Environmental Assessment Regulatory Impact Review, Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Implementation of an Observer Program for At-sea Processing Vessels in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery

摘要

The groundfish fishery in the Exclusive Economic Zone (3 to 200 miles off shore) off the Washington-Oregon-California (WOC) coast is managed under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP was prepared by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (Council) under the authority of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (subsequently amended and renamed the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act). The Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP was approved by the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, on January 4, 1982 and became effective on September 30, 1982. Actions taken to amend FMPs or to implement regulations to govern the groundfish fishery must meet the requirements of applicable federal laws, regulations, and executive orders. In addition to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), these federal laws, regulations, and executive orders include the: National Environm ental Policy Act (NEPA), Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 and 13175, 12898, and 13186, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.