December 11, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
NOAA Fisheries published a final rule to implement Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) (Amendment 7) on December 2, 2014 (79 FR 71509). The Amendment focuses primarily on actions to reduce and account for bluefin dead discards in all categories; optimize fishing opportunities in all categories within the United States' quota; enhance reporting and monitoring; and adjust other management measures as necessary.
NOAA Fisheries is hosting two public webinars to provide the opportunity to explain management measures and effective dates outlined in Amendment 7. The public may participate by phone or online. Details for accessing the webinar are provided below.
Dates, times, and log-in information for upcoming public webinars on Amendment 7:
December 18, 2014
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
1-800-779-8718
Participant pass code: 9570597
https://noaaevents2.webex.com/noaaevents2/onstage/g.php?d=997375416&t=a
Password: NOAA
December 22, 2014
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
1-800-779-8718
Participant pass code: 9570597
https://noaaevents2.webex.com/noaaevents2/onstage/g.php?d=993403589&t=a
Password: NOAA
This notice is a courtesy to Atlantic HMS fishery participants to help keep you informed about the fisheries. For further information on Amendment 7, contact Thomas Warren at (978) 281-9260. Copies of the final rule and supporting documents are available upon request from the HMS Management Division at (978) 281-9260. The information is also available at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/documents/fmp/am7/index.html