Magnuson-Stevens Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act Reauthorization Act

of 2006of 2006

March 2007

Key ChangesKey Changes affecting affecting

Gulf of MexicoGulf of Mexico FisheriesFisheries

• End & prevent overfishing

• Strengthen role of science in management

• Promote market-based management strategies

• Improve science & data

• Streamline environmental review

• Requires Councils specifyannual catch limits (ACLs) &accountability measures(2010/2011)– May not exceed

recommendations ofscientific advisors

• Specifies new deadline for implementing measures to immediately end overfishing following status notifications (July 2009)

OverfishingOverfishing

STAY INVOLVED

NMFS is soliciting public NMFS is soliciting public input through April 17, input through April 17,

2007.2007.

Scoping meeting March 27 Scoping meeting March 27 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.

RoleRole of of ScienceScience in in ManagementManagement

• Requires Council Scientific & Statistical Committees

– Assist in peer review

– Provide Councils ongoing scientific advice

– Be composed of federal / state employees, academics, or independent experts with strong scientific or technical credentials & experience

– Be subject to conflict-of-interest requirements

• Requires stipends, subject to availability of funds

Market-Based ManagementMarket-Based Management

STAY INVOLVED

NMFS will release draft NMFS will release draft technical guidance on LAPP technical guidance on LAPP design for public review in design for public review in

April 2007.April 2007.

• Defines limited access privilege– Exclusive, revocable privilege to harvest specific quantity of

total allowable catch

– 10-year maximum

• Specifies limited access privilegeprogram (LAPP) requirements

• Allows initiation of LAPPs by– Council

– Petition signed by fishermen with majority of permits or allocation (special requirements for Gulf of Mexico multispecies permits)

Market-Based ManagementMarket-Based Management

STAY INVOLVED

NMFS will release draft NMFS will release draft referenda guidance & referenda guidance &

procedures for public review procedures for public review in July 2007.in July 2007.

• Specifies referenda requirements for individual fishing quota (IFQ) programs in Gulf of Mexico

– All programs must be approved by majority through referendum

– Only those who have“substantially fished” thespecies may vote inreferenda for multispeciesfisheries

ScienceScience & & DataData

• Requires Secretary work with fishermen to improve quality of recreational survey data (MRFSS) (2009)– Goal is acceptable accuracy & utility for each fishery

– Refers to 2006 National Research Council recommendations

• Requires registry of recreational fishermen in each Council region

• Creates or authorizes several research programs

Environmental ReviewEnvironmental Review

• Requires Secretary involve Councils & public in revising agency procedures for complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (2008)

STAY INVOLVED

Scoping through April 20, 2007.Scoping through April 20, 2007.

Public comment opportunityPublic comment opportunityMarch 29 from 9-11:30 AM.March 29 from 9-11:30 AM.

Regional listening sessions Regional listening sessions planned in April-June 2007.planned in April-June 2007.

Draft procedures available for Draft procedures available for public comment in July 2007.public comment in July 2007.

• Revised procedures must:– Conform to MSA time lines– Integrate analytical

requirements

• Revised procedures will besole environmental impactassessment procedure

Additional Changes:Additional Changes:Gulf Council MembershipGulf Council Membership

• Nomination lists must include– At least one representative from each of the

commercial, recreational, and charter sectors– At least one other person knowledgeable about

Council fisheries

• Owners/operators of foreign fish farms cannot represent the commercial or recreational sectors

• Secretary required to solicit additional nominations from state residents if nomination lists do not meet these requirements

Additional ChangesAdditional Changes

• Strengthen conflict of interest provisions

• Authorize use of ecosystem approach

• Require Council member training

• Prohibit shark feeding

• Require Councils identify multi-year research priorities

• Authorize use of bycatch incentive programs

• Authorize joint enforcement agreements

• Authorize Regional Coastal Assistance, Transition,& Recovery Program

Additional ChangesAdditional Changes

• Call for improved international cooperation / enforcement

• Specify criteria for no-take marine protected areas

• Require best scientific economic & social information available be used in decisionmaking

• Require Secretary streamline process for issuing experimental fishing permits (2007)

• Establish Fisheries Conservation & ManagementFund

Additional ChangesAdditional Changes

• Address impacts of 2005 hurricane season

– Habitat restoration

– Reporting requirements (2007)

– Loan assistance / forgiveness (subject to funding)

– Other assistance (subject to funding)

Key Implementation PrioritiesKey Implementation Priorities

• Specify annual catch limits (Jan 2010; Jan 2011)

• Revise environmental review procedures (Jan 2008)

• Improve Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (Jan 2009)

• Publish certification procedures / report on international compliance (Jan 2009)

• Establish Bycatch Reduction EngineeringProgram (Jan 2008)

• Publish referenda guidelines for Gulf of Mexico fisheries (Jan 2008)

Stay InvolvedStay Involved

• Visit us on the web at:www.nmfs.noaa.gov/msa2007

• Questions?