March 31, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
NOAA Fisheries received sector operations plans and contracts from 16 groundfish sectors for the 2021 and 2022 fishing years. We are proposing to approve these 16 operations plans and grant 19 regulatory exemptions to improve the efficiency and flexibility of sector vessels. We are also proposing to allocate annual catch entitlements for fishing year 2021 based on Framework 59 and default specifications. Annual catch entitlements may be modified based on the New England Fishery Management Council’s recommendations in Framework 61, if approved, at a later date.
This proposed rule announces our determination that the electronic monitoring audit model is sufficient for use in place of at-sea monitors for catch accounting. Sector vessels may choose to use either at-sea monitoring or electronic monitoring to meet monitoring requirements, provided that the vessel’s sector has a corresponding monitoring program approved as part of its fishing years 2021-22 sector operations plan.
The proposed rule is published in the Federal Register. Submit your comments through the online portal. The comment period is open through April 15, 2021.
Copies of each sector’s draft operations plan and contract are available online.
Questions?
Media: Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, 978-281-9175
Fishermen: Contact Claire Fitz-Gerald, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 978-281-9255