NOAA Proposes Measures for Monkfish Fishery, Seeks Public Comment Through September 6
NOAA Fisheries proposes to implement measures in Framework Adjustment 7 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan. The New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils developed Framework 7 to adjust the annual catch target for the Northern Fishery Management Area to be consistent with the most recent scientific advice regarding the acceptable biological catch for monkfish. The New England Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee has recommended a revision to the acceptable biological catch based on information from a 2010 stock assessment (50th Northeast Regional Stock Assessment Review Committee (SARC 50)). Framework 7 would also specify a new day-at-sea allocation and trip limits for the northern area corresponding with the new annual catch target and Framework 7, and would also adopt revised biomass reference points for the both management areas, based on the recommendations of SARC 50 and the Scientific and Statistical Committee. Public comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., EST, on September 6, 2011. Read more or submit a comment.
NOAA Proposes New Measures for Atlantic Squid, Mackerel and Butterfish Fishery, Seeks Public Comment Through September 15
NOAA proposes new measures for Atlantic squid, mackerel and butterfish fishery, seeks public comment through September 15.
NOAA Fisheries proposes to implement measures in Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council developed Amendment 11 to establish a tiered limited access program for the Atlantic mackerel fishery, and to make other changes to the management of the mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries. The Amendment 11 management measures include:
• a limited access program for mackerel;
• an open access incidental catch permit for mackerel;
• an update to essential fish habitat designations for all life stages of mackerel, Loligo squid, Illex squid, and butterfish;
• and the establishment of a recreational allocation for mackerel.
This rule also proposes minor, technical corrections to the existing regulations pertaining to the mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries. Public comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., EST, on September 15, 2011. Read more or submit a comment.