76682 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / Unified Agenda 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

Office of the Secretary 

13 CFR Ch. III 

15 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I, 

II, III, VII, VIII, IX, and XI 

19 CFR Ch. III 

37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V 

48 CFR Ch. 13 

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

Fall 2014 Semiannual Agenda of 

Regulations 

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, 

Commerce. 

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. 

SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive 

Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory 

Planning and Review,’’ and the 

Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended, 

the Department of Commerce 

(Commerce), in the spring and fall of 

each year, publishes in the Federal 

Register an agenda of regulations under 

development or review over the next 12 

months. Rulemaking actions are 

grouped according to prerulemaking, 

proposed rules, final rules, long-term 

actions, and rulemaking actions 

completed since the spring 2014 agenda. 

The purpose of the agenda is to provide 

information to the public on regulations 

that are currently under review, being 

proposed, or issued by Commerce. The 

agenda is intended to facilitate 

comments and views by interested 

members of the public. 

Commerce’s fall 2014 regulatory 

agenda includes regulatory activities 

that are expected to be conducted 

during the period October 1, 2014, 

through September 30, 2015. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Specific: For additional information 

about specific regulatory actions listed 

in the agenda, contact the individual 

identified as the contact person. 

General: Comments or inquiries of a 

general nature about the agenda should 

be directed to Asha Mathew, Chief 

Counsel for Regulation, Office of the 

Assistant General Counsel for 

Legislation and Regulation, U.S. 

Department of Commerce, Washington, 

DC 20230, telephone: 202–482–3151. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Commerce 

hereby publishes its fall 2014 Unified 

Agenda of Federal Regulatory and 

Deregulatory Actions pursuant to 

Executive Order 12866 and the 

Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 

et seq. Executive Order 12866 requires 

agencies to publish an agenda of those 

regulations that are under consideration 

pursuant to this order. By memorandum 

of August 25, 2014, the Office of 

Management and Budget issued 

guidelines and procedures for the 

preparation and publication of the fall 

2014 Unified Agenda. The Regulatory 

Flexibility Act requires agencies to 

publish, in the spring and fall of each 

year, a regulatory flexibility agenda that 

contains a brief description of the 

subject of any rule likely to have a 

significant economic impact on a 

substantial number of small entities, 

and a list that identifies those entries 

that have been selected for periodic 

review under section 610 of the 

Regulatory Flexibility Act. 

In this edition of Commerce’s 

regulatory agenda, a list of the most 

important significant regulatory actions 

and a Statement of Regulatory Priorities 

are included in the Regulatory Plan, 

which appears in both the online 

Unified Agenda and in part II of the 

issue of the Federal Register that 

includes the Unified Agenda. 

In addition, beginning with the fall 

2007 edition, the Internet became the 

basic means for disseminating the 

Unified Agenda. The complete Unified 

Agenda is available online at 

www.reginfo.gov, in a format that offers 

users a greatly enhanced ability to 

obtain information from the Agenda 

database. 

Because publication in the Federal 

Register is mandated for the regulatory 

flexibility agendas required by the 

Regulatory Flexibility Act, Commerce’s 

printed agenda entries include only: 

(1) Rules that are in the Agency’s 

regulatory flexibility agenda, in 

accordance with the Regulatory 

Flexibility Act, because they are likely 

to have a significant economic impact 

on a substantial number of small 

entities; and 

(2) Rules that the Agency has 

identified for periodic review under 

section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility 

Act. 

Printing of these entries is limited to 

fields that contain information required 

by the Regulatory Flexibility Act’s 

Agenda requirements. Additional 

information on these entries is available 

in the Unified Agenda published on the 

Internet. In addition, for fall editions of 

the Agenda, Commerce’s entire 

Regulatory Plan will continue to be 

printed in the Federal Register. 

Within Commerce, the Office of the 

Secretary and various operating units 

may issue regulations. These operating 

units, the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 

the Bureau of Industry and Security, 

and the Patent and Trademark Office, 

issue the greatest share of Commerce’s 

regulations. 

A large number of regulatory actions 

reported in the Agenda deal with fishery 

management programs of NOAA’s 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

(NMFS). To avoid repetition of 

programs and definitions, as well as to 

provide some understanding of the 

technical and institutional elements of 

NMFS’ programs, an ‘‘Explanation of 

Information Contained in NMFS 

Regulatory Entries’’ is provided below. 

Explanation of Information Contained 

in NMFS Regulatory Entries 

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act (16 

U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) (the Act) governs 

the management of fisheries within the 

Exclusive Economic Zone of the United 

States (EEZ). The EEZ refers to those 

waters from the outer edge of the State 

boundaries, generally 3 nautical miles, 

to a distance of 200 nautical miles. 

Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) are 

to be prepared for fisheries that require 

conservation and management 

measures. Regulations implementing 

these FMPs regulate domestic fishing 

and foreign fishing where permitted. 

Foreign fishing may be conducted in a 

fishery in which there is no FMP only 

if a preliminary fishery management 

plan has been issued to govern that 

foreign fishing. Under the Act, eight 

Regional Fishery Management Councils 

(Councils) prepare FMPs or 

amendments to FMPs for fisheries 

within their respective areas. In the 

development of such plans or 

amendments and their implementing 

regulations, the Councils are required by 

law to conduct public hearings on the 

draft plans and to consider the use of 

alternative means of regulating. 

The Council process for developing 

FMPs and amendments makes it 

difficult for NMFS to determine the 

significance and timing of some 

regulatory actions under consideration 

by the Councils at the time the 

semiannual regulatory agenda is 

published. 

Commerce’s fall 2014 regulatory 

agenda follows. 

Kelly R. Welsh, 

General Counsel. 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / Unified Agenda 76683 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION—PRERULE STAGE

Sequence No. Title Regulation 

Identifier No. 

185 .................... Inner Limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 

Management Act.

0648–BC92 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION—PROPOSED RULE STAGE

Sequence No. Title Regulation 

Identifier No. 

186 .................... Requirements for Importation of Fish and Fish Product under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act 

(Reg Plan Seq No. 33).

0648–AY15 

187 .................... Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Future of the Atlantic Shark Fishery ....................................................... 0648–BA17 

188 .................... Amendment 22 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic 

Region.

0648–BA53 

189 .................... Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Amendment 18; Essential Fish Habitat 

Descriptions for Pacific Salmon.

0648–BC95 

190 .................... Amendment 5b to the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan ................................................ 0648–BD22 

191 .................... Amendment 39 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico ....... 0648–BD25 

192 .................... Implementation of a Program for Transshipments by Large Scale Fishing Vessels in the Eastern Pacific 

Ocean.

0648–BD59 

193 .................... Amendment 45 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner 

Crab Freezer Longline Catcher/Processor Pacific Cod Sideboard Removal.

0648–BD61 

194 .................... Red Snapper Allocation—Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources 

of the Gulf of Mexico (Section 610 Review).

0648–BD68 

195 .................... Amendment 7 to the FMP for the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic and Amendment 33 to the FMP 

for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic.

0648–BD76 

196 .................... Regulatory Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 

South Atlantic Region.

0648–BD78 

197 .................... Amendment 20B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the 

Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region.

0648–BD86 

198 .................... Modify the Fisheries Financing Program to allow the Financing of New Replacement Fishing Vessel 

Construction in Limited Access Fisheries.

0648–BE15 

199 .................... Comprehensive Amendment to the U.S. Caribbean Fishery Management Plans: Annual Catch Limit Control Rule.0648–BE28 

200 .................... Abrir La Sierra Bank, Bajo de Sico, and Tourmaline Bank Consistency Amendment .................................. 0648–BE32 

201 .................... Regulatory Amendment to Change the Definition of Sport Fishing Guide Services for Pacific Halibut in 

International Pacific Halibut Commission Area 2C and Area 3A.

0648–BE41 

202 .................... Framework Action to Revise Recreational Accountability Measures for Red Snapper ................................ 0648–BE44 

203 .................... Rule for Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, 

U.S. Waters.

0648–BE46 

204 .................... Amendment 40 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico ....... 0648–BE47 

205 .................... 2015 Specifications and Management Measures for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries.0648–BE49 

206 .................... Designation of Critical Habitat for the North Atlantic Right Whale (Reg Plan Seq No. 34) ......................... 0648–AY54 

207 .................... Revision of Hawaiian Monk Seal Critical Habitat (Reg Plan Seq No. 35) ................................................... 0648–BA81 

208 .................... Designate Critical Habitat for the Hawaiian Insular False Killer Whale Distinct Population Segment .......... 0648–BC45 

209 .................... Designation of Critical Habitat for the Arctic Ringed Seal ............................................................................. 0648–BC56 

210 .................... Revisions to Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Regulations ......................... 0648–BD97 

References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION—FINAL RULE STAGE

Sequence No. Title Regulation 

Identifier No. 

211 .................... Fishery Management Plan for Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico (Reg Plan 

Seq No. 37).

0648–AS65 

212 .................... Addendum IV to the Weakfish Interstate Management Plan—Bycatch Trip Limit ........................................ 0648–AY41 

213 .................... Implement the 2010 Shark Conservation Act Provisions and Other Regulations in the Atlantic 

Smoothhound Shark Fishery.

0648–BB02 

214 .................... Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan .................. 0648–BC09 

215 .................... Amendment 43 to the FMP for BSAI King and Tanner Crabs and Amendment 103 to the FMP for 

Groundfish of the BSAI.

0648–BC34 

216 .................... Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program Trailing Action: Rule to Modify Chafing Gear 

Regulations for Midwater Trawl Gear Used in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery.

0648–BC84 

217 .................... Codifying the Initial Vessel Monitoring System Type-Approval Process and Requirements, and the Recertification and Revocation Processes.0648–BD02 

218 .................... Regulatory Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 

South Atlantic Region.

0648–BD07 

219 .................... Amendment 105 Bering Sea Flatfish Harvest Specifications Flexibility ........................................................ 0648–BD23 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
76684 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / Unified Agenda 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION—FINAL RULE STAGE—Continued 

Sequence No. Title Regulation 

Identifier No. 

220 .................... Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program Trailing Actions: Permitting Requirements for 

Observer and Catch Monitor Providers.

0648–BD30 

221 .................... International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Fishing Restrictions regarding the Oceanic Whitetip Shark, the Whale Shark, and the Silky Shark.0648–BD44 

222 .................... Southern New England Effort Controls to Address Lobster Stock Rebuilding Measures ............................. 0648–BD45 

223 .................... Amendment 97 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska to Establish Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species Catch Limits for the Non-Pollock Trawl Fisheries.0648–BD48 

224 .................... Implementation of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Resolution to Establish a Vessel Monitoring System Program in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.0648–BD54 

225 .................... South Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagics Framework Action 2013 (Section 610 Review) ........................ 0648–BD58 

226 .................... Information Collection Program for Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries ................................... 0648–BD64 

227 .................... Amendment 96 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska to revise the Community Quota Entity Program.0648–BD74 

228 .................... Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of 

the South Atlantic Region.

0648–BD81 

229 .................... Temporary Rule Through Emergency Action to Revise Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures 

for Blueline Tilefish and the Deep-Water Complex in the South Atlantic Region.

0648–BD87 

230 .................... Amendment 100 to the FMP for Groundfish of the BSAI Management Area and Amendment 91 to the 

FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska to add Grenadiers to the Ecosystem Component Category.

0648–BD98 

231 .................... Implementation of a Gulf of Alaska Trawl Fishery Economic Data Collection Program ............................... 0648–BE09 

232 .................... Amendment and Updates to the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan ................................................. 0648–BB37 

233 .................... Designation of Critical Habitat for the Distinct Population Segments of Yelloweye Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, and Bocaccio.0648–BC76 

References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION—LONG-TERM ACTIONS

Sequence No. Title Regulation 

Identifier No. 

234 .................... Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for Puerto Rico ......................................................................... 0648–BD32 

235 .................... Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Croix .............................................................................. 0648–BD33 

236 .................... Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for St. Thomas/St. John ........................................................... 0648–BD34 

237 .................... Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Regulation Revisions ....................................................................... 0648–AV82 

238 .................... Endangered and Threatened Species: Designation of Critical Habitat for Threatened Lower Columbia 

River Coho Salmon and Puget Sound Steelhead.

0648–BB30 

239 .................... Designation of Critical Habitat for the Beringia Distinct Population Segment of the Bearded Seal ............. 0648–BC55 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION—COMPLETED ACTIONS

Sequence No. Title Regulation 

Identifier No. 

