26, 2006.
Elizabeth R. Scheffler,
Associate Assistant Administrator for Management for Ocean Services and 
Coastal Zone Management.
    Accordingly, for the reasons set forth above, 15 CFR part 922 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 922--GULF OF THE FARALLONES NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

    1. The authority citation for part 922 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.

    2. Subpart H is revised to read as follows:

Subpart H--Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

Sec.
922.80 Boundary.
922.81 Definitions.
922.82 Prohibited Or Otherwise Regulated Activities.
922.83 Permit Procedures And Issuance Criteria.
922.84 Certification Of Other Permits.

Appendix A To Subpart H Of Part 922--Gulf Of The Farallones National 
Marine Sanctuary Boundary Coordinates.

Appendix B To Subpart H Of Part 922--2 nmi From The Farallon Islands 
Boundary Coordinates.

Appendix C To Subpart H Of Part 922--No Anchoring Seagrass Protection 
Zones in Tomales Bay.


Sec.  922.80  Boundary.

    (a) The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary 
(Sanctuary) boundary encompasses a total area of approximately 966 
square nautical miles (nmi) of coastal and ocean waters, and submerged 
lands thereunder, surrounding the Farallon Islands (and Noonday Rock) 
off the northern coast of California. The northernmost extent of the 
Sanctuary boundary is a geodetic line extending westward from Bodega 
Head approximately 6 nmi to the northern boundary of the Cordell Bank 
National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS). The Sanctuary boundary then turns 
southward to a point approximately 6 nmi off Point Reyes, California, 
where it then turns westward again out towards the 1,000-fathom 
isobath. The Sanctuary boundary then extends in a southerly

[[Page 59350]]

direction adjacent to the 1,000-fathom isobath until it intersects the 
northern extent of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). 
The Sanctuary boundary then follows the MBNMS boundary eastward and 
northward until it intersects the Mean High Water Line at Rocky Point, 
California. The Sanctuary boundary then follows the MHWL north until it 
intersects the Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) boundary. The 
Sanctuary boundary then approximates the PRNS boundary, as established 
at the time of designation of the Sanctuary, to the intersection of the 
PRNS boundary and the MHWL in Tomales Bay. The Sanctuary boundary then 
follows the MHWL up Tomales Bay and Lagunitas Creek to the Route 1 
Bridge where the Sanctuary boundary crosses the Lagunitas Creek and 
follows the MHWL until it intersects its northernmost extent near 
Bodega Head. The Sanctuary boundary includes Bolinas Lagoon, Estero de 
San Antonio (to the Tide gate at Valley Ford Franklin School Road) and 
Estero Americano (to the bridge at Valley Ford Estero Road), as well as 
Bodega Bay, but not Bodega Harbor. Where the Sanctuary boundary crosses 
a waterway, the Sanctuary boundary excludes these waterways shoreward 
of the Sanctuary boundary line delineated by the coordinates provided. 
The precise seaward boundary coordinates are listed in Appendix A to 
this subpart.
    (b) [Reserved]


Sec.  922.81  Definitions.

