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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BF15 Publication ID: Spring 2016 
Title: Prohibition on Fishing for Unfished Forage Fish Species in the U.S. West Coast Exclusive Economic Zone 
Abstract: This action would amend federal regulations to prohibit directed commercial fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone off the U.S. West Coast for several currently unfished forage fish species. Fishing for these species is currently unmanaged and there is no known targeting of any of these species in the Exclusive Economic Zone. This action is intended to protect and preserve the forage base in the U.S. West Coast Exclusive Economic Zone from unrestricted fisheries access to benefit the larger marine ecosystem, as well as valuable target fisheries that depend on these forage fish species. Directed fishing for these species could be allowed in the future if the Pacific Fishery Management Council recommends a fishery be allowed. The rule would allow continued retention of these forage species, taken incidentally in fisheries targeting other species. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 660   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  02/05/2016  81 FR 215   
NPRM Comment Period End  02/09/2016 
Final Action  07/00/2016 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
William Stelle Jr.
Regional Administrator, West Coast Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
7600 Sand Point Way Northeast, Building 1,
Seattle, WA 98115
Phone:206 526-6150
Email: will.stelle@noaa.gov