Notices. Notice of request for nominations

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BILLING CODE 6335-01-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Census Request for Nominations of Members To Serve on the Census Advisory Committee on the African American Population AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of request for nominations. SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is requesting nominations of individuals to the Census Advisory Committee on the African American Population. The Census Bureau will consider nominations received in response to this notice, as well as from other sources.

The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice provides Committee and membership criteria. DATES: Please submit nominations by February 22, 2007. ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Edwina Jaramillo, Race and Ethnic Advisory Committee Program Coordinator, Census Advisory Committee Office, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 8H156, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233. Nominations also may be submitted via fax at

(301)457-8608, or e-mail to: *edwina.martha.jaramillo@census.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edwina Jaramillo, Race and Ethnic Advisory Committee Program Coordinator, Census Advisory Committee Office, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 8H156, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233, telephone

(301)763-4047. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee was established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Title 5, United States Code, Appendix 2) in 1995. The following provides information about the Committee, membership, and the nomination process. Objectives and Duties 1. The Committee provides an organized and continuing channel of communication between African American communities and the Census Bureau. Committee members identify useful strategies to encourage census participation within the African American population, and on ways data can be disseminated for maximum usefulness to the African American population. 2. The Committee draws upon prior decennial planning efforts, research studies, test censuses, and other experiences to provide advice and recommendations for the 2010 Decennial Census Program. 3. The Committee functions solely as an advisory body under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. 4. The Committee reports to the Director of the Census Bureau. Membership 1. Members are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. 2. Members are appointed to the nine-member Committee for a period of three years. Members will be reevaluated at the conclusion of the three-year term with the prospect of renewal, pending Advisory Committee needs and the Secretary's concurrence. Committee members are selected in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidelines. The Committee aims to have a balanced representation, considering such factors as geography, gender, technical expertise, community involvement, and knowledge of census procedures and activities. The Committee aims to include members from diverse backgrounds, including state and local governments, academia, media, research, community-based organizations, and the private sector. No employee of the federal government can serve as a member of the Committee. Meeting attendance and active participation in the activities of the Advisory Committee are essential for sustained Committee membership as well as submission of required annual financial disclosure statements. Miscellaneous 1. Members of the Committee serve without compensation, but receive reimbursement for Committee-related travel and lodging expenses. 2. The Committee meets at least once a year, budget permitting, but additional meetings may be held as deemed necessary by the Census Director or Designated Federal Official. All Committee meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Nomination Information 1. Nominations are requested as described above. 2. Nominees should have expertise and knowledge of the cultural patterns and issues and/or data needs of the African American community. Such knowledge and expertise are needed to provide advice and recommendations to the Census Bureau on how best to enumerate the African American population and obtain complete and accurate data on this population. Individuals, groups, or organizations may submit nominations on behalf of a potential candidate. A summary of the candidate's qualifications (résumé or curriculum vitae) *must* be included along with the nomination letter. Nominees must have the ability to participate in Advisory Committee meetings and tasks. Besides Committee meetings, active participation may include Committee assignments and participation in conference calls and working groups. 3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and seeks diverse Committee membership. Dated: January 29, 2007. Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, Bureau of the Census. [FR Doc. E7-1629 Filed 1-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Census Request for Nominations of Members To Serve on the Census Advisory Committee on the American Indian and Alaska Native Population AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of request for nominations. SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is requesting nominations of individuals to the Census Advisory Committee on the American Indian and Alaska Native Populations. The Census Bureau will consider nominations received in response to this notice, as well as from other sources. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice provides Committee and membership criteria. DATES: Please submit nominations by February 22, 2007. ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Edwina Jaramillo, Race and Ethnic Advisory Committee Program Coordinator, Census Advisory Committee Office, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 8H156, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233. Nominations also may be submitted via fax at

