§5104 State implementation of coastal fishery management plans

Summary

The Commission must create and adopt coastal fishery management plans to conserve coastal fish and their habitats. If a fishery is in both State waters and the exclusive economic zone, the Commission must talk with the appropriate Councils so the plans fit together. Each plan must say what States must do to comply, and the Commission must list the States that must carry out and enforce the plan. Within 1 year after December 20, 1993, the Commission must set standards and procedures for making these plans, including using the best scientific information and giving the public a chance to participate with at least four public hearings and a way to send written comments. States named in a plan must implement and enforce its measures within the plan’s time limits. Within 90 days after December 20, 1993, the Commission must set a schedule for putting older plans into effect, and no required start date may be more than 12 months after that schedule is adopted. The Commission must check at least once a year how each State is doing and report the results to the Secretaries.