§5104 State Implementation of Coastal Fishery Management Plans

Summary

The Commission must make coastal fishery management plans to conserve coastal fish. 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 follow it, and the Commission must list which States must carry out each plan. Within 1 year after December 20, 1993, the Commission must set rules for making these plans. Those rules must make sure plans protect fish across their ranges, use the best science available, and give the public a chance to take part, including at least four public hearings and a way to send written comments. Each State named by a plan must implement and enforce its measures in the time set by the plan. Within 90 days after December 20, 1993, the Commission must set a schedule for States to start enforcing plans that existed before that date; no deadline on that schedule can be more than 12 months after the schedule is adopted. The Commission must review each State’s enforcement at least annually and report the results to the Secretaries.