Bycatch Reporting Amendments to Pacific Islands Fishery Ecosystem Plans

NOAA Fisheries announces that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is proposing to amend the five fishery ecosystem plans for fisheries in the Pacific Islands region. If approved, the Council will amend the plans to more clearly describe how bycatch amount and type are currently assessed in these fisheries. This will ensure alignment with national standardized requirements in bycatch reporting.

The amendments would not add or change existing bycatch data collection programs. They also would not create, modify, or remove any regulations or reporting requirements.

This proposed action is needed to ensure that the fisheries comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery and Conservation and Management Act.

NOAA Fisheries welcomes comments on the proposed amendments through April 9, 2024.

For more information, read the Federal Register notice and supporting documents