NOAA to Consider Updated Designations of Essential Fish Habitat for Tunas, Sharks, Swordfish and Billfish

November 14, 2006

Release from:
NOAA

NOAA Fisheries has determined that some Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) information in its Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan may need to be updated. An environmental impact statement will be prepared to examine management alternatives for revising HMS EFH; to consider additional Habitat Areas of Particular Concern; and to minimize, to the extent practicable, adverse fishing impacts on EFH.

To support this analysis, NOAA Fisheries is requesting: new EFH information not considered previously in the Consolidated HMS FMP, comments on potential Habitat Areas of Particular Concern, and information regarding potential fishing/non-fishing impacts that may adversely affect EFH. Send comments to SF1.101606B@noaa.gov by 5pm on December 22, 2006.

For more information, read the Federal Register notice or contact Chris.Rilling@noaa.gov.