NMFS announces that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) proposes to amend the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the American Samoa Archipelago (FEP). If approved, the FEP would be amended to discontinue the rebuilding plan for American Samoa bottomfish and NMFS would implement annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for American Samoa bottomfish. The action is necessary because new best scientific information indicates the fishery is not overfished or experiencing overfishing. The proposed action considers the best available scientific, commercial, and other information about the fishery, and supports the longterm sustainability of the fishery.
A plain language summary of this proposed amendment is available at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA-NMFS-2024-0088. You may submit comments on the proposed amendment, identified by NOAA– NMFS–2024–0088, by either of thefollowing methods:
• Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and type NOAA–NMFS–2024–0088 in the Search box (note: copying and pasting the FDMS Docket Number directly from this document may not yield search results). Click on the ‘‘Comment’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
• Mail: Send written comments to Sarah Malloy, Deputy Regional Administrator, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO), 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.
NMFS must receive comments on the proposed amendment by October 1, 2024. For more information click here