Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Essential Fish Habitat

NMFS announces the reopening of a public comment period to assist in the development of a final rule for Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). The interim final rule established guidelines to assist the Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) and the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) in the description and identification of EFH in fishery management plans, including the identification of threats and conservation measures. The interim regulations also detailed the procedures that the Secretary, other Federal agencies, state agencies, and the Councils should use to coordinate, consult, or provide recommendations on Federal and state actions that may adversely affect EFH. NMFS now requests additional comments on four specific issues.