May 2, 2013 — The following was realeased by NOAA Fisheries: On Tuesday we announced management measures for three groundfish actions for the 2013 Fishing Year (Framework 50, Framework 48 and the Sector Operations Plans Rule for 2013).
The management measures were implemented as "interim final rules" because based on comments received when measures were proposed in each of these actions, some changes were made to the final measures implemented.
To provide a further opportunity for the public to provide comment on these changes, each of the three rules were issued as "interim final measures."
For Framework 50 interim final rule, public comments will be accepted through June 17. Public comment is appreciated on the following two measures that were changed from the proposed rule: carryover measures for 2014 and beyond, and the re-estimation of the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder catch by scallop vessels. For further details on these measures please refer to the interim final rule. Comments will not be accepted on any other measures included in this action.
For the Framework 48 Interim Final Rule the deadline for public comments is June 3. Public comments are appreciated on the status determination criteria for white hake and the US/Canada monitoring measures. For further details on these measures please refer to the interim final rule.
On the Sector Operations Plans Interim Final Rule we are accepting additional public comment on the
revised explanation of at-sea monitoring (ASM) coverage for fishing year 2013 through June 3, and revisions to the exemption from the limits on the number of gillnets imposed on Day gillnet vessels through May 17. For further details on these measures please refer to the final interim rule.
Finally, to clarify, while most measures contained within these three rules were effective on May 1, one measure, changes in minimum size limits for groundfish stocks has a delayed implementation date of July 1, 2013 to provide time for states to consider and adopt consistent measures so that fishermen can land these smaller groundfish in local ports.
Should you have any questions, please contact our Sustainable Fisheries Division at 978-281-9315.