§5104 State Implementation of Coastal Fishery Management Plans

Summary

The Commission must create and adopt coastal fishery management plans to protect coastal fish. For fisheries that cross State waters and the exclusive economic zone, the Commission must talk with the appropriate Councils so the plans work together. Each plan must say what States must do to follow it, and the Commission must name which States must carry out and enforce the plan. Within 1 year after December 20, 1993, the Commission must set rules for making these plans so they protect fish across their ranges, use the best scientific information available, and give the public a chance to take part, including at least four public hearings and a way to send written comments. Each named State must carry out the plan’s measures within the times set in the plan. Within 90 days after December 20, 1993, the Commission must set time schedules for plans that were already in place before that date; no deadline in 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.