Department of Commerce November 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Several Groundfish Species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2016-28814
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve to the total allowable catch (TAC) of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Alaska plaice, Kamchatka flounder, northern rockfish, skates, sculpins, sharks, and octopus in the BSAI management area. This action is necessary to allow the fisheries to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the BSAI management area.
Impact of the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) on Legitimate Commercial Chemical, Biotechnology, and Pharmaceutical Activities Involving “Schedule 1” Chemicals (Including Schedule 1 Chemicals Produced as Intermediates) Through Calendar Year 2016
Document Number: 2016-28799
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is seeking public comments on the impact that implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), through the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act (CWCIA) and the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR), has had on commercial activities involving ``Schedule 1'' chemicals during calendar year 2016. The purpose of this notice of inquiry is to collect information to assist BIS in its preparation of the annual certification to Congress on whether the legitimate commercial activities and interests of chemical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical firms are being harmed by such implementation. This certification is required under Condition 9 of Senate Resolution 75, April 24, 1997, in which the Senate gave its advice and consent to the ratification of the CWC.
Notice of Roundtables and Extension of the Period for Comments on Examination Time Goals
Document Number: 2016-28689
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, United States Patent and Trademark Office
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) previously announced information for roundtables in Alexandria, Virginia, and Dallas, Texas, to solicit public feedback as part of an effort to reevaluate its examination time goals. Examination time goals vary by technology and represent the average amount of time that a patent examiner is expected to spend examining a patent application in a particular technology. The Office now is providing information on the additional three roundtables that the Office will be conducting in Detroit, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; and San Jose, California. In addition, the Office is extending the written comment period to ensure that all stakeholders have sufficient opportunity to submit comments on the reevaluation of the Office's examination time goals.
Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals
Document Number: 2016-28731
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NMFS Assistant Administrator (Assistant Administrator) has issued affirmative finding annual renewals for the Governments of Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Spain (Hereafter known as ``The Nations'') under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). These affirmative finding annual renewals will allow yellowfin tuna and yellowfin tuna products harvested in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) in compliance with the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP) by The Nations' flagged purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under The Nations' jurisdiction to be imported into the United States. The affirmative finding annual renewals were based on reviews of documentary evidence submitted by the Governments of The Nations and by information obtained from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).
Digital Economy Board of Advisors Meeting
Document Number: 2016-28708
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
This notice announces an open meeting of the Digital Economy Board of Advisors. The Board advises and provides recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce, through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), on a broad range of issues concerning the digital economy and Internet policy.
Finished Carbon Steel Flanges From India: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination
Document Number: 2016-28704
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
The Department of Commerce (the Department) preliminarily determines that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of finished carbon steel flanges (steel flanges) from India. The period of investigation (POI) is April 1, 2015, through March 31, 2016. Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary determination.
Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-To-Length Plate From the Federal Republic of Germany: Amended Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value
Document Number: 2016-28703
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
On November 14, 2016, the Department of Commerce (the Department) published in the Federal Register the Preliminary Determination of the antidumping duty investigation of certain carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate (CTL plate) from the Federal Republic of Germany (Germany). The Department is amending the Preliminary Determination of the investigation to correct three ministerial errors.
Chlorinated Isocyanurates From Spain and the People's Republic of China: Continuation of the Antidumping Duty Orders
Document Number: 2016-28702
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
The Department of Commerce (the Department) and the International Trade Commission (the ITC) have determined that revocation of the antidumping duty (AD) orders on chlorinated isocyanurates (chlorinated isos) from Spain and the People's Republic of China (PRC) would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and material injury to an industry in the United States. Therefore, the Department is publishing a notice of continuation for these AD orders.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfers
Document Number: 2016-28658
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its approval of two transfers of 2016 commercial bluefish quota from the Commonwealth of Virginia to the State of New York. The approval of these transfers complies with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan quota transfer provision. This announcement also informs the public of the revised commercial quotas for Virginia and New York.
