Notices. Notice

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BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration (A-533-810) Stainless Steel Bar from India: Notice of Initiation of Antidumping Duty New Shipper Review AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce has received a request for a new shipper review of the antidumping duty order on stainless steel bar from India. In accordance with section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, and 19 CFR 351.214(d), we are initiating an antidumping new shipper review of Ambica Steels Limited.

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 26, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Holland or Brandon Farlander, 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)482-0179 or

(202)482-0182, respectively. 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 form Brazil, India and Japan* , 60 FR 9661 (February 21, 1995). On August 31, 2006, the Department received a timely request from Ambica Steels Limited (“Ambica”), for a new shipper review of the antidumping duty order on SSB from India, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.214(c). The Department also received a timely request for a new shipper review from D.H. Exports Pvt., Ltd. (“DHX”) on August 31, 2006. However, this request did not contain documentation establishing: the date on which DHX first shipped the subject merchandise for export to the United States; the date on which subject merchandise entered the United States; or the volume of the shipment. On September 1, 2006, the Department received an amended request from DHX that contained shipment documentation, however, no documentation establishing the date of first entry into the United States was provided. This order has a February anniversary month and an August semiannual anniversary month. Initiation of Review Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.214(b)(2)(i) and (iii)(A), Ambica certified in its request that it did not export the subject merchandise to the United States during the period of investigation (“POI”) and that it is not now and never has been affiliated with any exporter or producer who exported the subject merchandise to the United States during the POI ( *i.e.* , July 1, 1993, through December 31, 1993). Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.214(b)(2)(iv), Ambica also submitted documentation establishing the date on which its stainless steel bar was first shipped for export to the United States, the volume of that shipment, and the date of the first sale to an unaffiliated customer in the United States. Therefore, in accordance with section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (“the Act”), and 19 CFR 351.214(d), we are initiating a new shipper review of the antidumping duty order on stainless steel bar from India. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.214(g)(1)(i)(B), the standard period of review (“POR”) in a new shipper review based on the semiannual anniversary month is the six-month period immediately preceding the semiannual anniversary month, *i.e.* , for the instant review, February 1 through July 31, 2006. In accordance with 19 CFR 351.214(i), we intend to issue the preliminary results of this review not later than 180 days after the date on which the review is initiated. All provisions of 19 CFR 351.214 will apply to Ambica throughout the duration of this new shipper review, except for 351.214(e), which allows a new shipper to post a single entry bond or other types of securities in lieu of a cash deposit. See the “Cash Deposit Requirements” section below. In its August 31, 2006, new shipper request, DHX certified that it did not export the subject merchandise to the United States during the POI and that it is not now and never has been affiliated with any exporter or producer who exported the subject merchandise to the United States during the POI pursuant to 19 CFR 351.214(b)(2)(i) and (iii)(A). However, the request did not submit documentation establishing the date on which its stainless steel bar was first shipped for export to the United States, the volume of that shipment, and the date of the first sale to an unaffiliated customer in the United States in accordance with 19 CFR 351.214(b)(2)(iv). Therefore, we are not initiating a new shipper review of DHX for the semiannual review period February 1, 2006, through July 31, 2006, because its initial August 31, 2006, request did not meet the Department's regulatory requirements by the semiannual anniversary month deadline ( *i.e.* , August 31, 2006). However, the Department will treat DHX's September 1, 2006, request as a “new” request to be considered for the next new shipper initiation deadline ( *i.e.* , February 28, 2007) for the annual anniversary period of February 1, 2006, through January 21, 2007. The Department will send a letter to DHX requesting additional documentation establishing entry date and/or shipment date to support its September filing. Cash Deposit Requirements Pursuant to Section 1632 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (H.R. 4), which was signed into law on August 17, 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) is no longer allowing collection of bonds or other types of securities in lieu of a cash deposit for new shippers for each entry of subject merchandise during the period April 1, 2006, through June 30, 2009, except for goods from Canada and Mexico. Therefore, CBP must collect a cash deposit of estimated antidumping duties on each entry of subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption. We note that the Department transmitted to CBP a set of instructions concerning this provision of the law where cash deposits are now required for all new shippers of the subject merchandise. The instructions can viewed on the Import Administration Web site, (http://ia.ita.doc.gov/download/customs/suspension-of-bonding-privilege-for-new-shippers.pdf). Interested parties may submit applications for disclosure of business proprietary information under administrative protective order in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305 and 351.306. This initiation and notice are in accordance with section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.214(d). Dated: September 20, 2006. Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6-15739 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Economic Performance in the Commercial Stone Crab and Lobster Fisheries in Florida AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before November 27, 2006. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dHynek@doc.gov* ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Jim Waters,

