Notices. Notice of public meeting

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BILLING CODE 3410-15-P ANTITRUST MODERNIZATION COMMISSION Public Meeting AGENCY: Antitrust Modernization Commission. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. SUMMARY: The Antitrust Modernization Commission will hold a public meeting on June 7, 2006. The purpose of the meeting is for the Antitrust Modernization Commission to deliberate regarding its report and/or recommendations to Congress and the President. DATES: June 7, 2006, 9:30 a.m. to approximately 5:30 p.m. Interested members of the public may attend.

Registration is not required. ADDRESSES: Federal Trade Commission, Conference Center, 601 New Jersey Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew J. Heimert, Executive Director & General Counsel, Antitrust Modernization Commission: telephone:

(202)233-0701; e-mail: *info@amc.gov.* Mr. Heimert is also the Designated Federal Officer

(DFO)for the Antitrust Modernization Commission. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of this meeting is for the Antitrust Modernization Commission to deliberate on its report and/or recommendations to Congress and the President regarding the antitrust laws. The meeting will cover civil remedies, the state action doctrine, and international enforcement issues. The Commission will also conduct other additional business, as necessary. Materials relating to the meeting will be made available on the Commission's Web site ( *http://www.amc.gov* ) in advance of the meeting. The AMC has called this meeting pursuant to its authorizing statute and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Antitrust Modernization Commission Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-273, 11054(f), 116 Stat. 1758, 1857; Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., 10(a)(2); 41 CFR 102-3.150 (2005). Dated: May 19, 2006. By direction of Deborah A. Garza, Chair of the Antitrust Modernization Commission. Approved by Designated Federal Officer: Andrew J. Heimert, Executive Director & General Counsel, Antitrust Modernization Commission. [FR Doc. E6-7939 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820-YH-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-570-886] Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: In response to requests from interested parties, the Department of Commerce (“the Department”) initiated an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on the polyethylene retail carrier bags (“PRCBs”) from the People's Republic of China (“PRC”), covering the period January 26, 2004, through July 31, 2005. Based on the withdrawal of requests for review with respect to certain companies, we are rescinding, in part, this administrative review. EFFECTIVE DATE: May 24, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Riggle at

(202)482-0650, Laurel LaCivita at

(202)482-4243 or Matthew Quigley at

(202)482-4551, Import Administration, Room 1870, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On August 1, 2005, the Department of Commerce (“the Department”) published a notice of opportunity to request an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on PRCBs from the PRC. *See Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation: Opportunity to Request Administrative Review* , 70 FR 44085 (August 1, 2005). We received timely requests for review from Crown Polyethylene Products (Int'l) Ltd. (“Crown”), Dongguan Nozawa Plastics and United Power Packaging (collectively “Nozawa”), High Den Enterprises Ltd (“High Den”), Rally Plastics Co., Ltd. (“Rally”), Sea Lake Polyethylene Enterprise Ltd. and Shanghai Glopack, Inc. (“Sea Lake/ Glopack”), and Shanghai New Ai Lian Import and Export Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai New Ai Lian”). Ampac Packaging (Nanjing) Co., (“Ampac”), requested a new shipper review or, alternatively, an administrative review. On September 30, 2005, the Department denied Ampac a new shipper review. On September 28, 2005, the Department published a notice of the initiation of the antidumping duty administrative review of PRCBs from the PRC for the period January 26, 2004, through July 31, 2005. *See Notice Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Request for Revocation in Part* , 70 FR 56631 (September 28, 2005). On October 25, 2005, the Department initiated an administrative review for Ampac. *See Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews* , 70 FR 61601 (October 25, 2005), as corrected by *Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Deferral of Administrative Reviews* , 70 FR 72107 (December 1, 2005). On November 16, 2005, Shanghai New Ai Lian withdrew its request for an administrative review. On November 22, 2005, Rally withdrew its request for an administrative review. On December 27, 2005, Sea Lake/Glopack withdrew their requests for an administrative review. On February 23, 2006, Ampac withdrew its request for a review. Rescission of Review The Department's regulations, at 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1), provide that the Department will rescind an administrative review if the party that requested the review withdraws its request for review within 90 days of the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the requested review, or withdraws its request at a later date if the Department determines that it is reasonable to extend the time limit for withdrawing the request. Rally, Shanghai New Ai Lian, and Sea Lake/Glopack all withdrew their requests within the 90-day limit. Therefore, the Department will rescind the review as to these companies. Ampac withdrew its request after the 90-day deadline. However, consistent with the Department's practice, the Department finds it reasonable to extend the withdrawal deadline because the Department has not yet devoted considerable time and resources to this review. *See Honey from the People's Republic of China: Notice of Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review* , 70 FR 42032 (July 21, 2005); *See also, Certain Cut-to-Length Carbon Steel Plate From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review* , 70 FR 44560 (August 3, 2005); and *Notice of Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review: Petroleum Wax Candles from the People's Republic of China* , 70 FR 33733 (June 9, 2005). Further, we find that Ampac's withdrawal does not constitute an abuse of our procedures. Therefore, we are partially rescinding this review of the antidumping duty order on polyethylene retail carrier bags from the PRC covering the period January 26, 2004, through July 31, 2005. The Department will issue appropriate assessment instructions for Sea Lake/Glopack, Shanghai New Ai Lian, Rally and Ampac directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection within 15 days of publication of this rescission. Notification Regarding APOs This notice also serves as a reminder to parties subject to administrative protective orders (“APO”) of their responsibility concerning the return or destruction of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305, which continues to govern business proprietary information in this segment of the proceeding. Timely written notification of the return/destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and terms of an APO is a violation which is subject to sanction. This notice is issued and published in accordance with section 777(i)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, and 19 CFR 351.213(d)(4). Dated: May 17, 2006. Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6-7965 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-533-810] Stainless Steel Bar From India: Notice of Intent To Partially Rescind Antidumping Duty Administrative Review AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: In response to requests from interested parties, the Department of Commerce is conducting an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on stainless steel bar from India for the period February 1, 2005, through January 31, 2006. The Department intends to rescind this review with respect to Viraj Alloys, Ltd., Viraj Forgings, Ltd., Viraj Impoexpo, Ltd., Viraj Smelting, Viraj Profiles, and VSL Wires, Ltd., after concluding that there were no entries of merchandise subject to the order during the period of review. DATES: *Effective Date:* May 24, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Holland, AD/CVD Operations, Office 1, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone

