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This action would clarify the authority of regional fishery management councils and NMFS to regulate aquaculture in the U.S. exclusive economic zone under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Aquaculture is considered "fishing" and thus subject to regulation under the MSA through fishery management plans if the fishery (i.e., fishing for stocks) requires conservation and management. In addition, the MSA and its implementing regulations provide a notification process for new fishing gears or fisheries. The action would describe the regulatory status of aquaculture under approved fishery management plans and identify the process that regional fishery management councils and NMFS could use to regulate aquaculture in the future. This action may also update and clarify the notification process under 50 CFR 600.747, if needed. This action is expected to benefit individuals that are considering development of an aquaculture operation in the U.S. exclusive economic zone and participants in Federal fisheries by ensuring that it is not inadvertently prohibited through clarifying 1) its current status and 2) the process for its future development in the U.S. exclusive economic zone under the authority of the MSA and other applicable law.