(301)763-4047. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee was established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Title 5, United States Code, Appendix 2) in 1995. The following provides information about the Committee, membership, and the nomination process. Objectives and Duties 1. The Committee provides an organized and continuing channel of communication between American Indian and Alaska Native communities and the Census Bureau. Committee members identify useful strategies to encourage census participation within the American Indian and Alaska Native population, and on ways data can be disseminated for maximum usefulness to the American Indian and Alaska Native population. 2. The Committee draws upon prior decennial planning efforts, research studies, test censuses, and other experiences to provide advice and recommendations for the 2010 Decennial Census Program. 3. The Committee functions solely as an advisory body under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. 4. The Committee reports to the Director of the Census Bureau. Membership 1. Members are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. 2. Members are appointed to the nine-member Committee for a period of three years. Members will be reevaluated at the conclusion of the three-year term with the prospect of renewal, pending Advisory Committee needs and the Secretary's concurrence. Committee members are selected in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidelines. The Committee aims to have a balanced representation, considering such factors as geography, gender, and technical expertise, community involvement and knowledge of census procedures and activities. The Committee aims to include members from diverse backgrounds, including state and local governments, academia, media, research, community-based organizations, and the private sector. No employee of the federal government can serve as a member of the Committee. Meeting attendance and active participation in the activities of the Advisory Committee are essential for sustained Committee membership as well as submission of required annual financial disclosure statements. Miscellaneous 1. Members of the Committee serve without compensation, but receive reimbursement for committee-related travel and lodging expenses. 2. The Committee meets at least once a year, budget permitting, but additional meetings may be held as deemed necessary by the Census Director or Designated Federal Official. All Committee meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Nomination Information 1. Nominations are requested as described above. 2. Nominees should have expertise and knowledge of the cultural patterns and issues and/or data needs of the American Indian and Alaska Native community. Such knowledge and expertise are needed to provide advice and recommendations to the Census Bureau on how best to enumerate the American Indian and Alaska Native population and obtain complete and accurate data on this population. Individuals, groups, or organizations may submit nominations on behalf of a potential candidate. A summary of the candidate's qualifications (résumé or curriculum vitae) *must* be included along with the nomination letter. Nominees must have the ability to participate in Advisory Committee meetings and tasks. Besides Committee meetings, active participation may include Committee assignments and participation in conference calls and working groups. 3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and seeks diverse Committee membership. Dated: January 29, 2007. Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, Bureau of the Census. [FR Doc. E7-1628 Filed 1-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Census Request for Nominations of Members To Serve on the Census Advisory Committee on the Asian Population AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of request for nominations. SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is requesting nominations of individuals to the Census Advisory Committee on the Asian Population. The Census Bureau will consider nominations received in response to this notice, as well as from other sources. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice provides Committee and membership criteria. DATES: Please submit nominations by February 22, 2007. ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Edwina Jaramillo, Race and Ethnic Advisory Committee Program Coordinator, Census Advisory Committee Office, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 8H156, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233. Nominations also may be submitted via fax at

(301)763-4047. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee was established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Title 5, United States Code, Appendix 2) in 1995. The following provides information about the Committee, membership, and the nomination process. Objectives and Duties 1. The Committee provides an organized and continuing channel of communication between Asian communities and the Census Bureau. Committee members identify useful strategies to encourage census participation within the Asian population, and on ways data can be disseminated for maximum usefulness to the Asian population. 2. The Committee draws upon prior decennial planning efforts, research studies, test censuses, and other experiences to provide advice and recommendations for the 2010 Decennial Census Program. 3. The Committee functions solely as an advisory body under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. 4. The Committee reports to the Director of the Census Bureau. Membership 1. Members are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. 2. Members are appointed to the nine-member Committee for a period of three years. Members will be re-evaluated at the conclusion of the three-year term with the prospect of renewal, pending Advisory Committee needs and the Secretary's concurrence. Committee members are selected in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidelines. The Committee aims to have a balanced representation, considering such factors as geography, gender, technical expertise, community involvement, and knowledge of census procedures and activities. The Committee aims to include members from diverse backgrounds, including state and local governments, academia, media, research, community-based organizations, and the private sector. No employee of the federal government can serve as a member of the Committee. Meeting attendance and active participation in the activities of the Advisory Committee are essential for sustained Committee membership as well as submission of required annual financial disclosure statements. Miscellaneous 1. Members of the Committee serve without compensation, but receive reimbursement for Committee-related travel and lodging expenses. 2. The Committee meets at least once a year, budget permitting, but additional meetings may be held as deemed necessary by the Census Director or Designated Federal Official. All Committee meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Nomination Information 1. Nominations are requested as described above. 2. Nominees should have expertise and knowledge of the cultural patterns and issues and/or data needs of the Asian community. Such knowledge and expertise is needed to provide advice and recommendations to the Census Bureau on how best to enumerate the Asian population and obtain complete and accurate data on this population. Individuals, groups, or organizations may submit nominations on behalf of a potential candidate. A summary of the candidate's qualifications (résumé or curriculum vitae) *must* be included along with the nomination letter. Nominees must have the ability to participate in Advisory Committee meetings and tasks. Besides Committee meetings, active participation may include committee assignments and participation in conference calls and working groups. 3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and seeks diverse Committee membership. Dated: January 29, 2007. Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, Bureau of the Census. [FR Doc. E7-1627 Filed 1-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Census Request for Nominations of Members To Serve on the Census Advisory Committee on the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Population AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of request for nominations. SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is requesting nominations of individuals to the Census Advisory Committee on the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Population. The Census Bureau will consider nominations received in response to this notice, as well as from other sources. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice provides Committee and membership criteria. DATES: Please submit nominations by February 22, 2007. ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations to Edwina Jaramillo, Race and Ethnic Advisory Committee Program Coordinator, Census Advisory Committee Office, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 8H156, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233. Nominations also may be submitted via fax at