240 .................... American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures to Complement Interstate Lobster Management Recommendations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.0648–AT31 

241 .................... Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) Environmental 

Review Procedure.

0648–AV53 

242 .................... Amendment 6 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan ........................................................................... 0648–BA50 

243 .................... Generic Amendment to Several Fishery Management Plans in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Regions to Modify Federally-Permitted Seafood Dealer Reporting Requirements.0648–BC12 

244 .................... Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder Emergency Action to Provide a Partial Exemption from Accountability 

Measures to the Atlantic Scallop Fishery.

0648–BC33 

245 .................... Modification to the Hired Skipper Regulations for Management of the Individual Fishing Quota Program 

for the Fixed-Gear Commercial Fisheries for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Waters of Alaska.

0648–BC62 

246 .................... Amendment 3 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan ................................................................... 0648–BC77 

247 .................... Amendment 5 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic ................. 0648–BD08 

248 .................... Allowing Northeast Multispecies Sector Vessels Access to Year Round Closed Areas .............................. 0648–BD09 

249 .................... Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program; Second Program Improvement and Enhancement Rule.0648–BD31 

250 .................... Modifications to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area Boundaries ................... 0648–BD37 

251 .................... Framework Adjustment 8 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan ......... 0648–BD50 

252 .................... Implementation of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Resolution for the Conservation of 

Whale Sharks and the Collection and Analyses of Data on Fish Aggregating Devices.

0648–BD53 

253 .................... Implementation of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Resolution to Adopt Conservation and 

Management Measures for Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

0648–BD55 

254 .................... Framework Adjustment 8 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan .......................................................... 0648–BD56 

255 .................... 2014 Specifications and Management Measures for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries.0648–BD65 

256 .................... Modifications to Identification Markings on Fishing Gear Marker Buoys ...................................................... 0648–BD66 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / Unified Agenda 76685 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION—COMPLETED ACTIONS—Continued 

Sequence No. Title Regulation 

Identifier No. 

257 .................... Pacific Coast Whiting Fishery for 2014 .......................................................................................................... 0648–BD75 

258 .................... Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan ............................................................................................... 0648–BD82 

259 .................... Amendment 20A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the 

Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region.

0648–BD83 

260 .................... Framework Adjustment 51 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan ................................. 0648–BD88 

261 .................... Framework Adjustment 2 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan ............................... 0648–BD99 

262 .................... Framework Adjustment 25 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan ...................................... 0648–BE07 

263 .................... Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program; Correction to the 2014 Shorebased Trawl Allocation Table.0648–BE14 

264 .................... 2014 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Harvest Measures ................................ 0648–BE16 

265 .................... 2014–2015 Spiny Dogfish Specifications ....................................................................................................... 0648–BE17 

266 .................... Amending the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan ........................................................................... 0648–BC90 

267 .................... Designation of Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Loggerhead Sea Turtle DPS and the Determination Regarding Critical Habitat for the North Pacific Ocean Loggerhead DPS.0648–BD27 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) 

Prerule Stage 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

185. Inner Limit of the Exclusive 

Economic Zone Under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and 

Management Act 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action would define 

the term ‘‘inner limit of the exclusive 

economic zone’’ under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and 

Management Act (MSA). The MSA 

establishes sovereign rights and 

exclusive management authority over 

fishery resources of the U.S. Exclusive 

Economic Zone. The inner limit of the 

Exclusive Economic Zone is described 

as a line coterminous with the seaward 

boundary of each of the coastal states. 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

(NMFS), as well as the U.S. Coast Guard 

and state partners, enforce Federal 

fishery regulations on the basis of the 3 

nautical mile line as it is represented on 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) charts. The use 

of 3 nautical mile line has caused 

confusion when NOAA charts are 

updated because the baseline for 

establishing this line is ambulatory. 

NMFS proposes to clarify/correct this by 

defining this seaward boundary line to 

be a line established pursuant to the 

Submerged Lands Act. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

ANPRM ............... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, 

Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, Room 13362, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 

20910, Phone: 301 713–2334, Fax: 301 

713–0596, Email: alan.risenhoover@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BC92 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) 

Proposed Rule Stage 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

186. Requirements for Importation of 

Fish and Fish Product Under the U.S. 

Marine Mammal Protection Act 

Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. 

No. 33 in part II of this issue of the 

Federal Register. 

RIN: 0648–AY15 

187. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 

Future of the Atlantic Shark Fishery 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et 

seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. 

Abstract: The National Marine 

Fisheries Service is considering 

adjusting the regulations governing the 

U.S. Atlantic shark fishery to address 

current fishery issues and to identify 

specific shark fishery goals for the 

future. This action will discuss potential 

changes to the quota and/or permit 

structure that are currently in place for 

the Atlantic shark fishery, and various 

catch share programs such as limited 

access privilege programs, individual 

fishing quotas, and sectors for the 

Atlantic shark fishery. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

ANPRM ............... 09/20/10 75 FR 57235 

Action Date FR Cite 

ANPRM Comment 

Period End.

01/14/11 

Notice .................. 05/27/14 79 FR 30064 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, 

Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, Room 13362, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 

20910, Phone: 301 713–2334, Fax: 301 

713–0596, Email: alan.risenhoover@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BA17 

188. Amendment 22 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for the Snapper 

Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic 

Region 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The red snapper stock in the 

South Atlantic was assessed through the 

Southeast, Data, Assessment, and 

Review process in 2008 and 2010. The 

assessments indicate that the stock is 

experiencing overfishing and is 

overfished. As a result of the 2008 

assessment, fishing for red snapper has 

been prohibited in Federal waters off 

the south Atlantic states since January 4, 

2010. In Amendment 22, the National 

Marine Fisheries Service and the South 

Atlantic Fishery Management Council 

are considering alternatives to change 

the current harvest restrictions on red 

snapper as the stock increases in 

biomass. Examples of measures under 

consideration include the 

implementation of red snapper trip 

limits, bag limits, a catch share program, 

tag program, temporal and spatial 

closures including those to protect 

spawning stocks, and gear prohibitions. 

Timetable: 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
76686 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / Unified Agenda 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice of Intent 01/03/11 76 FR 101 

Notice of Intent 

Comment Period End 

02/14/11 

NPRM 09/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BA53 

189. Fisheries Off West Coast States; 

West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 

Amendment 18; Essential Fish Habitat 

Descriptions for Pacific Salmon 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The action would 

implement Amendment 18 to the Pacific 

Coast Salmon Fishery Management 

Plan. The purpose of the amendment is 

to address revisions to the Pacific coast 

salmon essential fish habitat provisions 

under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .................. 06/16/14 79 FR 34272 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BC95 

190. Amendment 5B to the Highly 

Migratory Species Fishery Management 

Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et 

seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. 

Abstract: This rulemaking would 

propose management measures for 

dusky sharks, based on a recent stock 

assessment, taking into consideration 

comments received on the proposed 

rule and Amendment 5 to the 2006 

Consolidated Highly Migratory Species 

Fishery Management Plan. This 

rulemaking could consider a range of 

commercial and recreational 

management measures in both directed 

and incidental shark fisheries including, 

among other things, gear modifications, 

time/area closures, permitting, shark 

identification requirements, and 

reporting requirements. NMFS 

determined that dusky sharks are still 

overfished and still experiencing 

overfishing and originally proposed 

management measures to end 

overfishing and rebuild dusky sharks in 

a proposed rule for Draft Amendment 5 

to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic 

Highly Migratory Species Fishery 

Management Plan. That proposed rule 

also contained management measures 

for scalloped hammerhead, sandbar, 

blacknose and Gulf of Mexico blacktip 

sharks. NMFS decided to move forward 

with Draft Amendment 5’s management 

measures for scalloped hammerhead, 

sandbar, blacknose and Gulf of Mexico 

blacktip sharks in a final rule and final 

amendment that will now be referred to 

as ‘‘Amendment 5a’’ to the 2006 

Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory 

Species Fishery Management Plan. 

Dusky shark management measures will 

be addressed in this separate, but 

related, action and will be referred to as 

‘‘Amendment 5b.’’ 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 05/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, 

Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, Room 13362, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 

20910, Phone: 301 713–2334, Fax: 301 

713–0596, Email: alan.risenhoover@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD22 

191. Amendment 39 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for the Reef Fish 

Resources of the Gulf of Mexico 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The purpose of this action is 

to facilitate management of the 

recreational red snapper component in 

the reef fish fishery by reorganizing the 

federal fishery management strategy to 

better account for biological, social, and 

economic differences among the regions 

of the Gulf of Mexico. Regional 

management would enable regions and 

their associated communities to specify 

the optimal management parameters 

that best meet the needs of their local 

constituents thereby addressing regional 

socio-economic concerns. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .................. 05/13/13 78 FR 27956 

Action Date FR Cite 

Next State Undetermined.01/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD25 

192. Implementation of a Program for 

Transshipments by Large Scale Fishing 

Vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 

16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. 

Abstract: This rule would implement 

the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 

Commission program to monitor 

transshipments by large-scale tuna 

fishing vessels, and would govern 

transshipments by U.S. large-scale tuna 

fishing vessels and carrier, or receiving, 

vessels. The rule would establish: 

criteria for transshipping in port; criteria 

for transshipping at sea by longline 

vessels to an authorized carrier vessel 

with an Inter-American Tropical Tuna 

Commission observer onboard and an 

operational vessel monitoring system; 

and require a Pacific Transshipment 

Declaration Form, which must be used 

to report transshipments in the InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission 

Convention Area. The rule is neither 

applicable to troll and pole-and-line 

vessels, nor to vessels that transship 

fresh fish at sea. The frequency of 

transshipments in the Eastern Pacific 

Ocean is uncertain, but only a few 

transshipments are expected annually. 

A similar rule was adopted in the 

Western and Central Pacific Ocean and 

NMFS calculated that an average of 

twenty-four at-sea transshipments of 

fish caught by longline gear there have 

occurred annually from 1993 through 

2009. Transshipments in the Eastern 

Pacific Ocean are likely to be much less 

than twenty-four per year. This rule is 

necessary for the United States to satisfy 

its international obligations under the 

1949 Convention for the Establishment 

of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna, to 

which it is a Contracting Party. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
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Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BD59 

193. Amendment 45 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for Bering Sea and 

Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab 

Freezer Longline Catcher/Processor 

Pacific Cod Sideboard Removal 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This rule would establish 

conditions for the removal of Gulf of 

Alaska Pacific cod catch limits, known 

as sideboards, which apply to some 

catcher/processor vessels using hookand-line gear, also known as freezer 

longliners. The newly reorganized 

sideboard limits have effectively 

eliminated the ability of these 

stakeholders to participant in these Gulf 

of Alaska fisheries. The rule would 

remove the Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod 

sideboards from 6 freezer longline 

vessels if owners of vessels endorsed to 

catch and process Pacific cod in the 

Western Gulf of Alaska, Central Gulf of 

Alaska, or both (a total of 9 vessels) 

agree to removal of the sideboards, 

within one year from the effective date 

of a final rule. If an agreement is not 

reached by the deadline, the 

sideboarded vessels would not be able 

to participate in the Gulf of Alaska 

fisheries. The requirement for an 

agreement is intended to promote 

cooperation among all affected parties 

prior to the removal of sideboards. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 

Administrator, Alaska Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, 

Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586– 

7221, Fax: 907 586–7465, Email: 

jim.balsiger@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD61 

194. Red Snapper Allocation— 

Amendment 28 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for the Reef Fish 

Resources of the Gulf of Mexico 

(Section 610 Review) 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The current allocation of red 

snapper between the commercial and 

recreational sectors is 51:49 percent, 

respectively. The Gulf of Mexico 

Fishery Management Council (Council) 

is considering a change in the allocation 

with the aim of increasing the net 

benefits from red snapper fishing and 

increasing the stability of the red 

snapper component of the reef fish 

fishery, particularly for the recreational 

sector which has experienced shorter 

and shorter seasons. The Council 

initially considered options that 

increased the commercial sectors 

allocation above the current 51 percent. 

