Comprehensive Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) Control Rule Amendment: Revisions to the ABC Control Rule and specifications for carry-overs and phase-ins
Summary
Comprehensive ABC Control Rule Amendment would modify the ABC control rules, allow phase-in of ABC changes, allow carry-over of unharvested portion of the annual catch limit (ACL), and modify framework procedures to implement carry-overs of ACLs when allowed, for the Fishery Management Plans (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 45), Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic (Amendment 11), and Golden Crab Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 11). The intent of the amendment is to incorporate scientific uncertainty and management risk, modify the approach used to determine the acceptable risk of overfishing, and prioritize the use of stock rebuilding plans for overfished stocks. Comprehensive ABC Control Rule Amendment would base conservation and management measures on the best scientific information available, particularly in accordance with 2020 NMFS guidance on carry-over and phase-in provisions, and increase net benefits to the Nation, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and its National Standards.