(252)728-8710 or *Jim.Waters@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to collect socio-economic data from commercial fishermen in Florida's stone crab and lobster fisheries. The survey intends to collect economic information about revenues, variable and fixed costs, capital investment and other auxiliary and demographic information. The data gathered will be used to describe economic performance and to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of future Federal regulatory actions. The information will improve fishery management decision making and satisfy legal requirements under Executive Order 12866, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (U.S.C. 1801, *et seq.* ), the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and other pertinent statutes. II. Method of Collection The Southeast Fisheries Science Center plans to conduct approximately 150-175 voluntary, in-person interviews from approximately 1,000 commercial stone crab and lobster fishermen who do not live in the Florida Keys. A stratified random sampling strategy will be employed, with strata defined by county. III. Data *OMB Number:* None. *Form Number:* None. *Type of Review:* Regular submission. *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit organizations. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 175. *Estimated Time Per Response:* 1 hour. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 175. *Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public:* $0. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: September 21, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-15733 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee AGENCY: National Ocean Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice requesting nominations for the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce is seeking nominations for membership on the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (Committee). The Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee was established to advise the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior in implementing Section 4 of Executive Order 13158, specifically on strategies and priorities for developing the national system of marine protected areas

(MPAs)and on practical approaches to further enhance and expand protection of new and existing MPAs. Nominations are sought for highly qualified non-Federal scientists, resource managers, and people representing other interests or organizations involved with or affected by marine conservation including in the Great Lakes. Fifteen members of the Committee have terms that expire October 31, 2007, and nominations are sought to fill these vacancies. Individuals seeking membership on the Committee should possess demonstrable expertise in a related field or represent a stakeholder interest affected by MPAs. Nominees also will be evaluated based on the following factors: Marine policy experience, leadership and organization skills, region of country represented, and diversity characteristics. The membership reflects the Departments' commitment to attaining balance and diversity. The full text of the Committee Charter and its current membership can be viewed at the Agency's Web page at *http://mpa.gov/fac.html.* DATES: Nominations must be postmarked on or before November 1, 2006. ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Lauren Wenzel, National Marine Protected Areas Center, NOAA, 1305 East West Highway, Station #12227, Silver Spring, MD 20910. E-mail: *Lauren.Wenzel@noaa.gov.* E-mail nominations are acceptable. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lauren Wenzel, National Marine Protected Areas Center

(301)713-3100 x136, *Lauren.Wenzel@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In Executive Order 13158, the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior were directed to seek the expert advice and recommendations of non-Federal scientists, resource managers, and other interested people and organizations through a Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee. The Committee was established in June 2003 and includes 30 members. The Committee meets at least once annually. Committee members serve for one four-year nonrenewable term. Members of the Committee will not be compensated, but may, upon request, be allowed travel and per diem expenses. Each nomination submission should include the proposed Committee member's name and organizational affiliation, a cover letter describing the nominee's qualifications and interest in serving on the Committee, a curriculum vitae or resume of nominee, and no more than three supporting letters describing the nominee's qualifications and interest in serving on the Committee. Self-nominations are acceptable. The following contact information should accompany each submission: The nominee's name, address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address if available. Dated: September 20, 2006. Mitchell A. Luxenberg, Deputy Director, Management and Budget, National Ocean Service. [FR Doc. E6-15759 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-08-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 082106A] Notice of Availability of a Final Record of Decision on the Issuance of Permits AGENCIES: Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Interior; National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability of Final Record of Decision and issuance of permits. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services) announce the availability of a Final Record of Decision on the issuance of incidental take permits to the state of Washington under section 10 of the Endangered Species Act for the Washington Forest Practices Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The two incidental take permits (one from each of the Services) authorize incidental take of aquatic species (16 listed fish species, 54 unlisted fish species, and 7 unlisted amphibian species) from covered forest practices implemented under the HCP. These forest practices affect approximately 9 million acres of non-Federal and non-tribal lands in Washington State. The permits were issued on June 5, 2006, and will remain in effect for 50 years. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, or to receive copies of the documents, please contact Sally Butts, Project Manager, FWS,

