        DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
        50 CFR Parts 223 and 224
        [Docket No.010607150-1150-01; I.D. 091200F]
        RIN 0648-AN64
        Sea Turtle Conservation; Restrictions Applicable to Fishing and Scientific Research Activities

          AGENCY:
          National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

          ACTION:
          Proposed rule; request for comments.

          SUMMARY:
          NMFS proposes to amend the sea turtle handling and resuscitation regulation.  Recent scientific and technical information indicate that the current procedures need to be updated.  This measure is necessary to improve the handling of sea turtles that are incidentally captured during scientific research or fishing activities.

          DATES:
          Written comments must be received on or before July 18, 2001.

          ADDRESSES:
          Comments on this proposed rule should be addressed to the Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD  20910 or comments may be submitted via facsimile 301-713-0376 or via electronic Internet at seaturt.resuscitate@noaa.gov.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
          Therese A. Conant, or Barbara A. Schroeder, (301)713-1401.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
        The taking of sea turtles is governed by regulations implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) at 50 CFR parts 222 and 223 (see 64 FR 14051, March 23, 1999, final rule consolidating and reorganizing ESA regulations).  Generally, the taking of sea turtles is prohibited.  However, the incidental take of turtles during shrimp and summer flounder fishing in areas of the Atlantic Ocean and in the Gulf of Mexico is excepted from the taking prohibition pursuant to sea turtle conservation regulations at 50 CFR 223.206, which include a requirement to have a NMFS-approved turtle excluder device (TED) installed in each net rigged for fishing.  Other exceptions to the taking prohibition include incidental take that is authorized for ESA scientific research permits, incidental take permits, and section 7 incidental take statements.  All take excepted from the prohibitions requires safe handling and resuscitation of incidentally caught sea turtles as specified at 50 CFR 223.206(d)(1). -
        Justification and Changes Proposed
        Sea turtles are air breathers and may drown under conditions of forced submergence.  To minimize the impact of forced submergence, NMFS developed protocols to handle comatose turtles (FR 43 32801, July 28, 1978) and subsequently updated the protocols (57 FR 57354, December 4, 1992).  New scientific and technical information has been collected since the last update.  For example, the practice of stepping on the plastron to revive the turtle may actually do more harm than good.  Plastral pumping may cause the airway to block, thus prohibiting air from entering the lungs.  Pumping the plastron while a turtle is on its back also causes the viscera to compress the lungs which are located dorsally, thereby hindering lung ventilation.  Recent physiological studies on the effects of trawl capture on small sea turtles show that high stress levels are developed during short-duration forced submergences and that the turtles may require from 3.5 up to 24 hours to recover from the stress effects.  Thus, in addition to comatose turtles being held up to 24 hours, the release of actively moving turtles should also be delayed when possible.  Resuscitation techniques have been refined over the years as biologists have developed effective ways to test for reflexes in order to determine the status of the turtle.  -

        The proposed changes to the existing protocol are as follows: Eliminate stepping on the plastron as a method for resuscitation; provide a more defined criteria to determine dead versus comatose turtles; increase the minimum elevation of the hindquarters; and add carapace movement and a reflex test to the resuscitation methods.  In addition, several minor changes have been made to clarify the guidance for keeping a turtle moist.  The changes to the sea turtle resuscitation requirements are expected to increase the survivorship of turtles that are returned to the water after being captured in a trawl.  -
        Classification
        The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with the ESA and with other applicable law.   -
        This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.   -

        The AA prepared an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the 1978 listing determination, establishing the handling and resuscitation requirements and prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for the 1992 updated of the requirements.  Since the changes proposed in this rule do not constitute a new action and do not individually or cumulatively have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment, this proposed rule has been determined to be Categorical Exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act.  A copy of the 1978 EIS and the 1992 EA are available (see ADDRESSES). -
        The Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration that this proposed rule would not have significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, because the provisions of the proposed rule would make only minor changes that would not impose any new economic burden on fishermen or scientific researchers.  -
        This proposed rule does not contain a collection-of-information requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. -
        This proposed rule does not contain policies with federalism implications sufficient to warrant preparation of a federalism assessment under Executive Order 12612.

          List of Subjects
          50 CFR Part 223
          Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Marine mammals, Transportation.
          50 CFR Part 224
          Administrative practice and procedure, Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

          Dated: June 12, 2001.
          William T. Hogarth,
          Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.

          For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 223 and 224 are proposed to be amended as follows:

            PART 223—THREATENED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS SPECIES

          1.  The authority citation for part 223 continues to read as follows:

            Authority:
            16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; subpart B; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.

          2.  In § 223.206, paragraph (d)(1) is revised to read as follows:

            § 223.206
            Exceptions to prohibitions relating to sea turtles.

