File #: Cons 16-021    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Conservation Issue Status: Other Issue
File created: 8/19/2016 In control: North Pacific Council
On agenda: 10/3/2016 Final action:
Title: EFH Descriptions - Review and Identify EFH
Attachments: 1. D3 Essential Fish Habitat Review 2016_Final.pdf, 2. Appendix A. Laman et al. 2015.EBS_TechMemov5a_opt_REDUCED.pdf, 3. Appendix B. Turner et al. 2015. AI_TechMemo_V1a_opt_REDUCED.pdf, 4. Appendix C. Rooney et al. 2015.GOA_TechMemo_v7 (1)_REDUCED.pdf, 5. Appendix D BSAI Combined EFH.pdf, 6. Appendix E GOA Combined EFH.pdf, 7. Appendix F Proposed BSAI KTC EFH_REDUCED.pdf, 8. Appendix G Proposed Scallop EFH.pdf, 9. Appendix H Proposed Salmon marine EFH.pdf, 10. Appendix I Proposed Arctic EFH.pdf, 11. D3 2016 Review of Essential Fish Habitat.pdf, 12. PRESENTATION: D3, 13. MOTION: D3 EFH Descriptions
Dan Hull, Chairman
Chris Oliver, Executive Director
SUBJECT: title
EFH Descriptions - Review and Identify EFH
end

STAFF CONTACT: Steve MacLean

ACTION REQUIRED: recommended action
Review status report; determine whether to update EFH in Council's FMPs.

BACKGROUND:
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) requires regional Fishery Management Councils to describe and identify Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for all fisheries, and to minimize to the extent practicable the adverse effects of fishing on EFH. The MSA defines EFH as "those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity". The National Marine Fisheries Service and Councils must describe EFH in Fishery Management Plans (FMP), minimize to the extent practicable the adverse effects of fishing on EFH, and identify other actions to encourage the conservation and enhancement of EFH. Federal agencies that authorize, fund, or undertake actions that my adversely affect EFH must consult with NMFS, and NMFS must provide conservation recommendations to Federal and state agencies regarding actions that could adversely affect EFH. Councils also have the authority to comment on Federal or state agency actions that could adversely affect habitat, including EFH, of managed species.

The EFH Final Rule requires that EFH is reviewed and revised, as necessary, every 5 years. The EFH Final Rule states that reviews should evaluate: (1) published scientific literature, (2) unpublished scientific reports, (3) information solicited from interested parties, and 4) previously unavailable or inaccessible data. The NPFMC reviewed EFH components and EFH provision in 2010, this review is the second required review. Based on the information provided in the Final Status Report, the Council will determine whether revisions to EFH or reevaluations of EFH management measurements are necessary for any or all of the Council's FMPs. If the Council determines that revis...

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