(360)753-5832; or Laura Hamilton, Project Manager, NMFS,

(360)753-5820. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice advises the public that the Services gathered the information necessary to;

(1)determine impacts and formulate alternatives for the EIS related to the issuance of incidental take permits to the state of Washington; and

(2)develop and implement the HCP, which describes the measures to minimize and mitigate the effects of the incidental take of federally listed species to the maximum extent practicable. The notice of availability for the draft EIS, draft Forest Practices HCP, and draft Implementing Agreement was published in the **Federal Register** on February 11, 2005 (70 FR 7245), and the notice of availability for the Final EIS, Final Forest Practices HCP, and Implementing Agreement was published in the **Federal Register** on January 27, 2006 (71 FR 4609). Copies of the Record of Decision, which was signed on June 5, 2006, are available from the Services. (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT for contact information). Dated: September 19, 2006. David Wesley, Deputy Regional Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Portland, Oregon Dated: September 19, 2006. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-15761 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-S and 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 092006A] Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; proposal to conduct experimental fishing; request for comments. SUMMARY: The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject exempted fishing permit

(EFP)application submitted by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute

(GMRI)contains all the required information and warrants further consideration. The Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan

(FMP)and the Northeast Multispecies FMP. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Regional Administrator proposes to issue an EFP that would allow general category scallop vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the northeastern United States. The EFP would exempt vessels from certain gear restrictions, minimum fish size possession restrictions, and seasonal area restrictions. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 11, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted by any of the following methods: Mail: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope, “Comments on Scallop RSA EFP Proposal;” Email: *06-SCA-011@noaa.gov* , include “Comment on EFP Proposal” in the subject line of the e-mail; or Fax:

(978)281-9135. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ryan Silva, Fishery Management Specialist, phone: 978-281-9326, fax: 978-281-9135. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In response to the Request for Proposals issued to solicit research proposals under the Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set Aside

(RSA)Program, GMRI submitted a proposal on November 18, 2005, entitled, “Testing Bycatch in an Observer-based Experimental Scallop Fishery Outside the Gulf of Maine

(GOM)Scallop Dredge Exemption Area and within Statistical Area 521 and 526.” The grant was approved on August 4, 2006, as NOAA Award No. NA06NMF4540262. An EFP application was submitted September 7, 2006. The project would survey the Great South Channel Dredge Exemption Area

