Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 1998 / Notices 44423 in this paragraph to the new listing cited Billfish AP public comment period will ICCAT regional meeting. Note that the in parenthesis as follows: M T R be held at the Buccaneer Hotel, Estate location of the Billfish AP public Ravensburg, Inc. (Machine Tool Shoys, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00824; comment period/ICAAT regional Research, Inc.) and Buffalo Forge telephone: (340) 773–2100. Written meeting is different from the location of Company (Buffalo Machine Tools of comments should be submitted to, and the Billfish AP meeting. Comments are Niagara, Inc.). informational materials related to the solicited on management issues under AP meetings are available from, Liz consideration for inclusion in the draft Dated: August 14, 1998. Lauck, Highly Migratory Species Billfish FMP amendment. See Morton Schnabel, Management Division, 1315 East-West ADDRESSES to request informational Director, Office of Export Trading Company Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland materials related to the AP discussion or Affairs. 20910. to submit public comments on [FR Doc. 98–22280 Filed 8–18–98; 8:45 am] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pat management issues for the draft FMP BILLING CODE 3510±DR±P Wilbert or Liz Lauck, telephone: (301) documents. 713–2347, fax: (301) 713–1917. Special Accommodations SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The HMS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE and Billfish APs were established under This meeting is physically accessible National Oceanic and Atmospheric the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens to people with disabilities. Requests for Administration Fishery Conservation and Management sign language interpretation or for other Act, 16 U.S.C. 1901 et seq. The APs will auxiliary aids should be directed to Pat [I.D. 080598A] assist the Secretary of Commerce in Wilbert, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver collecting and evaluating information Spring, MD 20910, phone (301) 713– Highly Migratory Species and Billfish relevant to the development of an FMP 2347; fax: (301) 713–1917, at least 7 Advisory Panels; Public Meeting for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, and days prior to the meeting date. AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries sharks, and an amendment to the Dated: August 13, 1998. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Billfish FMP. All AP meetings are open Bruce C. Morehead, Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to the public and will be attended by Commerce. members of the AP, including appointed Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. members, representatives of the five fishery management councils that work [FR Doc. 98–22220 Filed 8–13–98; 3:29 pm] SUMMARY: The Atlantic Highly Migratory with Atlantic HMS, and the Chair, or his BILLING CODE 3510±22±F Species (HMS) and Billfish Advisory or her representative, of the U.S. Panels (APs) will each hold a meeting Advisory Committee to ICCAT. to discuss management issues under The agendas for the AP meetings will DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE consideration for inclusion in the draft include discussion of draft documents HMS fishery management plan (FMP) for the HMS FMP and the Billfish FMP National Oceanic and Atmospheric and draft Billfish FMP amendment, amendment, respectively, and the draft Administration respectively. HMS Essential Fish Habitat document. DATES: The HMS AP meeting will be Topics will include: [I.D. 081198A] held Thursday, August 27, 1998, and 1. Rebuilding alternatives; Friday, August 28, 1998, from 8:00 a.m. 2. Bycatch reduction alternatives; Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic to 5:00 p.m. both days. A public 3. Permitting and reporting Zone off Alaska; Groundfish of the comment period is scheduled for alternatives; Gulf of Alaska; Experimental Fishing 4. VMS (HMS AP meeting only); Permit Wednesday, August 26, 1998, from 6:00 5. Essential fish habitat identification; p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Public comment is and solicited on issues in the draft HMS AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries 6. Other items related to meeting Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and FMP, including the use of vessel requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens monitoring systems (VMS) in HMS Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Act. Commerce. fisheries. The Billfish AP meeting will The public comment period for the be held Wednesday, September 2, 1998, HMS Advisory Panel is scheduled for ACTION: Issuance of an experimental and Thursday, September 3, 1998, from Wednesday, August 26, 1998, from 6:00 fishing permit. