Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment

Source: NOAA Fisheries

The Council is developing an Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Amendment. This action will concurrently conduct the 5-year EFH review required under the Magnuson Stevens Act while amending fishery management plans for the Council, as needed. This action is an opportunity to utilize the best available fish habitat science to improve EFH designations and support the Council’s fish habitat conservation efforts while supporting the EFH consultation process. The consultation process plays an important role in addressing the impacts of non-fishing projects (such as wind energy projects) on fish habitat.

Contacts:

Amendment Timeline and Status

Current Action Plan (as of 3/20/23)

October 2022 Council Meeting: Amendment initiated

January 2023: Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) formed

Next Steps: The FMAT will begin the EFH Review and development work for EFH and HAPC designations alterative. The EOP Committee and Advisory Panel will meet to review technical approaches.