1. Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006 March 2007

2. Key Changes affecting Gulf of Mexico Fisheries End & prevent overfishing Strengthen role of science in management Promote market-based management strategies Improve science & data Streamline environmental review

3. Requires Councils specify annual catch limits (ACLs) & accountability measures (2010/2011) –May not exceed recommendations of scientific advisors Specifies new deadline for implementing measures to immediately end overfishing following status notifications (July 2009)Overfishing STAY INVOLVED NMFS is soliciting public input through April 17, 2007. Scoping meeting March 27 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.

4. Role of Science in Management Requires Council Scientific & Statistical Committees –Assist in peer review –Provide Councils ongoing scientific advice –Be composed of federal / state employees, academics, or independent experts with strong scientific or technical credentials & experience –Be subject to conflict-of-interest requirements Requires stipends, subject to availability of funds

5. Market-Based Management STAY INVOLVED NMFS will release draft technical guidance on LAPP design for public review in April 2007. Defines limited access privilege –Exclusive, revocable privilege to harvest specific quantity of total allowable catch –10-year maximum Specifies limited access privilege program (LAPP) requirements Allows initiation of LAPPs by –Council –Petition signed by fishermen with majority of permits or allocation (special requirements for Gulf of Mexico multispecies permits)

6. Market-Based Management STAY INVOLVED NMFS will release draft referenda guidance & procedures for public review in July 2007. Specifies referenda requirements for individual fishing quota (IFQ) programs in Gulf of Mexico –All programs must be approved by majority through referendum –Only those who have “substantially fished” the species may vote in referenda for multispecies fisheries

7. Science & Data Requires Secretary work with fishermen to improve quality of recreational survey data (MRFSS) (2009) –Goal is acceptable accuracy & utility for each fishery –Refers to 2006 National Research Council recommendations Requires registry of recreational fishermen in each Council region Creates or authorizes several research programs

8. Environmental Review Requires Secretary involve Councils & public in revising agency procedures for complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (2008) STAY INVOLVED Scoping through April 20, 2007. Public comment opportunity March 29 from 9-11:30 AM. Regional listening sessions planned in April-June 2007. Draft procedures available for public comment in July 2007. Revised procedures must: –Conform to MSA time lines –Integrate analytical requirements Revised procedures will be sole environmental impact assessment procedure

9. Additional Changes: Gulf Council Membership Nomination lists must include –At least one representative from each of the commercial, recreational, and charter sectors –At least one other person knowledgeable about Council fisheries Owners/operators of foreign fish farms cannot represent the commercial or recreational sectors Secretary required to solicit additional nominations from state residents if nomination lists do not meet these requirements

10. Additional Changes Strengthen conflict of interest provisions Authorize use of ecosystem approach Require Council member training Prohibit shark feeding Require Councils identify multi-year research priorities Authorize use of bycatch incentive programs Authorize joint enforcement agreements Authorize Regional Coastal Assistance, Transition, & Recovery Program

11. Additional Changes Call for improved international cooperation / enforcement Specify criteria for no-take marine protected areas Require best scientific economic & social information available be used in decisionmaking Require Secretary streamline process for issuing experimental fishing permits (2007) Establish Fisheries Conservation & Management Fund

12. Additional Changes Address impacts of 2005 hurricane season –Habitat restoration –Reporting requirements (2007) –Loan assistance / forgiveness (subject to funding) –Other assistance (subject to funding)

13. Key Implementation Priorities Specify annual catch limits (Jan 2010; Jan 2011) Revise environmental review procedures (Jan 2008) Improve Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (Jan 2009) Publish certification procedures / report on international compliance (Jan 2009) Establish Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (Jan 2008) Publish referenda guidelines for Gulf of Mexico fisheries (Jan 2008)

14. Stay Involved Visit us on the web at: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/msa2007 Questions?