2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 5,451 - 5,500 of 33,060
Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells and Modules From China; Institution of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations and Scheduling of Preliminary Phase Investigations
The Commission hereby gives notice of the institution of investigations and commencement of preliminary phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigations Nos. 701-TA-481 and 731-TA-1190 (Preliminary) under sections 703(a) and 733(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1671b(a) and 1673b(a)) (the Act) to determine whether there is a reasonable indication that an industry in the United States is materially injured or threatened with material injury, or the establishment of an industry in the United States is materially retarded, by reason of imports from China of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules, provided for in subheadings 8541.40.60 (statistical reporting numbers 8541.40.6020 or 8541.40.6030) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, that are alleged to be sold in the United States at less than fair value and alleged to be subsidized by the Government of China. These goods may also be imported as parts or subassemblies of goods provided for in subheadings 8501.61.00.00 or 8507.20.80 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. Unless the Department of Commerce extends the time for initiation pursuant to sections 702(c)(1)(B) or 732(c)(1)(B) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 1671a(c)(1)(B) or 1673a(c)(1)(B)), the Commission must reach a preliminary determination in antidumping and countervailing duty investigations in 45 days, or in this case by December 5, 2011. The Commission's views are due at Commerce within five business days thereafter, or by December 12, 2011. For further information concerning the conduct of these investigations and rules of general application, consult the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, part 201, subparts A through E (19 CFR part 201), and part 207, subparts A and B (19 CFR part 207).
Revision of Delegations of Authority
This document amends the delegation of authority from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Director of the Office of Communications to serve as the central information authority for emergency public information activities. The Secretary further delegates to the Director of the Office of Communications the authority to serve as the central authority for the Department and agency strategic communications plans.
Revision of Delegations of Authority
This document amends the delegation of authority from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Director of the Office of Communications to serve as the central authority for the creation and use of logos/marks not otherwise provided for by specific laws and regulations, and excluding the Official USDA Seal and Official USDA Symbol.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), the United States Department of Justice (``Department'' or ``DOJ''), Office of Professional Responsibility (``OPR''), proposes to amend the system of records entitled ``Office of Professional Responsibility Record Index,'' JUSTICE/OPR-001, last published in the Federal Register on December 10, 1998 (63 FR 68299). The JUSTICE-OPR-001 system is maintained to provide for the resolution of allegations of misconduct made against DOJ employees and to advise complainants of the status of investigations and the results. Pursuant to 28 CFR 0.39a(9), the OPR Counsel also reviews proposals submitted by DOJ employees, in the course of their official duties, to refer to the appropriate licensing authorities apparent professional misconduct by attorneys outside DOJ, and makes such referrals where warranted. OPR is revising the categories of individuals covered by this system to include non-DOJ attorneys who are the subjects of allegations of professional misconduct which have been referred to OPR and about whom information is maintained in order to fulfill OPR's obligations under 28 CFR 0.39a(9), as well as witnesses and other individuals referenced in OPR matters. (The corresponding records have been referenced throughout the system notice where applicable.) In addition, OPR is also modifying the system by adding new routine uses and by revising several existing routine uses to reflect the current model language used by the Department.
Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the U.S. Coast Guard is forwarding an Information Collection Request (ICR), abstracted below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting approval of a revision to the following collection of information: 1625-0006, Shipping Articles. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and comments by OIRA ensure we only impose paperwork burdens commensurate with our performance of duties.
Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the U.S. Coast Guard is forwarding Information Collection Requests (ICRs), abstracted below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting approval of a revision to the following collections of information: 1625-0032, Vessel Inspection Related Forms and Reporting Requirements Under Title 46 U.S. Code.; 1625-0094, Ships Carrying Bulk Hazardous Liquids; and 1625-0096, Report of Oil or Hazardous Substance Discharge; and Report of Suspicious Maritime Activity. Our ICRs describe the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and comments by OIRA ensure we only impose paperwork burdens commensurate with our performance of duties.
