Proposed Rules. Proposed rule; extension of public comment period

Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce
Action: Proposed rule; extension of public comment period
Citation: FR Doc. 2010-3275 · RIN 0648-AX06 · 50 CFR 226

Summary

On January 5, 2010, NMFS proposed regulations to revise the critical habitat designation for the endangered leatherback sea turtle ( Dermochelys coriacea ) by designating additional areas within the Pacific Ocean. Specific areas proposed for designation include two adjacent marine areas totaling approximately 46,100 square miles (119,400 square km) stretching along the California coast from Point Arena to Point Vincente; and one 24,500 square mile (63,455 square km) marine area stretching from Cape Flattery, WA, to the Umpqua River (Winchester Bay), OR, east of a line approximating the 2,000 meter depth contour. The areas proposed for designation comprise approximately 70,600 square miles (182,854 square km) of marine habitat. NMFS is extending the comment period on the proposed regulations until April 23, 2010.

Dates

Comments and information regarding this proposed rule must be received by April 23, 2010.

Supplementary Information

On January 5, 2010, NMFS published the Proposed Rule to Revise the Critical Habitat Designation for the Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle (75 FR 319). That Federal Register notice began NMFS' 60-day comment period, ending on March 8, 2010. NMFS subsequently received a request from the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) to extend the public comment period for an additional 45 days. The date the initial comment period closes falls in the middle of the Council's March 2010 meeting, precluding an opportunity for the Council to formulate and transmit comments. Additionally, the Council felt this proposed rule would be more appropriately discussed at the April Council meeting, where they plan to develop their comments. In this notice NMFS is extending the public comment period until April 23, 2010, in order to allow adequate time for the Council and others to thoroughly review and thoughtfully comment on the proposed rule. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: February 12, 2010. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2010-3275 Filed 2-18-10; 8:45 am]