As NOAA starts the process of updating the national guidelines in fisheries regulations it invites public input. It is important to update guidelines as it promotes the safety of commercial and recreational fishermen in federal waters. These guidelines are used by federal fisheries managers as they draft fishing rules and regulations around the nation.
As per the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, National Standard 10 states: “Conservation and management measures shall, to the extent practicable, promote the safety of human life at sea.” The National Standards were drafted in 1998 and since then fishery management and analytical methods to evaluate safety have changed and improved. Through the revision of these guidelines, NOAA’s Fisheries Service intends to enhance consideration of safety issues in fisheries management.
Eric Schwaab, assistant NOAA administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service, said that the safety of fishermen is a top priority for NOAA and the current standards need updating, and their goal is to get as much information as they can about how to make them work better. In addition to inviting public comment and information through the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, NOAA is hosting a public meeting on May 19, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the NOAA Science Center, 1301 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Md. NOAA’s Fisheries Service may hold additional public meetings at other locations around the country during thecomment period.