(202)482-1279. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On February 21, 1995, the Department of Commerce (the “Department”) published in the **Federal Register** the antidumping duty order on stainless steel bar (“SSB”) from India. *See Antidumping Duty Orders: Stainless Steel Bar from Brazil, India and Japan* , 60 FR 9661 (February 21, 2005). On February 1, 2006, the Department published a notice in the **Federal Register** providing an opportunity for interested parties to request an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on SSB from India for the period of review (“POR”) February 1, 2005, through January 31, 2006. * See Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity To Request Administrative Review* , 71 FR 5239 (February 1, 2006). On February 4, 2006, we received a timely request for administrative review from Isibars Limited (“Isibars”). On February 28, 2006, timely review requests were received from Facor Steels Limited (“Facor”); Mukand Limited (“Mukand”); and Carpenter Technology Corporation, Electralloy Company, Crucible Specialty Metals, North American Stainless, Universal Stainless, and Valbruna Slater Stainless, Inc. (collectively, the “petitioners”). The petitioners requested an administrative review of the following companies because, according to the request, the petitioners believed these firms were manufacturing and/or exporting the subject merchandise to the United States: the “Viraj Group, including but necessarily limited to Viraj Alloys, Ltd., Viraj Forgings, Ltd., Viraj Impoexpo, Ltd., Viraj Smelting, Viraj Profiles, and VSL Wires, Ltd.”; Akai Asian; Atlas Stainless (“Atlas”); Bhansali Bright Bars Pvt. Ltd. (“Bhansali”); Grand Foundry, Ltd. (“Grand Foundry”); Meltroll Engineering Pvt. Ltd. (“Meltroll”); Sindia Steels Limited (“Sindia”); Snowdrop Trading Pvt. Ltd. (“Snowdrop”); and Venus Wire Industries Pvt. Ltd. (“Venus”). On April 5, 2006, in accordance with section 751(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (“the Act”), the Department initiated an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on SSB from India with respect to Akai Asian, Atlas, Bhansali, Facor, Grand Foundry, Isibars, Meltroll, Mukand, Sindia, Snowdrop, Venus, and conditionally initiated an administrative review with respect to Viraj Alloys, Ltd. (“VAL”), Viraj Impoexpo, Ltd. (“VIL”), Viraj Forgings, Ltd. (“VFL”), Viraj Smelting, Viraj Profiles, and VSL Wires, Ltd., (collectively, the “Viraj entities”). 1 *See Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Deferral of Administrative Reviews* , 71 FR 17077 (April 5, 2006) (“ *Initiation Notice* ”). In the *Initiation Notice* , the Department stated that, although the Department revoked the order in part with respect to entries of the merchandise subject to the order produced and exported by Viraj (Viraj Alloys, Ltd., Viraj Impoexpo, Ltd., Viraj Forgings, Ltd.), the Department was conditionally initiating a review with respect to Viraj Alloys, Ltd., Viraj Impoexpo, Ltd., Viraj Forgings, Ltd., Viraj Smelting, Viraj Profiles, and VSL Wires, Ltd., pending further information from the requestor as to sales of subject merchandise not covered by the revocation. 2 1 For this **Federal Register** notice, we use the terms “Viraj,” “the Viraj Group” and “the Viraj entities” interchangeably. Moreover, this notice pertains only to the Department's intent to rescind the current administrative review with respect to the Viraj entities. Therefore, this notice will not discuss developments in the administrative review with respect to Akai Asian, Atlas, Bhansali, Facor, Grand Foundry, Isibars, Meltroll, Mukand, Sindia, Snowdrop, and Venus. 2 The Department revoked the order in part, with respect to entries of merchandise subject to the order produced and exported by “Viraj,” a collapsed entity. Viraj included Viraj Alloys, Ltd.; Viraj Impoexpo, Ltd.; and Viraj Forgings, Ltd. The revocation was effective February 1, 2003. *See Stainless Steel Bar From India; Final Results, Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review in Part, and Determination to Revoke in Part* , 69 FR 55409, 55410-11 (September 14, 2004). Scope of the Order Merchandise covered by the order is shipments of SSB. SSB means articles of stainless steel in straight lengths that have been either hot-rolled, forged, turned, cold-drawn, cold-rolled or otherwise cold-finished, or ground, having a uniform solid cross section along their whole length in the shape of circles, segments of circles, ovals, rectangles (including squares), triangles, hexagons, octagons, or other convex polygons. SSB includes cold-finished SSBs that are turned or ground in straight lengths, whether produced from hot-rolled bar or from straightened and cut rod or wire, and reinforcing bars that have indentations, ribs, grooves, or other deformations produced during the rolling process. Except as specified above, the term does not include stainless steel semi-finished products, cut-to-length flat-rolled products ( *i.e.* , cut-to-length rolled products which if less than 4.75 mm in thickness have a width measuring at least 10 times the thickness, or if 4.75 mm or more in thickness having a width which exceeds 150 mm and measures at least twice the thickness), wire ( *i.e.* , cold-formed products in coils, of any uniform solid cross section along their whole length, which do not conform to the definition of flat-rolled products), and angles, shapes, and sections. The SSB subject to this order is currently classifiable under subheadings 7222.11.00.05, 7222.11.00.50, 7222.19.00.05, 7222.19.00.50, 7222.20.00.05, 7222.20.00.45, 7222.20.00.75, and 7222.30.00.00 of the *Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States* (“HTSUS”). Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, our written description of the scope of the order is dispositive. On May 23, 2005, the Department issued a final scope ruling that SSB manufactured in the United Arab Emirates out of stainless steel wire rod from India is not subject to the scope of this proceeding. *See* Memorandum to Barbara E. Tillman, Antidumping Duty Orders on Stainless Steel Bar from India and Stainless Steel Wire Rod from India: Final Scope Ruling (May 23, 2005). Post-Initiation Developments On April 6, 2006, the Department requested that, in light of the previous revocation determination, the petitioners clarify the specific producers or exporters for which they were seeking review and, for each company, whether they were requesting a review as to merchandise produced by that company, or only merchandise exported by that company. Moreover, the Department indicated that absent adequate clarification, it intended to rescind the administrative review with respect to the Viraj Group. *See* April 6, 2006, letter from Julie H. Santoboni, Program Manager, to the petitioners. On April 7, 2006, the petitioners responded to the Department's request for further information stating that they were seeking a review of any of the listed companies ( *i.e.* , the Viraj Group) in their capacity as either a producer or exporter (or both, with the exception of VAL, VIL, and VFL) of merchandise subject to the order during the POR. Furthermore, the petitioners urged the Department to seek information as to whether the named companies shipped merchandise subject to the order to the United States during the POR. The petitioners also referred to the changes in operation among the various Viraj entities that the Department recognized in pre-revocation reviews. Therefore, in light of the revocation and the petitioners' request, we determined that it was appropriate to ascertain whether there were suspended entries of merchandise subject to the order during the POR from the Viraj entities. We examined shipment data obtained from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) and placed these data on the record on May 9, 2006. *See* Memorandum to the File, “U.S. Customs and Border Protection Data,” dated May 9, 2006. Based on this information, we determined that there are no suspended entries of merchandise subject to the order involving any of the Viraj entities for the POR. *See* Memorandum from Susan Kuhbach, Office Director to Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary, “2005-2006 Administrative Review of the Antidumping Duty Order on Stainless Steel Bar from India—Rescission of Review of the Viraj Group Companies,” dated May 18, 2006. In April 2006, the Department issued a request for information from all of the respondents in this review concerning the quantity and value of the merchandise subject to the order shipped to the United States during the POR. On May 1, 2006, the Viraj entities submitted the requested quantity and value information to the Department. Intent to Partially Rescind the Administrative Review Section 751(a) of the Act instructs the Department that, when conducting administrative reviews, it is to determine the dumping margin for entries during the period. Further, according to 19 CFR 351.213(d)(3), the Department will rescind an administrative review in whole or only with respect to a particular exporter or producer if it concludes that, during the POR, there were no entries, exports, or sales of the subject merchandise, as the case may be. The Department has interpreted the statutory and regulatory language as requiring “that there be entries during the period of review upon which to assess antidumping duties.” *See Granular Polytetrafluoroethylene Resin from Japan: Notice of Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review* , 70 FR 44088, 44088 (August 1, 2005). In *Allegheny Ludlum Corp.* v. *United States* , 346 F.3d 1368 (Fed. Cir. 2003), the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld the Department's practice of rescinding annual reviews when there are no entries of subject merchandise during the POR. *See also Stainless Steel Plate in Coils from Taiwan: Final Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review* , 68 FR 63067, 63068 (November 7, 2003) (stating that “the Department's interpretation of its statute and regulations, as affirmed by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, supports not conducting an administrative review when the evidence on the record indicates that respondents had no entries of subject merchandise during the POR”). Because there were no entries of merchandise subject to the order during the POR from any of the Viraj companies named in the notice of initiation, we intend to rescind the administrative review with respect to Viraj. Thus, the statute, the regulations, previous administrative decisions, and case law all support rescission of the administrative review in this case. Therefore, the Department intends to rescind the administrative review with respect to the Viraj entities. Public Comment Interested parties may comment on the Department's notice of intent to rescind the administrative review with respect to the Viraj entities not later than 15 days after the date of publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** . Rebuttal comments, must be filed not later than 10 days after the time limit for filing the initial comments. Comments will be considered in the Department's preliminary results, which are currently due October 31, 2006. This notice is published in accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.213(d)(4). Dated: May 18, 2006. Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6-7970 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology [Docket No.: 060428114-6114-01] Request for Technical Input—Standards in Trade Workshops AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce. ACTION: Request for workshop recommendations. SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology

(NIST)invites interested parties to submit recommendations for workshops covering specific sectors and targeted countries or regions of the world where training in the U.S. system of standards development, conformity assessment, and metrology may facilitate trade. Prospective workshops will be scheduled for a one week period. This notice is not an invitation for proposals to fund grants, contracts or cooperative agreements of any kind. NIST will offer a limited number of workshops, based upon the availability of resources. Recommenders are encouraged to consider departmental priorities outlined in the 2005 National Export Strategy. NIST will consider recommendations based upon which workshops would be most useful to intended audiences. DATES: All recommendations must be submitted no later than 5 p.m., June 23, 2006. ADDRESSES: All recommendations must be submitted to Ellen Emard via e-mail ( *ellen.emard@nist.gov* ) or by mail to 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2100, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. The National Export Strategy is available at *http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/publications/* . Additional information about the NIST Standards in Trade Workshops, including schedules and summary reports for workshops held to date and participant information, is available at *http://ts.nist.gov/ts/htdocs/210/gsig/sitdescr.htm.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Emard

(301)975-4038, *ellen.emard@nist.gov* or Teresa Cronise

(301)975-4023, *teresa.cronise@nist.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Standards in Trade Workshops are a major activity of the Global Standards and Information Group in the NIST Standards Services Division (SSD). The workshops are designed to provide timely information to foreign standards officials on U.S. practices in standards and conformity assessment. Participants are introduced to U.S. technology and principles in metrology, standards development and application, and conformity assessment systems and procedures. Each workshop is a one week program offering an overview of the roles of the U.S. Government, private sector, and regional and international organizations engaged in standards development and conformity assessment practices. Specific workshop objectives are to:

(1)Familiarize participants with U.S. technology and practices in metrology, standardization, and conformity assessment;

(2)describe and understand the roles of the U.S. Government and the private sector in developing and implementing standards;

(3)understand the structure of the standards and conformity assessment systems in the invited country or countries and the role and responsibilities of organizations represented by the invitees; and

(4)develop professional contacts as a basis for strengthening technical ties and enhancing trade. Workshop recommendations (maximum 5 pages) must address at a minimum the following points, *in the order noted and labeled accordingly:* 1. Name and Description of the Recommending Person or Organization Provide the primary mailing address and a brief description of the organization, including the name, telephone number and e-mail address of the primary point of contact. 2. Industry Sector and Suggested Workshop Title Provide a description of the suggested industrial sector and focus area with a possible workshop title which captures the essence of the recommendation. Consider the goals and potential benefits. 3. Proposed Workshop Objectives Describe the intended goals to be attained and why they are important and list the specific possible workshop objectives. 4. Calendar Dates Suggested for Workshop Provide three or more suggested start dates for the workshop. The first date should be no earlier than 8 months from the publication date of this announcement. 5. Relevant NIST Organizational Link Workshop topics must be linked to NIST activities and/or research. The appropriate NIST organizational unit, laboratory or program must be identified by the recommender and the relevance of the activity to NIST must be demonstrated. If known, identify the specific NIST staff who could serve as the NIST internal point of contact. 6. Proposed Foreign Participants Provide a representative list of the foreign organizations that might participate in the workshop, including a description of their function or business and their country of incorporation or origin. 7. U.S. Stakeholder Participants (e.g., Associations, Agencies, Users, Others) Provide a representative list of other U.S.-based organizations that are likely to participate in the workshop. 8. Principal Topics Provide a list of the suggested topics for the workshop. 9. Related Site Visits and Events Workshops can include visits to relevant business sites or events. Provide a list of suggested site visit locations, events or other areas of interest and discuss the relevance of each to the overall purpose of the proposed workshop's goals. 10. Expected Outcomes/Measures of Success Include in this section a description of: a. The anticipated benefit of the workshop for trade and market access; b. The anticipated economic impacts (in dollars); c. The potential for future opportunities for collaboration and for trade as a result of the workshop; d. The measures of success; e. The desired results of the workshop and how the results will be measured. All recommendations must address each of the above ten points. Dated: May 17, 2006. Hratch G. Semerjian, Deputy Director. [FR Doc. E6-7937 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-13-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 2, notice is hereby given that the Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will meet Tuesday, June 13, from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology is composed of fifteen members appointed by the Director of NIST who are eminent in such fields as business, research, new product development, engineering, labor, education, management consulting, environment, and international relations. The purpose of this meeting is to review and make recommendations regarding general policy for the Institute, its organization, its budget, and its programs within the framework of applicable national policies as set forth by the President and the Congress. The agenda will include updates on NIST's activities, safety, strategic planning, and the NIST U.S. Measurement System project; a presentation on the vision for the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology; a presentation on the NIST reconnaissance of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita; a VCAT Panel on How to Maximize NIST Impact on U.S. Innovation; and selected laboratory tours. The agenda may change to accommodate Committee business. The final agenda will be posted on the NIST Web site at *http://www.nist.gov/director/vcat/agenda.htm.* DATES: The meeting will convene on June 13 at 8:45 a.m. and will adjourn on June 14, 2006, at 11 a.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the Employees Lounge, Administration Building, at NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland. All visitors to the NIST site will have to pre-register to be admitted. Please submit your name, time of arrival, e-mail address and phone number to Carolyn Peters no later than Thursday, June 8 and she will provide you with instructions for admittance. Mrs. Peter's e-mail address is *carolyn.peters@nist.gov* and her phone number is

