Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings, 29660-29662 [2015-12494]
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29660
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 99 / Friday, May 22, 2015 / Notices
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
sei, fin, blue, and sperm whales. Under
section 7 of the ESA, NSF, on behalf of
SIO, initiated formal consultation with
the NMFS, Office of Protected
Resources, Endangered Species Act
Interagency Cooperation Division, on
this low-energy seismic survey. NMFS’s
Office of Protected Resources, Permits
and Conservation Division, initiated and
engaged in formal consultation under
section 7 of the ESA with NMFS’s Office
of Protected Resources, Endangered
Species Act Interagency Cooperation
Division, on the issuance of an IHA
under section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA
for this activity. These two
consultations were consolidated and
addressed in a single Biological Opinion
addressing the direct and indirect
effects of these independent actions. In
May 2015, NMFS issued a Biological
Opinion that concluded that the action
is not likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of the six listed cetaceans that
may occur in the study area and
included an Incidental Take Statement
(ITS) incorporating the requirements of
the IHA as Terms and Conditions of the
ITS. Compliance with those Terms and
Conditions is likewise a mandatory
requirement of the IHA. The Biological
Opinion also concluded that designated
critical habitat of these species does not
occur in the action area and would not
be affected by the low-energy seismic
survey.
National Environmental Policy Act
With SIO’s complete IHA application,
NSF and SIO provided NMFS an
Environmental Analysis of a Low-Energy
Marine Geophysical Survey by the R/V
Roger Revelle in the Southwest Pacific
Ocean, East of New Zealand, May to
June 2015, (Environmental Analysis),
prepared by LGL Limited,
Environmental Research Associates, on
behalf of NSF and SIO. The
Environmental Analysis analyzes the
direct, indirect, and cumulative
environmental impacts of the planned
specified activities on marine mammals,
including those listed as threatened or
endangered under the ESA. NMFS, after
independently reviewing and evaluating
the document for sufficiency and
compliance with Council on
Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA
regulations and NOAA Administrative
Order 216–6 § 5.09(d), conducted a
separate NEPA analysis and prepared an
Environmental Assessment on the
Issuance of an Incidental Harassment
Authorization to the Scripps Institution
of Oceanography to Take Marine
Mammals by Harassment Incidental to a
Low-Energy Marine Geophysical Survey
in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, East of
New Zealand, May to June 2015. This
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18:19 May 21, 2015
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process included a public review
period. Following completion of our EA,
NMFS has determined that the issuance
of the IHA is not likely to result in
significant impacts on the human
environment and issued a Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI).
Authorization
NMFS has issued an IHA to SIO for
conducting a low-energy seismic survey
in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, East of
New Zealand, incorporating the
previously mentioned mitigation,
monitoring, and reporting requirements.
Dated: May 15, 2015.
Donna S. Wieting,
Director, Office of Protected Resources,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–12531 Filed 5–21–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Submission for OMB Review;
Comment Request
The Department of Commerce will
submit to the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) for clearance the
following proposal for collection of
information under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35).
Agency: National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Title: Western Pacific Community
Development Program Process.
OMB Control Number: 0648-0612.
Form Number(s): None.
Type of Request: Regular (revision
and extension of a currently approved
information collection).
Number of Respondents: 5.
Average Hours per Response: 6 hours.
Burden Hours: 30.
Needs and Uses: This request is for
revision and extension of a currently
approved information collection.
The Federal regulations at 50 CFR
part 665 authorize the Regional
Administrator of the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Island
Region to provide eligible western
Pacific communities with access to
fisheries that they have traditionally
depended upon, but may not have the
capabilities to support continued and
substantial participation, possibly due
to economic, regulatory, or other
barriers. To be eligible to participate in
the western Pacific community
development program, a community
must meet the criteria set forth in 50
CFR part 665.20, and submit a
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community development plan that
describes the purposes and goals of the
plan, the justification for proposed
fishing activities, and the degree of
involvement by the indigenous
community members, including contact
information.
This collection of information
provides NMFS and the Western Pacific
Fishery Management Council (Council)
with data to determine whether a
community that submits a community
development plan meets the regulatory
requirements for participation in the
program, and whether the activities
proposed under the plan are consistent
with the intent of the program, the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act, and
other applicable laws. The information
is also important for evaluating
potential impacts of the proposed
community development plan activities
on fish stocks, endangered species,
marine mammals, and other
components of the affected environment
for the purposes of compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act, the
Endangered Species Act and other
applicable laws.
Affected Public: Business or other for
profit organizations; individuals or
households.