    In addition to those definitions found at Sec.  922.3, the 
following definitions apply to this subpart:
    Areas of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) are those areas 
designated by California's State Water Resources Control Board as 
requiring protection of species or biological communities to the extent 
that alteration of natural water quality is undesirable. ASBS are a 
subset of State Water Quality Protection Areas established pursuant to 
California Public Resources Code section 36700 et. seq.
    Attract or attracting means the conduct of any activity that lures 
or may lure any animal in the Sanctuary by using food, bait, chum, 
dyes, decoys (e.g., surfboards or body boards used as decoys), 
acoustics or any other means, except the mere presence of human beings 
(e.g., swimmers, divers, boaters, kayakers, surfers).
    Cruise ship means a vessel with 250 or more passenger berths for 
hire.
    Deserting means
    (1) leaving a vessel aground or adrift:
    (i) without notification to the Director of the vessel going 
aground or becoming adrift within 12 hours of its discovery and 
developing and presenting to the Director a preliminary salvage plan 
within 24 hours of such notification;
    (ii) after expressing or otherwise manifesting intention not to 
undertake or to cease salvage efforts; or
    (iii) when the owner/operator cannot after reasonable efforts by 
the Director be reached within 12 hours of the vessel's condition being 
reported to authorities; or
    (2) leaving a vessel at anchor when its condition creates potential 
for a grounding, discharge, or deposit and the owner/operator fails to 
secure the vessel in a timely manner.
    Harmful matter means any substance, or combination of substances, 
which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or 
infectious characteristics may pose a present or potential threat to 
Sanctuary resources or qualities, including but not limited to: Fishing 
nets, fishing line, hooks, fuel, oil, and those contaminants 
(regardless of quantity) listed pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 101(14) of the 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act at 
40 CFR 302.4.
    Introduced species means (1) a species (including, but not limited 
to, any of its biological matter capable of propagation) that is non-
native to the ecosystem(s) protected by the Sanctuary; or (2) any 
organism into which genetic matter from another species has been 
transferred in order that the host organism acquires the genetic traits 
of the transferred genes.
    Motorized personal watercraft means a vessel which uses an inboard 
motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power 
and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or 
kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting 
or standing inside the vessel.
    Routine maintenance means customary and standard procedures for 
maintaining docks or piers.
    Seagrass means any species of marine angiosperms (flowering plants) 
that inhabit portions of the seabed in the Sanctuary. Those species 
include, but are not limited to: Zostera asiatica and Zostera marina.


Sec.  922.82  Prohibited or otherwise regulated activities.

    The following activities are prohibited and thus are unlawful for 
any person to conduct or to cause to be conducted within the 
Sanctuary:(a)(1) Exploring for, developing, or producing oil or gas 
except that pipelines related to hydrocarbon operations adjacent to the 
Sanctuary may be placed at a distance greater than 2 nmi from the 
Farallon Islands, Bolinas Lagoon and Areas of Special Biological 
Significance (ASBS) where certified to have no significant effect on 
Sanctuary resources in accordance with Sec.  922.84.
    (2) Discharging or depositing from within or into the Sanctuary, 
other than from a cruise ship, any material or other matter except:
    (i) Fish, fish parts, or chumming materials (bait) used in or 
resulting from lawful fishing activity within the Sanctuary and 
discharged or deposited while conducting lawful fishing activity within 
the Sanctuary;
    (ii) Biodegradable effluents incidental to vessel use and generated 
by: An operable Type I or II marine sanitation device (U.S. Coast Guard 
classification) that is approved in accordance with section 312 of the 
Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (FWPCA), 33 U.S.C. 
1322. Vessel operators must lock all marine sanitation devices in a 
manner that prevents discharge of untreated sewage;
    (iii) Biodegradable material or other matter from a vessel 
resulting from deck wash down or vessel engine cooling water; or
    (iv) Vessel engine exhaust.
    (3) Discharging or depositing, from within or into the Sanctuary, 
any material or other matter from a cruise ship except vessel engine 
cooling water.
    (4) Discharging or depositing, from beyond the boundary of the 
Sanctuary, any material or other matter that subsequently enters the 
Sanctuary and injures a Sanctuary resource or quality, except for the 
exclusions listed in paragraphs (a)(2) (i) through (iv) and (a)(3) of 
this section.
    (5) Constructing any structure other than a navigation aid; 
drilling through the submerged lands; placing or abandoning any 
structure; and dredging or otherwise altering the submerged lands in 
any way, except:
    (i) By anchoring vessels in a manner not otherwise prohibited by 
this part (see Sec.  922.82(a)(16));
    (ii) Bottom trawling from a commercial fishing vessel;
    (iii) The laying of pipelines related to hydrocarbon operations in 
leases adjacent to the Sanctuary in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section;
    (iv) Routine maintenance and construction of docks and piers on 
Tomales Bay; and
    (v) Mariculture activities conducted pursuant to a valid lease, 
permit, license or other authorization issued by the State of 
California.

