May 19, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries is proposing to implement measures to enhance catch monitoring and address slippage (catch that is discarded before it has been sampled by observers) in the Atlantic mackerel fishery.
The proposed slippage consequence measures for limited access (Tier 1, 2, and 3) mackerel vessels are:
- Slippage that occurs due to safety, mechanical failure, or excess catch of spiny dogfish would require that vessels have to move and remain at least 15 nautical miles from the location of slippage; and
- If slippage occurs for any other reason, the vessel must terminate its trip and return to port.
We are also proposing that all slippage events that occur on observed trips be reported via the vessel monitoring system daily catch report.
Read the complete proposed rule and the supporting documents, and submit your comments through the Federal eRulemaking portal online by June 18, 2015. Comments may also be submitted in writing to:
John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator
NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930.
Please mark your envelope with “Comments on Framework Adjustment 9.”
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, at 978-281-9175 or email Jennifer.Goebel@noaa.gov.
Atlantic mackerel. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/DOC