Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Reauthorized

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Other Provisions

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 calls for renewed efforts to end overfishing, increase use of market-based management tools, and apply ecosystem approaches to management. The law: establishes a firm deadline to end overfishing; authorizes the use of market-based limited access privilege programs; requires establishment of a regionally based registry for recreational fishermen; strengthens fisheries enforcement; authorize the Secretary to provide assistance to the Regional Fishery Management Councils for development of regional ecosystem pilot programs; and establishes Community Based Restoration Programs that utilize public-private partnerships to restore fishery and coastal habitat, in line with the President’s Cooperative Conservation Agenda. This legislation is an important step for the United States to continue our rebuilding efforts of the nation’s fisheries. This act will allow our fishers to utilize all of the tools that are available, so their fishing businesses can operate safely and economically.

Technical Changes

• On November 17, 2008 (73 FR 67809), NMFS issued minor changes to update regulations amended by the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006. These changes resolve inconsistencies in language between the Act and codified text. These changes are effective November 17, 2008, and can be viewed here.

Fishery Science Degrees

• The National Marine Fisheries Service has presented a Report to Congress on the results of a study whether there is a shortage in the number of people pursuing and obtaining higher education in fishery science who have the ability to conduct high quality research in fishery population dynamics, stock assessments and related fields. This study includes important conclusions for the future of higher education and fisheries management. For this study and related information, click here

Community-Based Habitat Restoration Program

• On September 26, 2008, the National Marine Fisheries Service published updated guidelines for the Community-Based Restoration Program (73 FR 55816). This notice makes minor changes to previously published guidelines and highlights specific authorization for the Program established in the MSRA. (PDF)
• A description of NOAA's Community-Based Restoration Program can be found at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/projects_programs/crp/index.html

Data Sharing

• The National Marine Fisheries Service and the United States Coast Guard submitted a joint report to Congress on fishery management systems and data sharing. (PDF)

Peer Review

• NMFS is considering and is seeking public comment on proposed rulemaking to revise National Standard 2 guidelines regarding use of best scientific information available. NMFS is considering modifying the language describing the content and purpose of the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation Report or related documents, and adding language regarding peer review processes, the role of the scientific and statistical committees (SSCs) of the Regional Fishery Management Councils, and the relationship between peer reviews and SSCs.  Written comments must be received on or before December 17, 2008. (PDF)

IFQ Referenda Guidelines

• NMFS proposes guidelines and procedures for determining procedures and voting eligibility requirements for referenda on Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program proposals (PDF)

Disclosure of Financal Interest and Recusal

• 2007 Report on Disclosure of Financial Interest and Recusal Requirements For Councils and SSCs Under MSRA (PDF)

Bycatch Reduction and Engineering Program

• NMFS Adopts the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (PDF)

Hurricane Impacts

• Report to Congress on the Hurricane Impacts on Habitat (PDF) - 13MB | 43MB)
• Errata (8-7-07) (PDF)
• Report to Congress on the Hurricane Impacts on Fisheries (PDF)

Exempted Fishing Activities

• NMFS requests comments on research activities, exempted fishing, and exempted educational activities (PDF)

Disaster Assistance

• NMFS Request for Comments on Fisheries Disaster Assistance

Excess Harvesting Capacity

• NMFS Releases Report on Excess Harvesting Capacity in U.S. Fisheries (PDF)
• Appendix C of Report (PDF)

Council Training

• Council Training Syllabus (PDF)

Actions by the Councils and Regions

• Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Report on Council Management Coordination (PDF)
• Klamath River Coho Salmon Recovery Plan (PDF)
• For more information on activities in the Klamath River Basin, click here
• New England Groundfish: Report to Congress (PDF)
• Analysis of State Fisheries in the Northeast (Section 110) (PDF)
• Analysis of State Fisheries in the Pacific Islands (Section 110) (PDF)
• Notice of availability of Amendment 25 to the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Management Plan (PDF)