(301)975-5607. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carolyn Peters, Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-1000, telephone number

(301)975-5607. Dated: May 18, 2006. William Jeffrey, Director. [FR Doc. E6-7953 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-13-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 051106A] Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Availability; request for comments. SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service

(NMFS)announces the availability for public review of the draft revised Recovery Plan

(Plan)for the western and eastern distinct population segments

(DPS)of Steller sea lion ( *Eumetopias jubatus* ). NMFS is soliciting review and comment from the public and all interested parties on the Plan, and will consider all substantive comments received during the review period before submitting the Plan for final approval. DATES: Comments on the draft Plan must be received by close of business on July 24, 2006. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Kaja Brix, Assistant Regional Administrator, Protected Resources Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, Attn: Ellen Walsh. Comments may be submitted by:

(1)E-mail: *SSLRP@noaa.gov* . include in the subject line the following document identifier: Sea Lion Recovery Plan. E-mail comments, with or without attachments, are limited to 5 megabytes;

(2)Mail: P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802;

(3)hand delivery to the Federal Building : 709 W. 9th Street, Juneau, AK; or

(4)Fax:

(907)586 7012. Interested persons may obtain the Plan for review from the above address or on-line from the NMFS Alaska Region website: *http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shane Capron, (907 271 6620), e-mail shane.capron@noaa.gov; or Kaja Brix, (907 586 7235), e-mail *kaja.brix@noaa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Recovery plans describe actions considered necessary for the conservation and recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ). The ESA requires that recovery plans incorporate

(1)Objective, measurable criteria that, when met, would result in a determination that the species is no longer threatened or endangered;

(2)site-specific management actions necessary to achieve the plan's goals; and

(3)estimates of the time required and costs to implement recovery actions. The ESA requires the development of recovery plans for listed species unless such a plan would not promote the recovery of a particular species. NMFS' goal is to restore endangered and threatened Steller sea lion ( *Eumetopias jubatus* ) populations to the point where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their ecosystems and no longer need the protections of the ESA. NMFS will consider all substantive comments and information presented during the public comment period in the course of finalizing this Recovery Plan. The Steller sea lion was listed as a threatened species under the ESA on April 5, 1990 (55 FR 12645), due to substantial declines in the western portion of the range. In contrast, the eastern portion of the range (in southeastern Alaska and Canada) was increasing at 3 percent per year. Critical habitat was designated on August 27, 1993 (58 FR 45269), based on the location of terrestrial rookery and haulout sites, spatial extent of foraging trips, and availability of prey items. In 1997, the Steller sea lion population was split into a western distinct population segment

(DPS)and an eastern DPS based on demographic and genetic dissimilarities (62 FR 30772). Due to the persistent decline, the western DPS was reclassified as endangered, while the increasing eastern DPS remained classified as threatened. Through the 1990s the western DPS continued to decline. However, the western population has shown as increase of approximately 3 percent per year between 2000 and 2004. This was the first recorded increase in the population since the 1970s. Based on recent counts, the western DPS is currently about 44,800 animals and may be increasing due to higher juvenile and adult survival. However, it remains unclear whether Steller sea lion reproduction has also improved and whether the observed 3 percent annual population growth will continue. The eastern DPS is currently between 45,000 and 51,000 animals, and has been increasing at 3 percent per year for 30 years. The first recovery plan was completed in December 1992 and covered the entire range of the threatened species. However, the recovery plan became obsolete after the split into two DPSs in 1997. Nearly all of the recovery actions contained in the plan had also been completed. NMFS assembled a new recovery team in 2001 to revise the first plan. The recovery team completed the draft revision in March 2006 and forwarded the plan to NMFS with unanimous endorsement by the 17 team members who represented the fishing industry, Alaska Natives, fishery and marine mammal scientists, and environmental organizations. The Plan contains:

(1)A comprehensive review of Steller sea lion ecology,

(2)a review of previous conservation actions,

(3)a threats assessment,

(4)biological and recovery criteria for downlisting and delisting,

(4)actions necessary for the recovery of the species (78 discrete actions for the western DPS), and

(5)estimates of time and cost to recovery. The threats assessment concludes that the following threats are relatively minor:

(1)Alaska Native subsistence harvest,

(2)illegal shooting,

(3)entanglement in marine debris,

(4)disease, and

(5)disturbance from vessel traffic and scientific research. Although much has been learned about Steller sea lions and the North Pacific ecosystem, considerable uncertainty remains about the magnitude and likelihood of the following potential threats (relative impacts in parenthesis): competition with fisheries (potentially high), environmental variability (potentially high), killer whale predation (potentially high), incidental take by fisheries (medium), and toxic substances (medium). In contrast, no threats were identified for the eastern DPS. Although several factors affecting the western DPS also affect the eastern DPS (e.g., environmental variability, killer whale predation, toxic substances, disturbance), these threats do not appear to be limiting recovery given the long term sustained growth of the population. However, concerns exist regarding global climate change and the potential for the southern part of the range (i.e., California) to be adversely affected. Future monitoring should target this southern portion of the range. The Plan identifies 78 substantive actions needed to achieve recovery of the western DPS by addressing the broad range of threats. The Plan highlights three actions (detailed below) that are especially important to the recovery program for the western DPS: 1. *Maintain current fishery conservation measures:* After a long term decline, the western DPS appears to be stabilizing. The first slowing of the decline began in the 1990s suggesting that the management measures implemented in the early 1990s may have been effective in reducing anthropogenic effects (e.g., shooting, harassment, and incidental take). The apparent population stability observed in the last 6 years is correlated with comprehensive fishery management measures implemented since the late 1990s. The current suite of management actions (or their equivalent protection) should be maintained until substantive evidence demonstrates that these measures can be reduced without limiting recovery. 2. *Design and implement an adaptive management program to evaluate fishery conservation measures:* Due to the uncertainty in how fisheries affect Steller sea lions and their habitat, and the difficulty in extrapolating from individual scientific experiments, a properly designed adaptive management program should be implemented. This type of program has the potential to assess the relative impact of commercial fisheries and to better distinguish the impacts of other threats (including killer whale predation). This program will require a robust experimental design with replication at the proper temporal and spatial scales with the appropriate levels of commercial fishing as experimental treatments. It will be a challenge to construct an adaptive management plan that meets the requirements of the ESA, is statistically sufficient, and can be implemented by the commercial fisheries. Acknowledging these hurdles, a significant effort must be made to determine the feasibility of such a program. 3. *Continue population monitoring and research on the key threats potentially impeding sea lion recovery:* Estimates of population abundance, trend, distribution, health, and essential habitat characteristics are fundamental to Steller sea lion management and recovery. Further, current information on the primary threats is insufficient to assess their impact on recovery. Focused research is needed on how these threats impact sea lion population growth and how they may be mitigated in order to facilitate recovery. In addition to studies on individual threats, the dynamics between threats needs to be better understood to assess the cumulative effects on sea lions. Criteria for reclassification of Steller sea lion are included in the Plan. In summary, the western DPS of Steller sea lion may be reclassified from endangered to threatened when all of the following have been met:

(1)Counts of non-pups in the U.S. portion of the DPS have increased for 15 years (on average);