          (d) * * *
          (1) Handling and resuscitation requirements. (i) Any specimen taken incidentally during the course of fishing or scientific research activities must be handled with due care to prevent injury to live specimens, observed for activity, and returned to the water according to the following procedures:
          (A) Sea turtles that are actively moving or determined to be dead as described in paragraph (d)(1)(i)(C) of this section must be released over the stern of the boat.  In addition, they must be released only when fishing or scientific collection gear is not in use, when the engine gears are in neutral position, and in areas where they are unlikely to be recaptured or injured by vessels.
          (B) Resuscitation must be attempted on sea turtles that are comatose, or inactive, as determined in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, by:
          (1) Placing the turtle on its bottom shell (plastron) so that the turtle is right side up and elevating its hindquarters at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) for a period of 4 up to 24 hours.  The amount of the elevation depends on the size of the turtle; greater elevations are needed for larger turtles.  Periodically, rock the turtle gently left to right and right to left by holding the outer edge of the shell (carapace) and lifting one side about 3 inches (7.6 cm) then alternate to the other side.  Gently touch the eye and pinch the tail (reflex test) periodically to see if there is a response.
          (2) Sea turtles being resuscitated must be shaded and kept damp or moist but under no circumstance be placed into a container holding water.  A water-soaked towel placed over the head, carapace, and flippers is the most effective method in keeping a turtle moist.
          (3) Turtles that revive and become active must be released over the stern of the boat only when fishing or scientific collection gear is not in use, when the engine gears are in neutral position, and in areas where they are unlikely to be recaptured or injured by vessels.  Sea turtles that fail to respond to the reflex test or fail to move within 4 hours (up to 24, if possible) must be returned to the water in the same manner as that for actively moving turtles.
          (C) A turtle is determined to be dead if the muscles are stiff (rigor mortis) and/or the flesh has begun to rot; otherwise the turtle is determined to be comatose or inactive and resuscitation attempts are necessary.
          (ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of (d)(1)(i) of this section, a person aboard a pelagic longline vessel in the Atlantic issued an Atlantic permit for highly pelagic species under 50 CFR 635.4, must follow the handling and resuscitation requirements in 50 CFR 635.21.
          (iii) Any specimen taken incidentally during the course of fishing or scientific research activities must not be consumed, sold, landed, offloaded, transshipped, or kept below deck.

            PART 224— ENDANGERED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS SPECIES

          3.  The authority citation for part 224 continues to read as follows:

            Authority:
            16 U.S.C. 1531-1543 and 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.

          4.  Section 224.104 is revised by adding a new paragraph (d) to read as follows:

            § 224.104
            Incidental capture of endangered sea turtles.

          (d)  Special handling and resuscitation requirements are specified at § 223.206(d)(1).

      [FR Doc. 01-15319 Filed 6-15-01; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE  3510-22-S


        DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
        National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
        49 CFR Part 571
        [Docket No. NHTSA 2001-8876]
        RIN 2127-AG92
        Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment

          AGENCY:
          National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.

          ACTION:
          Withdrawal of rulemaking.

          SUMMARY:
          In 2001, the agency granted a petition for rulemaking submitted by the United States Motorcycle Manufacturers Association, Inc. (USMMA). Petitioners asked NHTSA to amend the Federal motor vehicle lighting standard to allow a lower minimum mounting height for side reflex reflectors on motorcycles. The granting of the petition commenced agency rulemaking on the petition. Before taking further action in this area, the agency would like to expand its knowledge base with further research and more supporting data. Accordingly, this document withdraws the open rulemaking.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
          The following persons at the NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.
          For non-legal issues, you may call Mr. Richard VanIderstine, Office of Crash Avoidance Standards (Telephone: (202) 366-2720) (Fax: (202) 366-7002).
          For legal issues, you may call Mr. George Feygin, Office of Chief Counsel (Telephone: (202) 366-2992) (Fax: (202) 366-3820).

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
        I. Background
        FMVSS No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment, establishes lighting requirements for motor vehicles. Table IV of FMVSS No. 108 specifies that all reflex reflectors on motorcycles (including side reflectors) be located not less than 15 inches (381 mm) nor more than 60 inches (1524 mm) above the road surface.1
           USMMA petitioned the agency to allow for a lower minimum mounting height of 300 mm, instead of 381 mm.

            1 Reflex reflectors are devices that are used on vehicles to give an indication of presence to an approaching driver by reflecting light from the headlamp of the approaching vehicle.

        Petitioners gave several reasons for their request. First, petitioners stated that the lower minimum mounting height would harmonize the Federal standard with the reflector mounting requirements of Europe and Asia, thus affording “global” motorcycle manufacturers certain cost savings opportunities associated with selling a common product in multiple markets.