(301)457-8608, or e-mail to: *edwina.martha.jaramillo@census.gov* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edwina Jaramillo, Race and Ethnic Advisory Committee Program Coordinator, Census Advisory Committee Office, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 8H156, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233, telephone

(301)763-4047. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee was established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Title 5, United States Code, Appendix 2) in 1995. The following provides information about the Committee, membership, and the nomination process. Objectives and Duties 1. The Committee provides an organized and continuing channel of communication between Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander communities and the Census Bureau. Committee members identify useful strategies to encourage census participation within the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population, and on ways data can be disseminated for maximum usefulness to the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population. 2. The Committee draws upon prior decennial planning efforts, research studies, test censuses, and other experiences to provide advice and recommendations for the 2010 Decennial Census Program. 3. The Committee functions solely as an advisory body under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. 4. The Committee reports to the Director of the Census Bureau. Membership 1. Members are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. 2. Members are appointed to the nine-member Committee for a period of three years. Members will be reevaluated at the conclusion of the three-year term with the prospect of renewal, pending Advisory Committee needs and the Secretary's concurrence. Committee members are selected in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidelines. The Committee aims to have a balanced representation, considering such factors as geography, gender, technical expertise, community involvement, and knowledge of census procedures and activities. The Committee aims to include members from diverse backgrounds, including state and local governments, academia, media, research, community-based organizations, and the private sector. No employee of the federal government can serve as a member of the Committee. Meeting attendance and active participation in the activities of the Advisory Committee are essential for sustained Committee membership as well as submission of required annual financial disclosure statements. Miscellaneous 1. Members of the Committee serve without compensation, but receive reimbursement for committee-related travel and lodging expenses. 2. The Committee meets at least once a year, budget permitting, but additional meetings may be held as deemed necessary by the Census Director or Designated Federal Official. All Committee meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Nomination Information 1. Nominations are requested as described above. 2. Nominees should have expertise and knowledge of the cultural patterns and issues and/or data needs of the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander community. Such knowledge and expertise are needed to provide advice and recommendations to the Census Bureau on how best to enumerate the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population and obtain complete and accurate data on this population. Individuals, groups, or organizations may submit nominations on behalf of a potential candidate. A summary of the candidate's qualifications (résumé or curriculum vitae) *must* be included along with the nomination letter. Nominees must have the ability to participate in Advisory Committee meetings and tasks. Besides Committee meetings, active participation may include committee assignments and participation in conference calls and working groups. 3. The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and seeks diverse Committee membership. Dated: January 29, 2007. Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, Bureau of the Census. [FR Doc. E7-1626 Filed 1-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Initiation of Five-Year (“Sunset”) Reviews AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: In accordance with section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (“the Act”), the Department of Commerce (“the Department”) is automatically initiating a five-year (“Sunset Review”) of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders listed below. The International Trade Commission (“the Commission”) is publishing concurrently with this notice its notice of *Institution of Five-Year Review* which covers this same order. DATES: *Effective Date:* February 1, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Department official identified in the *Initiation of Review(s)* section below at AD/CVD Operations, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th & Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230. For information from the Commission contact Mary Messer, Office of Investigations, U.S. International Trade Commission at

(202)205-3193. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Department's procedures for the conduct of Sunset Reviews are set forth in its *Procedures for Conducting Five-Year (“Sunset”) Reviews of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders,* 63 FR 13516 (March 20, 1998) and 70 FR 62061 (October 28, 2005). Guidance on methodological or analytical issues relevant to the Department's conduct of Sunset Reviews is set forth in the Department's Policy Bulletin 98.3— *Policies Regarding the Conduct of Five-Year (“Sunset”) Reviews of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders; Policy Bulletin,* 63 FR 18871 (April 16, 1998) (“ *Sunset Policy Bulletin* ”). Initiation of Reviews In accordance with 19 CFR 351.218(c), we are initiating the Sunset Review of the following antidumping and countervailing duty orders: DOC Case No. ITC Case No. Country Product Department contact A-427-820 731-TA-913 France Stainless Steel Bar Brandon Farlander

(202)482-0182. A-428-830 731-TA-914 Germany Stainless Steel Bar Brandon Farlander