(2)the population ecology and vital rates in the U.S. region are consistent with the observed trend;

(3)the non-pup trends in at least 5 of the 7 sub-regions are consistent with the overall U.S. trend, and the population trend in any two adjacent sub-regions can not be declining significantly; and

(4)all five listing factors are addressed. The western DPS of Steller sea lion may be delisted when all of the following conditions have been met:

(1)Counts of non-pups in the U.S. portion of the DPS have increased at an average annual rate of 3 percent for 30 years (i.e., 3 generations);

(2)the population ecology and vital rates in the U.S. region are consistent with the observed trend;

(3)the non-pup trends in at least 5 of the 7 sub-regions are consistent with the overall U.S. trend; the population trend in any two adjacent sub-regions can not be declining significantly, and the population trend in any single sub-region can not have declined by more than 50 percent; and

(4)all five listing factors are addressed. The eastern DPS of Steller sea lion may be delisted when all of the following have been met:

(1)The population has increased at an average rate of 3 percent per year for 30 years (i.e., 3 generations);

(2)the population ecology and vital rates are consistent with the observed trend; and

(4)all five listing factors are addressed. Time and cost for recovery actions are contained in the Plan. The recovery program for the western DPS will cost $93,840,000 for the first 5 fiscal years and $430,425,000 to full recovery assuming 30 years for recovery starting in 2000, and using year 5 costs as the cost for all future years. The recovery program for the eastern DPS will cost $150,000 for the first year and $1,050,000 total for 10 years of post-delisting monitoring. In accordance with the 1994 peer review policy, NMFS solicited peer review on the draft Plan. Reviews were requested from 5 scientists and managers with expertise in recovery planning, statistical analyses, fisheries, and marine mammals. The reviews of the Plan were generally favorable. In particular, the reviewers found the recovery criteria to be well reasoned and supported. In response to reviewer's comments, changes were made to the plan to clarify the recovery criteria, add delisting criteria for the western DPS, and focus priorities and actions. NMFS anticipates that many of the recommendations made by the reviewers will be addressed in an implementation and research plan which NMFS intends to develop after the Plan is finalized. Reviewers' comments and NMFS' formal response to the comments will be provided in detail in the final recovery plan. Public Comments Solicited NMFS solicits written comments on the draft Revised Recovery Plan. All substantive comments received by the date specified above will be considered prior to final approval of the Plan. NMFS seeks comments particularly in the following areas:

(1)The threats assessment;

(2)the biological and threats criteria for removing the Steller sea lion from the Federal list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants;

(3)the recovery strategy and measures; and

(4)estimates of time and cost to implement recovery actions. Authority The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ). Dated: May 18, 2006. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-7969 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. 060404095-6132-02] Northern Gulf of Mexico Cooperative Institute AGENCY: Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice; correction. SUMMARY: The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research

(OAR)published a notice in the **Federal Register** on April 10, 2006 announcing availability of funds to establish a Northern Gulf of Mexico

(NGOM)Cooperative Institute (CI). That notice contained an error in the description of how proposals on cost-sharing would be evaluated. This notice corrects the error. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. John Cortinas, 1315 East West Highway, Room 11554, Silver Spring, Md. 20910 telephone 301-713-9397 x 206. Facsimile:

(301)713-0158; e-mail: *John.Cortinas@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Correction In the **Federal Register** of April 10, 2006, in FR Volume 71, Number 68, on page 18084, the second sentence in the section on cost sharing requirements is incorrect. The sentence, “There is no minimum cost sharing requirement, however, the amount of cost sharing will be considered in determining the level of CI commitment under NOAA's standard evaluation of project costs” is corrected to read, “There is no minimum cost sharing requirement; however, the amount of cost sharing will be considered when determining the level of the CI's commitment under NOAA's standard evaluation criterion for overall qualifications of applicants.” All other requirements and information listed in the original notice remains the same. Classification Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the **Federal Register** notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389) are applicable to this solicitation. Limitation of Liability Funding for years 2-5 of the Cooperative Institute is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds. In no event will NOAA or the Department of Commerce be responsible for application preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Paperwork Reduction Act This notification involves collection of information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and SF-LLL and CD-346 has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)respectively under control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, and 0348-0046 and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. Executive Order 12866 It has been determined that this notice is not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism) It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules concerning public property, grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comments are not required pursuant to U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none has been prepared. Dated: May 17, 2006. Mark E. Brown, Chief Financial Officer, OAR, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. E6-7968 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-KD-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 051806B] Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. SUMMARY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings. DATES: The Council and its advisory entities will meet June 11-16, 2006. The Council meeting will begin on Tuesday, June 13, at 8 a.m., reconvening each day through Friday, June 16. All meetings are open to the public, except a closed session will be held from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13 to address litigation and personnel matters. The Council will meet as late as necessary each day to complete its scheduled business. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1221 Chess Drive, Foster City, CA 94404; telephone:

(650)570-5700. *Council address:* Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97220. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Donald O. McIsaac, Executive Director; telephone:

(503)820-2280. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following items are on the Council agenda, but not necessarily in this order: A. Call to Order 1. Opening Remarks and Introductions 2. Roll Call 3. Executive Director's Report 4. Approve Agenda B. Administrative Matters 1. Future Council Meeting Agenda Planning 2. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes 3. Legislative Matters 4. Fiscal Matters 5. Appointments to Advisory Bodies, Standing Committees, and Other Forum, Including any Necessary Changes to Council Operating Procedures 6. Council Three-Meeting Outlook, Draft September 2006 Council Meeting Agenda, and Workload Priorities C. Coastal Pelagic Species Management 1. Pacific Mackerel Harvest Guideline for 2006-07 Season 2. NMFS Report D. Habitat 1. Current Habitat Issues E. Highly Migratory Species Management 1. Changes to Routine Management Measures for 2007-08 Season 2. Exempted Fishing Permits for 2007-08 Season 3. Albacore Management F. Groundfish Management 1. NMFS Report 2. Tentative Adoption of 2007-08 Groundfish Fishery Specifications/Management Measures and Amendment 16-4 3. Trawl Individual Quota Analysis - Review of Stage I Document 4. Consideration of Inseason Adjustments 5. Council Clarification of Tentative Adoption of 2007-08 Groundfish Fishery Specifications/Management Measures and Amendment 16-4 (if necessary) 6. Final Adoption of 2007-08 Groundfish Fishery Specifications/Management Measures and Amendment 16-4 G. Salmon Management 1. Fishery Regulation Assessment Model 2. Fishery Management Plan Amendment 15 (de minimis fisheries) 3. Application of Genetic Stock Identification in Ocean Salmon Fisheries Schedule of Ancillary Meetings SUNDAY, June 11, 2006 Groundfish Management Team — 1 p.m. Trawl Individual Quota Committee — 1 p.m. MONDAY, June 12, 2006 Council Secretariat — 8 a.m. Groundfish Advisory Subpanel — 8 a.m. Groundfish Management Team — 8 a.m. Highly Migratory Species Advisory Subpanel — 8 a.m. Scientific and Statistical Committee — 8 a.m. Habitat Committee — 9 a.m. Budget Committee — 10:30 a.m. Legislative Committee — 1 p.m. Enforcement Consultants — 4:30 p.m. Chair's Reception — 6 p.m. TUESDAY, June 13, 2006 Council Secretariat — 7 a.m. California State Delegation — 7 a.m. Oregon State Delegation — 7 a.m. Washington State Delegation — 7 a.m. Groundfish Advisory Subpanel — 8 a.m. Groundfish Management Team — 8 a.m. Highly Migratory Species Advisory Subpanel — 8 a.m. Scientific and Statistical Committee — 8 a.m. Enforcement Consultants — As necessary WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2006 Council Secretariat — 7 a.m. California State Delegation — 7 a.m. Oregon State Delegation — 7 a.m. Washington State Delegation — 7 a.m. Groundfish Advisory Subpanel — 8 a.m. Groundfish Management Team — 8 a.m. Salmon Amendment Committee — 8 a.m. Enforcement Consultants — As necessary THURSDAY, June 15, 2006 Council Secretariat — 7 a.m. California State Delegation — 7 a.m. Oregon State Delegation — 7 a.m. Washington State Delegation — 7 a.m. Groundfish Advisory Subpanel — 8 a.m. Groundfish Management Team — 8 a.m. Salmon Advisory Subpanel — 8 a.m. Salmon Technical Team — 8 a.m. Enforcement Consultants — As necessary FRIDAY, June 16, 2006 Council Secretariat — 7 a.m. California State Delegation — 7 a.m. Oregon State Delegation — 7 a.m. Washington State Delegation — 7 a.m. Enforcement Consultants — As necessary Groundfish Advisory Subpanel — As necessary Groundfish Management Team — As necessary Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal Council action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Ms. Carolyn Porter at