        Second, petitioners believed that lowering the height of the side reflectors would increase safety with respect to illumination by approaching vehicles. In support of their statement, USMMA noted that a lower reflector height would increase the distance between the motorcycle and the approaching vehicle at the point where the reflex reflector illumination occurs. I.e., if the reflector were lowered to 300 mm, an approaching vehicle would illuminate it sooner.2

            2 To examine the USMMA petition, please go to http://dms.dot.gov/ (Docket No. NHTSA-2001-8876-12).

        Finally, petitioners noted that the vehicle lighting beam patterns have undergone significant improvements in recent years. As a result, petitioners stated, better lighting beam patterns contribute to better reflex reflector performance, even at the lower minimum height of 300 mm.
        We granted USMMA's petition by letter dated September 7, 2001. The agency did not issue a notice of proposed rulemaking or any other rulemaking document subsequent to the granting of the petition.
        II. Reason for Withdrawal
        After careful evaluation of the issues presented by the USMMA petition, the agency has decided to obtain additional data to provide a better assessment of the need for or desirability of proceeding with a rulemaking action to amend side reflex reflector mounting height. While USMMA asserted that the lower reflector mounting height would increase visibility of motorcycles, petitioners did not provide any data in support of their position. The agency would like to obtain additional data on the validity of USMMA's assertion.
        In order to ensure that lower reflector mounting height would not reduce motorcycle conspicuity, the agency is further studying this issue by incorporating investigation of this question into a comprehensive research program dealing with motorcycle conspicuity. The program will evaluate not only reflex reflector height, but also headlamp placement; new motorcycle conspicuity treatments; and the effect of passenger car daytime running lamps on conspicuity of motorcycles.3
           We anticipate that this research program will conclude in early 2005. Rather than proceed with a rulemaking on reflex reflector height at this time, we prefer a comprehensive approach that will take into account the knowledge and data gained from the research program. Accordingly, for the reasons discussed above, NHTSA is withdrawing the open rulemaking on the USMMA petition.

            3 For more information on this research program, please go to: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/motorcycle03/Mcycle%20Safety%20Program.pdf.

          Authority:
          49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, and 30166; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.

          Issued: April 19, 2004.
          Stephen R. Kratzke,
          Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.

      [FR Doc. 04-9257 Filed 4-23-04; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 4910-59-P


        DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
        National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
        49 CFR Part 571
        [Docket No. NHTSA-8446]
        TREAD Insurance Study

          AGENCY:
          National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.

          ACTION:
          Request for comments.

          SUMMARY:
          This notice announces a request for comments to help the agency conduct the study of insurance data mandated by Congress in the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act (Pub. L. 106-414) signed November 1, 2000.

          DATES:
          Comments must be received no later than January 5, 2001.

          ADDRESSES:
          Submit written comments to the Docket Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, PL 401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Comments should refer to the Docket Number (NHTSA-8446) and be submitted in two copies. If you wish to receive confirmation of receipt of your written comments, include a self-addressed, stamped postcard.

          Comments may also be submitted to the docket electronically by logging onto the Docket Management System website at http://dms.dot.gov. Click on “Help & Information” to obtain instructions for filing the comment electronically. In every case, the comment should refer to the docket number.

          The Docket Management System is located on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building at the Department of Transportation at the above address. You can review public dockets there between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You can also review comments on-line at the DOT Docket Management System web site at http://dms.dot.gov/.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

          Ms. Jane Dion, Office of Plans and Policy, NPP-01, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Room 5208, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202-366-6779. Email: jdion@nhtsa.dot.gov.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
        Section 3(d) of the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act (Pub. L. 106-414) requires NHTSA to conduct a study to determine the feasibility and utility of collecting data from insurance companies on a regular basis to help the agency in its defects investigation efforts. NHTSA is seeking input from the public to assist the agency with the study. Comments received will be evaluated and incorporated, as appropriate, into the study.
        How Do I Prepare and Submit Comments?
        Your comments must be written and in English. To ensure that your comments are correctly filed in the Docket, please include the Docket number of this document (NHTSA-8446) in your comments.
        Please send two paper copies of your comments to Docket Management or submit them electronically. The mailing address is U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590. If you submit your comments electronically, log onto the Docket Management System website at http://dms.dot.gov and click on “Help & Information” or “Help/Info” to obtain instructions.
        How Can I Be Sure That My Comments Were Received?
        If you wish Docket Management to notify you upon its receipt of your comments, enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard in the envelope containing your comments. Upon receiving your comments, Docket Management will return the postcard by mail.
        How Do I Submit Confidential Business Information?
        If you wish to submit any information under a claim of confidentiality, send three copies of your complete submission, including the information you claim to be confidential business information, to the Office of Chief Counsel, NCC-30, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Room 5219, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590. Include a cover letter supplying the information specified in our confidential business information regulation (49 CFR Part 512).
        In addition, send two copies from which you have deleted the claimed confidential business information to Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590.
        Will the Agency Consider Late Comments?

        In our response, we will consider all comments that Docket Management receives before the close of business on the comment closing date indicated above under DATES. To the extent possible, we will also consider comments that Docket Management receives after that date.
        How Can I Read the Comments Submitted by Other People?
        You may read the comments by visiting Docket Management in person at Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
        You may also see the comments on the Internet by taking the following steps:

        a. Go to the Docket Management System (DMS) Web page of the Department of Transportation (http://dms.dot.gov).

        b. On that page, click on “search.”
        c. On the next page ((http://dms.dot.gov/search/) type in the four-digit Docket number shown at the beginning of this document (8446). Click on “search.”
        d. On the next page, which contains Docket summary information for the Docket you selected, click on the desired comments. You may also download the comments.

          Authority:
          49 U.S.C. 30111, 30117, 30168; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50 and 501.8.

