Department of Commerce December 18, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On August 10, 2006, the Department of Commerce (``Department'') published in the Federal Register its preliminary results in the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on cut-to-length carbon steel plate (``CTL plate'') from the People's Republic of China (``PRC'') for the period November 1, 2004, through October 31, 2005. See Cut-to-Length Carbon Steel Plate from the People's Republic of China: Notice of Rescission, In Part, and Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 71 FR 45768 (August 10, 2006) (``Preliminary Results''). Based upon our analysis of the comments received, as well as the hearing conducted, in this review, the Department continues to find that application of adverse facts available (``AFA'') is warranted with respect to China Metallurgical Import & Export Liaoning Company (``Liaoning Company''). The Department is also rescinding the administrative review with respect to Angang New Steel Co., Ltd. and Angang Group Hong Kong Co., Limited (collectively ``Angang''), as its request for review was timely withdrawn in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1).

This is a correction to the notice of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity to Request Administrative Review, 71 FR 69543 (December 1, 2006).

NMFS announces that it is considering and seeking public comment on the implementation of further minimum carapace length (gauge) increases, escape vent size increases, and trap reductions in the offshore American lobster fishery, consistent with recommendations for Federal action in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (Commission) Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster (ISFMP) and pending management actions of the Commission's American Lobster Management Board (Board). A similar announcement, published in the Federal Register on December 13, 2005, notified the public that NMFS was considering and requesting comment on gauge and escape vent size increases in multiple lobster conservation management areas (LCMAs). However, since the publication of that document, many LCMA- specific Commission recommendations were modified in response to information in an updated peer-reviewed stock assessment published January 2006. Subsequent Commission deliberations resulted in the Board making changes to the fishery management plan, adding and repealing measures, such that many of the newer plan elements focused primarily on LCMA 3. Some measures relevant to this action, still under Board consideration, are included within the scope of this rulemaking. Accordingly, NMFS announces that this present ANPR revises the December 13, 2005, ANPR and invites public comment on changes to the ISFMP, either formally approved by the Board or pending approval. Any repealed measures, having previously been raised in the December 13, 2005, ANPR, will remain within the scope of this present ANPR, although the Board's repeal is notable and NMFS invites comment on the Board's withdrawal of the measures.

NMFS announces Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops to be held in January, February, and March of 2007. Additional workshops will be held throughout 2007 and will be scheduled at a later date. The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops are mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. As of December 31, 2007, an Atlantic shark dealer may not receive, purchase, trade, or barter for Atlantic shark unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate is on the premises of each business listed under the shark dealer permit. Additionally, after December 31, 2007, Atlantic shark dealers may not renew a Federal shark dealer permit unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate has been submitted with the permit renewal application. Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held throughout 2007, at no charge to the participant. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops are mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Vessel owners and operators whose permits expire in January, February, or March 2007 must attend one of these free workshops in order to renew their permit.

The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA), NOAA, announces the extension of temporary restrictions consistent with the requirements of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan's (ALWTRP) implementing regulations. These restrictions will continue to apply to lobster trap and anchored gillnet fishermen in an area totaling approximately 1,809 nm\2\ (6,204 km\2\), east of Portland, Maine, for an additional 15 days. The purpose of this action is to provide immediate protection to an aggregation of Northern right whales (right whales).

The Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Product Development Committee for Synthesis and Assessment Product 3.3 (CPDC-S&A 3.3) was established by a Decision Memorandum dated October 17, 2006. CPDC-S&A 3.3 is the Federal Advisory Committee charged with responsibility to develop a draft Synthesis and Assessment Product that addresses CCSP Topic 3.3: ``Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate''. Place: The meeting will be held at the Chicago O'Hare Airport Hilton Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, 60666.