National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) Mobile Application Single Sign On (SSO) for the Public Safety & First Responder Sector
Document Number: 2016-28627
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites organizations to provide products and technical expertise to support and demonstrate security platforms for Mobile Application Single Sign On (SSO) for the Public Safety & First Responder sector. This notice is the initial step for the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) in collaborating with technology companies to address cybersecurity challenges identified under the Public Safety & First Responder sector program. Participation in the use case is open to all interested organizations.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Bluefield Holdings, Inc. Site 2 Shoreline Restoration Project Credit Purchase
Document Number: 2016-28617
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a document entitled, ``Draft Environmental Assessment for the Bluefield Holdings, Inc. Site 2 Shoreline Restoration Project Credits Purchase'' (Draft EA) is available for public review and comment. This document has been prepared by the state, tribal, and Federal natural resource trustee agencies (the ``Trustees'')NOAA, United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Washington Department of Ecology (as lead State trustee), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and the Suquamish Tribeto evaluate potential impacts to the environment from purchasing 30 credits in the Bluefield Holdings, Inc. Site 2 Shoreline Restoration Project (Site 2). The proposed credits purchase in the Site 2 project is a component of the overall effort to restore natural resources and resource services that have been injured and lost resulting from releases of hazardous substances into the Lower Duwamish River (LDR). This draft EA is tiered from the June 2013 Final LDR NRDA Restoration Plan and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (RP/EIS). The EA describes the Trustees' proposed plan to purchase 30 credits in the Site 2 project. The purchase would utilize a portion of the funds provided to the Trustees from the Pacific Sound Resources settlement (United States et al. v. Pacific Sound Resources et al., Civ. No. C94-687 (W.D. Wash. Aug. 29, 1994)). The Trustees may only use these funds for restoration purposes. The Trustees will consider comments received during the public comment period before finalizing this EA.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting; Correction
Document Number: 2016-28614
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) announces a change in location for its Hilo, HI public meetings and scoping sessions to discuss fishery management regulations for the Monument Expanded Area in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB)
Document Number: 2016-28594
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
OAR publishes this notice to solicit applications to fill a single membership vacancy on the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB) with an individual demonstrating expertise in data science and management and one other area of expertise relevant to ocean exploration, such as seafloor mapping. The new OEAB member will serve an initial three-year term, renewable once. The purpose of the OEAB is to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on matters pertaining to ocean exploration including: The identification of priority areas that warrant exploration; the development and enhancement of technologies for exploring the oceans; managing the data and information; and disseminating the results. The OEAB also provides advice on the relevance of the program with regard to the NOAA Strategic Plan, the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan, and other appropriate guidance documents.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Cost Recovery Programs
Document Number: 2016-28598
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS publishes standard prices and fee percentages for cost recovery for the Amendment 80 Program, the American Fisheries Act (AFA) Program, the Aleutian Islands Pollock (AIP) Program, and the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) groundfish and halibut Programs. The fee percentage for 2016 is 0.37 percent for the Amendment 80 Program, 0.10 percent for the AFA inshore cooperatives, 0.10 percent for the AFA catcher/processor sector, 0.17 percent for the AFA mothership cooperative, 0 percent for the AIP program, and 0.29 percent for the CDQ groundfish and halibut Programs. This action is intended to provide the 2016 standard prices and fee percentages to calculate the required payment for cost recovery fees due by December 31, 2016.
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; 2016 Recreational Accountability Measure and Closure for South Atlantic Greater Amberjack
Document Number: 2016-28546
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for the recreational sector of greater amberjack in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic for the current fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS estimates that recreational landings have reached the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) for greater amberjack in the South Atlantic. Therefore, NMFS closes the recreational sector for greater amberjack in the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ) through the remainder of the current fishing year (see DATES). This closure is necessary to protect the greater amberjack resource in the South Atlantic.
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; 2016 Recreational Closure for Hogfish in the South Atlantic
Document Number: 2016-28539
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the hogfish recreational sector in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic for the 2016 fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS estimates recreational landings from the 2016 fishing year have reached the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) for hogfish. Therefore, NMFS closes the recreational sector for hogfish in the South Atlantic EEZ on November 30, 2016, through the remainder of the 2016 fishing year. This closure is necessary to protect the hogfish resource in the South Atlantic.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-28510
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold public meetings of the Council and its Committees.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-28509
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 158th meeting.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-28508
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Puerto Rico Fishers Spiny Lobster Data Collection Initiative will meet in December in St. Thomas, USVI.