Notice of Availability of the Northern Arizona Proposed Withdrawal Final Environmental Impact Statement
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Northern Arizona Proposed Withdrawal and by this notice is announcing its availability.
Excepted Service
This gives notice of OPM decisions granting authority to make appointments under Schedules A, B, and C in the excepted service as required by 5 CFR 213.103.
Basic Service Tier Encryption Compatibility Between Cable Systems and Consumer Electronics Equipment
In this document, we propose a new rule to allow cable operators to encrypt the basic service tier in all-digital systems, provided that those cable operators undertake certain consumer protection measures for a limited period of time in order to minimize any potential subscriber disruption.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Amendments to the Queen Conch and Reef Fish Fishery Management Plans of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
NMFS proposes to implement Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Amendment 5 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (Amendments 2 and 5), prepared by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council). This proposed rule would: establish annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for queen conch and for all reef fish units or complexes that are classified as undergoing overfishing or that contain sub-units which are classified as undergoing overfishing (i.e., snapper, grouper and parrotfish); allocate ACLs among island management areas and, in Puerto Rico only, among commercial and recreational sectors; revise the composition of the snapper and grouper complexes; prohibit fishing for and possession of three parrotfish species; establish recreational bag limits for snappers, groupers, and parrotfishes; and establish framework procedures for queen conch and reef fish species. Amendments 2 and 5 would also revise management reference points and status determination criteria for queen conch, snappers, groupers, and parrotfishes. The intended effect of the rule is to prevent overfishing of queen conch and reef fish species while maintaining catch levels consistent with achieving optimum yield (OY).
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Office of the Secretary of Defense is deleting a systems of record notice from its existing inventory of record systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Office of the Secretary of Defense is proposing to amend a system of records notice in its existing inventory of records systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended.
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program seeks to promote mutual understanding between the United States and the countries of Eurasia by providing secondary school students from the region the opportunity to live in American society for an academic year. In turn, these students will expose U.S. citizens to the culture, traditions, and lifestyles of people in Eurasia. Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) are invited to submit proposals to identify host schools; vet, select, and monitor host families; and place and monitor a portion of the students participating in the FLEX program during the 2012-13 academic year. Pending the availability of funds, an FY 2012 cooperative agreement will provide the monies required to recruit and screen host families; secure school placements; conduct student and host family orientations; provide cultural and educational enrichment activities; handle all counseling and programmatic issues; and evaluate program implementation.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Office of the Secretary of Defense is proposing to amend a system of records notice in its existing inventory of records systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) concerning the proposed award of a contract to house approximately 1,750 (+/- 30 percent) Federal, low-security, adult male, non-U.S. citizen, criminal aliens, with 90 months or less remaining to serve on their sentences, within a contractor-owned and operated correctional facility.
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 Helicopters
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This action retains the requirements in the existing AD and adds a daily check of the tailboom panels to detect bulging or deformation of the tailboom outer skin panels. If there is bulging or deformation, this AD requires a mechanic to do a tap inspection for debonding. If the debonded area exceeds a certain limit, this AD requires modifying the tailboom. Also, when an area of debond does not exceed the limits, this AD requires, before further flight, repairing the debonded area of the tailboom or replacing the tailboom. This action also adds a tap inspection for additional tailboom panels and requires the inspection on both sides of the tailboom. This amendment is prompted by the determination that more inspections are required and to limit the applicability only to those helicopters with tailboom assemblies that have not been modified. Modifying the tailboom assembly is terminating action for the requirements of this AD. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect damage in the tailboom to prevent failure of a tailboom and subsequent loss of control of a helicopter.
