Department of Commerce November 14, 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, NMFS, have completed a comprehensive status review under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) in response to a petition from Defenders of Wildlife to list the species. After reviewing the best scientific and commercial data available, including the Status Review Report, we have determined that listing the shortfin mako shark as a threatened or endangered species under the ESA is not warranted.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) amends the rules of practice in patent cases and the rules regarding the representation of others before the USPTO to eliminate provisions regarding voluntary continuing legal education (CLE) certification for registered patent practitioners and individuals granted limited recognition to practice in patent matters before the USPTO. After rules were published on August 3, 2020, providing that registered patent practitioners and persons granted limited recognition to practice in patent matters before the USPTO would be permitted to voluntarily certify completion of CLE to the Director of the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED Director) and that the OED Director could publish whether such persons had voluntarily certified, the USPTO indefinitely delayed implementation of the voluntary CLE certification. After receiving and considering stakeholder feedback on the certification process and possible details regarding implementation, the USPTO has determined that it will not implement the voluntary CLE certification program at this time.

This final rule adjusts the quotas and retention limits and establishes the opening date for the 2023 fishing year for the Atlantic commercial shark fisheries. Quotas are adjusted as required or allowable based on underharvests from the 2022 fishing year. NMFS establishes the opening date and commercial retention limits to provide, to the extent practicable, fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in all regions and areas. The final measures could affect fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.

The Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Committee and Advisory Panel (AP) of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a joint meeting. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for agenda details.

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Monkfish Committee to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Salmon Bycatch Committee will meet November 28, 2022.