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In 2004, NMFS published a technical memorandum that provided information that could be used to develop standardized objectives, protocols, and precision goals for data collection to assess bycatch that would support improved understanding of stock- and fishery-specific trends and inform research priorities for minimizing bycatch while supporting the use of a variety of data collection forms. NMFS is proposing an interpretive rule building on the 2004 technical memorandum and addressing section 303(a)(11)requirements of the Magnuson Stevens Act, that would ensure, in cooperation with the Fishery Management Councils, consistent minimum standards for collection, documentation, and data reporting methodologies, including consideration of factors needed for management goals such as characteristics of sampling design, practicable scientific methods and techniques available for quality control and improvement, and ecosystem impacts.