(GSC)over a 10-month period to quantify catch rates of scallops and finfish bycatch across multiple seasons using the general category regulated 3.2 m (10.5-ft) scallop dredge. From March through June, project investigators would identify the sex and maturity stage of captured yellowtail flounder to improve spawning data. Since portions of the GSC are closed seasonally to protect spawning yellowtail flounder, vessels would require an exemption from regulations at 50 CFR 648.80(a)(18)(ii)(C) and (D). Vessels would conduct a total of 264 tows over 66 days in the study area. Each trip would be 1 day in length. Approximately four 30-minute tows would be made per day. Tow length and vessel speed, as well as all other gear characteristics, would match the standards employed by the general category fleet. For each tow, environmental data, including water temperature, wind, sea state, and weather, would be recorded. Total weight of the scallop catch would be obtained. All other species would be identified, weighed, measured, and returned to the sea as quickly as possible to minimize mortality. Since project investigators would retain fish below the minimum fish size to collect data, vessels would require exemption from minimum fish size regulations at § 648.83(a). Only marketable scallops would be retained for sale. On approximately one third of the total number of tows, vessels would cover the 25-cm (10-inch) mesh twine top to collect dredge selectivity information, thus requiring exemption from gear requirements at § 648.51(b)(2). Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs. The applicant may place requests for minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and minimal so as not to change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* Dated: September 20, 2006. James P. Burgess, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-15685 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Ocean Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the next meeting of the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (Committee) in Newport, Oregon. DATES: The meeting will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2006, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, October 12, 2006, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These times and the agenda topics described below may be subject to change. Refer to the Web page listed below for the most up-to-date meeting agenda. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport, Oregon 97365. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lauren Wenzel, Designated Federal Official, MPA FAC, National Marine Protected Areas Center, 1305 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. (Phone: 301-713-3100 x136, Fax: 301-713-3110); e-mail: *lauren.wenzel@noaa.gov* ; or visit the National MPA Center Web site at *http://www.mpa.gov* ). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee, composed of external, knowledgeable representatives of stakeholder groups, was established by the Department of Commerce to provide advice to the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior on implementation of Section 4 of Executive Order 13158 on MPAs. The meeting will be open to public participation with a one hour time period set aside from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, and one hour set aside from 8:10 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2006, for the Committee to receive verbal comments or questions from the public. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of five

(5)minutes. Copies of written statements should be submitted to the Designated Federal Official by October 6, 2006. *Matters To Be Considered:* On Tuesday, October 10, 2006, the Committee will receive presentations on the draft Framework for Developing a National System of MPAs and on ocean zoning. In addition, the subcommittees will meet. On Wednesday, October 11, 2006, the Committee will hear from speakers on MPAs in Oregon and tribal MPA policies in the Pacific Northwest. The subcommittees will also continue their work. On Thursday, October 12, 2006, the Committee will hear about MPA management on the Pacific coast, and the subcommittees will report on their work to the full Committee. The agenda is subject to change, and the latest version will be posted at *http://www.mpa.gov.* Dated: September 20, 2006. Mitchell A. Luxenberg, Deputy Director, Management and Budget, National Ocean Service. [FR Doc. E6-15760 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-08-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 091906C] Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. SUMMARY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Committee, its Advisors, and the Amendment 10 Fishery Management Action Team

(FMAT)will hold a public meeting. DATES: The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2006, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for meeting agenda. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Montauk Yacht Club Resort and Marina, 32 Star Island Road, Montauk, NY 11954, telephone:

(888)692-8668. *Council address* : Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 300 S. New Street, Dover, DE 19904, telephone:

(302)674-2331. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel T. Furlong, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; telephone:

(302)674-2331, extension 19. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of this meeting is to discuss management measures necessary to rebuild the overfished butterfish stock including bycatch reduction measures in the Loligo fishery. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to M. Jan Saunders

(RSA)Committee; its Protected Resources Committee; its Law Enforcement Committee; and, its Executive Committee will hold public meetings. DATES: The meetings will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 through Thursday, October 12, 2006. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for a meeting agenda. ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held at The Hilton Garden Inn, 5353 North Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949; telephone:

(252)261-1290. *Council address* : Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 300 S. New Street, Dover, DE 19904, telephone:

(302)674-2331. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel T. Furlong, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; telephone:

(302)674-2331, extension 19. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 *1 p.m. until 3 p.m.* -The Research Set-Aside Committee will meet to review, discuss and establish RSA priorities for 2008, receive an update from NMFS on program administrative changes, discuss status of projects and additional project requirements. *3 p.m. until 4 p.m.* -The Protected Resources Committee will meet to address issues regarding Atlantic Trawl Fisheries Take Reduction Team initiatives and potential impacts on Council managed species. *4 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.* -The Law Enforcement Committee will meet to review Fishery Achievement Award

