NOAA Fisheries Announces Industry-Funded Monitoring Amendment

Public Hearings and Comment Period

The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils have been working on an omnibus amendment to allow for industry-funded monitoring over the past several years.

The amendment being developed includes alternatives that would modify all the fishery management plans managed by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils to allow for future industry-funded monitoring programs.

Through the notice published today in the Federal Register, public hearings have been announced and the opportunity to comment on the various amendment alternatives for future industry-funded monitoring programs, including cost responsibilities, processes, administrative requirements, priorities, and set-aside programs.

Public Meetings

October 4, 6-8pm: 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA, 01930

October 17, 5-7pm: Online webinar

October 20, 6-8pm: Double Tree by Hilton Hotels, 363 Maine Mall Road, Portland, ME 04106

October 27, 5-7pm: Congress Hall, 200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ 08204

November 1, 6-8pm: Corless Auditorium, Watkins Building University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, 218 Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02874.

The public comment period will be open from September 23 through November 7.

Comments can be submitted at public meetings, through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal (accepting comments on 9/23), or by mail to: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.

Please mark the outside of the envelope “Comments on IFM Omnibus Amendment.”

Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel at 978-281-9175 or email jennifer.goebel@noaa.gov.