Proposed Rules. Proposed rule; reopening of comment period

Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce
Action: Proposed rule; reopening of comment period
Citation: FR Doc. 03-520 · RIN 0648-AO79 · Docket No. 021113274-2274-01; I.D. 031501A · 50 CFR 635

Summary

NMFS is reopening the deadline for filing comments on the proposed rule published December 6, 2002, which would modify existing exempted fishing regulations for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS). Comments are currently due to be filed by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, on January 6, 2003. The comment period is being reopened to comply with requests submitted by a number of constituents who potentially could be affected by the proposed rule.

Dates

The effective data for reopening the comment period is January 10, 2003 through March 17, 2003. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, on March 17, 2003.

Supplementary Information

The proposed rule was published on December 6, 2002 (67 FR 72629). Subsequently, a public hearing was held on December 17, 2002, in Orlando, Florida. At the public hearing and in written correspondence a number of constituents who potentially could be affected by the proposed rule requested that the comment period be extended. This is to allow more time for preparing comments in response to the proposed rule. To that effect, the comment period is reopened until March 17, 2003. Dated: January 6, 2003. Bruce C. Morehead, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 03-520 Filed 1-9-03; 8:45 am]