SMZs approved for Delaware reefs

[njdiver]

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

[007Hookem]

Theres Government bureaucracy for ya!! 4 years for these sandbags to get anything close to done.

[njdiver]

MAFMC motion on Delaware's SMZs:

I move that the Council recommend to
the RA with respect to the Special
Management Zone designation proposal
to approve 2a (all five reefs), 3b
(hook, line and spear fishing only to
include taking by hand), 4b (all year
round), and a 500 yard buffer.
Anderson/McMurray (11/3/2)
Motion

11 for, 3 against and 2 abstain. RA means Regional Administrator, referring to the National Marine Fisheries Service. He will have the final say if this goes forward to a public comment on a Proposed Federal Rule or not.

[njdiver]

John Bullard
Regional Administrator, Northeast Region
National Marine Fisheries Service
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930-2298
Phone: 978-281-9250
Fax: 978-281-9207

Daniel Morris, Deputy RA - 978-281-9311