Final Environmental Assessment Final Regulatory Impact Review And Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis For A Final Rule To Modify The Retention Of Incidentally Caught Highly Migratory Species In Atlantic Trawl Fisheries

"This final action will modify the permitting and retention requirements for Atlantic HMS to address the incidental catch of North Atlantic swordfish in the Illex squid trawl fishery, and the incidental catch of species in the smoothhound shark complex (genus Mustelus) in all Atlantic trawl fisheries. The action will reduce regulatory dead discards of incidentally caught swordfish in the Illex squid trawl fishery by establishing a new Incidental HMS Squid Trawl permit. It will also establish a retention limit for smoothhound sharks in all Atlantic trawl fisheries. This action will be consistent with the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan. The action is not expected to significantly alter current fishing practices or increase fishing effort, and is not be expected to change previously analyzed endangered species or marine mammal interaction rates or magnitudes, or affect critical habitat"--Cover letter; Portfolio comprised of two related PDF documents digitized and organized by: NOAA Office of Program Planning and Integration (PPI) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff.