Department of Commerce January 5, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose to designate critical habitat for the southern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Pacific eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), which was recently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have proposed 12 specific areas for designation as critical habitat within the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. The proposed areas are a combination of freshwater creeks and rivers and their associated estuaries which comprise approximately 470 km (292 mi) of habitat. Three particular areas are proposed for exclusion after evaluating the impacts and benefits associated with tribal land ownership and management by Indian tribes, but no areas are proposed for exclusion based on economic impacts. We are soliciting comments from the public on all aspects of the proposal, including information on the economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of the proposed designation, as well as the benefits to the southern DPS of eulachon from designation. We will consider additional information received prior to making a final designation.

Notice is hereby given that Craig Matkin, North Gulf Oceanic Society, Homer, AK, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.

This notice announces changes to existing provisions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), primarily to expedite hiring and align APMS Direct-Hire procedures with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR part 337 and 69 FR 114). NIST will pilot direct-hire authority under 5 CFR part 337, subpart B, for a period of one year from the issuance date of this notice, for all positions within NIST in the Scientific and Engineering (ZP) career path at the Pay Band III and above, for Nuclear Reactor Operator positions in the Scientific and Engineering Technician (ZT) career path at Pay Band III and above, and for all occupations for which there is a special rate under the General Schedule pay system.

NMFS is adjusting the 2011 total allowable catch (TAC) amount for the Bering Sea pollock fishery. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined this TAC is incorrectly specified. This action will ensure the Bering Sea pollock TAC is the appropriate amount based on the best available scientific information for pollock in the Bering Sea subarea. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area.

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a 3-day Council meeting on Tuesday-Thursday, January 25-27, 2011 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).