NOAA Fisheries is requesting public comment on proposed regulations (88 FR 7661, February 6, 2023) to implement Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS). If approved, the amendment would authorize deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) as an additional gear type for catching swordfish and other HMS in federal waters off of California and Oregon. NOAA Fisheries is accepting public comment on the proposed regulations through March 8, 2023.
NOAA Fisheries published a notice of availability of Amendment 6 (88 FR 1171) on January 9, 2023, and is accepting public comments on it through March 10, 2023.
NOAA Fisheries will take public comments on both the Amendment and the proposed regulations into account in determining whether to issue a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) and record of decision, approve the proposed amendment from the Council, and issue a final rule.
More information is available on our website.