(202)482-0182. A-475-829 731-TA-915 Italy Stainless Steel Bar Brandon Farlander

(202)482-0182. A-580-847 731-TA-916 South Korea Stainless Steel Bar Brandon Farlander

(202)482-0182. A-412-822 731-TA-918 United Kingdom Stainless Steel Bar Brandon Farlander

(202)482-0182. C-475-830 701-TA-413 Italy Stainless Steel Bar Brandon Farlander

(202)482-0182. Suspended Investigations No suspended investigations are scheduled for initiation in February 2007. Filing Information As a courtesy, we are making information related to Sunset proceedings, including copies of the Department's regulations regarding Sunset Reviews (19 CFR 351.218) and *Sunset Policy Bulletin* , the Department's schedule of Sunset Reviews, case history information (i.e., previous margins, duty absorption determinations, scope language, import volumes), and service lists available to the public on the Department's sunset Internet Web site at the following address: *http://ia.ita.doc.gov/sunset/* . All submissions in these Sunset Reviews must be filed in accordance with the Department's regulations regarding format, translation, service, and certification of documents. These rules can be found at 19 CFR 351.303. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.103(c), the Department will maintain and make available a service list for these proceedings. To facilitate the timely preparation of the service list(s), it is requested that those seeking recognition as interested parties to a proceeding contact the Department in writing within 10 days of the publication of the Notice of Initiation. Because deadlines in Sunset Reviews can be very short, we urge interested parties to apply for access to proprietary information under administrative protective order (“APO”) immediately following publication in the **Federal Register** of the notice of initiation of the sunset review. The Department's regulations on submission of proprietary information and eligibility to receive access to business proprietary information under APO can be found at 19 CFR 351.304-306. Information Required from Interested Parties Domestic interested parties (defined in section 771(9) (C), (D), (E), (F), and

(G)of the Act and 19 CFR 351.102(b)) wishing to participate in these Sunset Reviews must respond not later than 15 days after the date of publication in the **Federal Register** of this notice of initiation by filing a notice of intent to participate. The required contents of the notice of intent to participate are set forth at 19 CFR 351.218(d)(1)(ii). In accordance with the Department's regulations, if we do not receive a notice of intent to participate from at least one domestic interested party by the 15-day deadline, the Department will automatically revoke the orders without further review. *See* 19 CFR 351.218(d)(1)(iii). For sunset reviews of countervailing duty orders, parties wishing the Department to consider arguments that countervailable subsidy programs have been terminated must include with their substantive responses information and documentation addressing whether the changes to the program were

(1)limited to an individual firm or firms and

(2)effected by an official act of the government. Further, a party claiming program termination is expected to document that there are no residual benefits under the program and that substitute programs have not been introduced. *Cf.* 19 CFR 351.526

(b)and (d). If a party maintains that any of the subsidies countervailed by the Department were not conferred pursuant to a subsidy program, that party should nevertheless address the applicability of the factors set forth in 19 CFR 351.526

(b)and (d). Similarly, parties wishing the Department to consider whether a company's change in ownership has extinguished the benefit from prior non-recurring, allocable, subsidies must include with their substantive responses information and documentation supporting their claim that all or almost all of the company's shares or assets were sold in an arm's length transaction, at a price representing fair market value, as described in the *Notice of Final Modification of Agency Practice Under Section 123 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act,* 68 FR 37125 (June 23, 2003) (Modification Notice). *See Modification Notice* for a discussion of the types of information and documentation the Department requires. If we receive an order-specific notice of intent to participate from a domestic interested party, the Department's regulations provide that *all parties* wishing to participate in the Sunset Review must file complete substantive responses not later than 30 days after the date of publication in the **Federal Register** of this notice of initiation. The required contents of a substantive response, on an order-specific basis, are set forth at 19 CFR 351.218(d)(3). Note that certain information requirements differ for respondent and domestic parties. Also, note that the Department's information requirements are distinct from the Commission's information requirements. Please consult the Department's regulations for information regarding the Department's conduct of Sunset Reviews. 1 Please consult the Department's regulations at 19 CFR part 351 for definitions of terms and for other general information concerning antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings at the Department. 1 In comments made on the interim final sunset regulations, a number of parties stated that the proposed five-day period for rebuttals to substantive responses to a notice of initiation was insufficient. This requirement was retained in the final sunset regulations at 19 CFR 351.218(d)(4). As provided in 19 CFR 351.302(b), however, the Department will consider individual requests for extension of that five-day deadline based upon a showing of good cause. This notice of initiation is being published in accordance with section 751(c) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.218(c). Dated: January 24, 2007. Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E7-1655 Filed 1-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Advance Notification of Sunset Reviews AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Upcoming Sunset Reviews. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Every five years, pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, the Department of Commerce (“the Department”) and the International Trade Commission automatically initiate and conduct a review to determine whether revocation of a countervailing or antidumping duty order or termination of an investigation suspended under section 704 or 734 would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or a countervailable subsidy (as the case may be) and of material injury. Upcoming Sunset Reviews for March 2007 The following Sunset Review is scheduled for initiation in March 2007 and will appear in that month's Notice of Initiation of Five-year Sunset Reviews. Antidumping Duty Proceedings Department Contact Automotive Replacement Glass Windshields from China (A-570-867) Juanita Chen