Supercalendered Paper From Canada: Preliminary Results of Countervailing Duty Expedited Review
Document Number: 2016-28505
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
The Department of Commerce (the Department) is conducting an expedited review of the countervailing duty (CVD) order on supercalendered paper (SC paper) from Canada. The period of expedited review (POR) is January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014. We preliminarily determine that Irving Paper Limited received countervailable subsidies during the POR. We also preliminarily determine that Catalyst Paper received de minimis countervailable subsidies. Interested parties are invited to comment on these preliminary results.
Glycine From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With Final Results of the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2011-2012
Document Number: 2016-28504
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
The Department of Commerce (the Department) is notifying the public that the Court of International Trade's (the Court's) final judgment in this case is not in harmony with the Department's final results and is therefore rescinding the antidumping administrative review with respect to Baoding Mantong Fine Chemistry Co. Ltd. (Baoding Mantong).
Aluminum Extrusions From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2014-2015
Document Number: 2016-28502
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
The Department of Commerce (the Department) is conducting an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on aluminum extrusions from the People's Republic of China (PRC). The period of review (POR) is May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015. These final results cover 46 companies for which an administrative review was initiated and not rescinded. The Department selected the following companies as mandatory respondents: Guangzhou Jangho Curtain Wall System Engineering Co., Ltd. and Jangho Curtain Wall Hong Kong Ltd. (collectively, Jangho) and Guang Ya Aluminium Industries Co., Ltd., Foshan Guangcheng Aluminium Co., Ltd., Kong Ah International Company Limited, and Guang Ya Aluminium Industries (Hong Kong) Ltd. (collectively, Guang Ya Group); Guangdong Zhongya Aluminium Company Limited, Zhongya Shaped Aluminium (HK) Holding Limited, and Karlton Aluminum Company Ltd. (collectively, Zhongya); and Xinya Aluminum & Stainless Steel Product Co., Ltd. (Xinya) (collectively, Guang Ya Group/Zhongya/Xinya). The Department finds that Jangho, Guang Ya Group/Zhongya/Xinya, and 23 other companies subject to this review did not demonstrate eligibility for a separate rate, and, accordingly, are to be considered part of the PRC-wide entity. We also determine for these final results that two companies, Xin Wei Aluminum Company Limited and Permasteelisa Hong Kong Limited, had no shipments during the POR. Finally, we find that eight companies, including JMA (HK) Company Limited (JMA), continue to be eligible for a separate rate.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Deposit of Biological Materials
Document Number: 2016-28481
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office
Notice of Petitions by Firms for Determination of Eligibility To Apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance
Document Number: 2016-28453
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Waterfront Improvement Projects
Document Number: 2016-28451
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Department of the Navy (Navy) to incidentally harass, by Level A and Level B harassment, marine mammals during construction activities associated with a waterfront improvement project at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Shipyard) in Kittery, Maine.
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-28421
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). The members will discuss and provide advice on the NOAA Fisheries Draft National Bycatch Reduction Strategy.
Monosodium Glutamate from Indonesia: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2014-2015
Document Number: 2016-28366
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
The Department of Commerce (the Department) is conducting an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on monosodium glutamate (MSG) from Indonesia. The period of review (POR) is May 8, 2014 through October 31, 2015. The review covers a single mandatory respondent, PT Cheil Jedang Indonesia (CJI). The Department preliminarily determines that the respondent has not made sales of subject merchandise below normal value (NV). We invite interested parties to comment on these preliminary results.
Pacific Island Pelagic Fisheries; 2016 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits for the Territory of Guam
Document Number: 2016-28317
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a valid specified fishing agreement that allocates 1,000 mt of the 2016 bigeye tuna limit for the Territory of Guam to U.S. longline fishing vessels. The agreement supports the long- term sustainability of fishery resources of the U.S. Pacific Islands, and fisheries development in Guam.