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 407 and 427 Helicopters
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-15-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified Bell Model 407 and 427 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires inspecting certain hydraulic servo actuators to determine whether the shaft turns independently of the nut or the clevis assembly. If the shaft turns independently, this AD requires replacing the servo with an airworthy servo. If the shaft does not turn independently, the AD requires inspecting to determine the condition of the lock washers. Based on the condition of the lock washers, the AD requires either replacing the servo with an airworthy servo, or if any tab of the lock washer is not flush against a flat surface of the nut or clevis assembly, bending it flush against a flat surface. The AD also requires reidentifying the servo by metal-impression stamping or by vibro- etching ``67.01'' onto the modification plate. Also, the AD requires before installing a servo with a part number or serial number identified in this AD, not identified by ``67-01'' on the modification plate, inspecting it by following the requirements of this AD. This AD is prompted by a report that a quality escape by a supplier has occurred and certain servos may have a loose nut, shaft, and clevis assembly due to improper lock-washer installation. An investigation after an accident revealed the clevis nut on the servo was loose. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a malfunction of a servo in the flight control system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC225LP Helicopters
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the side mount of the pilot and copilot seats to determine if any floor attachment screw, nut, or washer is missing. If a screw, nut, or washer is missing, this AD also requires installing airworthy parts. This AD is prompted by a report that some of the floor attachment screws and nuts under the pilot and co-pilot seats were missing. Further investigation has shown that some of the cup washers that need to be used in installing countersunk head screws that attach the pilot and co-pilot seat frame to the floor were missing. A missing floor attachment screw, washer, or nut, if not detected, could reduce the strength of the seat attachment. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect a missing floor attachment screw, washer, or nut and help prevent detachment of the seat from the floor during an emergency landing.
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 Helicopters
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter model helicopters. This action requires inspecting the upper end fitting ball joints of the main rotor servocontrols for lateral play, and depending on the findings either repetitively inspecting the ball joint or replacing the servocontrol. This amendment is prompted by reports of noncompliant swaging of the end fitting ball joints on main rotor servocontrols. Investigation has shown that the swaging load applied to the ball joints was 1.3 metric tons instead of the specified 13 metric tons. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the upper end fitting ball joints of the main rotor servocontrols, failure of the upper end fittings, and loss of control of the helicopter.
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-215-1A10, CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant), and CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-215-1A10, CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant), and CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Solid Urea From the Russian Federation: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review
On June 17, 2011, the Department of Commerce (the Department) published the preliminary results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on solid urea from the Russian Federation. The solid urea subject to this review was produced and exported by MCC EuroChem (EuroChem). The period of review (POR) is July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010. Based on our analysis of comments received, we have not made any changes in the margin calculation for EuroChem. The final weighted- average dumping margin for EuroChem is listed below in the section entitled ``Final Results of the Administrative Review.''
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Final Rulemaking To Designate Critical Habitat for Black Abalone
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), hereby designate critical habitat for the endangered black abalone under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This designation includes approximately 360 square kilometers of rocky intertidal and subtidal habitat within five segments of the California coast between the Del Mar Landing Ecological Reserve to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, as well as on the Farallon Islands, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, San Miguel Island, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island. This designation includes rocky intertidal and subtidal habitats from the mean higher high water (MHHW) line to a depth of -6 meters (m) (relative to the mean lower low water (MLLW) line), as well as the coastal marine waters encompassed by these areas. We are not designating the specific area from Corona Del Mar State Beach to Dana Point, California, because we conclude that the economic benefits of exclusion from the critical habitat designation outweigh the benefits of inclusion and that exclusion of this specific area will not result in the extinction of the species. We also conclude that two of the specific areas proposed for designation (San Nicolas Island and San Clemente Island) are no longer eligible for designation, based on determinations that the U.S. Navy's revised integrated natural resource management plans (INRMPs) for these areas provide benefits to black abalone.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Concho Water Snake From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Removal of Designated Critical Habitat
The best available scientific and commercial data indicate that the Concho water snake (Nerodia paucimaculata), a reptile endemic to central Texas, is recovered. Therefore, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) remove (delist) the Concho water snake from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, and accordingly, also remove its federally designated critical habitat. This determination is based on a thorough review of all available information, including new information, which indicates that the threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species has recovered and no longer meets the definition of threatened or endangered under the Act. We are also providing notice that the final post-delisting monitoring for the Concho water snake has been completed.
Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures; Employee Benefit Plans
This document contains a final rule that supersedes the existing procedure governing the filing and processing of applications for administrative exemptions from the prohibited transaction provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), and the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986 (FERSA). The Secretary of Labor is authorized to grant exemptions from the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA, the Code, and FERSA and to establish an exemption procedure to provide for such relief. This final rule clarifies and consolidates the Department of Labor's exemption procedures and provides the public with a more comprehensive description of the prohibited transaction exemption process.
Nectarines and Fresh Peaches Grown in California; Termination of Marketing Order 916 and the Peach Provisions of Marketing Order 917
This final rule terminates the Federal marketing orders regulating the handling of nectarines and fresh peaches grown in California (orders) and the rules and regulations issued thereunder. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has determined that these marketing orders are no longer an effective marketing tool for the handling of nectarines and fresh peaches grown in California and that termination best serves the current needs of the industry while also eliminating the costs associated with the operation of the marketing orders.
Office of Hazardous Materials Safety; Notice of Application for Special Permits
In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, special permits from the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Material Regulations (49 CFR Part 107, Subpart B), notice is hereby given that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the application described herein. Each mode of transportation for which a particular special permit is requested is indicated by a number in the ``Nature of Application'' portion of the table below as follows: 1Motor vehicle, 2Rail freight, 3Cargo vessel, 4Cargo aircraft only, 5Passenger-carrying aircraft.
Agricultural Career and Employment Grants Program
Section 14204 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to assist agricultural employers and farmworkers by improving the supply, stability, safety, and training of the agricultural labor force. Such grants may be made to eligible entities for use in providing services to assist farmworkers who are citizens or otherwise legally present in the United States in securing, retaining, upgrading, or returning from agricultural jobs. The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (2010 Appropriations Act), included an appropriation of $4 million to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) for this program. The delegation of authority and funding for the program has since been transferred to the Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO), within Departmental Management of USDA. The purpose of this rulemaking is to establish regulations governing the grants program, including eligibility, application for, evaluation, award and post- award administration of grants made pursuant to the authority granted to the Secretary under Section 14204.
Notice of Certain Operating Cost Adjustment Factors for 2012
This notice establishes operating cost adjustment factors (OCAFs) for project based assistance contracts for eligible multifamily housing projects having an anniversary date on or after February 11, 2012. OCAFs are annual factors used to adjust Section 8 rents renewed under section 524 of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (MAHRA).
Stainless Steel Plate in Coils From Belgium: Notice of Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review
In response to a request from the interested party, Aperam Stainless Belgium N.V. (``Aperam''), the Department of Commerce (``the Department'') initiated a changed circumstances review (``CCR'') of the antidumping duty order of stainless steel plate in coils (``SSPC'') from Belgium.\1\ We have preliminarily determined that Aperam is the successor-in-interest to ArcelorMittal Stainless Belgium N.V. (``AMSB'') with respect to the antidumping duty order on SSPC from Belgium.\2\ We invite interested parties to comment on these preliminary results. Parties who submit comments in these reviews are requested to submit with each argument (1) A statement of the issue and (2) a brief summary of the argument.
Proposed Establishment of Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area; Draft Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), advise the public that we are extending the public comment period for the proposed establishment of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and Conservation Area. If you have previously submitted comments, please do not resubmit them, because we have already incorporated them in the public record and will fully consider them in our final decision.
Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States and Coral and Coral Reefs Fishery in the South Atlantic; Exempted Fishing Permit
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Keith Farmer, on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Aquariums Division (North Carolina Aquariums). If granted, the EFP would authorize North Carolina Aquariums to collect, with certain conditions, various species of reef fish and live rock in Federal waters off North Carolina. The specimens would be used in educational exhibits displaying North Carolina native species at aquariums located at Pine Knoll Shores, Roanoke Island, Fort Fisher, and Jeanette's Ocean Pier, NC.
