Amendment 9 to the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific

NOAA Fisheries announces that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council proposes to amend the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific. If approved, Amendment 9 would reduce regulatory barriers that may be limiting small vessel participation in the American Samoa longline fishery. Specifically, Amendment 9 would consolidate vessel class sizes, modify permit eligibility requirements, and reduce the minimum harvest requirements for small vessels. The Council recommended Amendment 9 to provide for sustained community and indigenous American Samoan participation in the small vessel longline fishery. NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments on the proposed rule through August 30, 2021.

Read the Federal Register notice, Amendment 9, and supporting documentation