Public Comment & Amendment Development Process
Want to Learn More about Amendments and Submit Public Comment?
Amendment Information - To access the list of amendments currently under development by the Council and to submit public comment on any amendment, expand the menu below and then click the name of the amendment to go to the amendment page.
Submitting Comment - On each amendment page, learn more about what management measures are being proposed, the current status of the amendment in the process, most recent documents and access an online comment form to submit comments.
Amendments Under Development
Click on the + buttons below to view information about amendments under development under each Fishery Management Plan/Topic. You may also submit comments on individual amendments using the links provided.
Amendment Information
Issues Addressed:
Link to Online Comment Form:
Amendment Information
Issues Addressed:
Link to Online Comment Form:
Amendment Information
Issues Addressed:
Link to Online Comment Form:
Amendment Information
Issues Addressed:
Link to Online Comment Form:
Amendment Information
Issues Addressed:
Link to Online Comment Form:
Council Process - Phase I: This process includes scientific input from the Council's Science & Statistical Committee, development of management alternatives, public input, and often times, deliberation by members of the Council during multiple meetings before being approved for submission to the Secretary of Commerce. Learn more about the Council process.
NOAA Fisheries Process - Rulemaking
NOAA Fisheries Process - Phase 2: Approval of a fishery management plan or amendment by the Council does not mean that the measures automatically become law. Once approved by the Council, the proposed measures go through Secretarial Review, a rigorous process that involves review by NOAA Fisheries, legal review, and most importantly, the opportunity for additional public comment. This part of the process is called “Rulemaking” and includes a proposed rule and final rule. Once the review has been completed, the Secretary of Commerce may approve, partially approve, or disapprove the management measures proposed by the Council. Once the measures become effective, NOAA Fisheries is responsible for implementing and enforcing the measures. NOAA’s Southeast Regional Office is also responsible for collecting data on the region’s fisheries and monitoring landings to track Annual Catch Limits (ACLs). Learn more about NOAA Fisheries and the Southeast Regional Office.