Council Actions
Each fishery managed by the Council has a fishery management plan (FMP) outlining the characteristics of the fishery and how it is managed. The procedure for changing Federal fishing regulations follows a standardized and transparent process. There are two main ways the Council can make changes to an FMP.
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Major changes to FMPs are developed and implemented through FMP Amendments. The amendment development process requires a minimum of three Council meetings, although more complex amendments can take several years to complete. The Council usually holds two rounds of public hearings to gather public input on an amendment – scoping hearings are held early in the amendment development process, and public hearings are held after the range of alternatives has been identified. This document describes the timing and steps involved in developing a new FMP or major amendment.
Minor changes and modifications to existing measures can be completed through Framework Adjustments. While amendments may take several years to complete and address a variety of issues, frameworks can be completed in as little as 6‐8 months and address one or a few issues in a fishery. Each of the Council’s FMPs specifies the range of management options that may be added or modified via frameworks. This document provides additional details on the framework development process.
Once the Council has taken final action on an amendment or framework, it is submitted to NOAA Fisheries for a formal review and rulemaking process. Click on the graphics below to learn more about the amendment and framework development processes.
Phase 1: Amendments and Frameworks Under Development
The amendments and frameworks listed below are at various stages of development by the Council. Once the Council has taken final action, some additional staff work may be required to finalize an amendment or framework document before submission to NOAA Fisheries. Actions will be moved to the following section (Phase 2) once the document has been formally submitted for review by NOAA Fisheries.
Phase 2: Amendments and Frameworks Undergoing NOAA Fisheries Review and Rulemaking
Once an amendment or framework is approved by the Council, the proposed measures are submitted for review by the Secretary of Commerce - a process collectively referred to as “Rulemaking.” This process involves additional review by NOAA Fisheries, legal review, and additional public comment opportunities. Once the review has been completed, the Secretary of Commerce may approve, partially approve, or disapprove the management measures proposed by the Council. Once the measures become effective, NOAA Fisheries is responsible for implementing and enforcing the measures.
Other Projects
Listed below are several projects or initiatives the Council is currently involved in. These projects are not linked with amendments or frameworks.
Completed Council Actions
The links below provide detailed information related to Council amendments and frameworks developed during the last several years. For a complete history of each fishery management plan, please see this page.
At the October 2018 Council Meeting the Council decided not to move forward with development of this action.