However, after considering the 

economic analyses conducted by the 

Southeast Fisheries Science Center and 

the loss of fishing opportunities by the 

recreational sector, the Council 

concluded that such a reallocation 

would not meet the purpose and need 

of this action. Therefore, the Council 

has limited the options under 

consideration to those that would 

increase the recreational sectors 

allocation above 49 percent. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD68 

195. Amendment 7 to the FMP for the 

Dolphin Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic 

and Amendment 33 to the FMP for the 

Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South 

Atlantic 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The intent of this 

amendment is to make regulations for 

dolphin and wahoo consistent with 

those existing regulations for snappergrouper species. Amendment 7 to the 

Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management 

Plan would allow fishermen to bring 

fillets of dolphin and wahoo from the 

Bahamas into the U.S. exclusive 

economic zone, as regulations already 

allow fillets of snapper-grouper species 

to be brought from the Bahamas into the 

U.S. exclusive economic zone. This rule 

would allow fishermen to bring fillets of 

dolphin and wahoo into the U.S. 

exclusive economic zone that were 

lawfully harvested in Bahamian waters, 

provided valid Bahamian fishing and 

cruising permits are on board the vessel, 

and the vessel is in transit through the 

Atlantic exclusive economic zone. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD76 

196. Regulatory Amendment 16 to the 

Fishery Management Plan for the 

Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South 

Atlantic Region 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: Regulatory Amendment 16 

contains an action to address the 

prohibition on the use of black sea bass 

pots annually from November 1 through 

April 30 that was implemented through 

Regulatory Amendment 19. The 

prohibition was a precautionary 

measure to prevent interactions between 

black sea bass pot gear and whales listed 

under the Endangered Species Act 

during large whale migrations and the 

right whale calving season off the 

southeastern coast. The South Atlantic 

Fishery Management Council, through 

Regulatory Amendment 16, is 

considering removal of the closure, 

changing the length of the closure, and 

changing the area of the closure. The 

goal is to minimize adverse socioeconomic impacts to black sea bass pot 

endorsement holders while maintaining 

protection for Endangered Species Actlisted whales in the South Atlantic 

region. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 08/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD78 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
76688 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / Unified Agenda 

197. • Amendment 20B to the Fishery 

Management Plan for the Coastal 

Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf 

of Mexico and Atlantic Region 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This rule would adjust trip 

limits and fishing seasons for zones and 

subzones of the Gulf migratory group 

king mackerel. It would also allow 

transit of vessels with king mackerel on 

board through areas closed to king 

mackerel fishing, and would divide the 

annual catch limit for Atlantic migratory 

group king and Spanish mackerel into 

zones. Futhermore, the action addresses 

the results of the most recent stock 

assessment for cobia, and divides the 

annual catch limit into zones. The need 

for the proposed action is to achieve 

optimum yield while ensuring 

regulations are fair and equitable, and 

fishery resources are utilized efficiently. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD86 

198. • Modify the Fisheries Financing 

Program to Allow the Financing of New 

Replacement Fishing Vessel 

Construction in Limited Access 

Fisheries 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 4101; 46 

U.S.C. 53701 

Abstract: This rulemaking will 

propose to amend the Fisheries Finance 

Program’s regulations to allow the 

financing of new vessel construction 

and rehabilitation of existing vessels in 

limited access fisheries. This rule is 

intended to implement the authority 

provided by Congress, as well as 

additional lending authority of $41 

million in 2014, to support efforts to 

recapitalize the fishing fleets in limited 

access fisheries. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

ANPRM ............... 06/30/14 79 FR 36699 

NPRM .................. 02/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Donna Rivelli, 

Acting Director, Office of Management 

and Budget, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 1315 East-West Hwy, 

Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 

327–8795. 

RIN: 0648–BE15 

199. • Comprehensive Amendment to 

the U.S. Caribbean Fishery 

Management Plans: Annual Catch Limit 

Control Rule 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The purpose of this 

comprehensive amendment is to 

establish a control rule to modify the 

buffer reduction that is applied to the 

overfishing limit or to the acceptable 

biological catch (if specified) to derive 

an annual catch limit in response to 

changes in the overfishing status of any 

U.S. Caribbean fishery management 

unit. The annual catch limit control rule 

would apply a specific buffer reduction 

based on the current status of the fishery 

management unit as determined by the 

National Marine Fisheries Service. The 

proposed rule implementing this action 

would apply a 15% buffer reduction to 

the overfishing limit or to the acceptable 

biological catch for units determined to 

be subject to overfishing, and a 10% 

buffer reduction to the overfishing limit 

or the acceptable biological catch for 

units determined not to be subject to 

overfishing in a specific year. Specific 

units would be exempted from the 

application of the control rule and 

buffer reductions established for those 

units in the 2010 and 2011 Caribbean 

annual catch limit Amendments would 

continue to be applied. Establishing this 

control rule would provide for a new 

and straightforward process that would 

allow for annual catch limit revisions 

based on overfishing status. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 04/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE28 

200. • Abrir La Sierra Bank, Bajo De 

Sico, and Tourmaline Bank Consistency 

Amendment 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The regulatory amendment 

would establish consistent regulations 

among three management areas off the 

west coast of Puerto Rico (Abrir la Sierra 

Bank, Bajo de Sico, Tourmaline Bank). 

Regulations differ among these areas 

within federal waters, as well as 

between state and federal boundaries for 

the two areas (Tourmaline Bank and 

Bajo de Sico) that cross the two 

jurisdictions. The purpose of this 

amendment is to establish consistent 

federal regulations across the three 

areas, while ensuring adequate 

protection of spawning aggregations of 

reef fish and the benthic habitat 

supporting those aggregations, which 

also serves as residential, recruitment, 

and foraging habitat for a variety of 

species. The proposed action would: 

Modify the length of the seasonal 

closures; modify reef fish, spiny lobster, 

and highly migratory species fishing 

regulations; modify anchoring 

restrictions; and modify spearfishing 

prohibitions within the management 

areas. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 04/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE32 

201. • Regulatory Amendment To 

Change the Definition of Sport Fishing 

Guide Services for Pacific Halibut in 

International Pacific Halibut 

Commission Area 2C and Area 3A 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq. 

Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations 

that would revise Federal regulatory text 

regarding sport fishing guide services 

for Pacific halibut in International 

Pacific Halibut Commission Regulatory 

Areas 2C (Southeast Alaska) and 3A 

(Central Gulf of Alaska) to remove the 

requirement that a charter vessel guide 

be on board the same vessel as a charter 

vessel angler to provide sport fishing 

guide services. The proposed action 

would clarify that all sport fishing in 

which anglers receive assistance from a 

compensated guide will be managed 

under charter fishery regulations and all 

harvest will accrue toward charter 

allocations. This action would align 

Federal regulations with State of Alaska 

regulations. If approved, the definition 

of ‘‘sport fishing guide services’’ would 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / Unified Agenda 76689 

be revised and a definition for 

‘‘compensation’’ would be added to 

Federal regulations. Additional minor 

changes to the regulatory text pertaining 

to the charter halibut fishery would be 

required to maintain consistency in the 

regulations with these new definitions. 

This action is necessary to achieve the 

halibut fishery management goals of the 

North Pacific Fishery Management 

Council. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 

Administrator, Alaska Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, 

Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586– 

7221, Fax: 907 586–7465, Email: 

jim.balsiger@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE41 

202. • Framework Action To Revise 

Recreational Accountability Measures 

for Red Snapper 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: To address the court ruling 

in Guindon v. Pritzker, (Mar. 26, 2014), 

the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 

Council developed this framework 

action that evaluates two accountability 

measures for the recreational red 

snapper sector. The first recreational 

accountability measure action would 

establish an annual catch target that is 

lower than the quota/annual catch limit 

and set the recreational season length 

based on the annual catch target. 

Currently, the season length is set based 

on the quota/annual catch limit. The 

second recreational accountability 

measure action would establish an 

overage adjustment to mitigate the 

effects of any overage by reducing the 

quota/annual catch limit in the 

following year. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE44 

203. • Rule for Amendment 16 to the 

Fishery Management Plan for the 

Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, 

U.S. Waters 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The purpose of this rule is 

to change the annual catch limit and 

select an accountability measure for 

royal red shrimp. On January 30, 2012, 

NOAA Fisheries implemented 

regulations developed through a generic 

annual catch limit and accountability 

measure amendment to multiple fishery 

management plans, including the 

Shrimp fishery management plan. 

However, the ‘‘no action’’ alternatives 

and discussions were incorrect in 

stating that there were currently no 

management restrictions or 

accountability measures for that species 

although a quota and in-season quota 

closure were in the regulations. Now, 

the quota and in-season closure are in 

conflict with the subsequently 

established annual catch limit and 

accountability measure. The rule would 

remove the quota and in-season closure, 

and increase the annual catch limit. The 

current accountability measure, which 

requires in-season monitoring and 

closure the year following an annual 

catch limit overage, will remain in 

effect. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE46 

204. • Amendment 40 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for the Reef Fish 

Resources of the Gulf of Mexico 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This proposed rule would 

define distinct private angling and 

federal for-hire components of the 

recreational red snapper fishery and 

allocate red snapper resources between 

the components of the recreational 

sector to increase stability for the forhire component; provide a basis for 

increased flexibility in future 

management of the recreational sector; 

and minimize the chance for 

recreational quota overruns which could 

jeopardize the rebuilding of the red 

snapper stock. More specifically this 

action would define the components of 

the recreational sector and establish the 

baseline allocation how the allocation 

would be adjusted if membership in the 

federal for-hire component is voluntary 

and recreational season closure 

provisions for each component. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE47 

205. • 2015 Specifications and 

Management Measures for the Atlantic 

Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 

Fisheries 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This proposed rule would 

establish catch levels and associated 

management measures for the 2015– 

2017 fishing years for species managed 

under the Atlantic Mackerel Squid and 

Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. 

More specifically this action would: 

renew status quo quotas on longfin and 

Illex squids for an additional 3 years; 

lower the cap on river herring and shad 

catch in the mackerel fishery; increase 

the cap on river herring and shad catch 

in the mackerel fishery once the 

mackerel fishery catches more than 

10000 mt tons; lower the Atlantic 

mackerel quota; substantially increase 

the butterfish quota; and simplify the 

controls on butterfish daily trip limits. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE49 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
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206. Designation of Critical Habitat for 

the North Atlantic Right Whale 

Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. 

No. 34 in part II of this issue of the 

Federal Register. 

RIN: 0648–AY54 

207. Revision of Hawaiian Monk Seal 

Critical Habitat 

Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. 

No. 35 in part II of this issue of the 

Federal Register. 

RIN: 0648–BA81 

208. Designate Critical Habitat for the 

Hawaiian Insular False Killer Whale 

Distinct Population Segment 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533 

Abstract: The proposed action, if 

approved, would designate critical 

habitat for the Hawaiian insular false 

killer whale distinct population 

segment, pursuant to section 4 of the 

Endangered Species Act (ESA). 

Proposed critical habitat would only be 

designated in the main Hawaiian 

Islands as the Hawaiian insular false 

killer whales range is restricted from 

nearshore out to 140 km from the main 

Hawaiian Islands. Impacts from the 

designation stem mainly from Federal 

agencies requirement to consult with 

National Marine Fisheries Service, 

under section 7 of the ESA, to insure 

that any action they carry out, permit 

(authorize), or fund will not result in the 

destruction or adverse modification of 

critical habitat of a listed species. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 04/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, 

Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 

Resources, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, National Marine 

Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 

Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 

Phone: 301 713–2322. 

RIN: 0648–BC45 

209. Designation of Critical Habitat for 

the Arctic Ringed Seal 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. 

Abstract: The National Marine 

Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a 

final rule to list the Arctic ringed seal 

as a threatened species under the 

Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 

December 2012. The ESA requires 

designation of critical habitat at the time 

a species is listed as threatened or 

endangered, or within one year of listing 

if critical habitat is not then 

determinable. This rulemaking would 

designate critical habitat for the Arctic 

ringed seal. The proposed critical 

habitat designation would be in the 

northern Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort 

seas within the current range of the 

species. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, 

Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 

Resources, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, National Marine 

Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 

Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 

Phone: 301 713–2322. 

RIN: 0648–BC56 

NOS/ONMS 

210. Revisions to Hawaiian Islands 

Humpback Whale National Marine 

Sanctuary Regulations 

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

Abstract: In 2010, the Office of 

National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) 

initiated a review of the Hawaiian 

Islands Humpback Whale National 

Marine Sanctuary management plan, to 

evaluate substantive progress toward 

implementing the goals for the 

sanctuary, and to make revisions to its 

management plan and regulations as 

necessary to fulfill the purposes and 

policies of the National Marine 

Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) and the 

Hawaiian Islands National Marine 

Sanctuary Act (HINMSA; Title II, 

Subtitle C, Pub. L. 102587). ONMS 

intends to publish a proposed rule and 

draft EIS that proposes to expand the 

scope of the sanctuary to ecosystem 

based management rather than 

concentrating on only humpback 

whales. In addition, possible boundary 

expansion will be discussed. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .................. 07/14/10 75 FR 40759 

NPRM .................. 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Edward Lindelof, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 1315 East-West 

Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 

Phone: 301 713–3137, Email: 

edward.lindelof@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD97 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) 

Final Rule Stage 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

211. Fishery Management Plan for 

Regulating Offshore Marine 

Aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico 

Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. 

