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On February 28, 2022, NOAA Fisheries published a proposed rule soliciting comment on implementing Amendment 23 to the Northeast Multispecies Management Plan. The comment period is open through March 30, 2022.
If approved, Amendment 23 would implement a number of changes to the industry-funded sector monitoring program. Changes include a target at-sea monitoring (ASM) coverage of 100-percent of sector trips, approval of an additional electronic monitoring model, and exclusion of trips west of 71 30 W from the ASM requirement. If approved, Amendment 23 is expected to be implemented in 2022. Please refer to the fact sheet for more details.
Beginning this spring, observer program staff will be in the field to complete outreach associated with Amendment 23. At-sea monitors will also have copies of the Amendment 23 fact sheet with contact information for questions.
As announced on December 14, 2021, NOAA Fisheries set the at-sea monitoring coverage target at 99 percent for fishing year 2022. That coverage target will be in effect beginning May 1, 2022, unless and until Amendment 23 is approved and implements a different target.
For more information: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/commercial-fishing/northeast-groundfish-monitoring-program
NOAA Fisheries at-sea monitor collecting length frequencies.
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