          Issued on: December 5, 2000.
          William H. Walsh,
          Associate Administrator for Plans and Policy.

      [FR Doc. 00-31446 Filed 12-8-00; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 4910-59-P


        FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
        47 CFR Part 73
        [GN Docket No. 12-268; DA 14-1395]
        Media Bureau Seeks Comment on Draft TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund Reimbursement Form

          AGENCY:
          Federal Communications Commission.

          ACTION:
          Proposed rule; request for comment.

          SUMMARY:
          In this Document, the Media Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (“Commission”) seeks comment on a draft TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund Reimbursement Form (“Reimbursement Form”), which broadcasters that are reassigned to new channels following the Incentive Auction and MVPDs will submit to provide information needed to obtain expense reimbursement. The Media Bureau also seeks comment on whether any information submitted on the Reimbursement Form should be kept confidential.

          DATES:
          Comments are due on October 27, 2014.

          ADDRESSES:
          You may submit comments, identified by GN Docket No. 12-268, by any of the following methods:
          • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
          • Federal Communications Commission's Web site: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
          • Mail: Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
          Pamela Gallant, Media Bureau, Video Division at 202-418-0614.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

        This is a summary of the FCC's document, GN Docket No. 12-268, DA 14-1395 (released September 25, 2014). The full text of this document is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room CY-A257), 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. The complete text of this document also may be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor Best Copy and Printing, Inc., 445 12th Street SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC, 20554. The full text may also be downloaded at: www.fcc.gov.

        Summary
        In this document (Public Notice available at http://www.fcc.gov/document/media-bureau-seeks-comment-incentive-auction-reimbursement-form), the Media Bureau seeks comment on a draft Reimbursement Form, which broadcasters and MVPDs will use to submit: Information needed to establish an account with the Department of Treasury for payment purposes; an estimate of their eligible relocation costs; actual cost documentation throughout the construction period, as they incur expenses; and their total expenses incurred. In order to ensure fairness, efficiency, and transparency of process for reimbursing broadcasters for relocation costs related to the Incentive Auction, and the associated costs of MVPDs, we are providing the opportunity for stakeholders to comment on a draft Reimbursement Form and instructions well in advance of the commencement of the Incentive Auction. The comments we receive will assist us in designing a form that facilitates the reimbursement process for all parties while also ensuring that we are efficient stewards of limited reimbursement funds, and guardians against waste, fraud and abuse. Consistent with the process set out in the Incentive Auction Order, broadcasters and MVPDs will file the Reimbursement Form no later than three months following the release of the Channel Reassignment Public Notice, at which time they will submit their overall estimate of the cost of completing their transition. At that time, broadcasters and MVPDs will indicate whether they plan to modify current equipment or purchase new equipment and will identify the existing equipment that must be modified or replaced. The Commission's reimbursement process provides for an initial allocation of funds based on broadcasters' and MVPDs' estimated costs. Prior to the deadline for filing cost estimates, broadcasters and MVPDs will need to establish a U.S. Treasury account for receiving payment from the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund. Submitting this information via the Reimbursement Form before the deadline for filing estimated costs will allow entities to start the process of establishing an account well before they receive their initial allocation of funds.
        Once an initial amount is allocated for each entity, and broadcasters and MVPDs begin purchasing equipment and services, they will submit an updated Reimbursement Form along with cost documentation demonstrating their actual costs each time they seek reimbursement for an expense against their allocation. This process will allow broadcasters and MPVDs to use federal funds to pay their expenses as they are incurred. Finally, all entities that receive an allocation must submit a final Reimbursement Form showing their total expenses upon completing construction or by a specific deadline prior to the end of the three-year reimbursement period to be announced by the Media Bureau, whichever is earlier. Some stations with longer construction deadlines and some MVPDs might still have outstanding expenses by that deadline; these entities must provide a final accounting of expenses on the Reimbursement Form upon completing the transition, even if this occurs after the end of the reimbursement period. Entities need complete and submit only the relevant sections of the form as they proceed through each phase of the reimbursement process.
        As contemplated by the Incentive Auction Order, the Media Bureau will make public the amounts distributed from the Reimbursement Fund to each broadcaster and MVPD. However, we seek specific comment on whether any of the other data submitted on the Reimbursement Form should be considered confidential or not subject to public disclosure. Although the Incentive Auction Order states that entities can submit a request for confidential treatment of data submitted on the Reimbursement Form pursuant to § 0.459 of the Commission's rules, we seek comment on whether the Media Bureau should automatically treat certain specific information provided on the Reimbursement Form as confidential. If so, we invite parties to specify which information fields should be deemed confidential and which provision of the Commission's rules permits such a blanket non-disclosure presumption.

        Release of a draft Reimbursement Form (Attachment A) (available at http://www.fcc.gov/article/da-14-1395a2) and instructions (Attachment B) (available at http://www.fcc.gov/article/da-14-1395a3) well in advance of the commencement of the Incentive Auction is an important first step in the process of designing a form with the input of stakeholders that promotes fairness, efficiency and transparency of process. The draft form is a representation of the data fields to be included in the electronic form and illustrates the information to be collected. The public will have additional opportunity to comment on this data collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, after it is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget.