No. 37 in part II of this issue of the 

FEDERAL REGISTER. 

RIN: 0648–AS65 

212. Addendum IV to the Weakfish 

Interstate Management Plan—Bycatch 

Trip Limit 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5101 

Abstract: This action would modify 

management restrictions in the Federal 

weakfish fishery in a manner consistent 

with the Atlantic States Marine 

Fisheries Commission Interstate Plan. 

The proposed change would decrease 

the incidental catch allowance for 

weakfish in the exclusive economic 

zone in non-directed fisheries using 

smaller mesh sizes, from 150 pounds to 

no more than 100 pounds per day or 

trip, whichever is longer in duration. In 

addition, it would impose a one fish 

possession limit on recreational fishers. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 05/12/10 75 FR 26703 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

06/11/10 

NPRM Comment 

Period Reopened.

06/16/10 75 FR 34092 

Comment Period 

End.

06/30/10 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, 

Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, Room 13362, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 

20910, Phone: 301 713–2334, Fax: 301 

713–0596, Email: alan.risenhoover@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–AY41 

213. Implement the 2010 Shark 

Conservation Act Provisions and Other 

Regulations in the Atlantic 

Smoothhound Shark Fishery 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This rule considers 

implementing the provisions of the 2010 

Shark Conservation Act and other 

regulations in the Atlantic 

Smoothhound Fishery (which includes 


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smooth dogfish and the Florida 

smoothhound). Specifically, this action 

would: (1) Modify regulations for 

smooth dogfish as needed to be 

consistent with the Shark Conservation 

Act; (2) consider other management 

measures, as needed, including the 

terms and conditions of the Endangered 

Species Act Smoothhound Biological 

Opinion; and (3) consider revising the 

current smoothhound shark quota based 

on updated catch data. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 08/07/14 79 FR 46217 

Final Action ......... 06/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, 

Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, Room 13362, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 

20910, Phone: 301 713–2334, Fax: 301 

713–0596, Email: alan.risenhoover@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BB02 

214. Amendment 7 to the 2006 

Consolidated Highly Migratory Species 

Fishery Management Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et 

seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. 

Abstract: Amendment 7 focuses on 

bluefin tuna fishery management issues 

consistent with the need to end 

overfishing and rebuild the stock. 

Measures in draft Amendment 7 address 

several of the long-standing challenges 

facing the fishery and will analyze, 

among other things, revisiting quota 

allocations; reducing and accounting for 

dead discards; adding or modifying 

time/area closures or gear-restricted 

areas; and improving the reporting and 

monitoring of dead discards and 

landings in all categories. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .................. 04/23/12 77 FR 24161 

Notice .................. 06/08/12 77 FR 34025 

NPRM .................. 08/21/13 78 FR 52032 

NPRM Comment 

Period Extended.

09/18/13 78 FR 57340 

Public Hearing ..... 11/05/13 78 FR 66327 

NPRM Comment 

Period Reopened.

12/11/13 78 FR 75327 

Public Hearing ..... 12/26/13 78 FR 78322 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, 

Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, Room 13362, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 

20910, Phone: 301 713–2334, Fax: 301 

713–0596, Email: alan.risenhoover@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BC09 

215. Amendment 43 to the FMP for 

BSAI King and Tanner Crabs and 

Amendment 103 to the FMP for 

Groundfish of the BSAI 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 

Abstract: This rule would implement 

both Amendment 43 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for Bering Sea/

Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs 

and Amendment 103 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for Groundfish of the 

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 

Management Area. Amendment 43 

revises the current rebuilding plan for 

Pribilof Islands blue king crab (blue king 

crab) and Amendment 103 implements 

groundfish fishing restrictions. A notrawl Pribilof Islands Habitat 

Conservation Zone (Zone) was 

established in 1995 and the directed 

fishery for blue king crab has been 

closed since 1999. A rebuilding plan 

was implemented in 2003; however, 

blue king crab remains overfished and 

the current rebuilding plan has not 

achieved adequate progress towards 

rebuilding the stock by 2014. The rule 

would close the Zone to all Pacific cod 

pot fishing in addition to the current 

trawl prohibition. This measure would 

help support blue king crab rebuilding 

and prevent exceeding the overfishing 

limit of blue king crab by minimizing to 

the extent practical blue king crab 

bycatch in the groundfish fisheries. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .................. 08/21/14 79 FR 49463 

NPRM .................. 08/29/14 79 FR 51520 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

09/29/14 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 

Administrator, Alaska Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, 

Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586– 

7221, Fax: 907 586–7465, Email: 

jim.balsiger@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BC34 

216. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl 

Rationalization Program Trailing 

Action: Rule To Modify Chafing Gear 

Regulations for Midwater Trawl Gear 

Used in the Pacific Coast Groundfish 

Fishery 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action would modify 

the existing chafing gear regulations for 

midwater trawl gear, and includes 

housekeeping measures to clarify which 

vessels can use midwater trawl gear and 

where midwater trawl gear can be used. 

This action includes regulations that 

affect all trawl sectors (Shorebased 

Individual Fishing Quota Program, 

Mothership Cooperative Program, 

Catcher/Processor Cooperative Program, 

and tribal fishery) managed under the 

Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 

Management Plan. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 03/19/14 79 FR 15296 

NPRM Correction 

Notice.

04/04/14 79 FR 18876 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Deputy 

Regional Administrator, Northwest 

Region, NMFS, Department of 

Commerce, National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, Building 

1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, 

WA 48115–0070, Phone: 206 526–6150, 

Fax: 206 526–6426, Email: barry.thom@

noaa.gov. 

William Stelle Jr., Regional 

Administrator West Coast Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BC84 

217. Codifying the Initial Vessel 

Monitoring System Type-Approval 

Process and Requirements, and the 

Recertification and Revocation 

Processes 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: All vessels participating in a 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration Vessel Monitoring 

System program are required to acquire 

a National Marine Fisheries Serviceapproved mobile transmitting unit to 

comply with the Vessel Monitoring 

System requirements. Previously, this 

action was only taken through the 

publication of a notice in the Federal 

Register. However, this rule will 

establish the type-approval standards, 

specifications, and procedures that 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
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vendors may reference to maintain typeapproval for their products and/or 

services. This action will establish typeapproval standards for the initial 

approval, subsequent assessments, and 

the procedures for rescinding the typeapproval if the vendor fails to comply 

with the performance standards. This 

action is necessary to ensure Vessel 

Monitoring System vendors continue to 

meet minimum performance standards 

over the long term. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 09/09/14 79 FR 53386 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, 

Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, Room 13362, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 

20910, Phone: 301 713–2334, Fax: 301 

713–0596, Email: alan.risenhoover@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD02 

218. Regulatory Amendment 14 to the 

Fishery Management Plan for the 

Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South 

Atlantic Region 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The purpose of Regulatory 

Amendment 14 is to enhance 

socioeconomic benefits to fishermen 

and fishing communities that utilize the 

snapper-grouper fishery. Specifically, 

this rulemaking modifies the fishing 

year for greater amberjack, increases the 

minimum size limit for hogfish, modify 

the fishing year for black sea bass, 

changes the commercial fishing season 

for vermilion snapper, modifies the 

aggregate grouper bag limit, and revises 

the accountability measures for gag and 

vermilion snapper. Modifying the 

accountability measures for gag and 

vermilion snapper would enhance 

consistency and accuracy in the 

approach taken when the annual catch 

limit is met or projected to be met for 

these species. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .................. 04/17/13 78 FR 22846 

Notice .................. 08/02/13 78 FR 46925 

NPRM .................. 04/27/14 79 FR 22936 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD07 

219. Amendment 105 Bering Sea 

Flatfish Harvest Specifications 

Flexibility 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action intends to 

provide additional harvest opportunities 

to participants in Bering Sea and 

Aleutian Islands (BSAI) flatfish fisheries 

while (1) maintaining catch below the 

annual catch limits for these species, 

and (2) ensuring that the maximum 

optimum yield for BSAI groundfish 

fisheries will not be exceeded. 

Specifically, Amendment 105 to the 

BSAI Fishery Management Plan would 

establish a process for Amendment 80 

cooperatives and Western Alaska 

Community Development Quota groups 

to exchange harvest quota from one of 

the three flatfish species for an 

equivalent amount of quota of another 

species. In no case could the amount of 

fish exchanged exceed the annual catch 

limit, commonly known as the 

allowable biological catch, of that 

species. This action would modify the 

annual harvest specification process to 

allow the North Pacific Fishery 

Management Council (Council) to 

establish the maximum amount of 

harvest quota that can be exchanged for 

each of the three flatfish species. This 

process would allow the Council to 

establish a buffer below the allowable 

biological catch to account for 

management or socioeconomic 

considerations. Each participant could 

only exchange harvest quota up to three 

times per year. This action is intended 

to promote the goals and objectives of 

the BSAI Fishery Management Plan, the 

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act, and 

other applicable laws. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .................. 06/13/14 79 FR 33889 

NPRM .................. 06/30/14 79 FR 36702 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 

Administrator, Alaska Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, 

Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586– 

7221, Fax: 907 586–7465, Email: 

jim.balsiger@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD23 

220. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl 

Rationalization Program Trailing 

Actions: Permitting Requirements for 

Observer and Catch Monitor Providers 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action would modify 

regulations pertaining to certified catch 

monitors and observers required under 

the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 

Management Plan. The action specifies 

permitting requirements for business 

entities interested in providing certified 

observers and catch monitor services, as 

well as addresses numerous 

housekeeping measures and updates 

observer provider and vessel 

responsibilities relative to observer 

safety such that the regulations are 

consistent with the Coast Guard and 

Maritime Transportation Act of 2012. 

This action affects individuals serving 

as certified catch monitors and 

observers, business entities that provide 

certified catch monitors and observers, 

vessels that are required to carry 

certified observers, and shore-based 

business entities that are required to 

employ the services of certified catch 

monitors. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 02/19/14 79 FR 9591 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BD30 

221. International Fisheries; Western 

and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly 

Migratory Species; Fishing Restrictions 

Regarding the Oceanic Whitetip Shark, 

the Whale Shark, and the Silky Shark 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq. 

Abstract: The rule would establish 

regulations under authority of the 

Western and Central Pacific Fisheries 

Convention Implementation Act to 

implement decisions of the Commission 

for the Conservation and Management of 

Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the 

Western and Central Pacific Ocean on 

fishing restrictions regarding the 

oceanic whitetip shark and the whale 

shark. The regulations would apply to 

owners and operators of U.S. fishing 

vessels used for commercial fishing for 

highly migratory species in the area of 


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application of the Convention on the 

Conservation and Management of 

Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the 

Western and Central Pacific Ocean 

(Convention). The regulations for 

oceanic whitetip sharks would prohibit 

the retention, transshipment, storage, or 

landing of oceanic whitetip sharks and 

would require the release of any oceanic 

whitetip shark as soon as possible after 

it is caught. The regulations for whale 

sharks would prohibit setting a purse 

seine on a whale shark and would 

specify certain measures to be taken and 

reporting requirements in the event a 

whale shark is encircled in a purse seine 

net. This action is necessary for the 

United States to satisfy its obligations 

under the Convention, to which it is a 

Contracting Party. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 08/22/14 79 FR 49745 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Michael Tosatto, 

Regional Administrator for the Pacific 

Islands Region, Department of 

Commerce, National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, 1601 

Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, 

Honolulu, HI 96814, Phone: 808 944– 

2281. 

