NOAA Fisheries Service Seeks Public Input on Guidance for Limited Access Privilege Programs |
NOAA Fisheries Service is seeking public input on what guidance is needed to implement the limited access privilege program provisions found in section 303(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended in 2006. The regional fishery management councils hold much of the responsibility for developing limited access privilege programs that best meet the needs of specific fisheries. NOAA’s goal is to guide the consistent application of requirements for limited access privilege programs across different regions, without compromising the Councils’ flexibility or innovation. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries Service is inviting the public to help identify topics that should be included in a proposed rule to clarify these legal provisions and requirements. Questions to be considered include the following: What should be the requirements or limits on holding privileges? What criteria should be used to determine whether businesses are substantially dependent on a fishery? What factors should the agency use to determine if a Regional Fishery Association’s sustainability plan is acceptable? How should the Councils and agency determine when it is necessary to assist entry level and small vessel owner-operators, captains, crew and fishing communities? Comments may be sent to LA**********@no**.gov through September 30, 2007. NOAA Fisheries Service will review these comments, evaluate the legal, technical and policy implications, frame options and recommendations, and issue guidance, as appropriate, through a public process. More information is available online, or contact Ja*************@no**.gov. |
NOAA Fisheries Service Seeks Public Input on Guidance for Limited Access Privilege Programs |
NOAA Fisheries Service is seeking public input on what guidance is needed to implement the limited access privilege program provisions found in section 303(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended in 2006. The regional fishery management councils hold much of the responsibility for developing limited access privilege programs that best meet the needs of specific fisheries. NOAA’s goal is to guide the consistent application of requirements for limited access privilege programs across different regions, without compromising the Councils’ flexibility or innovation. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries Service is inviting the public to help identify topics that should be included in a proposed rule to clarify these legal provisions and requirements. Questions to be considered include the following: What should be the requirements or limits on holding privileges? What criteria should be used to determine whether businesses are substantially dependent on a fishery? What factors should the agency use to determine if a Regional Fishery Association’s sustainability plan is acceptable? How should the Councils and agency determine when it is necessary to assist entry level and small vessel owner-operators, captains, crew and fishing communities? Comments may be sent to LA**********@no**.gov through September 30, 2007. NOAA Fisheries Service will review these comments, evaluate the legal, technical and policy implications, frame options and recommendations, and issue guidance, as appropriate, through a public process. More information is available online, or contact Ja*************@no**.gov. |