Commerce Control List: Removal of Certain Nuclear Nonproliferation (NP) Column 2 Controls
Document Number: 2016-28039
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) publishes this final rule to amend the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to remove nuclear nonproliferation (NP) Column 2 license requirements from certain pressure tubes, pipes, fittings, pipe valves, pumps, numerically controlled machine tools, oscilloscopes, and transient recorders on the Commerce Control List (CCL). These changes are intended to revise the EAR controls on these items by making them more consistent with the export controls of other countries that manufacture these items and that, together with the United States, are participating countries in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). As a result of the changes made by this rule, some of these items are no longer listed under an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) on the CCL. However, such items remain subject to the EAR under the designation EAR99. This rule also creates four new ECCNs to maintain anti-terrorism (AT) controls on certain affected commodities and related ``software'' and ``technology.'' All items subject to the EAR, regardless of whether they are listed on the CCL, may require a license for reasons described elsewhere in the EAR (e.g., license requirements based on end-user/end-use controls, embargoes, or other special controls).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: 2016-28274
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice announces receipt of an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application from the Alaska Seafood Cooperative (AKSC). If granted, this permit would allow up to ten vessels to participate in the EFPup to five AKSC-member Amendment 80 vessels would be allowed to conduct experimental fishing in two subareas of the Bering Sea that are closed to fishing with trawl gear, and five additional AKSC-member Amendment 80 vessels would conduct experimental fishing adjacent to the closed areas. Under the permit, experimental fishing with non-pelagic trawl gear would be authorized in Reporting Area 516 of Zone 1 that is otherwise closed to all trawl gear and the Red King Crab Savings Area (RKCSA) that is otherwise closed to non-pelagic trawl gear. The AKSC would collect data on crab prohibited species catch (PSC) rates during commercial groundfish fishing operations inside the Area 516 seasonal closure, the RKCSA, and adjacent areas that are currently open to non- pelagic trawling. The objective of the EFP is to evaluate PSC rates and overall catch of target species in the above-mentioned closed areas compared with the areas currently open to fishing with trawl gear. This experiment has the potential to promote the objectives of the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-28258
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice of National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Meeting
Document Number: 2016-28247
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
The National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE) will hold a public meeting via teleconfrerence on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. During this time, members will discuss initial ideas and efforts underway and determine its focus on projects and potential recommendations leading up to NACIE's next quarterly meeting in early 2017.
Certain Uncoated Paper From Portugal: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review
Document Number: 2016-28239
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
On October 18, 2016, The Department of Commerce (the ``Department'') published its initiation and preliminary results of a changed circumstances review of the antidumping duty (``AD'') order on certain uncoated paper from Portugal. The Department preliminarily determined that The Navigator Company, S.A. and Navigator Fine Paper, S.A. (collectively ``Navigator'') is the successor in interest to Portucel, S.A. and Portucel Soporcel Fine Paper, S.A. (collectively ``Portucel'') for purposes of the AD order and, as such, is entitled to Portucel's cash deposit rate with respect to entries of subject merchandise. We invited interested parties to comment on the preliminary results. As no parties submitted comments, and there is no additional information or evidence on the record, the Department is making no changes to the Preliminary Results.
Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee (ETTAC) Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-28205
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a meeting of the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee (ETTAC).
Fisheries off West Coast States; Highly Migratory Fisheries; California Drift Gillnet Fishery; Protected Species Hard Caps for the California/Oregon Large-Mesh Drift Gillnet Fishery; Extension of Public Comment Period
Document Number: 2016-28179
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On October 13, 2016, NMFS published a proposed rule to establish protected species hard caps for the California/Oregon large- mesh drift gillnet fishery, with comments due by November 28, 2016. However, in response to a request to extend the public comment period, NMFS has decided to extend the public comment period by an additional 30 calendar days.