          Federal Communications Commission.
          William T. Lake,
          Chief, Media Bureau.

      [FR Doc. 2014-24203 Filed 10-8-14; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 6712-01-P


        DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
        Fish and Wildlife Service
        50 CFR Chapter I
        [Docket Nos. FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0126 and FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0165; FXES11140900000-178-FF09E33000]
        Mitigation Policies of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Request for Comments

          AGENCY:
          Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

          ACTION:
          Policy review; request for comments.

          SUMMARY:
          We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are requesting public comment on portions of our existing Mitigation Policy and Endangered Species Act Compensatory Mitigation Policy (ESA-CMP). We specifically request comment on the policies' mitigation planning goals. Based on comments received, the Service will decide whether and how to revise the policies.

          DATES:

          We will accept comments from all interested parties until January 5, 2018. Please note that if you are using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES below), the deadline for submitting an electronic comment is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on this date.

          ADDRESSES:

            Document availability: The Service's Mitigation Policy was published November 21, 2016, at 81 FR 83440 and is available at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0126. The Service's ESA-CMP was published December 27, 2106, at 81 FR 95316 and is available at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0165.

            Comment submission: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
          • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter the docket number for the policy, which is FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0126 for the mitigation policy and FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0165 for the ESA-CMP. You may enter a comment by clicking on the “Comment Now!” button. Please ensure that you have found the correct document before submitting your comment.
          • U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. [FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0126 or FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0165]; Division of Policy, Performance, and Management Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; MS: BPHC; 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
          We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see Request for Information below for more information).

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
          Craig Aubrey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Environmental Review, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803, telephone 703-358-2442.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

        Background
        The Mitigation Policy (81 FR 83440, November 21, 2016) and the ESA-CMP (81 FR 95316, December 27, 2016) were developed to ensure consistency with existing directives in effect at the time of issuance, including former President Obama's Memorandum on Mitigating Impacts on Natural Resources From Development and Encouraging Related Private Investment (November 3, 2015). The Presidential Memorandum directed all Federal agencies that manage natural resources to avoid and then minimize harmful effects to land, water, wildlife, and other ecological resources (natural resources) caused by land- or water-disturbing activities, and to ensure that any remaining harmful effects are effectively addressed, consistent with existing mission and legal authorities. Also, under the memorandum, all Federal mitigation policies were directed to clearly set a net-benefit goal or, at minimum, a no-net-loss goal for natural resources, wherever doing so is allowed by existing statutory authority and is consistent with agency mission and established natural resource objectives. The Presidential Memorandum was subsequently rescinded by Executive Order 13783, “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth” (March 28, 2017).
        The 2016 policies also described their consistency with the Secretary of the Interior's Order 3330 on Improving Mitigation Policies and Practices of the Department of the Interior (October 31, 2013), which established a Department-wide mitigation strategy to ensure consistency and efficiency in the review and permitting of infrastructure-development projects and in conserving natural and cultural resources. The Secretary's Order was subsequently revoked by Secretary of the Interior's Order 3349 on American Energy Independence (March 29, 2017). It directed Department of the Interior bureaus to reexamine mitigation policies and practices to better balance conservation strategies and policies with job creation for American families.
        Mitigation Planning Goal
        The Mitigation Policy articulated general policy and principles intended to guide Service-recommended mitigation across Service programs. These principles were in turn adopted by the ESA-CMP. Included among the principles was an overall mitigation planning goal of net conservation gain:

          The Service's mitigation planning goal is to improve (i.e., a net gain) or, at minimum, to maintain (i.e., no net loss) the current status of affected resources, as allowed by applicable statutory authority and consistent with the responsibilities of action proponents under such authority. As informed by established conservation objectives and strategies, Service mitigation recommendations will focus primarily on important, scarce, or sensitive resources, and will specify the means and measures that achieve the planning goal.

        When the Service published both the draft Mitigation Policy and draft ESA-CMP for public comment, many commenters addressed the policies' mitigation planning goals. Comments on the proposed Mitigation Policy may be viewed here: https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?rpp=25&po=0&dct=PS&D=FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0126&refD=FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0126-0001. Comments on the proposed ESA-CMP may be viewed here: https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?rpp=25&po=0&dct=PS&D=FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0165&refD=FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0165-0001. The Service addressed these comments within the documents for the final policies.
        This document announces the Service's intent to solicit additional input regarding whether to retain or remove net conservation gain as a mitigation planning goal within our mitigation policies.
        Request for Information
        We ask that comments specifically address the advisability of retaining or removing references to net conservation gain from the Service's overall mitigation planning goal within each policy. We further ask that commenters submit comments to one or the other docket based on the specific policy of concern (the Mitigation Policy or the ESA-CMP).