Frequency: On occasion.
Respondent’s Obligation: Required to
obtain or retain benefits.
This information collection request
may be viewed at reginfo.gov. Follow
the instructions to view Department of
Commerce collections currently under
review by OMB.
Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to OIRA_Submission@
omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–5806.
Dated: May 19, 2015.
Sarah Brabson,
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015–12460 Filed 5–21–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XD957
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings.
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\22MYN1.SGM
22MYN1
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 99 / Friday, May 22, 2015 / Notices
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery
Management Council (Council) will
hold public meetings of the Council and
its Committees.
DATES: The meetings will be held
Monday, June 8, 2015 through
Thursday, June 11, 2015. For agenda
details, see SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at:
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 3001
Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
23451, telephone: (757) 213–3000.
Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery
Management Council, 800 N. State St.,
Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone:
(302) 674–2331.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D. Executive
Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery
Management Council; telephone: (302)
526–5255. The Council’s Web site,
www.mafmc.org also has details on the
meeting location, proposed agenda,
webinar listen-in access, and briefing
materials.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
following items are on the agenda,
though agenda items may be addressed
out of order (changes will be noted on
the Council’s Web site when possible.)
butterfish management measures
SUMMARY:
Monday, June 8, 2015
Framework 9 to Monkfish
Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Committee,
Meeting as a Committee of the Whole
(continued)
—Review squid amendment scoping
comments
—Provide guidance to staff regarding
amendment development
—Approve Framework 9 to the
Monkfish Fishery Management Plan
1 p.m.–2 p.m.
River Herring and Shad Committee,
Meeting as a Committee of the Whole
—Review and develop
recommendations for the river herring
and shad cap (2016–2018)
—Review progress on river herring and
shad conservation
Surfclam and Ocean Quahog
Specifications
—Review SSC, Advisory Panel, and staff
recommendations for 2016
specifications
—Recommend any changes if necessary
3:30 p.m.–4 p.m.
Commercial Fishery Mapping in
support of Regional Ocean planning:
Northeast Regional Ocean Council—
George Lapointe
1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
9 a.m.
Species Interactions Workshop
(continued)
Council Convenes
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Deep Sea Corals Amendment
—Summary of April Deep Sea Corals
Workshop
—Select preferred alternatives for
submission to NMFS
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Jkt 235001
9 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Cooperative Research
—Review and discuss Cooperative
Research Committee Report
9:30 a.m.–10 a.m.
Guidelines for SAW Working Group
Formation and Participation—Jim
Weinberg
Trawl Survey Advisory Panel
Formation—Bill Karp
2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Species Interactions Workshop
—A workshop to convene scientists and
managers to discuss potential
strategies to fully consider species
interactions and climate drivers in the
stock assessment process,
determination of catch limits, and to
build capacity within the region to
conduct comprehensive management
strategy evaluations (MSEs).
19:31 May 21, 2015
Council Convenes
10 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
4 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
9 a.m.
Council Convenes
9 a.m.–12 p.m.
4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Listening Session—Proposed Rule To
Revise Listing Status of Humpback
Whales—David Gouveia
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Committee,
Meeting as a Committee of the Whole
—Review SSC, Advisory Panel,
Monitoring Committee, and staff
recommendations
—Develop Council preferred
alternatives for:
• 2016 squid and butterfish
specifications (only if changes are
necessary)
• 2016–2018 mackerel specifications
• Associated mackerel, squid,
Thursday, June 11, 2015
2 p.m.
Council Convenes
9 a.m.–11 a.m.
4 p.m.–5 p.m.
11 a.m.–12 p.m.
National Standard 1, 3, 7 Guidelines
—Review draft comment letter on
proposed revisions
9 a.m.
29661
1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Deep Sea Coral Amendment (continued)
3 p.m.–4 p.m.
Unmanaged Forage Fish Action
—Update on progress
—Review and approve scoping
document
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10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Business Session
Organization Reports
—NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional
Office
—NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science
Center
—NOAA Office of General Counsel
—NOAA Office of Law Enforcement
—U.S. Coast Guard
—Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission
—Liaison Reports
• New England Council
• South Atlantic Council
—Executive Director’s Report, Chris
Moore
—Science Report, Rich Seagraves
—Committee Reports
• SSC Report
—Continuing and New Business
Although non-emergency issues not
contained in this agenda may come
before this group for discussion, in
accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), those
issues may not be the subject of formal
action during these meetings. Actions
will be restricted to those issues
specifically identified in this notice and
any issues arising after publication of
this notice that require emergency
action under Section 305(c) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the
public has been notified of the Council’s
intent to take final action to address the
emergency.