[[Page 59351]]

    (6) Operating any vessel engaged in the trade of carrying cargo 
within an area extending 2 nmi from the Farallon Islands, Bolinas 
Lagoon or any ASBS. This includes but is not limited to tankers and 
other bulk carriers and barges, or any vessel engaged in the trade of 
servicing offshore installations, except: To transport persons or 
supplies to or from the Islands or mainland areas adjacent to Sanctuary 
waters or any ASBS. In no event shall this section be construed to 
limit access for fishing, recreational or research vessels.
    (7) Operation of motorized personal watercraft, except for the 
operation of motorized personal watercraft for emergency search and 
rescue missions or law enforcement operations (other than routine 
training activities) carried out by the National Park Service, U.S. 
Coast Guard, Fire or Police Departments or other Federal, State or 
local jurisdictions.
    (8) Disturbing birds or marine mammals by flying motorized aircraft 
at less than 1000 feet over the waters within one nmi of the Farallon 
Islands, Bolinas Lagoon, or any ASBS except to transport persons or 
supplies to or from the Islands or for enforcement purposes.
    (9) Possessing, moving, removing, or injuring, or attempting to 
possess, move, remove or injure, a Sanctuary historical resource.
    (10) Introducing or otherwise releasing from within or into the 
Sanctuary an introduced species, except:
    (i) striped bass (Morone saxatilis) released during catch and 
release fishing activity; and
    (ii) species cultivated by mariculture activities in Tomales Bay 
pursuant to a valid lease, permit, license or other authorization 
issued by the State of California and in effect on the effective date 
of the final regulation, provided that the renewal by the State of any 
authorization does not increase the type of introduced species being 
cultivated or the size of the area under cultivation with introduced 
species.
    (11) Taking any marine mammal, sea turtle, or bird within or above 
the Sanctuary, except as permitted by regulations, as amended, 
promulgated under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as amended, (MMPA), 
16 U.S.C. 1362 et seq., the Endangered Species Act, as amended, (ESA), 
16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 
(MBTA), 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.
    (12) Possessing within the Sanctuary (regardless of where taken, 
moved or removed from), any marine mammal, sea turtle, or bird taken, 
except as authorized under the MMPA, ESA, MBTA, under any regulation, 
as amended, promulgated under these Acts, or as necessary for valid law 
enforcement purposes.
    (13) Attracting a white shark in the Sanctuary; or approaching 
within 50 meters of any white shark within the line approximating 2 nmi 
around the Farallon Islands. The coordinates for the line approximating 
2 nmi around the Farallon Islands are listed in Appendix B to this 
subpart.
    (14) Deserting a vessel aground, at anchor, or adrift in the 
Sanctuary.
    (15) Leaving harmful matter aboard a grounded or deserted vessel in 
the Sanctuary.
    (16) Anchoring a vessel in a designated seagrass protection zone in 
Tomales Bay, except as necessary for mariculture operations conducted 
pursuant to a valid lease, permit or license. The coordinates for the 
no-anchoring seagrass protection zones are listed in Appendix C to this 
subpart.
    (b) All activities currently carried out by the Department of 
Defense within the Sanctuary are essential for the national defense 
and, therefore, not subject to the prohibitions in this section. The 
exemption of additional activities shall be determined in consultation 
between the Director and the Department of Defense.
    (c) The prohibitions in paragraph (a) of this section do not apply 
to activities necessary to respond to an emergency threatening life, 
property, or the environment, or except as may be permitted by the 
Director in accordance with Sec.  922.48 and Sec.  922.83.


Sec.  922.83  Permit procedures and issuance criteria.

    (a) A person may conduct an activity prohibited by 922.82 if such 
activity is specifically authorized by, and conducted in accordance 
with the scope, purpose, terms and conditions of, a permit issued under 
Sec.  922.48 and this section.
    (b) The Director, at his or her discretion, may issue a National 
Marine Sanctuary permit under this section, subject to terms and 
conditions as he or she deems appropriate, if the Director finds that 
the activity will:
    (1) Further research or monitoring related to Sanctuary resources 
and qualities;
    (2) Further the educational value of the Sanctuary;
    (3) Further salvage or recovery operations; or
    (4) Assist in managing the Sanctuary.
    (c) In deciding whether to issue a permit, the Director shall 
consider factors such as:
    (1) The applicant is qualified to conduct and complete the proposed 
activity;
    (2) The applicant has adequate financial resources available to 
conduct and complete the proposed activity;
    (3) The methods and procedures proposed by the applicant are 
appropriate to achieve the goals of the proposed activity, especially 
in relation to the potential effects of the proposed activity on 
Sanctuary resources and qualities;
    (4) The proposed activity will be conducted in a manner compatible 
with the primary objective of protection of Sanctuary resources and 
qualities, considering the extent to which the conduct of the activity 
may diminish or enhance Sanctuary resources and qualities, any 
potential indirect, secondary or cumulative effects of the activity, 
and the duration of such effects;
    (5) The proposed activity will be conducted in a manner compatible 
with the value of the Sanctuary, considering the extent to which the 
conduct of the activity may result in conflicts between different users 
of the Sanctuary, and the duration of such effects;
    (6) It is necessary to conduct the proposed activity within the 
Sanctuary;
    (7) The reasonably expected end value of the proposed activity to 
the furtherance of Sanctuary goals and purposes outweighs any potential 
adverse effects on Sanctuary resources and qualities from the conduct 
of the activity; and
    (8) Any other factors as the Director deems appropriate.
    (d) Applications. (1) Applications for permits should be addressed 
to the Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; ATTN: 
Superintendent, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, 
Building 201, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123.
    (2) In addition to the information listed in Sec.  922.48(b), all 
applications must include information to be considered by the Director 
in paragraph (b) and (c) of this section.
    (e) The permittee must agree to hold the United States harmless 
against any claims arising out of the conduct of the permitted 
activities.


