FULL MEETING AUDIO: Day 3 of the NEFMC’s January 2013 Meeting Addresses Closed Areas and Habitat Management

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — January 31, 2013 — The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) met today to review Omnibus Habitat Amendment 2. Various Alternatives that will be considered for inclusion in that amendment will be selected by the Council at their April 2013 meeting. The NEFMC’s Habitat Committee Report included an overview of the draft habitat management area and Dedicated Habitat Research Area options.

Part 1

The council then heard public comments related to the Habitat Committee Report. This was followed by the Groundfish Committee Report, which reviewed spatial management options related to the Omnibus Habitat Amendment.

Part 2

Audience comments related to the Groundfish Committee's Report were followed by a progress report from the Closed Area Technical Team (CATT) and continued discussion on habitat area management.

Part 3

Part 4