Special Accommodations
These meetings are physically
accessible to people with disabilities.
E:\FR\FM\22MYN1.SGM
22MYN1
29662
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 99 / Friday, May 22, 2015 / Notices
Requests for sign language
interpretation or other auxiliary aid
should be directed to M. Jan Saunders,
(302) 526–5251, at least 5 days prior to
the meeting date.
Dated: May 19, 2015.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–12494 Filed 5–21–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XD896
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act;
General Provisions for Domestic
Fisheries; Application for Exempted
Fishing Permit
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; request for comments.
AGENCY:
The Regional Administrator,
NMFS West Coast Region, has
determined that four applications for
exempted fishing permits (EFPs)
warrant further consideration, and
requests public comment on the
applications. The applications request
2-year exemptions from various
prohibitions under the Fishery
Management Plan for U.S. West Coast
Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species
(HMS FMP) to test the effects and
efficacy of using deep-set buoy gear and
longline gear to fish for swordfish and
other highly migratory species (HMS)
off the West Coast.
DATES: Comments must be submitted in
writing by June 22, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on this document, identified by NOAA–
NMFS–2015–0063, by any of the
following methods:
• Electronic Submission: Submit all
electronic public comments via the
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20150063, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments. EFP
applications will be available under
Relevant Documents through the same
link.
• Mail: Attn: Chris Fanning, NMFS
West Coast Region, 501 W. Ocean Blvd.,
Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:19 May 21, 2015
Jkt 235001
Include the identifier ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–
2015–0063’’ in the comments.
Instructions: Comments sent by any
other method, to any other address or
individual, or received after the end of
the comment period, may not be
considered by NMFS. All comments
received are a part of the public record
and will generally be posted for public
viewing on www.regulations.gov
without change. All personal identifying
information (e.g., name, address, etc.),
confidential business information, or
otherwise sensitive information
submitted voluntarily by the sender will
be publicly accessible. NMFS will
accept anonymous comments (enter
‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish
to remain anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chris Fanning, NMFS, West Coast
Region, 562–980–4198.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 2,
2014, the Pacific Fishery Management
Council (Council) solicited EFP
proposals to test alternative gears and/
or new approaches or methods for the
California large-mesh drift gillnet
fishery to target swordfish and other
HMS. Applications for EFPs were
submitted on February 9, 2015, to the
Council for consideration during the
March 2015 meeting (Agenda H.3,
https://www.pcouncil.org/resources/
archives/briefing-books/march-2015briefing-book/#hmsMar2015). On March
20, 2015, the Council made
recommendations to NMFS to consider
issuing EFPs for three proposals to use
deep-set buoy gear (DSBG—multiple
hooks deployed relatively deep in the
water column, using one or more
weighted mainlines which are
suspended with one or more buoys
floating on the ocean surface) and a
single proposal to use deep-set and
shallow-set longline gear in the
exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off of
the West Coast of the United States. If
approved, the EFPs would exempt a
limited number of federally permitted
commercial fishing vessels from
requirements of the HMS FMP
pertaining to non-authorized gear types
and areas currently closed to longline
fishing. The EFPs would authorize up to
11 DSBG vessels and one longline vessel
to fish year-round in areas within the
Federal U.S. EEZ off of the West Coast.
Aside from the exemptions described
above (e.g., allowing non-authorized
gear types to fish and allowing longline
gear within the EEZ to target swordfish),
vessels fishing under an EFP would be
subject to all other regulations
implementing the HMS FMP, including
measures to protect sea turtles, marine
mammals, and seabirds. The EFP
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applications request issuance for 2
fishing seasons or 2 calendar years.
The Council suggested NMFS impose
the following additional conditions on
these EFPs (originally outlined here:
https://www.pcouncil.org/wpcontent/
uploads/2015/03/0315decisions.pdf):
(1) 100 percent observer coverage;
(2) prohibit fishing in waters north of
the Washington/Oregon border, and in
the first year prohibit fishing in waters
north of the Oregon/California border;
(3) close fishing for the remainder of
the year if the number of Endangered
Species Act (ESA) listed species taken
in the fishery is the lower of either
double the amount of incidental take
estimated in an ESA biological opinion
prepared for that activity, or 10 animals;
(4) for those EFPs testing buoy gear,
permit fishing only in Federal waters;
(5) for the EFP testing longline gear,
prohibit fishing within 50 miles of the
mainland shore and islands; and
(6) for the EFP testing longline gear,
develop and impose an annual
incidental catch limit for striped marlin.