(FAA)nominations and recommend recipients for recognition. Wednesday, October 11, 2006 *8:30 a.m* .-The Council will convene for the swearing-in of new and reappointed Council members, and the elections of a Chairman and Vice Chairman for the Council. Following the elections, the Council will receive a presentation by New England Council staff regarding its Marine Protected Areas (MPA), Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC), Essential Fish Habitat

(EFH)activities and their potential impacts on Mid-Atlantic Council constituents and jurisdiction. *10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.* -The Council will review alternatives for Framework 1 to the Surfclam/Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan

(FMP)regarding adoption of Vessel Monitoring Systems

(VMS)and electronic reporting by clam industry. *12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m.* -The Council will approve its August 2006 Council meeting minutes, review actions from the August Council meeting, and receive various reports provided to the Council during its regular business session. *3 p.m.* -The Council will review and adopt the public hearing document for Amendment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass FMP regarding scup rebuilding. Thursday, October 12, 2006 *8 a.m. until 9 a.m.* -The Executive Committee will meet to review the 2007 Annual Work Plan. *9 a.m.* -The Council will convene to review Amendment 15 to the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass FMP and refine the list of potential actions to be included in this Amendment. *1 p.m. until 5 p.m.* -The Council will receive a presentation from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center on the state of the Atlantic marine environment and fish growth rates of various Council stocks, review and approve the public hearing document for the Omnibus Amendment to Council's FMPs regarding Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology (SBRM), and address any continuing or new business. Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before the Council and its Committees for discussion, these issues may not be the subject of formal Council or Committee action during this meeting. Council and Committee 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 actions to address such emergencies. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to M. Jan Saunders at

(302)674-2331 extension 18 at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: September 20, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-15692 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 091906B] North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. SUMMARY: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Charter Halibut Stakeholder Committee will meet on October 16-18, 2006, in Anchorage, AK. DATES: The meeting will be held on October 16, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., October 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and October 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the North Pacific Research Board, 1007 West 3rd Avenue, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501. *Council address* : North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 605 W. 4th Ave., Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99501-2252. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane DiCosimo, Council staff, telephone:

(907)271-2809. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee will review:

(1)2005 charter halibut harvests and status of the guideline harvest level

(GHL)from Statewide Harvest Survey and pending legislation with State Legislature and Congress;

(2)implementation plan for 5-halibut annual limit in Area 2C and NOAA Fisheries request to reconsider its June 2006 preferred alternative;

(3)moratorium discussion paper; and

(4)permanent solution discussion paper (DiCosimo and King). Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically identified 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 Gail Bendixen at

(907)271-2809 at least 7 working days prior to the meeting date. Dated: September 19, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-15691 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 091306B] Marine Mammals; File No. 1034-1854 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Markus Horning, Ph.D., Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, has been issued a permit to conduct research on Weddell seals ( *Leptonychotes weddellii* ). ADDRESSES: The permit and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301)713-2289; fax (301)427-2521; and Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213; phone (562)980-4001; fax (562)980-4018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Sloan or Tammy Adams, (301)713-2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 29, 2006, notice was published in the **Federal Register** (71 FR 37060) that a request for a scientific research permit to take the species identified above had been submitted by the above-named individual. The requested permit has been issued under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ), and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). Dr. Horning has been issued a 5-year permit to study aging in Weddell seals in Antarctica. Specifically, researchers will capture and sedate seals to attach instruments and take tissue samples to compare oxygen handling, body condition, muscle physiology, and foraging behavior of young and old adults. Incidental harassment and mortality may occur during these activities. Samples will be imported into the U.S. for analyses. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* ), a final determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Dated: September 19, 2006. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-15682 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Limitations of Duty- and Quota-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Beneficiary ATPDEA Countries from Regional Country Fabric September 21, 2006. AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). ACTION: Publishing the New Cap on Duty and Quota Free Benefits EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Stetson, International Trade Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce,

(202)482-3400. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 3103 of the Trade Act of 2002; Presidential Proclamation 7616 of October 31, 2002 (67 FR 67283). Section 3103 of the Trade Act of 2002 amended the Andean Trade Preference Act