Sec.  922.84  Certification of other permits.

    (a) A permit, license, or other authorization allowing: the laying 
of any pipeline related to hydrocarbon operations in leases adjacent to 
the Sanctuary and placed at a distance greater than 2 nmi from the 
Farallon Islands, Bolinas Lagoon, and any ASBS must be certified by the 
Director as consistent with the purpose of the

[[Page 59352]]

Sanctuary and having no significant effect on Sanctuary resources. Such 
certification may impose terms and conditions as deemed appropriate to 
ensure consistency.
    (b) In considering whether to make the certifications called for in 
this section, the Director may seek and consider the views of any other 
person or entity, within or outside the Federal government, and may 
hold a public hearing as deemed appropriate.
    (c) Any certification called for in this section shall be presumed 
unless the Director acts to deny or condition certification within 60 
days from the date that the Director receives notice of the proposed 
permit and the necessary supporting data.
    (d) The Director may amend, suspend, or revoke any certification 
made under this section whenever continued operation would violate any 
terms or conditions of the certification. Any such action shall be 
forwarded in writing to both the holder of the certified permit and the 
issuing agency and shall set forth reason(s) for the action taken.

Appendix A to Subpart H of Part 922--Gulf of the Farallones National 
Marine Sanctuary Boundary Coordinates

    Coordinates listed in this Appendix are unprojected (Geographic) 
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Point ID No.                  Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sanctuary Boundary:
    1.............................           38.29896         -123.05989
    2.............................           38.26390         -123.18138
    3.............................           38.21001         -123.11913
    4.............................           38.16576         -123.09207
    5.............................           38.14072         -123.08237
    6.............................           38.12829         -123.08742
    7.............................           38.10215         -123.09804
    8.............................           38.09069         -123.10387
    9.............................           38.07898         -123.10924
    10............................           38.06505         -123.11711
    11............................           38.05202         -123.12827
    12............................           37.99227         -123.14137
    13............................           37.98947         -123.23615
    14............................           37.95880         -123.32312
    15............................           37.90464         -123.38958
    16............................           37.83480         -123.42579
    17............................           37.76687         -123.42694
    18............................           37.75932         -123.42686
    19............................           37.68892         -123.39274
    20............................           37.63356         -123.32819
    21............................           37.60123         -123.24292
    22............................           37.59165         -123.22641
    23............................           37.56305         -123.19859
    24............................           37.52001         -123.12879
    25............................           37.50819         -123.09617
    26............................           37.49418         -123.00770
    27............................           37.50948         -122.90614
    28............................           37.52988         -122.85988
    29............................           37.57147         -122.80399
    30............................           37.61622         -122.76937
    31............................           37.66641         -122.75105
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix B to Subpart H of Part 922--2 NMI From The Farallon Islands 
Boundary Coordinates