        We will consider information and recommendations from all interested parties. We therefore invite comments, information, and recommendations from governmental agencies, Indian Tribes, the scientific community, industry groups, environmental interest groups, and any other interested parties. All comments and materials received by the date listed above in DATES will be considered prior to any proposed modification to the policies.
        If you submit information via https://www.regulations.gov, your entire submission—including any personal identifying information—will be posted on the Web site. If your submission is made via a hardcopy that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the top of your document that we withhold this information from public review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will post all hardcopy submissions on https://www.regulations.gov.

        Next Steps
        After the comment period closes, we will determine whether and how to revise the policies in response to the public input regarding the requested information. We will also update the policies to remove specific references to the Presidential Memorandum that was rescinded by Executive Order 13783 and to Secretary of the Interior's Order 3330 that was revoked by the subsequent Order 3349.

          Dated: October 4, 2017.
          Gregory Sheehan,
          Principal Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

      [FR Doc. 2017-23965 Filed 11-3-17; 8:45 am]
       BILLING CODE 4333-15-P


        DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
        National Park Service
        36 CFR Part 13
        [NPS-AKRO-25579; PPAKAKROZ5, PPMPRLE1Y.L00000]
        RIN 1024-AE38
        Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves

          AGENCY:
          National Park Service, Interior.

          ACTION:
          Proposed rule.

          SUMMARY:
          The National Park Service proposes to amend its regulations for sport hunting and trapping in national preserves in Alaska. This proposed rule would remove a regulatory provision issued by the National Park Service in 2015 that prohibited certain sport hunting practices that are otherwise permitted by the State of Alaska. These proposed changes are consistent with Secretary of the Interior Orders 3347 and 3356.

          DATES:
          Comments on the proposed rule must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on July 23, 2018.

          ADDRESSES:
          You may submit comments, identified by Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1024-AE38, by either of the following methods:
          • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
          • Mail or hand deliver to: National Park Service, Regional Director, Alaska Regional Office, 240 West 5th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501.
          • Instructions: Comments will not be accepted by fax, email, or in any way other than those specified above. All submissions received must include the words “National Park Service” or “NPS” and must include the docket number or RIN (1024-AE38) for this rulemaking. Comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.
          • Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

          Herbert C. Frost, Regional Director, Alaska Regional Office, 240 West 5th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501. Phone (907) 644-3510. Email: AKR_Regulations@nps.gov.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

        Background
        On October 23, 2015, the National Park Service (NPS) published a final rule (Final Rule) to amend its regulations for sport hunting and trapping in national preserves in Alaska (80 FR 64325). The Final Rule codified prohibitions on certain types of harvest practices that are otherwise permitted by the State of Alaska. The practices are: Taking any black bear, including cubs and sows with cubs, with artificial light at den sites; harvesting brown bears over bait; taking wolves and coyotes (including pups) during the denning season (between May 1 and August 9); taking swimming caribou; taking caribou from motorboats under power; taking black bears over bait; and using dogs to hunt black bears. This rule is inconsistent with State of Alaska's hunting regulations found at 5 AAC Part 85.
        Since the publication of the Final Rule, the Secretary of the Interior issued two Secretarial Orders regarding how the Department of the Interior should manage recreational hunting and trapping in the lands and waters it administers, and directing greater collaboration with state, tribe, and territorial partners in doing so.

        On March 2, 2017, Secretary Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3347, Conservation Stewardship and Outdoor Recreation. Part of the stated purpose of Secretarial Order 3347 is to increase outdoor recreation and improve the management of game species and their habitat. Secretarial Order 3347 directs the Department of the Interior to identify specific actions to (1) expand access significantly for recreational hunting and fishing on public lands; and (2) improve recreational hunting and fishing cooperation, consultation, and communication with state wildlife managers.
        On September 15, 2017, Secretary Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3356, Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting, and Wildlife Conservation Opportunities and Coordination with State, Tribes, and Territories. Part of the stated purpose of Secretarial Order 3356 is to increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans in greater collaboration with state partners, including opportunities to hunt. Secretarial Order 3356 directs the NPS to (1) identify whether hunting opportunities on Department lands could be expanded; (2) work cooperatively with state wildlife agencies to enhance their access to Department lands for wildlife management actions; (3) work cooperatively with state wildlife agencies to ensure that hunting regulations for Department lands and waters complement the regulations on the surrounding lands and waters; and (4) work in close coordination and cooperation with the appropriate state wildlife agency to begin the necessary process to modify regulations in order to advance shared wildlife conservation goals/objectives that align predator management programs, seasons, and methods of take permitted on all Department-managed lands and waters with corresponding programs, seasons, and methods established by state wildlife management agencies.

