Department of Commerce April 8, 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is giving notice of a virtual meeting of the National Advisory Committee (NAC). The Committee will address updates on the 2015 National Content Test and Tribal Enrollment Question Focus Groups. The NAC will meet virtually on Thursday, April 21, 2016. Last minute changes to the schedule are possible, which could prevent giving advance public notice of schedule adjustments. Please visit the Census Advisory Committees Web site for the most current meeting agenda at: https://www.census.gov/cac/.

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is giving notice that the Secretary of the Department of Commerce has determined that the renewal of an advisory committee of technical advisors is necessary and in the public interest. Accordingly, the Census Bureau has chartered the Census Scientific Advisory Committee (CSAC). The renewed charter can be found on the Census Bureau's Advisory Committee Web site at the following link: https://www.census.gov/cac/.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2016, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The final LOF for 2016 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must classify each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of mortality and serious injury of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each fishery. The classification of a fishery on the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan (TRP) requirements. In addition, NMFS begins publishing online fact sheets for Category III fisheries on a rolling basis.

On January 8, 2016, NOAA released the NOAA Commercial Space Policy. Consistent with that policy, the Draft National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) Commercial Space Activities Assessment Process identifies the NESDIS process for engagement with the commercial sector by which NESDIS will assess and pursue commercial opportunities to support NOAA's space-based observational information requirements. In order to ensure consideration of a broad range of ideas for optimal methods of engaging with the commercial sector, NESDIS seeks comments on the Draft NESDIS Commercial Space Activities Assessment Process. Through https:// www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NESDIS-2015-0132, the public can view the Draft NESDIS Commercial Space Activities Assessment Process, submit ideas, review submissions from other parties, and make comments. All comments are welcome. In particular, NOAA would like comments on the following areas: What contractual or other mechanisms could NOAA use to work with commercial sector data providers beyond traditional acquisition approaches? What steps should NOAA take to consider the long-term viability of a commercial data provider prior to an operational data purchase? What are the key aspects of demonstration projects that allow the commercial sector to gain necessary insights? What are the key aspects of demonstration projects that would allow NOAA to perform the necessary data validation for the continued success of NOAA's public safety mission?