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days. A p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the meeting public comment period for the Billfish location. NMFS seeks comments on SUMMARY: NMFS announces the AP meeting is scheduled for Thursday, issues in the draft HMS FMP including issuance of an experimental fishing September 3, 1998, from 7:00 p.m. to U.S. implementation of the ICCAT permit 98–01 (EFP) to the Groundfish 10:00 p.m. The Billfish AP public vessel monitoring system (VMS) Forum. The EFP authorizes the comment period will be held in program. The ICCAT VMS Groundfish Forum to conduct an conjunction with and at the site of the recommendation applies to vessels experiment in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) regional meeting of the U.S. Advisory greater than 79 feet that fish for HMS on that would test the effectiveness of a Committee to the International the high seas. Comments are requested halibut excluder device for flatfish Commission for the Conservation of specifically on applicability of the trawls in reducing halibut bycatch rates Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). ICCAT recommendation to the U.S. without significantly lowering catch ADDRESSES: The HMS AP will meet at fleet, costs of implementation, and rates of flatfish. Results of the the Radisson Airport Hotel Providence, participation in high seas fishing for experiment will be used to develop 2081 Post Road, Warwick, Rhode Island HMS. methods for trawl vessels targeting 02886; telephone: (401) 739–3000. The The public comment period for the flatfish to reduce halibut bycatch rates Billfish AP will meet at the Hotel on the Billfish Advisory Panel is scheduled for and mortality. This EFP will provide Cay, Protestant Cay, P.O. Box 4020, Thursday, September 3, 1998, from 7:00 information not otherwise available Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will be held in through research or commercial fishing 00822; telephone: (340) 773–2035. The conjunction with, and at the site of, the operations. The intended effect of this 44424 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 1998 / Notices action is to promote the purposes and The Groundfish Forum will set up a Forum. The EFP authorizes Groundfish policies of the Magnuson-Stevens ‘‘request for proposals’’ (RFP) process Forum to solicit vessel participants Fishery Conservation and Management whereby companies submit applications through the RFP process and authorizes Act. to test an halibut excluder device. the harvest of 650 mt of groundfish ADDRESSES: Copies of the EFP and the Under the rules of the experiment, the during the course of the 10–20 day Environmental Assessment (EA) performance of trawl gear with the experiment during September and prepared for the EFP are available from excluder device in place will be tested October 1998, of which no more than 30 Lori J. Gravel, Sustainable Fisheries against a standard control gear. The percent (195 mt) may be groundfish Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. control gear will be the same trawl gear species other than Rex sole, Dover sole, Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802. configured without the halibut excluder Greenland turbot, deep sea sole, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue device. Trawling with experimental and flathead sole, or arrowtooth flounder Salveson, 907–586–7228 control gear will be conducted with (deep water flatfish). The amount of procedures and sites used during the groundfish species retained other than SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The deep water flatfish will not exceed 15 Fishery Management Plan for commercial fishery for deep water percent per species or species group (see Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) flatfish species in the GOA. The RFP will set out general Table 10 of 50 CFR part 679 for a authorizes the issuance of EFPs for standards for the design of a halibut definition of species groups) of the fishing for groundfish in a manner that excluder device that will be retained catch of deep water flatfish as would otherwise be prohibited under systematically tested against control defined in this EFP, except that the existing regulations. The procedures for trawl gear. These standards state the retained amount of sablefish is not to issuing EFPs are set out at 50 CFR 679.6. exceed 2 percent of the retained catch On June 8, 1998, NMFS announced in design should: 1. Release a large percentage of the of deep water flatfish. Groundfish and the Federal Register the receipt of an halibut that come into the trawl halibut bycatch mortality associated application for an EFP from the unharmed; with this experiment will not be Groundfish Forum (63 FR 31201). The 2. Avoid significant reductions in deducted from total allowable catch and application requested authorization for target flatfish or round fish catches, halibut bycatch allowances specified for Groundfish Forum to test the while potentially releasing less the 1998 groundfish fisheries. This will effectiveness of a halibut excluder desirable species (such as arrowtooth not cause a conservation problem for device in reducing halibut bycatch rates flounder); groundfish species because estimated in the deep water flatfish fisheries while 3. Function with few failures or break total removals under the EFP likely not lowering the amount of target downs and be resistant to clogging and would remain within their acceptable