RIN: 0648–BD44 

222. Southern New England Effort 

Controls to Address Lobster Stock 

Rebuilding Measures 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: NMFS is considering to 

make revisions to Federal American 

lobster regulations intended to assist in 

rebuilding the Southern New England 

lobster stock. The proposed measures 

include trap reductions in Lobster 

Management Areas 2 and 3, a minimum 

carapace size increase for Lobster 

Management Area 3, mandatory vnotching of egg-bearing female lobster in 

Lobster Management Areas 2, 4, and 5, 

and seasonal closures in Lobster 

Management Areas 4, 5, and 6. These 

actions are recommended for Federal 

implementation by the Atlantic States 

Marine Fisheries Commission 

(Commission). The proposed stock 

rebuilding measures were recommended 

by the Commission in consultation with 

some, but not all, Federal lobster permit 

holders through associated industry 

participation on the Commissions 

Lobster Conservation Management 

Teams. While this action could limit 

fishing effort and landings by Federal 

lobster permit holders in Southern New 

England, the proposed measures are 

consistent with those already 

implemented by the affected States. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

ANPRM ............... 08/20/13 78 FR 51131 

NPRM .................. 07/25/14 79 FR 43379 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD45 

223. Amendment 97 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for Groundfish of the 

Gulf of Alaska to Establish Chinook 

Salmon Prohibited Species Catch Limits 

for the Non-Pollock Trawl Fisheries 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et 

seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq. 

Abstract: This rule would limit 

Chinook salmon prohibited species 

catch in the Western and Central Gulf of 

Alaska non-pollock trawl fisheries. 

Chinook salmon is a fully utilized 

species in Alaska coastal subsistence, 

recreational, and commercial fisheries. 

In recent years the returns of Chinook 

salmon to some Alaska river systems 

have been below the biological 

escapement goals established by the 

State of Alaska. This action is necessary 

to minimize the catch of Chinook 

salmon to the extent practicable in the 

Gulf of Alaska non-pollock trawl 

fisheries. The rule would establish a 

7,500 Chinook salmon prohibited 

species annual limit that would be 

seasonally apportioned among fishing 

vessel sectors. If a sector reached its 

Chinook salmon prohibited species 

limit, further directed fishing for 

groundfish by vessels in that sector and 

season would be prohibited. Vessel 

operators would be required to retain 

salmon until the number of salmon has 

been determined by the vessel or plant 

observer and the observers data 

collection has been completed. About 

70 vessels could be affected by this 

action. This action could reduce 

revenues from the fisheries, if the 

Chinook salmon prohibited species 

limit is reached before the groundfish 

quota is harvested. The action may also 

increase costs if vessel operators move 

fishing operations or take other actions 

to lower their catch of Chinook salmon. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .................. 06/05/14 79 FR 32525 

NPRM .................. 06/25/14 79 FR 35971 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 

Administrator, Alaska Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, 

Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586– 

7221, Fax: 907 586–7465, Email: 

jim.balsiger@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD48 

224. Implementation of the InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission 

Resolution To Establish a Vessel 

Monitoring System Program in the 

Eastern Pacific Ocean 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 

16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. 

Abstract: This rule would implement 

the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 

Commissions Resolution intended to 

require owners and operators of tunafishing vessels to have installed, 

activate, carry and operate vessel 

monitoring system units (also known as 

mobile transmitting units). This 

regulation would apply to owners and 

operators of tuna-fishing vessels 24 

meters or more in length, operating in 

the eastern Pacific Ocean. The vessel 

monitoring system units would have to 

be type-approved, and authorize the 

Inter-American Tropical Tuna 

Commission and NMFS to receive and 

relay transmissions (also called position 

reports) from the vessel monitoring 

system unit. Vessel monitoring systems 

may enhance the safety of some vessels 

by allowing the vessels location to be 

tracked, which could assist in rescue 

efforts. This regulation would apply to 

commercial vessels and would not 

apply to recreational or charter vessels. 

This rule would apply to approximately 

seventy-four vessels, however, roughly 

thirty-eight of these vessels are already 

subject to vessel monitoring system 

requirements under the Western and 

Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. 

Due to the relatively small number of 

vessels affected, this rule is not 

expected to garner public opposition or 

congressional interest. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 02/06/14 79 FR 7152 

Correction ............ 02/25/14 79 FR 10465 

Final Action ......... 03/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
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Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BD54 

225. South Atlantic Coastal Migratory 

Pelagics Framework Action 2013 

(Section 610 Review) 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: Currently in the South 

Atlantic, transfer of harvested fish at sea 

is prohibited for any species under a 

commercial trip limit, and only two 

gillnets are allowed on a federally 

permitted Spanish mackerel vessel. In 

some instances the trip limit may be 

exceeded with just one gillnet set, and 

the excess fish must be discarded. Most 

discarded fish caught in gillnet gear die 

due to trauma caused during capture. 

The Framework Action would allow a 

portion of a gillnet and its contents to 

be transferred from a vessel that has met 

the Spanish mackerel trip limit to 

another vessel that has not yet reached 

the trip limit. Allowing transfer at sea 

for federally permitted Spanish 

mackerel vessels using gillnet gear is 

intended to reduce dead discards, and 

minimize waste when catch in one net 

exceeds the trip limit for the vessel. 

Additionally, the Framework Action 

would modify the commercial trip 

limits for Atlantic king mackerel in the 

Florida east coast subzone. The current 

system of trip limits may increase the 

rate of harvest causing the commercial 

sector to close before Lent, the most 

lucrative part of the fishing season. 

Therefore, the trip limit modifications 

that would be implemented through the 

Framework Action are expected to help 

minimize lost opportunities to fish, and 

optimize profitability in the king 

mackerel sector of the coastal migratory 

pelagics fishery. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 03/19/14 79 FR 15293 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD58 

226. Information Collection Program 

for Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean 

Quahog Fisheries 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: NMFS is implementing this 

information collection program at the 

request of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery 

Management Council (Council). This 

program will collect additional 

information about the individuals who 

hold and/or control Individual 

Transferable Quota in the Atlantic 

surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. 

This information will be used by the 

Council in the consideration and 

development of excessive shares cap(s) 

in these Individual Transferable Quota 

fisheries. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 08/07/14 79 FR 46233 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD64 

227. Amendment 96 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for Groundfish of the 

Gulf of Alaska to Revise the 

Community Quota Entity Program 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et 

seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq. 

Abstract: Amendment 96 to the 

Fishery Management Plan for 

Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska would 

modify the halibut and sablefish 

Individual Fishing Quota Program 

regulations for management of 

community quota entities in the Gulf of 

Alaska. The action revises the 

Individual Fishing Quota Program by 

removing a restriction on community 

quota entities holdings of quota share. 

Removing this restriction provides 

community quota entities access to 

more affordable quota shares, which 

could enhance the ability of the 

community quota entities community to 

realize economic benefits from 

additional community resident 

participation in the halibut and 

sablefish fisheries. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .................. 07/25/14 79 FR 43377 

NPRM .................. 08/07/14 79 FR 46237 

Action Date FR Cite 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 

Administrator, Alaska Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, 

Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586– 

7221, Fax: 907 586–7465, Email: 

jim.balsiger@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD74 

228. Amendment 8 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for Coral, Coral 

Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats 

of the South Atlantic Region 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: Coral Amendment 8 would 

modify the boundaries of the Oculina 

Bank Habitat Area of Particular 

Concern, the Stetson-Miami Terrace 

Coral Habitat Area of Particular 

Concern, and the Cape Lookout Coral 

Habitat Area of Particular Concern to 

protect deepwater coral ecosystems. The 

amendment also proposes to implement 

a transit provision through the Oculina 

Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern 

for fishing vessels with rock shrimp 

onboard. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .................. 05/20/14 79 FR 28880 

NPRM .................. 06/03/14 79 FR 31907 

Correction ............ 07/01/14 79 FR 37269 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD81 

229. Temporary Rule Through 

Emergency Action To Revise Annual 

Catch Limits and Accountability 

Measures for Blueline Tilefish and the 

Deep-Water Complex in the South 

Atlantic Region 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: In October 2013, NMFS 

determined the blueline tilefish stock in 

the South Atlantic is experiencing 

overfishing and is overfished. As 

mandated by Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act, 

NMFS and the Council must prepare 

and implement a plan amendment and 


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regulations to end overfishing 

immediately and rebuild the stock by 

December 6, 2015. The Council and 

NMFS, through actions in a future 

amendment, plan to implement a 

rebuilding plan and management 

actions to end overfishing and rebuild 

the blueline tilefish stock. In the 

interim, NMFS will publish an 

emergency rule to implement temporary 

annual catch limits and accountability 

measures for blueline tilefish, and 

modify the current annual catch limits 

and accountability measures for the 

deep-water complex. The goal of this 

action is to minimize future adverse 

biological effects to the blueline tilefish 

stock, and the socio-economic effects to 

fishermen and fishing communities that 

utilize the blueline tilefish, while a 

permanent rulemaking designed to end 

overfishing and rebuild the stock is 

developed. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Emergency Rule 04/17/14 79 FR 21636 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD87 

230. Amendment 100 to the FMP for 

Groundfish of the BSAI Management 

Area and Amendment 91 to the FMP for 

Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska To 

add Grenadiers to the Ecosystem 

Component Category 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: Amendments 100 and 91 

would amend the Fishery Management 

Plan to add grenadiers to the ecosystem 

component category. Grenadiers are 

caught incidentally in the groundfish 

fisheries, and adding them to the 

Fishery Management Plans would 

recognize their role in the ecosystem. 

NMFS would also implement 

regulations for federally-permitted 

groundfish fishermen to improve 

reporting of grenadiers, limit retention, 

and prevent directed fishing for 

grenadiers. This action is necessary to 

limit the groundfish fisheries impact on 

grenadiers. Federally-permitted 

groundfish fishermen would be affected 

by the proposed rule, however, the 

anticipated impacts are considered to be 

de minimis according the economic 

analysis prepared for this action. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice of Availability.05/05/14 79 FR 25558 

NPRM .................. 05/14/14 79 FR 27557 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 

Administrator, Alaska Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, 

Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586– 

7221, Fax: 907 586–7465, Email: 

jim.balsiger@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD98 

231. • Implementation of a Gulf of 

Alaska Trawl Fishery Economic Data 

Collection Program 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et 

seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 

3631 et seq.; Pub. L. 108–199 

Abstract: NMFS proposes to 

implement the Trawl Economic Data 

Report Program to evaluate the 

economic effects of current and future 

groundfish and prohibited species catch 

management measures for the Gulf of 

Alaska trawl fisheries under the Fishery 

Management Plan for Groundfish of the 

Gulf of Alaska. This data collection 

program is necessary to provide the 

North Pacific Fishery Management 

Council and other analysts with 

baseline information on affected 

harvesters, crew, processors, and 

communities in the Gulf of Alaska that 

could be used to assess the impacts of 

major changes in the groundfish 

management regime, including catch 

share programs for prohibited species 

catch species and target species. The 

data collected for this program would be 

submitted by vessel owners and 

leaseholders of Gulf of Alaska trawl 

vessels, processors receiving deliveries 

from those trawl vessels, and 

Amendment 80 catcher/processors. The 

type of data collected may include, but 

would not be limited to labor 

information, revenues received, capital 

and operational expenses, and other 

operational or financial data. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 08/11/14 79 FR 46758 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 

Administrator, Alaska Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, 

Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586– 

7221, Fax: 907 586–7465, Email: 

jim.balsiger@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE09 

232. Amendment and Updates to the 

Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction 

Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et 

seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. 

Abstract: This action would amend 

regulations under the Bottlenose 

Dolphin Take Reduction Plan (Plan) to 

reduce bottlenose dolphin serious 

injuries and mortalities incidental to the 

Virginia Pound net fishery. The Plan 

recommends the year-round use of 

modified leaders for offshore pound 

nets within parts of the Chesapeake Bay 

and Virginia coastal waters. Regulations 

for Virginia Pound Nets are currently 

implemented under the Endangered 

Species Act for sea turtle conservation. 

The Plan recommended similar 

regulations to those currently enacted 

under the Endangered Species Act; 

however, the regulations under the Plan 

will offer greater conservation benefits 

to both bottlenose dolphins and sea 

turtles. Because the regulations may 

affect current sea turtle regulations, a 

joint-rulemaking will be conducted 

under both the Marine Mammal 

Protection Act and Endangered Species 

Act to amend: (1) the Plan under the 

Marine Mammal Protection Act, 

proposing Virginia pound net 

requirements; and (2) current federal sea 

turtle regulations for Virginia pound 

nets under the Endangered Species Act 

to ensure consistency between 

regulations. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 04/17/14 79 FR 21695 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, 

Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 

Resources, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, National Marine 

Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 

Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 

Phone: 301 713–2322. 

RIN: 0648–BB37 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
76696 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / Unified Agenda 

233. Designation of Critical Habitat for 

the Distinct Population Segments of 

Yelloweye Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, 

and Bocaccio 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. 