NMFS is seeking public comment on the
EFP applications and the Council’s
recommended conditions.
In accordance with NOAA
Administrative Order 216–6,
appropriate National Environmental
Policy Act documents will be completed
prior to the issuance of the EFPs.
Additionally, NMFS will consider all
applicable laws, including Section
7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), to determine if
the proposed action is likely to
jeopardize the continued existence and
recovery of any endangered or
threatened species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of
critical habitat.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: May 18, 2015.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–12411 Filed 5–21–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XD950
Western Pacific Fishery Management
Council; Public Meeting
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\22MYN1.SGM
22MYN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 99 (Friday, May 22, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29660-29662]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-12494]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648-XD957
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 29661]]
SUMMARY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will
hold public meetings of the Council and its Committees.
DATES: The meetings will be held Monday, June 8, 2015 through Thursday,
June 11, 2015. For agenda details, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at: Hilton Virginia Beach
Oceanfront, 3001 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, telephone:
(757) 213-3000.
Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N.
State St., Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: (302) 674-2331.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D. Executive
Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; telephone: (302)
526-5255. The Council's Web site, www.mafmc.org also has details on the
meeting location, proposed agenda, webinar listen-in access, and
briefing materials.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following items are on the agenda,
though agenda items may be addressed out of order (changes will be
noted on the Council's Web site when possible.)
Monday, June 8, 2015
9 a.m.
Council Convenes
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Species Interactions Workshop
--A workshop to convene scientists and managers to discuss potential
strategies to fully consider species interactions and climate drivers
in the stock assessment process, determination of catch limits, and to
build capacity within the region to conduct comprehensive management
strategy evaluations (MSEs).
1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Species Interactions Workshop (continued)
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Committee, Meeting as a Committee of the
Whole
--Review SSC, Advisory Panel, Monitoring Committee, and staff
recommendations
--Develop Council preferred alternatives for:
2016 squid and butterfish specifications (only if changes
are necessary)
2016-2018 mackerel specifications
Associated mackerel, squid, butterfish management measures
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Committee, Meeting as a Committee of the
Whole (continued)
--Review squid amendment scoping comments
--Provide guidance to staff regarding amendment development
1 p.m.-2 p.m.
River Herring and Shad Committee, Meeting as a Committee of the Whole
--Review and develop recommendations for the river herring and shad cap
(2016-2018)
--Review progress on river herring and shad conservation
2 p.m.
Council Convenes
2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Specifications
--Review SSC, Advisory Panel, and staff recommendations for 2016
specifications
--Recommend any changes if necessary
3:30 p.m.-4 p.m.
National Standard 1, 3, 7 Guidelines
--Review draft comment letter on proposed revisions
4 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Commercial Fishery Mapping in support of Regional Ocean planning:
Northeast Regional Ocean Council--George Lapointe
4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Listening Session--Proposed Rule To Revise Listing Status of Humpback
Whales--David Gouveia
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
9 a.m.
Council Convenes
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Deep Sea Corals Amendment
--Summary of April Deep Sea Corals Workshop
--Select preferred alternatives for submission to NMFS
1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Deep Sea Coral Amendment (continued)
3 p.m.-4 p.m.
Unmanaged Forage Fish Action
--Update on progress
--Review and approve scoping document
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Framework 9 to Monkfish
--Approve Framework 9 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan
Thursday, June 11, 2015
9 a.m.
Council Convenes
9 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Cooperative Research
--Review and discuss Cooperative Research Committee Report
9:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
Guidelines for SAW Working Group Formation and Participation--Jim
Weinberg
10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Trawl Survey Advisory Panel Formation--Bill Karp
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Business Session
Organization Reports
--NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Office
--NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center
--NOAA Office of General Counsel
--NOAA Office of Law Enforcement
--U.S. Coast Guard
--Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
--Liaison Reports
New England Council
South Atlantic Council
--Executive Director's Report, Chris Moore
--Science Report, Rich Seagraves
--Committee Reports
SSC Report
--Continuing and New Business
Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come
before this group for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act),
those issues may not be the subject of formal action during these
meetings. Actions will be restricted to those issues specifically
identified in this notice and any issues arising after publication of
this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the
Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency.
Special Accommodations
These meetings are physically accessible to people with
disabilities.
[[Page 29662]]
Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should
be directed to M. Jan Saunders, (302) 526-5251, at least 5 days prior
to the meeting date.
Dated: May 19, 2015.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-12494 Filed 5-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