(ATPA)to provide for duty and quota-free treatment for certain textile and apparel articles imported from designated Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) beneficiary countries. Section 204(b)(3)(B)(iii) of the amended ATPA provides duty- and quota-free treatment for certain apparel articles assembled in ATPDEA beneficiary countries from regional fabric and components. More specifically, this provision applies to apparel articles sewn or otherwise assembled in one or more ATPDEA beneficiary countries from fabrics or from fabric components formed or from components knit-to-shape, in one or more ATPDEA beneficiary countries, from yarns wholly formed in the United States or one or more ATPDEA beneficiary countries (including fabrics not formed from yarns, if such fabrics are classifiable under heading 5602 and 5603 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule

(HTS)and are formed in one or more ATPDEA beneficiary countries). Such apparel articles may also contain certain other eligible fabrics, fabric components, or components knit-to-shape. For the period beginning on October 1, 2006 and extending through December 31, 2006, preferential tariff treatment is limited under the regional fabric provision to imports of qualifying apparel articles in an amount not to exceed 5 percent of the aggregate square meter equivalents of all apparel articles imported into the United States in the preceding 12-month period for which data are available. For the purpose of this notice, the 12-month period for which data are available is the 12-month period that ended July 31, 2006. In Presidential Proclamation 7616, (published in the **Federal Register** on November 5, 2002, 67 FR 67283), the President directed CITA to publish in the **Federal Register** the aggregate quantity of imports allowed during each period. For the period beginning on October 1, 2006 and extending through December 31, 2006, the aggregate quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the regional fabric provision is 1,164,288,418 square meters equivalent. Apparel articles entered in excess of this quantity will be subject to otherwise applicable tariffs. This quantity is calculated using the aggregate square meter equivalents of all apparel articles imported into the United States, derived from the set of Harmonized System lines listed in the Annex to the World Trade Organization Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC), and the conversion factors for units of measure into square meter equivalents used by the United States in implementing the ATC. Philip J. Martello, Acting Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc.E6-15737 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Determination under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR Agreement) September 20, 2006. AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements

(CITA)ACTION: Determination to add a product in unrestricted quantities to Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR Agreement EFFECTIVE DATE: * September 26, 2006.* SUMMARY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements

(CITA)has determined that certain 2-way stretch woven fabrics, as specified below, are not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA-DR region. The product will be added to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR in unrestricted quantities. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Stetson, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce,