Abstract: This action proposes to 

designate critical habitat under the 

Endangered Species Act for three 

Distinct Population Segments of 

rockfish in the Puget Sound/Georgia 

Basin: (1) the threatened Distinct 

Population Segments of yelloweye 

rockfish; (2) the threatened Distinct 

Population Segments of canary rockfish; 

and (3) the endangered Distinct 

Population Segments of bocaccio. The 

proposed specific areas for canary 

rockfish and bocaccio comprise 

approximately 505 hectares (1,249 

acres) of marine habitat in Puget Sound. 

The proposed areas for yelloweye 

rockfish comprise approximately of 245 

hectares (606 acres) of marine habitat in 

Puget Sound. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 08/06/13 78 FR 47635 

Final Action ......... 12/00/14 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, 

Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 

Resources, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, National Marine 

Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 

Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 

Phone: 301 713–2322. 

RIN: 0648–BC76 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) 

Long-Term Actions 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

234. Comprehensive Fishery 

Management Plan for Puerto Rico 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This comprehensive Puerto 

Rico Fishery Management Plan will 

incorporate, and modify as needed, 

Federal fisheries management measures 

presently included in each of the 

existing species-based U.S. Caribbean 

Fishery Management Plans (Spiny 

Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral, and Queen 

Conch Fishery Management Plans) as 

those measures pertain to Puerto Rico 

exclusive economic zone waters. The 

goal of this action is to create a Fishery 

Management Plan tailored to the 

specific fishery management needs of 

Puerto Rico. If approved, this new 

Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan, 

in conjunction with similar 

comprehensive Fishery Management 

Plans being developed for each of St. 

Croix and St. Thomas/St. John, will 

replace the Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, 

Coral and Queen Conch Fishery 

Management Plans presently governing 

the commercial and recreational harvest 

in U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic 

zone waters. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/16 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Phone: 727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824– 

5308, Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD32 

235. Comprehensive Fishery 

Management Plan for St. Croix 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This comprehensive St. 

Croix Fishery Management Plan will 

incorporate, and modify as needed, 

federal fisheries management measures 

presently included in each of the 

existing species-based U.S. Caribbean 

Fishery Management Plans (Spiny 

Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral, and Queen 

Conch Fishery Management Plans) as 

those measures pertain to St. Croix 

exclusive economic zone waters. The 

goal of this action is to create a Fishery 

Management Plan tailored to the 

specific fishery management needs of 

St. Croix. If approved, this new St. Croix 

Fishery Management Plan, in 

conjunction with similar comprehensive 

Fishery Management Plans being 

developed for each of Puerto Rico and 

St. Thomas/St. John, will replace the 

Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral and 

Queen Conch Fishery Management 

Plans presently governing the 

commercial and recreational harvest in 

U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone 

waters. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/16 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Phone: 727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824– 

5308, Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD33 

236. Comprehensive Fishery 

Management Plan for St. Thomas/St. 

John 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This comprehensive St. 

Thomas/St. John Fishery Management 

Plan will incorporate, and modify as 

needed, federal fisheries management 

measures presently included in each of 

the existing species-based U.S. 

Caribbean Fishery Management Plans 

(Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral, and 

Queen Conch Fishery Management 

Plans) as those measures pertain to St. 

Thomas/St. John exclusive economic 

zone waters. The goal of this action is 

to create a Fishery Management Plan 

tailored to the specific fishery 

management needs of St. Thomas/St. 

John. If approved, this new St. Thomas/ 

St. John Fishery Management Plan, in 

conjunction with similar comprehensive 

Fishery Management Plans being 

developed for each of St. Croix and 

Puerto Rico, will replace the Spiny 

Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral and Queen 

Conch Fishery Management Plans 

presently governing the commercial and 

recreational harvest in U.S. Caribbean 

exclusive economic zone waters. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/16 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Phone: 727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824– 

5308, Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD34 

237. Marine Mammal Protection Act 

Permit Regulation Revisions 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1374 

Abstract: This action would consider 

revisions to the implementing 

regulations governing the issuance of 

permits for activities under section 104 

of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 

The intent of this action would be to 

streamline and update (using plain 

language) the general permitting 

information and the specific 

requirements for the four categories of 

permits: scientific research (including 

the General Authorization); 

enhancement; educational and 

commercial photography; and public 

display. The revisions would also 

simplify procedures for collection, 

possession, and transfer of marine 

mammals parts collected before the 

effective date of the Marine Mammal 

Protection Act, and also clarify 

reporting requirements for public 

display facilities holding marine 

mammals. 


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Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

ANPRM ............... 09/13/07 72 FR 52339 

ANPRM Comment 

Period Extended.

10/15/07 72 FR 58279 

ANPRM Comment 

Period End.

11/13/07 72 FR 52339 

ANPRM Comment 

Period End.

12/13/07 72 FR 58279 

NPRM .................. 12/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, 

Phone: 301 713–2322. 

RIN: 0648–AV82 

238. Endangered and Threatened 

Species: Designation of Critical Habitat 

for Threatened Lower Columbia River 

Coho Salmon and Puget Sound 

Steelhead 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 to 

1544 

Abstract: This action will designate 

critical habitat for lower Columbia River 

coho salmon and Puget Sound 

steelhead, currently listed as threatened 

species under the Endangered Species 

Act. The specific areas proposed for 

designation in for lower Columbia River 

coho include approximately 2,288 mi 

(3,681 km) of freshwater and estuarine 

habitat in Oregon and Washington. The 

specific areas proposed for designation 

for Puget Sound steelhead include 

approximately 1,880 mi (3,026 km) of 

freshwater and estuarine habitat in 

Puget Sound, Washington. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 01/14/13 78 FR 2725 

Final Action ......... 12/00/15 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, 

Phone: 301 713–2322. 

RIN: 0648–BB30 

239. Designation of Critical Habitat for 

the Beringia Distinct Population 

Segment of the Bearded Seal 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. 

Abstract: The National Marine 

Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a 

final rule to list the Beringia Distinct 

Population Segment (DPS) of the 

bearded seal as a threatened species 

under the Endangered Species Act 

(ESA) in December 2012. The ESA 

requires designation of critical habitat at 

the time a species is listed as threatened 

or endangered, or within one year of 

listing if critical habitat is not then 

determinable. This rulemaking would 

designate critical habitat for the Beringia 

DPS of the bearded seal. The proposed 

critical habitat designation would be in 

the northern Bering, Chukchi, and 

Beaufort seas within the current range of 

the species. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 12/00/16 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, 

Phone: 301 713–2322. 

RIN: 0648–BC55 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) 

Completed Actions 

240. American Lobster Fishery; Fishing 

Effort Control Measures to Complement 

Interstate Lobster Management 

Recommendations by the Atlantic 

States Marine Fisheries Commission 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5101 et seq. 

Abstract: The action would limit 

future access in the Lobster 

Conservation Management Area (Area) 2 

and Outer Cape Area lobster trap fishery 

based on historic participation criteria, 

and implement a transferable trap 

program in Area 2, Area 3, and the 

Outer Cape Area as recommended by 

the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries 

Commission. National Marine Fisheries 

Service proposes to use the same 

historic participation data and 

qualification criteria used by state 

agencies to qualify state lobstermen 

fishing in the state waters of the subject 

management areas. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

ANPRM ........... 05/10/05 70 FR 24495 

Notice of Public 

Meeting.

05/03/10 75 FR 23245 

NPRM .............. 06/12/13 78 FR 35217 

Final Action ..... 04/07/14 79 FR 19015 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Phone: 

978 281–9287. Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–AT31 

241. Magnuson–Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management 

Reauthorization Act (MSRA) 

Environmental Review Procedure 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This rule revises and 

updates the National Marine Fisheries 

Service procedures for complying with 

National Environmental Protection Act 

in the context of fishery management 

actions developed pursuant to MSRA. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .............. 05/14/08 73 FR 27998 

Withdrawal of 

Proposed 

Rule.

07/14/14 79 FR 40703 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Steve Leathery, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 1315 East-West 

Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 

Phone: 301 713–2239, Email: 

steve.leathery@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–AV53 

242. Amendment 6 to the Monkfish 

Fishery Management Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The purpose of Amendment 

6 to the Monkfish Fishery Management 

Plan is to consider developing a catch 

share management program for this 

fishery. This would very likely also 

involve the development of a 

referendum for such a program as 

required under the Magnuson-Stevens 

Fishery Conservation and Management 

Act. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Final Action— 

Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS.

11/30/10 75 FR 74005 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BA50 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
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243. Generic Amendment to Several 

Fishery Management Plans in the Gulf 

of Mexico and South Atlantic Regions 

to Modify Federally–Permitted Seafood 

Dealer Reporting Requirements 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: To better ensure commercial 

landings of managed fish stocks do not 

exceed annual catch limits, 

improvements are needed to the 

accuracy, completeness, consistency, 

and timeliness of data submitted by 

federally-permitted seafood dealers. The 

purpose of the generic amendment is to 

change the current reporting 

requirements for those dealers who 

purchase fish managed under several of 

the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic 

Fishery Management Council fishery 

management plans. Changes are 

proposed to the current six dealer 

permits to increase the species that must 

be reported. Changes are also proposed 

to the method and frequency of dealer 

reporting. This action will aid in 

achieving the optimum yield from each 

fishery while reducing (1) undue 

socioeconomic harm to dealers and 

fishermen and (2) administrative 

burdens to fishery agencies 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice .............. 12/19/13 78 FR 76807 

NPRM .............. 01/02/14 79 FR 81 

NPRM Comment Period 

End.

02/03/14 

Final Action ..... 04/09/14 79 FR 19490 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: No. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BC12 

244. Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder 

Emergency Action To Provide a Partial 

Exemption From Accountability 

Measures to the Atlantic Scallop 

Fishery 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action, requested by 

the New England Fishery Management 

Council, exempts the Atlantic sea 

scallop fishery from any accountability 

measure for catch of Georges Bank 

yellowtail flounder exceeding the 

revised sub-annual catch limit of 156.9 

mt up to the initial sub-annual catch 

limit level of 307.5 mt. By exempting 

the scallop fleet from accountability 

measures at the lower revised 156.9 mt 

sub-ACL, but maintaining 

accountability at the 307.5 mt level 

initially set for the fishing year, there 

remains a need for the scallop fleet to 

mitigate yellowtail flounder catch but to 

do so within the context of the initial 

level established for the fishing year. 

This specific accountability measure is 

not needed to comply with Magnuson 

Stevens Fishery Conservation and 

Management Act requirements because 

there is an accountability measure at the 

fishery level that remains unchanged by 

this proposed action. Any overage of the 

fishery level ACL is repaid pound-forpound in a subsequent fishing year. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 10/01/12 77 FR 59883 

Withdrawal of 

Proposed Rule.

03/24/14 79 FR 15932 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BC33 

245. Modification to the Hired Skipper 

Regulations for Management of the 

Individual Fishing Quota Program for 

the Fixed–Gear Commercial Fisheries 

for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in 

Waters of Alaska 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et 

seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq. 

