The Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976

Progress is being made by the National Marine Fisheries Service and eight regional councils to implement the Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Some of the problems still being encountered, however, include: (1) there is limited biological and socioeconomic data available on which to base fishery management plans; (2) public involvement, understanding, and acceptance of management actions have not been adequate; (3) the process to develop and approve plans is very time-consuming; (4) there is a multiplicity of jurisdictions; and (5) long-range planning is limited. As of June 1979, nine fishery management plans for both domestic and foreign fishermen had been approved and implemented; eventually about 70 plans will be developed and implemented. Foreign fishing in U.S. waters has declined significantly, and foreign fishermen have been prohibited from fishing domestically valuable species. The need exists for biological stock assessment data as to fish stock abundance, area location, age composition, movements, migrations, and relationship among species. Fishermen do not participate in council meetings, and it is suggested that councils should publicize and conduct meetings at more convenient locations and explain actions taken in each plan. State acceptance and support of fisheries management varies widely. The fact that many species migrate across State boundaries has resulted in a lack of uniform regulation. Long-range planning would enable the councils to build flexible plans and avoid the need to go through a lengthy plan amendment process each year.