The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Joint Advisory Panel and Plan Development Team, in October 2012, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
The Habitat Advisory Panel and Plan Development Team will review and further develop alternatives for Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. Related to gear modification options for Habitat Management Areas, they will discuss ground cable modification options in general and make a recommendation as to whether they should be developed further; discuss analytical considerations, including necessary assumptions and uncertainty; review the range of habitat management areas where gear modification management options are being considered by the Habitat Committee; and recommend a maximum ground cable length for each location. They will also discuss dedicated Habitat Research Areas, reviewing and refining updated proposals for specific areas and recommend them to the Habitat Committee, as appropriate. Other business may be discussed at their discretion.
DATES: This meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.
ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held at the Ashworth by the Sea, 295 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH 03842; telephone: (603) 926-6762; fax: (603) 926-2002.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul J. Howard, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465-0492.