(503)820-2280 at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: May 18, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-7875 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 051806D] South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. SUMMARY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a joint meeting of its Habitat and Ecosystem-based Management Committees, Snapper Grouper Committee, a joint meeting of its King and Spanish Mackerel Committee and Advisory Panel, King and Spanish Mackerel Committee, Scientific and Statistical Selection Committee (CLOSED SESSION), Joint Executive/Finance Committees, Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Committee and a meeting of the full Council. In addition, the Council will hold a public input session. DATES: The meetings will be held on June 12-16, 2006. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for specific dates and times. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at the Wyndham Grand Bay Hotel, 2669 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; telephone: (1-800) 996-3426 or

(305)858-9600, fax:

(305)859-2026. *Council address* : South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, One Southpark Circle, Suite 306, Charleston, SC 29407- 4699. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer; telephone:

(843)571-4366 or toll free at

(866)SAFMC-10; fax:

(843)769-4520; e-mail: *kim.iverson@safmc.net* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Meeting Dates 1. Joint Habitat and Ecosystem-Based Management Committees Meeting: June 12, 2006, 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. and June 13, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon. The Habitat and Ecosystem-Based Management Committees will receive results and recommendations from a joint meeting of the Habitat and Coral Advisory Panels, receive a report regarding the status of the Fishery Ecosystem Plan

(FEP)development, and an overview of items for consideration in the FEP Comprehensive Amendment. The Committees will develop recommendations for the FEP and the FEP Comprehensive Amendment. 2. Snapper Grouper Committee Meeting: June 13, 2006, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and June 14, 2006, 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon The Snapper Grouper Committee will receive an overview of Amendment 14 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan

(FMP)and recommendations from the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). Amendment 14 addresses the use of marine protected areas for deepwater snapper grouper species. The Committee will discuss highly migratory species considerations associated with the amendment and then develop recommendations to the Council for Amendment 14. The Committee will also receive an overview and SSC recommendations for Amendment 15 to the Snapper Grouper FMP. Amendment 15 addresses rebuilding schedules for snowy grouper, golden tilefish, black sea bass, and red porgy; recreational sale; permit issues (incorporation and 60-day renewal), size limits for queen triggerfish, and fishing year changes for golden tilefish. After discussing the biological opinion for the snapper grouper fishery, the Committee will make recommendations to the Council regarding Amendment 15. The Committee will receive additional presentations from the SSC regarding cooperative research and data collection, a red porgy SEDAR update, data collection recommendations for species like snowy grouper; and presentations from NMFS on landings, the status of Amendment 13C addressing overfishing, and quota monitoring. The Committee will develop recommendations for the Council following the SSC and NMFS presentations. *June 13, 2006, 4:30 p.m.* - The Council will hold a Public Input Session. Members of the public are invited to address the Council on items listed on the agenda or any other fishery issue that falls under the jurisdiction of the Council. 3. Joint Mackerel Committee and Advisory Panel

(AP)Meeting: June 14, 2006, 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The Mackerel Committee and AP will receive a report from the SSC on king mackerel stock identification and an overview from Council staff of framework actions that will meet management requirements. The AP will provide input and recommendations to the Committee. 4. Mackerel Committee Meeting: June 15, 2006, 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The Mackerel Committee will meet to develop recommendations on items for framework action or to include in the FEP Comprehensive Amendment. 5. Joint Executive Finance Committee Meeting: June 15, 2006, 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon The Committees will receive an update on Calendar Year 2006 budget, activities schedule, FMP timelines, and the status of the President's Fiscal Year 2007 budget. The Committees will then review and approve the Regional Operations Agreement for the Council/ NMFS Southeast Regional Office teams responsible for drafting management documents. 6. SEDAR Committee Meeting: June 15, 2006, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. The SEDAR Committee will receive an SSC briefing on the Research and Monitoring Report and receive a report on SEDAR Steering Committee meeting. The Committee will provide input on future species to be assessed through the SEDAR process and provide recommendations for the Council. 7. SSC Selection Committee Meeting: June 15, 2006, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Closed Session) The SSC Selection Committee will meet to review applications and develop recommendations for the Council on the appointment of members to the SSC. 8. Council Session: June 15, 2006, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and June 16, 2006, 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon *From 4 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.* , the Council will call the meeting to order, adopt the agenda, and approve the February/March 2006 meeting minutes. *From 4:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.* , the Council will receive a report on the SSC meetings. *From 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.* , the Council will receive a joint Habitat and Ecosystem-based Management Committees report and take action as appropriate. *From 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.* , the Council will hear a report from the Snapper Grouper Committee and take action as appropriate. *From 5:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.* , the Council will take final action on the Georgia Aquarium's Experimental Fishing Permit. *From 5:45 p.m. - 6 p.m.* , the Council will hear a report from the SSC Selection Committee and take action as appropriate. Council Session: June 16, 2006, 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon. *From 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.* , the Council will receive a report from the Mackerel Committee and take action as appropriate. *From 9 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.* , the Council will receive a report from the Joint Executive/Finance Committees and take action as appropriate. *From 9:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.* , the Council will receive a report from the SEDAR Committee and take action as appropriate. *From 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.* , the Council will receive an update on spiny lobster management. *From 9:45 a.m. - 12 noon* , the Council will receive a report on the Council Chairmen's/NMFS meetings and receive status reports from NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Regional Office, NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Fisheries Science Center, agency and liaison reports, and discuss other business including upcoming meetings. Documents regarding these issues are available from the Council office (see ADDRESSES ). Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subjects of formal Council action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305