flatfish species. The purpose of this debris jams; biological catches and not exceed research is to assist industry in 4. Provide easy removal or disabling overfishing levels already considered in developing gear modifications that will of the excluder to facilitate changes the EA for the 1998 specifications. reduce the bycatch of halibut in flatfish between experimental and control gear The Regional Administrator may fisheries off Alaska. This EFP will without handling difficulties or safety terminate the experiment if halibut provide information not otherwise concerns for deck crew (this feature is bycatch mortality exceeds the high-end available through research or especially critical for small vessels with projections of the permit applicant, or commercial fishing operations because limited deck length); 25 mt mortality (39 mt bycatch). Failure it is not economically feasible for 5. Provide durability and ease of of the permittee to comply with the vessels to participate in an experiment storage on deck; and terms and conditions of the EFP may be of this extent and rigor during the short 6. Be constructed from affordable grounds for revocation, suspension, or commercial fisheries. materials that are readily available. modification of the EFP under 15 CFR A statistical analysis completed by Guidelines for applications to 904 with respect to any or all persons Groundfish Forum and reviewed by participate in the experiment will be and vessels conducting activities under NMFS has determined that 60 pairs of provided by Groundfish Forum. This the EFP. Failure to comply with tows between two vessels would information will be conveyed to applicable laws may also result in produce a 90–percent certainty of potential applicants through a short sanctions imposed under those laws. detecting a 35– percent decline in publication written and distributed by halibut bycatch rates, and nearly a 100– the Groundfish Forum and reviewed by Classification percent chance of detecting a 25– NMFS personnel associated with the NMFS prepared an EA for this EFP. percent decrease in rex sole catch, the experiment. A Selection Panel of NMFS The Assistant Administrator for principle target species in the GOA gear experts and other NMFS Fisheries, NOAA concluded that there deepwater flatfish fishery. To complete management personnel will review the will be no significant impact on the the experiment, Groundfish Forum suitability of applications and human environment as a result of estimates that 650 metric tons (mt) of determine which design has the greatest fishing under this EFP. A copy of the EA groundfish may be taken by vessels potential for excluding halibut and is available from NMFS (see participating in the experiment and retaining target catch. The device ADDRESSES). The Regional between 18.5 mt and 25 mt of Pacific selected by the Selection Panel will be Administrator determined that fishing halibut bycatch mortality. The subjected to a systematic field test to activities conducted pursuant to this experiment is scheduled to take place in establish its effectiveness as well as EFP will not affect endangered and the Western or Central Regulatory Areas some exploration to isolate the elements threatened species or critical habitat of the GOA during a 10 to 20-day period that make the device successful under the Endangered Species Act. in September and October 1998. The (placement, towing speed, sea This notice is exempt from review effective date for the EFP may be revised conditions, ambient light conditions, under E.O. 12866. Because prior notice to a date in 1999, pending agreement etc.). and opportunity for public comment are between the permit holder and the The Regional Administrator has not required; the analytical Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS approved the EFP application and has requirements of the Regulatory (Regional Administrator). issued EFP 98–01 to the Groundfish Flexibility Act are inapplicable. Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 1998 / Notices 44425

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Accordingly, I find and determine, used and recrediting unused Dated: August 13, 1998. pursuant to Section 10(d) of the Federal carryforward. Gary C. Matlock, Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. In accordance with the special swing provision contained in the exchange of Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 2, as amended, that the August 25, 1998, National Marine Fisheries Service. meeting may be closed to the public in notes dated April 2 and 8, 1997 between the Governments of the United States [FR Doc. 98–22245 Filed 8–18–98; 8:45 am] accordance with Section 552b(c)(9)(B) of Title 5, United States Code because and Korea, 2,842,990 square meters BILLING CODE 3510±22±F revealing information about Medal equivalent is being charged to the 1998 candidates would be likely to Group II limit. A description of the textile and DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE significantly frustrate implementation of a proposed agency action. apparel categories in terms of HTS Technology Administration Due to closure of the meeting, copies