Proposed Rule for Amendment 16 to the Multispecies Fishery Management Plan

NOAA announces proposed measures developed by the New England Fishery Management Council that are intended to end overfishing and continue the rebuilding of Northeast groundfish.  The new rule, if approved, would be effective May 1.  Key measures include accountability measures and a process to specify annual catch limits, as required by the reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (2006).   In addition, this Amendment 16 includes an option for vessels to participate in an expanded fishing sector program or to fish under a modified Days-at-Sea (DAS) program.  This rule also contains revisions to regulations that are not specifically identified in Amendment 16, but that are necessary to effectively implement the provisions in Amendment 16, or to correct errors in, or clarify, existing provisions.  Click here to view the rule.

• Press Release
• Summary of Proposed Measures in Amendment 16
• Proposed Rule; Request For Comments; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Amendment 16 to the Multispecies Fishery Management Plan
  • E-Mail comments may be submitted, identified by RIN 0648-AW72, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov
  • Written comments must be received on or before January 20, 2010, 11:59 PM ET
  • Supporting Documents - Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement & Initial Regulatory Impact Review
• Permit Holder Letter
• Congressional Briefing
• More Information on Sector Management
• Northeast Multispecies Fishery Webpage
• New England Fishery Management Council