(c)of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency. Except for advertised (scheduled) public hearings and public comment, the times and sequence specified on this agenda are subject to change. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office (see ADDRESSES ) by June 8, 2006. Dated: May 18, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-7876 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 051706E] Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings and hearings. SUMMARY: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 133rd meeting to consider and take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region. DATES: The 133rd Council meeting and public hearings will be held on June 12 - 15, 2006. For specific times and the agenda, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION . ADDRESSES: The 133rd Council meeting and public hearings will be held at the Utulei Convention Center, Utulei, American Samoa; telephone:

(684)633-5155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director; telephone:

(808)522-8220. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In addition to the agenda items listed here, the Council will hear recommendations from other Council advisory groups. Public comment periods will be provided throughout the agenda. The order in which agenda items are addressed may change. The Council will meet as late as necessary to complete scheduled business. Schedule and Agenda for Council Standing Committee Meetings Monday, June 12, 2006 Standing Committee 1. *8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.* -Enforcement/Vessel Monitoring System Standing Committee 2. *9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.* -Pelagics &International Standing Commmittee 3. *12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.* -Bottomfish Standing Committee 4. *2 p.m. - 4 p.m.* -Ecosystems & Habitat Standing Committee 5. *4 p.m. - 6 p.m.* -Program Planning, Executive, and Budget Standing Committee The agenda during the full Council meeting will include the items listed here. Schedule and Agenda for Council Meeting 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 13, 2006 1. Samoan Opening 2. Greetings from the Governor 3. Presentation to American Samoa Poster Winners 4. Introductions 5. Approval of Agenda 6. Approval of 131st and 132nd Meeting Minutes 7. Island Agency Administration, Program and Enforcement Reports A. American Samoa B. Guam C. Hawaii D. Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands 8. Agency Reports A. National Marine Fisheries Service 1. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 2. Pacific Islands Regional Office B. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) C. NOAA General Counsel Report D. Department of State E. NOAA Sanctuary Program Update 1. Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary 2. Proposed American Samoa Marine Laboratory 9. American Samoa Advisory Panel Report 10. Enforcement/vessel monitoring systems A. United States Coast Guard Report B. National Marine Fisheries Service Office for Law Enforcement Report C. Status of Violations D. Standing Committee Recommendations Guest Speaker 11. Fishery Rights of Indigenous People A. American Samoa Village-based Marine Protected Areas Program B. Ahupuaa Conference Planning C. Update on Marine Conservation Plans D. Status of Community Demonstration Project Program and Community Development Program 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, 2006 12. Pelagic and International Fishery Issues A. Local Small-Boat Fisheries 1. Commercial Fisheries 2. Recreational Fisheries B. Small Boat Longline Area Closure C. Bigeye and Yellowfin Overfishing Measures (ACTION ITEM) D. Options for Swordfish Seasonal Closure (ACTION ITEM) E. American Samoa Tuna Cannery Issues F. American Samoa Longline Limited Entry Update G. American Samoa & Hawaii Longline Reports H. Bycatch 1. Shark Bycatch in Longline Fisheries 2. Side-setting to Avoid Seabirds I. International Fisheries 1. International Scientific Committee 2. Secretariat of the Pacific Community Heads of Fisheries Meeting 3. Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Annual Meeting 4. Western and Central Pacific Fishery Commission Scientific Committee Meeting 5. Council South Pacific Albacore Workshop J. Recreational Fisheries Data Task Force Report K. Plan Team Recommendations L. Scientific and Statistical Committee Recommendations M. Standing Committee Recommendations N. Public Hearing 13. Protected Species Issues A. Local Protected Species Programs B. Native Observer Program Report C. Scientific and Statistical Committee Recommendations 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday, June 15, 2006 14. Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Issues A. American Samoa Bottomfish Fishery Review B. Report on Hawaii Monitoring and Research Plan C. Update on Bottomfish Stock Assessment D. Plan Team Recommendations E. Scientific and Statistical Committee Recommendations F. Standing Committee Recommendations 15. Ecosystems and Habitat Issues A. American Samoa Coral Reef Fisheries Report B. American Samoa Coral Reef Conservation Grants C. American Samoa Rapid Assessment Monitoring Program D. Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Fishery Regulations (ACTION ITEM) E. Update on Fishery Ecosystem Plans and Projects F. Plan Team Recommendations G. Scientific and Statistical Committee Recommendations H. Standing Committee Recommendations I. Public Hearing 16. Program Planning A. Update on Legislation and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Reauthorization B. Update on Fishery Management Actions C. Education and Outreach Report D. Update on Disaster Relief 1. 2003 Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands Disaster Relief Requests 2. Update on Hawaii Disaster Relief Program E. Standing Committee Recommendations 17. Administrative Matters and Budget A. Financial Reports B. Administrative Reports C. Meetings and Workshops D. Council Family Changes E. Standing Committee Recommendations 18. Other Business A. Next Meeting BACKGROUND INFORMATION: 1. Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna Overfishing Measures(ACTION ITEM) In response to the identification of overfishing by the Secretary of Commerce, at its 126th meeting held March 14-17, 2005 in Honolulu the Council reviewed a background document on Pacific bigeye fisheries, listened to public comments and took initial action to direct its staff to continue its development of Amendment 14 to the Pelagics Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This amendment contains comprehensive background information and analyses as well as recommendations for international management and a range of alternatives for the management of domestic fisheries. Following extensive review by the Council's Pelagics Plan Team, Science and Statistical Committee and Advisory Panels, as well as public comment solicited at meetings through out Hawaii, the Council took final action in June 2005 to recommend a suite of non-regulatory measures for the international management of fisheries which harvest bigeye tuna. The Council also reviewed and recommended a range of regulatory and non-regulatory measures for fisheries managed under the Pelagics FMP. Subsequently, in August 2005, the Scientific Committee of the Western and Central Pacific Fishery Commission reviewed stock assessments for tuna species and found that yellowfin was likely being subjected to overfishing. Consequently, at its 129th Council meeting, the Council recommended applying to fishing for yellowfin tuna the same management measures recommended by the Council for bigeye tuna. Reviews received from NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office and the NOAA Office of General Counsel on these actions have now indicated that the Council must address the following three outstanding issues: 1. The amendment objectives need to be quantified where possible. 2. The recommendations need to be grouped as alternatives. 3. A recommendation regarding the management of purse seine vessel targeting of bigeye tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean needs to be included. The Council will consider and take action on these issues at its 133rd meeting. 2. Options for Swordfish Seasonal Closure (ACTION ITEM) Management of the swordfish segment of the Hawaii-based longline fishery is based on limiting interactions with loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles, and on limits to the number of sets that the fishery may make in a given year. The fishery operates under 'hard' limits on the number of loggerhead

