PLYMOUTH, Mass. — September 27, 2012 — The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) met on Thursday to review the recommendations of the NEFMC's Habitat Committee regarding Essential Fish Habitats. The Council also discussed their management priorities for 2013, as well as the standardization of by-catch reporting methodology (SBRM).
Listen to the Council's review of Omnibus EFH Amendment 2's Goals and Objectives as well as a discussion on whether or not to split deep-sea coral alternatives out of the Amendment.
Listen to Michelle Bachman, the NEFMC's Habitat Plan Development Chair, discuss the development of adverse effects and the minimization of options and alternatives for Omnibus EFH Amendment 2.
Listen to the public's comments regarding Michelle Bachman's presentation and Omnibus EFH Amendment 2. This section includes comments made by John Bullard, the Regional Administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Northeast Regional Office.
Listen to the Council's discussion on Omnibus EFH Amendment 2, in regards to the scallop industry and the time-sensitive nature of their actions.
Listen to the Council conclude their discussion on Omnibus EFH Amendment 2.
Listen to the Council's initial discussion of 2013 management priorities.
Listen to the SBRM report and the Council's closing statements.