numbers is available in the of the minutes of the meeting will not CORRELATION: Textile and Apparel Under Secretary for Technology; be available, however a copy of the Categories with the Harmonized Tariff National Medal of Technology Notice of Determination will be Schedule of the United States (see Nomination Evaluation Committee; available for public inspection and Federal Register notice 62 FR 66057, Determination for Closure of Meeting copying in the office of Allison published on December 17, 1997). Also Rosenberg, Director, National Medal of see 62 FR 67833, published on The National Medal of Technology Technology, 14th and Constitution December 30, 1997. Nomination Evaluation Committee has Avenue, NW., Herbert Hoover Building, Troy H. Cribb, scheduled a meeting for August 25, Room 4226, Washington, DC 20230, (Ph: Chairman, Committee for the Implementation 1998. 202–482–5572). of Textile Agreements. The Committee was established to Kelly H. Carnes, Committee for the Implementation of Textile assist the Department in executing its Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology Agreements responsibilities under 15 U.S.C. 3711. Policy. August 13, 1998. Under this provision, the Secretary is [FR Doc. 98–22282 Filed 8–18–98; 8:45 am] Commissioner of Customs, responsible for recommending to the BILLING CODE 3510±18±M Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC President prospective recipients of the 20229. National Medal of Technology. The Dear Commissioner: This directive committee’s recommendations are made amends, but does not cancel, the directive after reviewing all nominations received COMMITTEE FOR THE issued to you on December 22, 1997, by the in response to a public solicitation. The IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE Chairman, Committee for the Implementation Committee is chartered to have twelve AGREEMENTS of Textile Agreements. That directive members. concerns imports of certain cotton, wool, Adjustment of Import Limits for Certain man-made fiber, silk blend and other Time and Place: The meeting will vegetable fiber textiles and textile products, begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. on Cotton, Wool and Man-Made Fiber produced or manufactured in Korea and August 25, 1998. The meeting will be Textiles and Textile Products exported during the period beginning January held in Room 4824 at the U.S. Produced or Manufactured in Korea 1, 1998 and extending through December 31, Department of Commerce, 14th Street 1998. and Constitution Avenue, NW., August 13, 1998. Effective on August 19, 1998, you are Washington, DC 20230. For further AGENCY: Committee for the directed to adjust the limits for the following Implementation of Textile Agreements categories, as provided for under the Uruguay information contact: Allison Rosenberg, Round Agreement on Textiles and Clothing: Director, National Medal of Technology, (CITA). ACTION: U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Issuing a directive to the Category Adjusted limit 1 Constitution Avenue, NW., Herbert C. Commissioner of Customs adjusting Hoover Building, Room 4226, limits. Group I Washington, DC 20230, Ph: (202–482– 200±223, 224±V 2, 382,368,721 square EFFECTIVE DATE: 3 5572). August 19, 1998. 224±O , 225, meters equivalent. If a member of the public would like FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ross 226, 227, 300± Arnold, International Trade Specialist, 326, 360±363, to submit written comments concerning 369pt. 4, 400± the committee’s affairs at any time Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482– 414, 464, before and after the meeting, written 469pt. 5, 600± comments should be addressed to the 4212. For information on the quota 629, 666, 669± Director of the National Medal of status of these limits, refer to the Quota P 6, 669pt. 7, and Technology as indicated above. Status Reports posted on the bulletin 670±O 8, as a boards of each Customs port or call group. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The (202) 927–5850. For information on Sublevel within meeting will be closed to discuss the embargoes and quota re-openings, call Group I relative merits of persons and (202) 482–3715. 619/620 ...... 94,459,400 square companies nominated for the Medal. meters. Public disclosure of this information SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Sublevels within would be likely to significantly frustrate Authority: Section 204 of the Agricultural Group II implementation of the National Medal Act of 1956, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1854); 336 ...... 69,035 dozen. of Technology program because Executive Order 11651 of March 3, 1972, as 338/339 ...... 1,421,090 dozen. amended. 340 ...... 813,305 dozen of premature publicity about candidates which not more than under consideration for the Medal, who The current limits for certain 415,800 dozen shall may or may not ultimately receive the categories are being adjusted, variously, be in Category 340± award, would be likely to discourage for swing, special swing, special shift, D 9. nominations for the Medal. carryover, carryforward, carryforward 342/642 ...... 252,425 dozen.