        The purpose of this proposed rule is to align sport hunting regulations in national preserves in Alaska with State of Alaska regulations and to enhance consistency with harvest regulations on surrounding non-federal lands and waters in furtherance of Secretarial Orders 3347 and 3356. The proposed rule would apply the State of Alaska's hunting regulations to national preserve lands, with limited exceptions found elsewhere in NPS regulations. See, e.g., 36 CFR 13.42(d).
        The 2015 Final Rule prohibits the hunting practices otherwise permitted by the State of Alaska because NPS found those practices: (1) To have intent or potential to alter or manipulate natural predator-prey dynamics, and associated natural ecological processes for the purpose of increasing harvest of ungulates by man; (2) to adversely impact public safety; or (3) to be inconsistent with federal law authorizing sport hunting in national preserves in Alaska. However, states have primary jurisdiction to manage wildlife throughout their state. In addition, NPS has broad discretion in managing wildlife on national preserves under applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
        Taking into account the Secretarial Orders described above, NPS has re-considered its earlier conclusions and determined that these previously prohibited practices can be allowed consistent with the goal of aligning its rules with those of the State. Allowing these practices is consistent with NPS Management Policy 4.4.3 which provides that NPS does not allow activities to reduce the numbers of native species for the purpose of increasing the numbers of harvested species. The discussion in the 2015 rule of an action's “intent or potential” to manipulate predator dynamics goes beyond the plain language of section 4.4.3 of Management Policies. Additionally, the State of Alaska disputes that the hunting methods and seasons (allowed by the state but prohibited by current NPS regulations) are intended to function as a predator control program. Rather, the State asserts the hunting regulations are intended to provide opportunity for harvests of wolves, coyotes, bears, and other species as requested by the public. The State also maintains that any effects to the natural abundances, diversities, distributions, densities, age-class distributions, populations, habitats, genetics, and behaviors of wildlife from implementing its regulations are likely negligible. As noted below, NPS will prepare an environmental assessment for this regulation to determine whether it will have any significant impacts on wildlife or other resources.
        With respect to the practices that NPS previously determined to be inconsistent with federal law authorizing harvest for sport purposes in national preserves in Alaska, no applicable federal law or regulation defines “sport hunting.” With regard to NPS's statement in the 2015 rule that baiting poses an increased public safety risk, the State of Alaska's position is that baiting does not cause bears to become food-conditioned, and therefore a greater safety concern.
        Proposed Rule
        For the above stated reasons, the NPS proposes to remove paragraphs (f) and (g) of 36 CFR 13.42. Paragraph (f) states that State of Alaska management actions or laws or regulations that authorize taking of wildlife are not adopted in park areas if they are related to predator reduction efforts, which is defined as efforts with the intent or potential to alter or manipulate natural predator-prey dynamics and associated natural ecological processes, in order to increase harvest of ungulates by humans. Paragraph (g) sets forth a table of prohibited methods of taking wildlife for sport purposes in national preserves in Alaska. Most of these prohibited methods are also prohibited by the State of Alaska. Some of them, however, conflict with authorizations by the State of Alaska as explained above. The NPS believes that removing paragraphs (f) and (g) would implement the directive announced in Secretarial Orders 3347 and 3356 by increasing hunting opportunities in national preserves and promoting consistency between federal regulations and state wildlife harvest regulations. In addition, the proposed rule would remove the definitions of “Big game”, “Cub bear”, “Fur animal”, and “Furbearer” from section 13.1 because those terms are only used in paragraphs (f) and (g).
        Compliance With Other Laws, Executive Orders and Department Policy
        Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
        Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget will review all significant rules. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has determined that this rule is not significant.
        Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of Executive Order 12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. Executive Order 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas. The NPS has developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.
        Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs (Executive Order 13771)
        This rule is not an E.O. 13771 regulatory action because this rule is not significant under Executive Order 12866.
        Regulatory Flexibility Act

        This rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This certification is based on the cost-benefit and regulatory flexibility analyses found in the report entitled “Cost-Benefit and Regulatory Flexibility Analyses: Proposed Revisions to Sport Hunting and Trapping Regulations in National Preserves in Alaska” which can be viewed online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/akro.

        Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
        This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
        (a) Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.
        (b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, federal, state, or local government agencies, or geographic regions.
        (c) Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.
        Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
        This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on state, local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on state, local or tribal governments or the private sector. It addresses public use of national park lands, and imposes no requirements on other agencies or governments. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act is not required.
        Takings (Executive Order 12630)
        This rule does not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have takings implications under Executive Order 12630. A takings implication assessment is not required.
        Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
        Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism summary impact statement. This proposed rule only affects use of federally-administered lands and waters. It has no outside effects on other areas. A Federalism summary impact statement is not required.
        Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
        This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988. This rule:
        (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be written to minimize litigation; and
        (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal standards.
        Consultation With Indian Tribes (Executive Order 13175 and Department Policy)
        The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its government-to government relationship with Indian Tribes through a commitment to consultation with Indian Tribes and recognition of their right to self-governance and tribal sovereignty. We have evaluated this rule under the criteria in Executive Order 13175 and under the Department's tribal consultation and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Native Corporation policies and have determined that the rule may have substantial direct effect on federally recognized Indian tribes. The NPS has invited Alaska native tribes and corporations to consult on the proposed rule and has consulted with those tribes and corporations that have requested consultation.
        Paperwork Reduction Act
        This rule does not contain information collection requirements, and a submission to the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act is not required. The NPS may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
        National Environmental Policy Act
        NPS will prepare an environmental assessment to determine whether this rule will have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
        Effects on the Energy Supply (Executive Order 13211)
        This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects in not required.
        Clarity of This Rule
        The NPS is required by Executive Orders 12866 (section 1(b)(12)) and 12988 (section 3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and by the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This means that each rule the NPS publishes must:
        (a) Be logically organized;
        (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
        (c) Use common, everyday words and clear language rather than jargon;
        (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
        (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.

