NOAA Fisheries Announces Public Hearing and Comment Period for Industry-Funded Monitoring Amendment

The following was released by NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Office:

The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils have been working on an omnibus amendment to allow for industry-funded monitoring over the past several years.

The amendment being developed includes alternatives that would modify all the fishery management plans managed by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils to allow for future industry-funded monitoring programs. 

Through the notice published today in the Federal Register, we are announcing public hearings and the opportunity to comment on the various amendment alternatives for future industry-funded monitoring programs, including cost responsibilities, processes, administrative requirements, priorities, and set-aside programs.

If this is an issue you are interested in, this is an important opportunity to provide your input. 

Documents

Public Meetings

  • October 4, 6-8pm: 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA, 01930
  • October 17, 5-7pm.
  • October 20, 6-8pm: Double Tree by Hilton Hotels, 363 Maine Mall Road, Portland, ME 04106
  • October 27, 5-7pm: Congress Hall, 200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ 08204
  • November 1, 6-8pm: Corless Auditorium, Watkins Building University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, 218 Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02874.

The public comment period will be open from September 23 through November 7.

You can submit comments at public meetings, through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, or by mail to:

John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator
NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930.  

Please mark the outside of the envelope "Comments on IFM Omnibus Amendment."    

Read the Permit Holder Bulletin for more information.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel at 978-281-9175 or email jennifer.goebel@noaa.gov.