    Coordinates listed in this Appendix are unprojected (Geographic) 
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Point ID Number (2nmi from the
    Farallon Islands Boundary)           Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.................................           37.77670         -123.14954
1.................................           37.78563         -123.14632
2.................................           37.79566         -123.13764
3.................................           37.80296         -123.12521
4.................................           37.80609         -123.11189
5.................................           37.80572         -123.09847
6.................................           37.80157         -123.08484
7.................................           37.79776         -123.07836
8.................................           37.79368         -123.06992
9.................................           37.78702         -123.06076
10................................           37.77905         -123.05474
11................................           37.77014         -123.05169
12................................           37.76201         -123.05151
13................................           37.75758         -123.05248
14................................           37.76078         -123.04115

[[Page 59353]]

 
15................................           37.76151         -123.02803
16................................           37.75898         -123.01527
17................................           37.75267         -123.00303
18................................           37.74341         -122.99425
19................................           37.73634         -122.99017
20................................           37.73036         -122.97601
21................................           37.72042         -122.96548
22................................           37.70870         -122.95890
23................................           37.69737         -122.95720
24................................           37.68759         -122.95882
25................................           37.67768         -122.96469
26................................           37.66905         -122.97427
27................................           37.66352         -122.98478
28................................           37.66037         -122.99741
29................................           37.66029         -123.00991
30................................           37.66290         -123.02133
31................................           37.67102         -123.03830
32................................           37.67755         -123.04612
33................................           37.68844         -123.05334
34................................           37.69940         -123.05567
35................................           37.71127         -123.06858
36................................           37.72101         -123.07329
37................................           37.73167         -123.07399
38................................           37.73473         -123.07340
39................................           37.73074         -123.08620
40................................           37.73010         -123.09787
41................................           37.73265         -123.11296
42................................           37.73685         -123.12315
43................................           37.74273         -123.13124
44................................           37.74725         -123.13762
45................................           37.75467         -123.14466
46................................           37.76448         -123.14917
47................................           37.77670         -123.14954
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix C to Subpart H of Part 922--No-Anchoring Seagrass Protection 
Zones in Tomales Bay

    Coordinates listed in this Appendix are unprojected (Geographic) 
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.
    Zone 1: Zone 1 is an area of approximately 39.9 hectares 
offshore south of Millerton Point. The eastern boundary is a 
straight line that connects points 1 and 2 listed in the coordinate 
table below. The southern boundary is a straight line that connects 
points 2 and 3, the western boundary is a straight line that 
connects points 3 and 4 and the northern boundary is a straight line 
that connects point 4 to point 5. All coordinates are in the 
Geographic Coordinate System relative to the North American Datum of 
1983.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Zone 1 point ID                Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................           38.10571         -122.84565
2.................................           38.09888         -122.83603
3.................................           38.09878         -122.84431
4.................................           38.10514         -122.84904
5.................................              (\1\)             (\1\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Same as 1.

    ZONE 2: Zone 2 is an area of approximately 50.3 hectares that 
begins just south of Marconi and extends approximately 3 kilometers 
south along the eastern shore of Tomales Bay. The eastern boundary 
is the mean high water (MHW) line from point 1 to point 2 listed in 
the coordinate table below. The southern boundary is a straight line 
that connects point 2 to point 3. The western boundary is a series 
of straight lines that connect points 3 through 6 in sequence and 
then connects point 6 to point 1. All coordinates are in the 
Geographic Coordinate System relative to the North American Datum of 
1983.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Zone 1 point ID                Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................           38.14071         -122.87440
2.................................           38.11386         -122.85851
3.................................           38.11899         -122.86731
4.................................           38.12563         -122.86480
5.................................           38.12724         -122.86488
6.................................           38.13326         -122.87178
7.................................              (\1\)             (\1\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Same as 1.


[[Page 59354]]

    ZONE 3: Zone 3 is an area of approximately 4.6 hectares that 
begins just south of Marshall and extends approximately 1 kilometer 
south along the eastern shore of Tomales Bay. The eastern boundary 
is the mean high water (MHW) line from point 1 to point 2 listed in 
the coordinate table below. The southern boundary is a straight line 
that connects point 2 to point 3, the western boundary is a straight 
line that connects point 3 to point 4, and the northern boundary is 
a straight line that connects point 4 to point 5. All coordinates 
are in the Geographic Coordinate System relative to the North 
American Datum of 1983.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Zone 3 point ID                Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................           38.16031         -122.89442
2.................................           38.15285         -122.88991
3.................................           38.15250         -122.89042
4.................................           38.15956         -122.89573
5.................................              (\1\)             (\1\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Same as 1.