(202)482 1904. Countervailing Duty Proceedings No countervailing duty orders are scheduled for initiation in March 2007 Suspended Investigations No suspended investigations are scheduled for initiation in March 2007. The Department's procedures for the conduct of Sunset Reviews are set forth in 19 CFR 351.218. Guidance on methodological or analytical issues relevant to the Department's conduct of Sunset Reviews is set forth in the Department's Policy Bulletin 98.3--Policies Regarding the Conduct of Five-year (“Sunset”) Reviews of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders; Policy Bulletin, 63 FR 18871 (April 16, 1998) (“Sunset Policy Bulletin”). The Notice of Initiation of Five-year (“Sunset”) Reviews provides further information regarding what is required of all parties to participate in Sunset Reviews. Puruant to 19 CFR 351.103(c), the Department will maintain and make available a service list for these proceedings. To facilitate the timely preparation of the service list(s), it is requested that those seeking recognition as interested parties to a proceeding contact the Department in writing within 15 days of the publication of the Notice of Initition. Please note that if the Department receives a Notice of Intent to Participate from a member of the domestic industry within 15 days of the date of initiation, the review will continue. Thereafter, any interested party wishing to participate in the Sunset Review must provide substantive comments in response to the notice of initiation no later than 30 days after the date of initiation. This notice is not required by statute but is published as a service to the international trading community. Dated: January 24, 2007. Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E7-1656 Filed 1-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 011907C] Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Exempted Fishing Permits AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: NMFS has decided not to proceed with issuing exempted fishing permits

(EFPs)to collect data during Atlantic billfish tournaments to evaluate the impacts of J-style fishing hooks (J-hooks) and heavy tackle on Atlantic blue marlin. NMFS may consider potential strategies or mechanisms to mitigate impacts on tournaments in the future. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Russell Dunn or Randy Blankinship, 727-824-5399; fax: 727-824-5398. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EFPs are requested and issued under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* ) and/or the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (16 U.S.C. 971 *et seq.* ). Regulations at 50 CFR 600.745 and 635.32 govern scientific research activity, exempted fishing, and exempted educational activity with respect to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS). NMFS received EFP applications from five Atlantic billfish tournament operators on behalf of 15 tournaments requesting exemptions from requirements for anglers fishing from HMS permitted vessels and participating in Atlantic billfish tournaments to use non-offset circle hooks when using natural bait and natural bait/artificial lure combinations. The requests were received for tournaments that would operate in the U.S. Southeast Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. NMFS has considered public comment received on the final Environmental Impact Statement for the final Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan (October 2, 2006; 71 FR 58058); comment received during the October 3-4, 2006, Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel meeting (August 30, 2006; 71 FR 51577); and public comment received in response to a notice of intent to issue EFPs (November 27, 2006; 71 FR 68558). Comments received expressed concern over the difficulty of standardizing fishing gear type and use in a tournament setting. Comments also expressed concern over the quality of data collected in a tournament setting and the data's scientific applicability given the fishing characteristics of tournaments (fast paced activity, focus on catching and retaining specific species and/or size classes, and varying tournament rules). Finally, comments were received that expressed a general lack of support for conducting research and/or data collection in tournaments for the reasons stated above. NMFS worked with billfish tournament constituents to address the concerns over study design and data collection; however, difficulty continued in resolving many of the concerns. As a result, NMFS has determined that collection of data to evaluate the impacts of J-hooks and heavy tackle on Atlantic blue marlin during billfish tournaments in the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico would be problematic because of the varying conditions and methodologies discussed above that would likely occur within tournaments and between tournaments. NMFS will consider potential strategies and mechanisms other than EFPs to mitigate the impacts of specific hook requirements on Atlantic billfish tournaments and tournament participants in future rulemaking. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 *et seq.* and 16 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* Dated: January 29, 2007. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 07-440 Filed 1-29-07; 2:25 pm]

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