National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 24, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch for vessels participating in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) trawl limited access fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the BSAI. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 Pacific ocean perch total allowable catch (TAC) specified for vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the BSAI.

The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that the subject EFP application that was submitted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Marine Program (CCE) warrants further consideration and should be issued for public comment. The EFP would exempt participating vessels from summer flounder size restrictions and summer flounder mesh-size restrictions. The Assistant Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), its Executive Committee, its Law Enforcement Committee, its Protected Resources Committee, and its Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee will hold public meetings.

The New England Fishery Management Council(s (Council) Habitat Committee and Habitat Advisory Panel will hold meetings to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).