(202)482 2582. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON-LINE: *http://web.ita.doc.gov/tacgi/CaftaReqTrack.nsf* . Reference number: 15.2006.08.17.Fabric.ST&RforLido SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 203(o)(4) of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (CAFTA-DR Act); the Statement of Administrative Action (SAA), accompanying the CAFTA-DR Act; Presidential Proclamations 7987 (February 28, 2006) and 7996 (March 31, 2006). BACKGROUND: The CAFTA-DR Agreement provides a list in Annex 3.25 for fabrics, yarns, and fibers that the Parties to the CAFTA-DR Agreement have determined are not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any Party. Articles that otherwise meet the rule of origin to qualify for preferential treatment are not disqualified because they contain one of the products on the Annex 3.25 list. The CAFTA-DR Agreement provides that the list in Annex 3.25 may be modified pursuant to Article 3.25(4)-(6). The CAFTA-DR Act states that the President will make a determination on whether additional fabrics, yarns, and fibers are available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any Party. The CAFTA-DR Act requires the President to establish procedures governing the submission of a request and to provide an opportunity for interested entities to submit comments and supporting evidence before making a determination. In Presidential Proclamations 7987 and 7996, the President delegated to CITA the authority under section 203(o)(4) of CAFTA-DR Act for modifying the Annex 3.25 list. On February 23, 2006, CITA published interim procedures it would follow in considering requests to modify the Annex 3.25 list (71 FR 9315). On August 17, 2006, the Chairman of CITA received a request from Sandler, Travis, & Rosenberg, P.A. on behalf of Lido Industrias for certain 2-way stretch woven fabrics, of the specifications detailed below. On August 21, 2006, CITA notified interested parties of, and posted on its Web site, the accepted petition and requested that interested entities provide, by August 31, 2006, a response advising of its objection to the request or its ability to supply the subject product, and rebuttals to responses by September 7, 2006. No interested entity filed a response advising of its objection to the request or its ability to supply the subject product. In accordance with Section 203(o)(4) of the CAFTA-DR Act, and its procedures, as no interested entity submitted a response objecting to the request or expressing an ability to supply the subject product, CITA has determined to add the specified fabrics to the list in Annex 3.25. The subject fabrics are added to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR Agreement in unrestricted quantities. A revised list has been published at: *http://web.ita.doc.gov/tacgi/CaftaReqTrack.nsf/Annex3.25* . Specifications: HTSUS Subheading: 5515.11.00 Fiber Content: 60% to 75% Polyester / 20% to 35% viscose rayon /3% to 6% spandex Fiber Length: 51 to 70 millimeter staple (2 to 2.75 inches) Yarn Number: Warp and filling: 50/2 to 68/2 metric wrapped around 225 metric spandex (30/2 to 40/2 wrapped around 40-denier spandex) Thread Count: 30 to 32 warp ends x 24 to 26 filling picks per square centimeter (76 to 81 warp ends x 60 to 66 filling picks per square inch) Weave Type: Various Weight: 220 to 250 grams per square meter (6.5 to 7.4 ounces per square yard) Width: 142 to 148 centimeters (56 to 59 inches) Finish: Dyed; of yarns of different colors Philip J. Martello, Acting Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc. E6-15736 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Limitations of Duty- and Quota-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Beneficiary Sub-Saharan African Countries from Regional and Third-Country Fabric September 21, 2006. AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). ACTION: Publishing the New 12-Month Cap on Duty- and Quota-Free Benefits. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anna Flaaten, International Trade Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce,

(202)482-3400. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Title I, Section 112(b)(3) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000, as amended by Section 3108 of the Trade Act of 2002 and Section 7(b)(2) of the AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004; Presidential Proclamation 7350 of October 4, 2000 (65 FR 59321); Presidential Proclamation 7626 of November 13, 2002 (67 FR 69459). Title I of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (TDA 2000) provides for duty- and quota-free treatment for certain textile and apparel articles imported from designated beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries. Section 112(b)(3) of TDA 2000 provides duty- and quota-free treatment for apparel articles wholly assembled in one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries from fabric wholly formed in one or more beneficiary countries from yarn originating in the U.S. or one or more beneficiary countries. This preferential treatment is also available for apparel articles assembled in one or more lesser-developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, regardless of the country of origin of the fabric used to make such articles. This special rule for lesser-developed countries applied through September 30, 2004. TDA 2000 imposed a quantitative limitation on imports eligible for preferential treatment under these two provisions. The Trade Act of 2002 amended TDA 2000 to extend preferential treatment to apparel assembled in a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country from components knit-to-shape in a beneficiary country from U.S. or beneficiary country yarns and to apparel formed on seamless knitting machines in a beneficiary country from U.S. or beneficiary country yarns, subject to the quantitative limitation. The Trade Act of 2002 also increased the quantitative limitation but provided that this increase would not apply to apparel imported under the special rule for lesser-developed countries. Section 7(b)(2)(B) of the AGOA Acceleration Act extended the expiration of the quantitative limitation through September 30, 2015, and the expiration of the limitation for the special rule for lesser-developed countries through September 30, 2007. It also further amended the percentages to be used in calculating the quantitative limitations for each twelve-month period, beginning on October 1, 2003. The AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004 provides that the quantitative limitation for the twelve-month period beginning October 1, 2006 will be an amount not to exceed 6.43675 percent of the aggregate square meter equivalents of all apparel articles imported into the United States in the preceding 12-month period for which data are available. See Section 112(b)(3)(A)(ii)(I) of TDA 2000, as amended by Section 7(b)(2)(B) of the AGOA Acceleration Act. Of this overall amount, apparel imported under the special rule for lesser-developed countries is limited to an amount not to exceed 1.6071 percent of all apparel articles imported into the United States in the preceding 12-month period. See Section 112(b)(3)(B)(ii)(II) of TDA 2000, as amended by Section 7(b)(2)(B) of the AGOA Acceleration Act. For the purpose of this notice, the most recent 12-month period for which data are available is the 12-month period ending July 31, 2006. Presidential Proclamation 7350 directed CITA to publish the aggregate quantity of imports allowed during each 12-month period in the **Federal Register** . Presidential Proclamation 7626, published on November 18, 2002, modified the aggregate quantity of imports allowed during each 12-month period. For the one-year period, beginning on October 1, 2006, and extending through September 30, 2007, the aggregate quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under these provisions is 1,498,846,694 square meters equivalent. Of this amount, 374,225,583 square meters equivalent is available to apparel articles imported under the special rule for lesser-developed countries. Apparel articles entered in excess of these quantities will be subject to otherwise applicable tariffs. These quantities are calculated using the aggregate square meter equivalents of all apparel articles imported into the United States, derived from the set of Harmonized System lines listed in the Annex to the World Trade Organization Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC), and the conversion factors for units of measure into square meter equivalents used by the United States in implementing the ATC. Philip J. Martello, Acting Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc. E6-15735 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers Coastal Engineering Research Board

