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. Framework Adjustment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan would implement slippage consequence measures, and a requirement that slippage events be reported via the vessel monitoring system.
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.
Read the complete proposed rule and the supporting documents, and submit your comments through the Federal eRulemaking portal online (click the blue "Comment Now!" button) by June 18, 2015.