(17)and leatherback

(16)interactions. In 2006, the Hawaii-based swordfish fishery reached its 'hard' limit of 17 loggerhead turtle interactions compared to 12 interactions in 2005. There were only 2 leatherback interactions in 2006 compared to 8 interactions in 2005. Oceanographic data suggests that in 2006 the ocean habitat used by loggerheads was reduced, increasing loggerhead densities and the likelihood of interactions with the fishery. Current regulations provide for a seven day period to shut down the swordfish fishery following reaching of a turtle limit. However, there is a danger that continued fishing might catch additional turtles in this seven day closure period. The swordfish fishery was closed by emergency rule in 2006. Because this emergency rule is effective for 180 days (and may be extended for another 180 days), it is unlikely to be in effect for the 2007 fishing season. The Council will therefore consider changes to the Pelagics FMP that would allow immediate closure of the fishery when either of the turtle limits are reached. Subsequently, the Pelagics Plan Team recommended in its May 2006 meeting that the Council also consider methods to smooth the adverse markets effect of these closures. These include consideration of an interim trigger level of turtle takes by the Hawaii swordfish longline fishery that might be used to establish a short term (1-4 week) temporary closures, to prevent the fishery reaching its limits prematurely. The Council may, therefore, take action at this meeting to amend the Pelagics Fishery Management Plan to modify the current swordfish longline fishery closure mechanism. The Council will also consider these measures at its 133rd meeting. 3. NWHI Fishing Regulations (ACTION ITEM) On January 18, 2006, the Council was informed by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, that NOAA is developing alternatives in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

(NWHI)National Marine Sanctuary that would enable the Council to continue to recommend management measures to limit bottomfish and pelagic fisheries through regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), consistent with the goals and objectives of the proposed sanctuary. In response to this notice, the Council, relying on guidance provided by NOAA, took initial action at its 131st meeting held March 13-16, 2006 and recommended that limited commercial bottomfish and non-longline pelagic fishing be allowed to continue in Federal waters of the proposed NWHI National Marine under the following permit and catch limits: 1. Limited-entry NWHI bottomfish permits be capped at 14, with 7 permits for the Ho'omalu Zone and 7 permits for the Mau Zone (the two Community Development Program permits for indigenous use to be included in the latter and issued as previously recommended by the Council); 2. The annual bottomfish catch be limited to 381,500 lbs (85% of MSY); 3. Non-longline commercial pelagic fishing permits be capped at three (3); and 4. The annual commercial pelagic catch by the non-longline pelagic fishery and the limited-entry bottomfish fishery be limited to 180,000 lbs. Subsequently, seven outstanding issues related to these action were identified which require further Council consideration. These issues are:

(1)The design of a limited entry program for non-longline pelagic fishing;

(2)the designation of a fishing year(s) to be used for the monitoring of the fishing catch limits

(3)appropriate compensation for displaced or negatively impacted individuals;

(4)the importance and role of the NOAA weather buoy #1 to sanctuary resources as well as to pelagic fishing;

(5)the accuracy of the data used by NOAA to calculate the annual pelagic catch limit of 180,000 pounds;(6) whether all fishing for a given species group should be prohibited following closure of a commercial fishery; and

(7)the role of the Council in the formulation of NOAA's future NWHI ecosystem management plans. The Council may therefore, consider actions to address these outstanding issues at its 133rd meeting. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds,

(808)522-8220 (voice) or (808)522-8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C.1801 *et seq.* Dated: May 18, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-7877 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. 060516133-6133-01] The Preliminary Report of the NOAA Science Advisory Board, Hurricane Intensity Research Working Group, External Review of NOAA's Hurricane Intensity Research and Development Enterprise AGENCY: Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice of availability and request for public comment. SUMMARY: NOAA Research

(OAR)publishes this notice on behalf of the NOAA Science Advisory Board

(SAB)to announce the availability of the preliminary report of the SAB Hurricane Intensity Research Working Group (here called the HIRWG) external review of NOAA's Hurricane Intensity Research and Development Enterprise for public comment. The preliminary report of the HIRWG has been prepared pursuant to the request from the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to the SAB to conduct an external review of NOAA's Hurricane Intensity research and development enterprise. DATES: Comments on this preliminary report must be submitted by 5 p.m. EDT on June 23, 2006. ADDRESSES: The Preliminary Report of the HIRWG will be available on the NOAA Science Advisory Board Web site at *http://www.sab.noaa.gov/reports/SAB_HIRWG_0506.pdf* . The public is encouraged to submit comments electronically to *noaa.sab.comments2@noaa.gov* . For individuals who do not have access to a computer, comments may be submitted in writing to: NOAA Science Advisory Board

(SAB)c/o Dr. Cynthia Decker, Silver Spring Metro Center Bldg 3 Room 11117, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Cynthia Decker, Executive Director, Science Advisory Board, NOAA, Rm. 11117, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. (Phone: 301-713-9121, Fax: 301-713-3515, E-mail: *Cynthia.Decker@noaa.gov* ) during normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, or visit the NOAA SAB Web site at *http://www.sab.noaa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The preliminary report of the HIRWG has been drafted pursuant to the request from the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to the SAB to conduct an external review of NOAA's hurricane intensity research and development enterprise. This review addresses questions and draft recommendations regarding the appropriateness of the mix of scientific activities conducted and/or sponsored by NOAA to its mission and on the organization of NOAA hurricane intensity research and development enterprise. The report recommends that NOAA strengthen its efforts to develop numerical models which incorporate essential physics and have sufficient resolution to resolve hurricane structure. The essential physics includes full representation of clouds and a much improved representation of the exchanges of heat, moisture, and momentum at the atmosphere-ocean surface. Development of these representations will require extensive analysis of data from carefully planned field studies using both traditional airborne and ground-based observing systems and novel observing platforms such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The SAB is chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and is the only Federal Advisory Committee with the responsibility to advise the Under Secretary on long- and short-term strategies for research, education, and application of science to resource management and environmental assessment and prediction. NOAA welcomes all comments on the content of the preliminary report. We also request comments on any inconsistencies perceived within the report, and possible omissions of important topics or issues. This preliminary report is being issued for comment only and is not intended for interim use. For any shortcoming noted within the preliminary report, please propose specific remedies. Suggested changes will be incorporated where appropriate, and a final report will be posted on the SAB Web site. Please follow these instructions for preparing and submitting comments. Using the format guidance described below will facilitate the processing of comments and assure that all comments are appropriately considered. Please provide background information about yourself on the first page of your comments: Your name(s), organization(s), area(s) of expertise, mailing address(es), telephone and fax numbers, e-mail address(es). Overview comments on the section should follow your background information and should be numbered. Comments that are specific to particular pages, paragraphs or lines of the section should follow any overview comments and should identify the page numbers to which they apply. Please number all pages and place your name at the top of each page. Dated: May 18, 2006. Mark E. Brown, Chief Financial Officer / Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. E6-7966 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-KD-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Meeting of the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee AGENCY: Department of Defense, Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee. ACTION: Notice of closed meeting. SUMMARY: The Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee will meet in closed session at the Pentagon on June 15, 2006 from 0900 to 1830 and June 16, 2006 from 0830 to 1430. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy with independent, informed advice on major matters of defense policy. The Board will hold classified discussions on national security matters. In accordance with section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law No. 92-463, as amended [5 U.S.C. App II (1982)], it has been determined that this meeting concerns matters listed in 5 U.S.C. 552B(c)(1) (1982), and that accordingly this meeting will be closed to the public. C.R. Choate, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 06-4808 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am]

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