Notice of Final 2010 Effluent Guidelines Program Plan
This notice presents the final 2010 Effluent Guidelines Program Plan(``final 2010 Plan''), which, as required under the Clean Water Act (CWA), identifies any new or existing industrial dischargers, both those discharging directly to surface waters and those discharging to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), selected for effluent guidelines rulemaking and provides a schedule for such rulemakings. CWA section 304(m) requires EPA to biennially publish such a plan after public notice and comment. The Agency published the preliminary 2010 Plan on December 28, 2009 (74 FR 68599) and solicited comments from the public for 60 days. After considering rulemakings already in development, the 2010 reviews, the preliminary Plan and public comments and input to determine what, if any, new rulemakings should be initiated, EPA has decided to develop effluent guidelines and standards for the discharge of wastewater from the Coalbed Methane Extraction (CBM) industry and will develop pretreatments requirements for discharges of mercury from the Dental industry, and for the discharges of wastewater from the Shale Gas Extraction (SGE) industry. EPA is also issuing the detailed study report for the Coalbed Methane Extraction and the preliminary study report of the Ore Mining and Dressing industry. This notice also solicits public comments on EPA's 2011 reviews pursuant to the authority of CWA sections 304(b), 304(g), 301(d) and 307(b).
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Pier 36/Brannan Street Wharf Project in the San Francisco Bay, CA
NMFS has received a complete and adequate application from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District (USACE), on behalf of the Port of San Francisco (Port), for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to pile driving during construction of the Brannan Street Wharf. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing to issue an IHA to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment, four species of marine mammals during the specified activity within a specific geographic region and is requesting comments on its proposal.
Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received
This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.
Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received
This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petitions or their final disposition.
Clean Air Act Operating Permit Program; Petition for Objection to State Operating Permit for Public Service Company of Colorado dba Xcel Energy-Cherokee Power Station
This document announces that the EPA Administrator has responded to a citizen petition asking EPA to object to an operating permit issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Specifically, the Administrator has denied the April 1, 2010, Petition, submitted by WildEarth Guardians (Petitioner), to object to CDPHE's April 1, 2010, title V permit issued to Public Service Company of Colorado dba Xcel Energy (Xcel)Cherokee Power Station. Pursuant to section 505(b)(2) of the Clean Air Act (Act or CAA), Petitioners may seek judicial review of those portions of the petition that EPA denied in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit. Any petition for review shall be filed within 60 days from the date this notice appears in the Federal Register, pursuant to section 307 of the Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Lepidium papilliferum (Slickspot Peppergrass)
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period on our May 10, 2011, proposal to designate critical habitat for Lepidium papilliferum (slickspot peppergrass) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation and an amended required determinations section of the proposal. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule, the associated DEA, and the amended required determinations section. Comments previously submitted on this rulemaking do not need to be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures
NMFS proposes 2012 specifications and management measures for Atlantic mackerel and butterfish, and 2012-2014 specifications for Illex and longfin squid. This is the first year that the specifications are being recommended for Atlantic mackerel and butterfish under the provisions of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Annual Catch Limit and Accountability Measure Omnibus Amendment (Omnibus Amendment). The two squid species are exempt from these requirements because they have a life cycle of less than 1 year. This action also proposes to adjust the closure threshold for the commercial mackerel fishery to 95 percent (from 90 percent), to allow the use of jigging gear to target longfin squid if the longfin squid fishery is closed due to the butterfish mortality cap, and to require a 3-inch (76-mm) minimum codend mesh size in order to possess more than 2,000 lb (0.9 mt) of butterfish (up from 1,000 lb (0.45mt)). Finally, this rule proposes minor corrections in existing regulatory text intended to clarify the intent of the regulations. These proposed specifications and management measures promote the utilization and conservation of the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) resource.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