(CERB)AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), announcement is made of the following committee meeting: *Name of Committee:* Coastal Engineering Research Board (CERB). *Date of Meeting:* October 11-13, 2006. *Place:* Ocean Place Resort and Spa, One Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch, NJ 07740. *Time:* 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (October 11, 2006). 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (October 12, 2006). 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (October 13, 2006). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Inquiries and notice of intent to attend the meeting may be addressed to Colonel Richard B. Jenkins, Executive Secretary, Commander, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Waterways Experiment Station, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board provides broad policy guidance and review of plans and fund requirements for the conduct of research and development of research projects in consonance with the needs of the coastal engineering field and the objectives of the Chief of Engineers. *Proposed Agenda:* For Board members, the morning of October 11 is devoted to an overflight of the New Jersey shoreline. The afternoon of October 11 is devoted to presentations pertaining to North Atlantic Division Project-Specific Coastal Engineering Challenges. They include: Coastal Engineering Technical Challenges of the Fire Island to Montauk Point Reformulation Study; Renourishment Triggers and Emergency Fill Procedures, Technical and Policy challenges; Monitoring Challenges; Sea Level Rise Implications in New York Area; and Surfer Perspective on Corps Design on Shore Protection Projects. On Thursday morning, October 12, presentations will be made concerning Shore Protection Project Performance. These presentations include: Economic Performance of Federal Shore Protection Project, Martin County, FL; Shore Protection Project Design and Formulation Improvement; Modeling Relevant Physics of Sedimentation in 3D (MORPHOS 3D); and Communicating the Corps' Role in Coastal Zone Management. There will also be presentations concerning Coastal Planning Center of Expertise and Regional Sediment Management as it Applies to North Atlantic Division. The Honorable Frank Pallone, Jr., is scheduled to speak immediately after lunch on October 12. Presentations will also be made concerning Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology and National Research Council Shelter Coast Final Report. Presentations concerning Coastal Environmental Restoration Challenges are also Scheduled for Thursday afternoon. They include: Collaborative Ecosystem Restoration at Jamaica Bay Marsh Islands; Collaboration with the Corps on Coastal Initiatives; and Biological Opinion on the Sea Bright to Manasquan Project, Piping Plover and Sea Beach Amaranth. Friday morning, October 13, is devoted to Board Executive Session discussing ongoing initiatives and actions. These meetings are open to the public; participation by the public is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on October 12. The entire meeting is open to the public, but since seating capacity of the meeting is limited, advance notice of attendance is required. Oral participation by public attendees is encouraged during the time scheduled on the agenda; written statements may be submitted prior to the meeting or up to 30 days after the meeting. Brenda S. Bowen, Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 06-8249 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am]

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