Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Plan
About
Most species found in federal waters are managed by regional fishery management councils through the development and implementation of a Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, highly migratory species (HMS) such as Atlantic tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfish are different in that they are found throughout the Atlantic Ocean and must be managed both domestically and internationally. As a result, NOAA Fisheries has primary authority for developing and implementing an Atlantic HMS FMP.
In July 2006, NOAA Fisheries finalized the Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP. This FMP consolidated the Atlantic billfish and the Atlantic tunas, swordfish and sharks FMP and included a range of management measures for all HMS fisheries.