Abstract: This action would amend 

the hired master regulations of the 

Individual Fishing Quota Program for 

the fixed-gear commercial Pacific 

halibut and sablefish fisheries in the 

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 

management area and the Gulf of 

Alaska. The Individual Fishing Quota 

Program allows initial recipients of 

catcher vessel halibut and sablefish 

quota share to hire a vessel master to 

harvest Individual Fishing Quota 

derived from the quota share. When a 

hired master fishes an initial recipients 

Individual Fishing Quota, the initial 

recipient is exempt from being onboard 

the vessel. This action would remove 

the owner-onboard exemption to hire a 

master to harvest Individual Fishing 

Quota derived from quota share that an 

initial recipient received by transfer 

after February 12, 2010. Between 

February 12, 2010 and the effective date 

of this action, initial recipient quota 

share transferred into a quota share 

block of the same category would retain 

the hired master privilege. After the 

effective date of this action, no hired 

master privilege would be retained on 

initial recipient quota share 

consolidated with quota share of the 

same category. This action is necessary 

to maintain a predominantly owneroperated fishery. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 04/26/13 78 FR 24707 

Final Action ......... 07/28/14 79 FR 43679 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 

Administrator, Alaska Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, 

Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586– 

7221, Fax: 907 586–7465, Email: 

jim.balsiger@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BC62 

246. Amendment 3 to the Spiny Dogfish 

Fishery Management Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The action would make four 

modifications to the management 

measures in the Spiny Dogfish Fishery 

Management Plan. These include 

allowing up to 3 percent of the annual 

quota to be set aside for research 

purposes (research set-aside), updating 

the essential fish habitat definitions for 

spiny dogfish, allowing the previous 

year’s management measures to be 

carried over into the subsequent year in 

the case of rulemaking delays, and 

removing the seasonal allocation of the 

commercial quota. The action is needed 

to improve the efficiency of the Spiny 

Dogfish Fishery Management Plan, and 

help reduce misalignment of regulations 

with the Atlantic States Marine 

Fisheries Commission’s Interstate 

Fishery Management Plan for spiny 

dogfish. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice of Availability.03/26/14 79 FR 16775 

NPRM .................. 04/10/14 79 FR 19861 

Final Action ......... 07/14/14 79 FR 41141 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
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978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BC77 

247. Amendment 5 to the Fishery 

Management Plan for the Dolphin 

Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: Amendment 5 to the 

Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management 

Plan includes revisions to the 

acceptable biological catches, annual 

catch limits, recreational annual catch 

targets, and accountability measures for 

dolphin and wahoo; modifications to 

the framework procedure; and 

modifications to the sector allocations 

and trip limits for dolphin. The 

revisions incorporate updates to the 

recreational data as per the Marine 

Recreational Information Program, as 

well as revisions to commercial and forhire landings. The revisions are 

necessary to avoid triggering 

accountability measures for dolphin and 

wahoo based on recreational data under 

the Marine Recreational Fisheries 

Statistics Survey system. National 

Marine Fisheries Service no longer uses 

the Marine Recreational Fisheries 

Statistics Survey system, and now 

estimates recreational landings using 

the Marine Recreational Information 

Program. Additionally, this amendment 

would modify the framework procedure 

for dolphin and wahoo; modify sector 

allocations and adjust trip limits for 

dolphin. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice of Availability.02/28/14 79 FR 11383 

NPRM .................. 03/14/14 79 FR 14466 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

04/14/14 

Final Action ......... 06/09/14 79 FR 32878 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD08 

248. Allowing Northeast Multispecies 

Sector Vessels Access to Year Round 

Closed Areas 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action allows Northeast 

Multispecies vessels enrolled in a sector 

to fish in any of three year-round closed 

areas on Georges Bank during select 

times of the 2013 fishing year. This rule 

allows fishing access for Northeast 

multispecies sectors to two portions of 

the Southern New England Nantucket 

Lightship Closed Area for the remainder 

of the 2013 fishing year, under specified 

conditions. The intent of this rule is to 

allow sector vessels increased 

opportunities to harvest non-groundfish 

stocks such as monkfish, dogfish, and 

skates, while minimizing impacts to 

overfished groundfish stock such as 

Georges Bank cod and yellowtail 

flounder. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 07/11/13 78 FR 41772 

Interim Final Rule 12/16/13 78 FR 76077 

Final Action ......... 04/21/14 79 FR 22043 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD09 

249. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl 

Rationalization Program; Second 

Program Improvement and 

Enhancement Rule 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action implements 

trailing actions for the Pacific coast 

groundfish trawl rationalization 

program in order to further improve and 

refine the program. Since 

implementation of the program in 

January 2011, the Pacific Fishery 

Management Council (Council) and 

NMFS have developed numerous 

trailing actions to the program. This 

action includes multiple components 

that either implement original 

provisions of the program, or increase 

flexibility or efficiency, or address 

minor revisions/clarifications. 

Implementation of Quota share transfer 

regulations is also included in this 

action. The other components of this 

action are intended to increase 

flexibility and efficiency for participants 

and the Agency, and to make minor 

clarifications to the program regulations. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 07/19/13 78 FR 43125 

Final Rule ............ 11/15/13 78 FR 68764 

Correcting 

Amendment.

03/05/14 79 FR 12412 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BD31 

250. Modifications to the Pacific Coast 

Groundfish Trawl Rockfish 

Conservation Area Boundaries 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action would 

implement recommendations from the 

Pacific Fishery Management Council to 

liberalize trawl Rockfish Conservation 

Area boundaries for participants in the 

Pacific Coast groundfish shorebased 

individual fishing quota program, 

beginning November 1, 2013 through 

the end of 2014. Different trawl Rockfish 

Conservation Area variations have been 

in place since 2002–2003 and are 

typically adjusted through routine 

inseason actions to keep overfished fish 

species within acceptable catch limits or 

harvest guidelines. This rule proposes to 

modify the trawl Rockfish Conservation 

Area boundaries, in order to increase 

access to target species. This rule would 

increase fishermen’s access to their 

target species allocations, while 

allowing the individual accountability 

inherent in the individual fishing quota 

program to reduce bycatch. This action 

would also increase the flexibility and 

efficiency for individual fishing quota 

program participants, and maintain the 

full catch accounting requirements of 

the individual fishing quota program. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 09/13/13 78 FR 56641 

Final Rule ............ 04/17/14 79 FR 21639 

Correcting 

Amendment.

05/13/14 79 FR 27196 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BD37 

251. Framework Adjustment 8 to the 

Atlantic Mackerel, Squid and Butterfish 

Fishery Management Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: Framework 8 announces 

several changes to facilitate the 

operation of the butterfish discard cap 


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76700 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / Unified Agenda 

on the longfin squid fishery. The 

alternatives proposed in Framework 8 

would allocate the butterfish discard 

cap among the Trimesters in the same 

percentages used for the trimester 

allocations for longfin squid In addition, 

Framework 8 would allow NMFS to 

transfer, in either direction, a certain 

amount of unused quota between the 

butterfish landing allocation and the 

discard cap on the longfin squid fishery. 

This would occur near the end of the 

year, in order to optimally utilize the 

butterfish that is available for fishing 

each year. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 01/31/14 79 FR 5364 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

03/03/14 

Final Action ......... 04/02/14 79 FR 18478 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD50 

252. Implementation of the InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission 

Resolution for the Conservation of 

Whale Sharks and the Collection and 

Analyses of Data on Fish Aggregating 

Devices 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 

16 U.S.C. 961 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et 

seq. 

Abstract: This rule would implement 

the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 

Commissions Resolution intended to 

conserve whale sharks and collect 

information on fish aggregating devices. 

This action would require that by July 

1, 2014, owners and operators of purse 

seine vessels in the eastern Pacific 

Ocean would be prohibited from setting 

a purse seine on a school of tuna 

associated with a live whale shark, if the 

shark is sighted prior to the beginning 

of the set. If a whale shark is encircled 

in the purse seine net the master of the 

vessel would be required to ensure that 

all reasonable steps are taken to ensure 

its safe release and report the details of 

the incident to the Inter-American 

Tropical Tuna Commission and NMFS. 

By January 1, 2015, owners and 

operators of purse seine vessels 

operating in the Inter-American 

Tropical Tuna Commission Convention 

area when fishing on fish aggregating 

devices would be required to collect and 

report the fish aggregating devices 

location and type. The data may be 

collected through a dedicated logbook, 

modifications to existing regional 

logsheets, or other domestic reporting 

procedures. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 06/13/14 79 FR 33851 

Final Action ......... 09/18/14 79 FR 56017 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BD53 

253. Implementation of the InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission 

Resolution To Adopt Conservation and 

Management Measures for Pacific 

Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific 

Ocean 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 

16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. 

Abstract: This action proposes 

regulations adopted by the InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission 

that would place a limit on commercial 

harvests of Pacific bluefin tuna in the 

eastern Pacific Ocean in 2014. The InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission 

resolution imposes an international 

aggregate catch limit of 5,000 metric 

tons for commercial fleets in the Eastern 

Pacific Ocean and, as in past years, the 

Resolution allows a minimum of 500 

metric tons for nations such as the 

United States that have historically 

fished Pacific bluefin tuna in the 

Eastern Pacific Ocean but do not harvest 

large amounts. The rule is expected to 

have a beneficial impact on Pacific 

bluefin tuna and other living marine 

resources since it would extend catch 

limits currently set to expire December 

31, 2013. This rule is likely to have 

negligible economic impacts because 

the U.S. fleets that catch Pacific bluefin 

tuna have not caught more than 500 

metric tons of bluefin in more than a 

decade. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 01/10/14 79 FR 1810 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

02/10/14 

Final Action ......... 05/16/14 79 FR 28448 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BD55 

254. Framework Adjustment 8 to the 

Monkfish Fishery Management Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: Framework Adjustment 8 

would specify acceptable biological 

catch amounts, and annual catch limits, 

for the monkfish fishery during fishing 

years 2014–2016, based on an updated 

stock assessment completed in April 

2013. This action would also set 

monkfish days-at-sea allocations and 

trip limits for both the Northern and 

Southern Fishery Management Areas to 

achieve recommended annual catch 

targets. In addition, this action would 

allow vessels issued a limited access 

monkfish Category H permit to fish 

throughout the Southern Fishery 

Management Area. Both the directed 

and incidental monkfish fisheries would 

be affected by this action. Specifically, 

Category H vessels would be provided 

with greater flexibility to fish for 

monkfish in a broader geographical area. 

Since the fishery has not fully harvested 

available quotas in recent years, it is not 

expected that potential increases or 

decreases in catch allowances are likely 

to have a substantial economic effect. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 05/27/14 79 FR 30056 

Final Action ......... 07/18/14 79 FR 41918 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD56 

255. 2014 Specifications and 

Management Measures for the Atlantic 

Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 

Fisheries 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action establishes catch 

levels and associated management 

measures for the 2014 fishing year for 

species managed under the Atlantic 

Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery 


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Management Plan. The Mid-Atlantic 

Fishery Management Council reaffirmed 

the 3-year catch level recommendations 

for Illex squid and longfin squid (2012– 

2014), and for Atlantic mackerel (2013– 

2015), so no changes are proposed for 

catch levels for those species. The 

proposed action would: increase the 

butterfish ABC by 8 percent, and the 

butterfish landings limit by 24 percent, 

compared to 2013; set a 236 mt cap on 

river herring and shad catch in the 

mackerel fishery; raise the post-closure 

possession limit for longfin squid to 

10,000 lb for vessels targeting Illex 

squid; and change the butterfish Phase 

3 trip limit to 600 lb (from 500 lb) for 

longfin squid/butterfish moratorium 

permit holders to make it consistent 

with the incidental butterfish trip limit. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 01/10/14 79 FR 1813 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

02/10/14 

Final Action ......... 04/04/14 79 FR 18834 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD65 

256. Modifications to Identification 

Markings on Fishing Gear Marker 

Buoys 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et 

seq.; 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 

773 et seq.; Pub. L. 108–447 

Abstract: This rule would eliminate 

the requirement that buoys marking the 

location of commercial fishing gear be 

marked with the vessel’s name, in 

addition to a vessel identification 

number. Current regulations require 

buoy markings to make it possible to 

identify the vessel from which the gear 

was deployed. Experience shows that it 

is not necessary to mark buoys with 

both the vessel’s name and Federal 

fisheries permit number. While one 

vessel may share the same name as 

another vessel, vessel identification 

numbers are exclusive and unique to the 

recipient vessel. The purpose of this 

action is to reduce regulatory burdens 

by eliminating the requirement to mark 

buoys with the vessel’s name, and will 

reduce costs to vessel owners by 

reducing the labor and materials needed 

to mark buoys. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 01/03/14 79 FR 381 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

02/03/14 

Final Action ......... 04/03/14 79 FR 18655 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: James Balsiger, 

Administrator, Alaska Region, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, 

Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586– 

7221, Fax: 907 586–7465, Email: 

jim.balsiger@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD66 

257. Pacific Coast Whiting Fishery for 

2014 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The rule would be issued 

consistent with a regulatory framework 

that was established in 1996 to routinely 

implement the Washington coastal 

Indian tribes treaty rights to harvest 

Pacific Coast groundfish. The rule 

would establish a Pacific whiting tribal 

allocation for 2014. The final rule for 

Pacific whiting in 2014 will include the 

tribal allocation as well as final 

allocations to the non-tribal sector. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 02/28/14 79 FR 11385 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

03/31/14 

Final Action ......... 05/13/14 79 FR 27198 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BD75 

258. Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch 

Sharing Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq. 

Abstract: Each year, the Pacific 

Fishery Management Council (Council) 

reviews and receives public comment 

on its Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing 

Plan (Plan) to determine whether 

revisions are needed to achieve 

management objectives for any of the 

West Coast halibut fisheries. For 2014 

and beyond, the Council has 

recommended minor changes to the 

portion of the Plan covering the 

allocations and sport fisheries. For the 

Washington north coast subarea sport 

fishery the recommended changes 

clarify the season structure and remove 

the provisions for a nearshore fishery. 

