We are not done with this yet. The next step is up to the National Marine Fisheries Service Regional Director, Northeast Region.
3. The Council, following review of the Team's report, supporting data, public comments, and other relevant information, may recommend to the Northeast Regional Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service (RD) that a SMZ be approved. Such a recommendation would be accompanied by all relevant background data.
4. The RD will review the Council's recommendation, and if he concurs in the recommendation, will propose regulations in accordance with the recommendations. He may also reject the recommendation, providing written reasons for rejection.
5. If the RD concurs in the Council's recommendations, he shall publish proposed regulations in the Federal Register and shall afford a reasonable period for public comment which is consistent with the urgency of the need to implement the management measure(s).
http://www.mafmc.org/fmp/pdf/SFSCBSB_Amend_9.pdf
http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-1996-11-15/pdf/96-29165.pdf
“If the Council ultimately decides to forward a recommendation for designation to NMFS to implement SMZs through regulation, then a much more in-depth analysis of the consistency of the ultimate recommendation will be conducted.”
http://www.mafmc.org/meeting_materia...13_reduced.pdf