    ZONE 4: Zone 4 is an area of approximately 61.8 hectares that 
begins just north of Nicks Cove and extends approximately 5 
kilometers south along the eastern shore of Tomales Bay to just 
south of Cypress Grove. The eastern boundary is the mean high water 
(MHW) line from point 1 to point 2 listed in the coordinate table 
below. The southern boundary is a straight line that connects point 
2 to point 3. The western boundary is a series of straight lines 
that connect points 3 through 9 in sequence. The northern boundary 
is a straight line that connects point 9 to point 10. All 
coordinates are in the Geographic Coordinate System relative to the 
North American Datum of 1983.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Zone 4 point ID                Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................           38.20073         -122.92181
2.................................           38.16259         -122.89627
3.................................           38.16227         -122.89650
4.................................           38.16535         -122.90308
5.................................           38.16869         -122.90475
6.................................           38.17450         -122.90545
7.................................           38.17919         -122.91021
8.................................           38.18651         -122.91404
9.................................           38.18881         -122.91740
10................................              (\1\)             (\1\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Same as 1.

    ZONE 5: Zone 5 is an area of approximately 461.4 hectares that 
begins east of Lawsons Landing and extends approximately 5 
kilometers east and south along the eastern shore of Tomales Bay but 
excludes areas adjacent (approximately 600 meters) to the mouth of 
Walker Creek. The boundary follows the mean high water (MHW) mark 
from point 1 and trends in a southeast direction to point 2 listed 
in the coordinate table below. From point 2 the boundary trends 
westward in a straight line to point 3, then trends southward in a 
straight line to point 4 and then trends eastward in a straight line 
to point 5. The boundary follows the mean high water line from point 
5 southward to point 6. The southern boundary is a straight line 
that connects point 6 to point 7. The eastern boundary is a series 
of straight lines that connect points 7 to 9 in sequence and then 
connects point 9 to point 10. All coordinates are in the Geographic 
Coordinate System relative to the North American Datum of 1983.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Zone 5 point ID                Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................           38.23122         -122.96300
2.................................           38.21599         -122.93749
3.................................           38.20938         -122.94153
4.................................           38.20366         -122.93246
5.................................           38.20515         -122.92453
6.................................           38.20073         -122.92181
7.................................           38.19405         -122.93477
8.................................           38.20436         -122.94305
9.................................           38.21727         -122.96225
10................................              (\1\)             (\1\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Same as 1.

    ZONE 6: Zone 6 is an area of approximately 3.94 hectares in the 
vicinity of Indian Beach along the western shore of Tomales Bay. The 
western boundary follows the mean high water (MHW) line from point 1 
northward to point 2 listed in the coordinate table below. The 
northern boundary is a straight line that connects point 2 to point 
3. The eastern boundary is a straight line that connects point 3 to 
point 4. The southern boundary is a straight line that connects 
point 4 to point 5. All coordinates are in the Geographic Coordinate 
System relative to the North American Datum of 1983.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Zone 6 point ID                Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................           38.13811         -122.89603
2.................................           38.14040         -122.89676
3.................................           38.14103         -122.89537

[[Page 59355]]

 
4.................................           38.13919         -122.89391
5.................................              (\1\)             (\1\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Same as 1.

    ZONE 7: Zone 7 is an area of approximately 32.16 hectares that 
begins just south of Pebble Beach and extends approximately 3 
kilometers south along the western shore of Tomales Bay. The western 
boundary is the mean high water (MHW) line from point 1 to point 2 
listed in the coordinate table below. The northern boundary is a 
straight line that connects point 2 to point 3. The eastern boundary 
is a series of straight lines that connect points 3 through 7 in 
sequence. The southern boundary is a straight line that connects 
point 7 to point 8. All coordinates are in the Geographic Coordinate 
System relative to the North American Datum of 1983.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Zone 7 point ID                Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................           38.11034         -122.86544
2.................................           38.13008         -122.88742
3.................................           38.13067         -122.88620
4.................................           38.12362         -122.87984
5.................................           38.11916         -122.87491
6.................................           38.11486         -122.86896
7.................................           38.11096         -122.86468
8.................................              (\1\)             (\1\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Same as 1.

[FR Doc. 06-8528 Filed 10-5-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-NK-P


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