Atlantic Mackerel, Squid & Butterfish in Federal Waters-Description of MAFMC Management Process
Atlantic Mackerel, Squid & Butterfish in Federal Waters-Description of MAFMC Management Process
The Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976/1996/2007 established a U.S. exclusive economic zone between 3 and 200 miles offshore, and created eight regional councils to manage the living marine resources within that area. The Act was passed principally to address heavy foreign fishing, promote the development of a domestic fleet and link the fishing community more directly to the management process.
The Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council is responsible for management of fisheries in federal waters which occur predominantly off the Mid Atlantic Coast. States with voting representation on the Council include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
The Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council manages the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid & Butterfish Management Plan (multiple species in one plan).
The final decisions are made by the full council, however the bulk of the work is done by the Oversight Committee that meets regularly to review and discuss individual fishery management plans (FMPs) and develop specific measures that will form the basis of the plan, plan amendments or framework adjustments to a plan. Oversight committee recommendations are forwarded to the full Council for their approval. Advisory Panels advise the Oversight Committee and are made up of members from the fishing industry (from both commercial and recreational sectors), scientists, environmental advocates, and others with knowledge and experience related to fisheries issues. Plan Development Teams (PDTs) also advise the Oversight Committee and are made up of scientists, managers and other experts with knowledge and experience related to the biology and/or management of a particular species.
After all the Council's work on a plan is completed, there is one more step. Although the Council has many specific duties under the law, they really are a advisory body themselves. Final decisions on all fisheries management plans go through one last process via the federal register and final rulemaking and implementation is conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Apr 22, 2010
Friends of Honest Bycatch
