0648-BN73 202504 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 0648 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA 0600 Department of Commerce DOC Pacific Island Fisheries; Annual Catch Limit and Accountability Measures for Guam Bottomfish Management Unit Species

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) manage the bottomfish fishery in Guam under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). The multispecies bottomfish complex in Guam was determined to be overfished in 2020 and has been managed under a rebuilding plan since 2022. A 2024 stock assessment update found that the fishery is no longer overfished or subject to overfishing, but not yet rebuilt. Consistent with Council recommendations, NMFS proposes to revise the annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) under the rebuilding plan. The AMs would be changed to a framework more practicable with available data systems. The proposed action would reduce the administrative and regulatory burden on NMFS and the fishery while ensuring it is managed sustainably. This action follows from Council discussions and deliberations at several meetings in 20242025. NMFS is proposing this action under the rulemaking authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, sections 303(c) and 304(b) - Standard rulemaking/Regulations Deemed Necessary by Council.

]]> Substantive, Nonsignificant First Time Published in The Unified Agenda Proposed Rule Stage No No Not subject to, not significant 50 CFR 665 18 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. No NPRM 07/00/2025 No No None No No No No Sarah Malloy Acting Regional Administrator, Pacific Islands Region 0648 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA 808 725-5000 sarah.malloy@noaa.gov 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu HI 96818