For the Columbia River subarea sport 

fishery the recommended changes revise 

the days of the week the fishery is open 

and modify the subarea allocation to 

provide for a new nearshore fishery 

within the subarea. For the Oregon 

central coast subarea sport fishery the 

changes include modifying the 

nearshore fishery. For the South of 

Humbug Mountain subarea, the 

recommended changes include breaking 

the subarea into separate subareas for 

Southern Oregon and California, and 

allocating catch to these subareas from 

existing allocations. These 

recommended changes to the Plan are 

implemented through the annual 

regulations. The annual regulations will 

also include the 2014 halibut quota for 

the West Coast fisheries as 

recommended by the International 

Pacific Halibut Commission. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 02/06/14 79 FR 7156 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

02/21/14 

Final Rule ............ 03/12/14 79 FR 13906 

Final Action—Correcting Amendment.04/04/14 79 FR 18827 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BD82 

259. Amendment 20A to the Fishery 

Management Plan for the Coastal 

Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf 

of Mexico and Atlantic Region 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: Amendment 20A would 

prohibit the sale of king and Spanish 

mackerel caught under the bag limit in 

the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic 

regions except under limited 

circumstances. For the Gulf of Mexico, 

the amendment would prohibit the sale 

of king and Spanish mackerel caught 

under the bag limit unless those fish are 

either caught on a for-hire trip and the 

vessel has both a for-hire and 

commercial vessel permit, or the fish are 

caught as part of a state-permitted 

tournament and the proceeds from the 

sale are donated to charity. For the 

South Atlantic region, the amendment 


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would prohibit the sale of king and 

Spanish mackerel caught under the bag 

limit unless the fish are caught as part 

of a state-permitted tournament and the 

proceeds from the sale are donated to 

charity. In addition, the amendment 

would remove the income qualification 

requirement for king and Spanish 

mackerel commercial permits. This 

action would not affect the number of 

king mackerel permits, which are 

limited access, but could increase the 

number of Spanish mackerel permits, 

which are open access. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Notice of Availability.03/03/14 79 FR 11748 

NPRM .................. 03/19/14 79 FR 15284 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

05/05/14 

Final Action ......... 06/16/14 79 FR 34246 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, 

Southeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 263 13th Avenue 

South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 

727 824–5305, Fax: 727 824–5308, 

Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD83 

260. Framework Adjustment 51 to the 

Northeast Multispecies Fishery 

Management Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action would 

implement the annual measures 

included in Framework Adjustment 51 

to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 

Management Plan (Framework 51). 

Framework 51 would set specifications 

for white hake for fishing years 2014 

through 2016, as well as fishing year 

2014 shared U.S./Canada quotas for 

Georges Bank yellowtail flounder and 

Eastern Georges Bank cod and haddock. 

The specifications for white hake are 10 

percent higher than 2013, and are based 

on the 2013 stock assessment. The U.S. 

quota for Georges Bank yellowtail 

flounder is proposed to increase by 53 

percent compared to 2013, and the 

Eastern Georges Bank cod and haddock 

quotas are proposed to increase by 60 

percent, and more than 150 percent, 

respectively. These quotas are based on 

the 2013 joint U.S./Canada assessment 

for these stocks. The quotas for all other 

species were set last year in Framework 

50.Framework 51 would also revise the 

rebuilding program for Gulf of Maine 

cod and American plaice. Both 

programs are proposed to be 10 years to 

ensure stocks rebuild in a timely 

manner, while allowing the fishery to 

continue. Other management measures 

included in Framework 51 are 

accountability measures for the smallmesh fishery for Georges Bank 

yellowtail flounder, modification to the 

U.S./Canada Area management 

measures, and consideration of a 

prohibition on possession of yellowtail 

flounder by the scallop fishery. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 03/17/14 79 FR 14951 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

04/01/14 

Final Action ......... 04/22/14 79 FR 22421 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD88 

261. Framework Adjustment 2 to the 

Northeast Skate Complex Fishery 

Management Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action includes skate 

fishery specifications for the 2014–2015 

fishing years, and modifications to skate 

reporting requirements for vessels and 

dealers. This action would establish: an 

annual catch limit for the skate complex 

of 35,479 mt (a decrease from 50,435 mt 

in 2013); an overall total allowable 

landings of 16,385 mt (a decrease from 

23,365 mt in 2013); status quo 

possession limits for the skate wing and 

bait fisheries; and changes to skate 

vessel and dealer reporting 

requirements to improve speciesspecific landings data, including 

removal of ‘‘unclassified skate’’ 

reporting options. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 05/19/14 79 FR 29154 

Final Action ......... 08/29/14 79 FR 51504 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BD99 

262. • Framework Adjustment 25 to 

the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 

Management Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The purpose of Framework 

25 is to set management measures for 

the scallop fishery for the 2014 fishing 

year, including the annual catch limits 

and annual catch targets for the limited 

access and limited access general 

category fleets, as well as days-at-sea 

allocations and sea scallop access area 

trip allocations. In addition, Framework 

25 will also include an adjustment to 

the fishing mortality limit in scallop 

fishery open areas (those fished under 

days at sea) in order to allow more 

harvest from open areas while not 

exceeding overfishing limits for the 

fishery; considers allowing pounds that 

went unharvested in Closed Area I in 

2012 and 2013 to be landed in a future 

year; develops Southern windowpane 

flounder Accountability Measures; and 

provides Full-Time vessels the option to 

exchange their allocated Delmarva 

Access Area trip for five days-at-sea. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 05/09/14 79 FR 26690 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

05/27/14 

Final Action ......... 06/16/14 79 FR 34251 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE07 

263. • Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl 

Rationalization Program; Correction to 

the 2014 Shorebased Trawl Allocation 

Table 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This action contains one 

correction to the Biennial Specifications 

and Management Measures regulations 

that published in the Federal Register 

on January 3, 2013. This notice corrects 

2014 shorebased trawl allocations for 

several species of groundfish in the 

shorebased trawl allocation table that 

were inadvertently misreported in the 

Biennial Specifications and 

Management Measures final rule. This 

will result in a very minor increase in 

quota pounds (the number of pounds of 

fish this particular sector is allowed to 

catch) for several species. Historically, 

this sector has not caught the full quota 


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of those species, so there is not likely to 

be an economic impact due to this 

correction. The following species will 

be affected: English sole, Lingcod N. of 

40′10° N latitude (OR & WA), Lingcod 

S. of 40′10° N latitude (CA), Minor 

Slope Rockfish North 40°10′ N. lat., 

Other Flatfish, Pacific cod, Shortspine 

Thornyhead, and Yellowtail rockfish. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

Correcting 

Amendment.

05/16/14 79 FR 28455 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: William Stelle Jr., 

Regional Administrator West Coast 

Region, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way 

Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 

206 526–6150. 

RIN: 0648–BE14 

264. • 2014 Summer Flounder, Scup, 

and Black Sea Bass Recreational 

Harvest Measures 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: This rulemaking would 

propose management measures to 

achieve recreational harvest limits for 

the 2014 summer flounder, scup, and 

black sea bass recreational fisheries. 

Recreational management measures 

include recreational possession limits, 

minimum fish sizes, and seasonal 

closures. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 05/09/14 79 FR 26685 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

05/27/14 

Final Action ......... 07/07/14 79 FR 38259 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE16 

265. • 2014–2015 Spiny Dogfish 

Specifications 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Abstract: The proposed action 

includes spiny dogfish fishery 

specifications for the 2014–2015 fishing 

years, as recommended by the MidAtlantic and New England Fishery 

Management Councils. In summary, the 

Councils proposes Spiny dogfish annual 

catch limits of 60.695 million lb for 

2014, and 62.413 million lb for 2015 

(increases from 54.295 million lb in 

2013); coastwide commercial quotas of 

49.037 million lb for 2014, and 50.612 

million lb for 2015 (increases from 

40.842 million lb in 2013); and two 

alternatives for spiny dogfish trip limits: 

4,000 lb (status quo) or unlimited 

possession for 2014 and 2015. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 05/13/14 79 FR 27274 

NPRM Comment 

Period End.

06/12/14 

Final Action ......... 08/08/14 79 FR 46376 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: John K. Bullard, 

Northeast Regional Administrator, 

Department of Commerce, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 55 Great Republic 

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 

978 281–9287, Email: john.bullard@

noaa.gov. 

RIN: 0648–BE17 

266. Amending the Atlantic Large 

Whale Take Reduction Plan 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. 

Abstract: The National Marine 

Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposes to 

amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take 

Reduction Plan. These changes are 

designed to address ongoing right, 

humpback, and fin whale entanglements 

resulting in serious injury or mortality. 

In 2009, the Atlantic Large Whale Take 

Reduction Team (Team) agreed on a 

schedule to develop conservation 

measures for reducing the risk of serious 

injury and mortality of large whales that 

become entangled in vertical lines. In an 

August 2012 American Lobster 

Biological Opinion, NMFS committed to 

publishing a proposed rule to address 

vertical line entanglements in 2013, and 

to publish a final rule by April 2014. 

Unlike the broad-scale management 

approach taken to address entanglement 

risks associated with groundlines (rope 

between trap/pots), the approach for the 

vertical line rulemaking will focus on 

reducing the risk of vertical line 

entanglements in finer-scale high 

impact areas. Using fishing gear 

characterization data and whale 

sightings per unit effort data, NMFS 

developed a model to determine the cooccurrence of fishing gear density and 

whale density to serve as a guide in the 

identification of these high risk areas. 

Potential measures include: expanding 

the gear marking scheme to require 

larger and more frequent marks along 

the buoy line; increasing the number of 

traps per trawl based on area fished and 

miles fished from shore in the northeast; 

establishing several closures in the 

northeast for trap/pot fisheries; 

modifying weak link and breaking 

strength requirements of buoy lines; and 

requiring the use of one buoy line with 

one trap in the southeast. 

Timetable: 

Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 07/16/13 78 FR 42653 

Notice .................. 07/24/13 78 FR 44536 

Final Action ......... 06/27/14 79 FR 36585 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, 

Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 

Resources, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, National Marine 

Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 

Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 

Phone: 301 713–2322. 

RIN: 0648–BC90 

267. Designation of Critical Habitat for 

the Northwest Atlantic Ocean 

Loggerhead Sea Turtle DPS and the 

Determination Regarding Critical 

Habitat for the North Pacific Ocean 

Loggerhead DPS 

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. 

Abstract: This action would designate 

critical habitat for the Loggerhead sea 

turtle pursuant to the Endangered 

Species Act of 1973, as amended. The 

loggerhead sea turtle was originally 

listed worldwide as a threatened species 

on July 28, 1978. No critical habitat was 

designated for the loggerhead at that 

time. On September 22, 2011, NMFS 

and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

jointly published a final rule revising 

the loggerheads listing from a single 

worldwide threatened species to nine 

Distinct Population Segments. The two 

Distinct Population Segments occurring 

in U.S. jurisdiction are the Northwest 

Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population 

Segment (range defined as north of the 

equator, south of 60 N. lat., and west of 

40 W. long.) and the North Pacific 

Ocean Distinct Population Segments 

(range defined as north of the equator 

and south of 60 N. lat.). For the 2011 

final listing rule, NMFS and the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service found 

designation of critical habitat to be not 

determinable. This action will satisfy 

the provisions under the Endangered 

Species Act requiring critical habitat to 

be designated for these Distinct 

Population Segments. 

Timetable: 


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Action Date FR Cite 

NPRM .................. 07/18/13 78 FR 43006 

Proposed Rule 

Correction.

08/01/13 78 FR 46563 

Notice .................. 08/21/13 78 FR 51705 

NPRM Comment 

Period Reopened.

09/30/13 78 FR 59907 

Action Date FR Cite 

Public Hearing ..... 11/04/13 78 FR 65959 

Final Action ......... 07/10/14 79 FR 39855 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

Required: Yes. 

Agency Contact: Donna Wieting, 

Fishery Biologist, Office of Protected 

Resources, Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, National Marine 

Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West 

Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 

Phone: 301 713–2322. 

RIN: 0648–BD27 

[FR Doc. 2014–28929 Filed 12–19–14; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3510–12–P 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS4
Vol. 79 Monday, 

No. 245 December 22, 2014 

Part V 

Department of Defense 

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda 


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