March 17, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on proposed sector operations plans for the 2014 fishing year. Nineteen sectors submitted operations plans and contracts for fishing year 2014. NOAA Fisheries approval is required annually for sectors to receive their yearly groundfish stock quotas. Because sectors have annual quotas, they can also request exemptions from existing regulations that apply to fishing vessels operating under the old management system (limits on the number of fishing days, gear restrictions, etc.). For 2014, sectors requested 28 exemptions, 20 of which we are considering approving through this action.The other eight exemption requests are not being considered in this action because they are either prohibited by the Council, or have been requested previously and rejected due to inadequate information demonstrating that they would not have adverse impacts on habitat, protected species or depleted groundfish stocks.
Among the proposed measures that we are considering approving are the removal of the 100% coverage requirement for the redfish exemption; and greater flexibility in parts of the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (the western portion of this area would allow trawl vessels to fish with standard gear).
To read more about proposed measures and to learn more about how to provide public comment on them click here.