Revisions to Framework Adjustment 55 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: 2016-28175
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We are reducing the 2016 fishing year Georges Bank haddock catch cap for the herring midwater trawl fishery. The reduction in the 2016 midwater trawl catch cap is necessary to account for an overage that occurred in fishing year 2015. This reduction is formulaic and is required as an accountability measure to help mitigate the 2015 overage.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery; Proposed 2017-2018 Fishing Quotas
Document Number: 2016-28174
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes status quo commercial quotas for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries for 2017 and projected status quo quotas for 2018. This action is necessary to establish allowable harvest levels of Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs that will prevent overfishing and allow harvesting of optimum yield. This action would also continue to suspend the minimum shell size for Atlantic surfclams for the 2017 fishing year. It is expected that the industry and dealers will benefit from the proposed status quo quotas, as they will be able to maintain a consistent market.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Hogfish Management Measures
Document Number: 2016-28173
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in Amendment 43 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf)(FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council)(Amendment 43). This proposed rule would revise the geographic range of the fishery management unit (FMU) for Gulf hogfish (the West Florida stock) consistent with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (South Atlantic Council) proposed boundary between the Florida Keys/East Florida and West Florida stocks, set the annual catch limit (ACL) for the West Florida stock, increase the minimum size limit for the proposed West Florida stock, and remove the powerhead exception for harvest of hogfish in the Gulf reef fish stressed area. This proposed rule would also correct a reference in the regulatory definition for charter vessel. The purpose of this proposed rule is to manage hogfish using the best scientific information available.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Removal of Vessel Upgrade Restrictions for Swordfish Directed Limited Access and Atlantic Tunas Longline Category Permits
Document Number: 2016-28171
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule removes vessel upgrading restrictions for vessels issued swordfish directed and Atlantic tunas Longline category limited access permits (LAPs). Currently, regulations allow for upgrading vessels or transferring permits to another vessel only if the vessel upgrade or permit transfer results in an increase of no more than 35 percent in length overall, gross registered tonnage, and net tonnage, as measured relative to the baseline vessel specifications (i.e., the specifications of the vessel first issued a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) LAP). This final rule eliminates these restrictions on upgrades and permit transfers. This action affects vessel owners issued swordfish directed and Atlantic tunas Longline category LAPs and fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 2017 Atlantic Shark Commercial Fishing Season
Document Number: 2016-28154
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule establishes the opening date for all Atlantic shark fisheries, including the fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. This final rule also establishes the quotas for the 2017 fishing season based on over- and/or underharvests experienced during 2016 and previous fishing seasons. The large coastal shark (LCS) retention limit for directed shark limited access permit holders will start at 45 LCS other than sandbar sharks per trip in the Gulf of Mexico region and at 25 LCS other than sandbar sharks per trip in the Atlantic region. These retention limits for directed shark limited access permit holders may decrease or increase during the year after considering the specified inseason action regulatory criteria to provide, to the extent practicable, equitable fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in all regions and areas. These actions could affect fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Commercial Sablefish Fishing Regulations and Electronic Fish Tickets
Document Number: 2016-28153
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule revises fishery monitoring and equipment requirements for all commercial groundfish fisheries. In particular, it establishes a requirement for submitting electronic fish tickets (EFT) in the limited entry fixed gear fisheries and open access fisheries. This final rule also: revises administrative procedures for limited entry permits, providing greater flexibility and efficiencies for limited entry groundfish fishery participants; requires vessels registered to Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) to make an initial declaration report; and makes administrative changes and clarifying edits to improve consistency of the regulations with past Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) actions and with the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This action improves monitoring and administration of the limited entry sablefish primary fishery, and addresses unforeseen issues arising out of the evolution of commercial sablefish fisheries and subsequent regulations.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; American Fisheries Act; Amendment 113
Document Number: 2016-28152
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 113 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). This final rule modifies the management of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod fishery to set aside a portion of the Aleutian Islands Pacific cod total allowable catch for harvest by vessels directed fishing for Aleutian Islands Pacific cod and delivering their catch for processing to a shoreside processor located on land west of 170[deg] W. longitude in the Aleutian Islands (``Aleutian Islands shoreplant''). The harvest set-aside applies only if specific notification and performance requirements are met, and only during the first few months of the fishing year. This harvest set-aside provides the opportunity for vessels, Aleutian Islands shoreplants, and the communities where Aleutian Islands shoreplants are located to receive benefits from a portion of the Aleutian Islands Pacific cod fishery. The notification and performance requirements preserve an opportunity for the complete harvest of the BSAI Pacific cod resource if the set-aside is not fully harvested. This final rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of Amendment 113, the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable laws.
Regulations and Procedures Technical Advisory Committee; Notice of Partially Closed Meeting
Document Number: 2016-28138
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security
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