        If you feel that the NPS has not met these requirements, send the NPS comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To better help the NPS revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For example, you should identify the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that you find unclear, which sections or sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.
        Public Participation

        It is the policy of the Department of the Interior, whenever practicable, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. Accordingly, interested persons may submit written comments regarding this proposed rule by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document.
        Public Availability of Comments
        Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask the NPS in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, the NPS cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.

          List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 13
          Alaska, National Parks, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

        In consideration of the foregoing, the National Park Service proposes to amend 36 CFR part 13 as set forth below:

          PART 13—NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM UNITS IN ALASKA

        1. The authority citation for part 13 continues to read as follows:

          Authority:
           16 U.S.C. 3124; 54 U.S.C. 100101, 100751, 320102; Sec. 13.1204 also issued under Sec. 1035, Pub. L. 104-333, 110 Stat. 4240.

          § 13.1
           [Amended]

        2. In § 13.1 remove the definitions of “Big game”, “Cub bear”, “Fur animal”, and “Furbearer”.

          § 13.42
           [Amended]

        3. In § 13.42, remove and reserve paragraphs (f) and (g).

          David L. Bernhardt,
          Deputy Secretary.

      [FR Doc. 2018-10735 Filed 5-21-18; 8:45 am]
       BILLING CODE 4310-EJ-P


        DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
        50 CFR Part 660
        [I.D. 091800E]
        RIN 0648-AO41
        Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Amendment 13

          AGENCY:
          National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

          ACTION:
          Notice of availability of an amendment to a fishery management plan; request for comments.

          SUMMARY:
          NMFS announces that the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 13 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Secretarial review.  Amendment 13 is intended to make the FMP consistent with Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) bycatch provisions,to increase flexibility in the annual management measures framework to manage for protection of overfished and depleted stocks, and to remove outdated and unused limited entry permit endorsements.

          DATES:
          Comments on Amendment 13 must be received on or before November 21, 2000.

          ADDRESSES:
          Comments on Amendment 13 or supporting documents should be sent to Donna Darm, Acting Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Seattle, WA 98115-0070; or to Rebecca Lent,  Administrator, Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213.
          Copies of Amendment 13 and the Environmental Assessment/ Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) are available from Donald McIsaac, Executive Director, Pacific Fishery Management Council, 2130 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 224, Portland, OR 97201.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
          Yvonne deReynier at 206-526-6140, Svein Fougner at 562-980-4000; or the Pacific Fishery Management Council at 503-326-6352.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
        The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that each regional fishery management council submit any new FMP or plan amendment it prepares to NMFS for review and approval, disapproval, or partial approval.  The Magnuson-Stevens Act also requires that NMFS, upon receiving an FMP or amendment, immediately publish a notification in the Federal Register that the FMP or amendment is available for public review and comment.  NMFS will consider the public comments received during the comment period described here in determining whether to approve the FMP or amendment.
        Amendment 13 would address the Magnuson-Stevens Act  National Standard 9 bycatch provisions by: revising the FMP definition of the term “bycatch”, changing the standardized reporting methodologies, and recommending new bycatch reduction measures.  Amendment 13 would establish an increased utilization program in the at-sea whiting fisheries.  This program would allow at-sea whiting processing vessels that carry more than one observer to retain all of their non-whiting groundfish bycatch for processing into fish meal or for donating to food banks.   Measures that would be authorized and may be considered for future Council development include: shorter fishing seasons and higher cumulative landing limits; permit stacking in the limited entry fleet; gear modification requirements; catch allocation to, or gear flexibility for, gear types with lower bycatch rates; improvements in the species-to-species landings limit ratio; and time/area closures to protect incidentally caught species.
        In addition to addressing bycatch, Amendment 13 would increase flexibility in the groundfish annual specifications and management measures process to allow the Council to more easily develop measures that protect overfished and depleted species.  This increased flexibility would include: achieving the overfished species rebuilding plans, reducing bycatch, preventing overfishing, allowing the harvest of healthy stocks as much as possible while protecting and rebuilding overfished and depleted stocks, and equitably distributing the burdens of rebuilding among the various fishing sectors.
        Finally, Amendment 13 would amend the limited entry permit provisions to remove unused and outdated limited entry permit endorsements.  This last revision is essentially a housekeeping measure to address changes in the character of the groundfish fisheries, particularly the fully utilized status of all FMP-managed Pacific coast groundfish stocks.
        Public comments on Amendment 13 must be received by November 21, 2000 to be considered by NMFS in the decision whether to approve Amendment 13.  A proposed rule to implement Amendment 13 has been submitted for Secretarial review and approval.  NMFS expects to publish and request public comment on the proposed regulations to implement Amendment 13 in the near future.

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

          Dated: September 19, 2000.
          Bruce C. Morehead,
          Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.

      [FR Doc. 00-24458 Filed 9-21-00; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
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