View Rule

Under the authority of 16 USC 1801 et seq., NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will seek initial public comment on potential revisions to the National Standard 4, 8, and 9 guidelines, at 50 CFR 600.325, 50 CFR 600.345, and 50 CFR 600.350, respectively, through an advance notice of proposed rulemaking.  NOAA is considering changes to the guidelines for these national standards in response to several ongoing fishery management challenges and recently issued executive orders regarding the climate crisis, equity, and environmental justice. This notice is intended to provide the public background on the specific issues under consideration, to seek specific input, and to provide a general opportunity for comment. Based on comments received, NMFS may then consider revising one or more of the National Standard 4, 8, and 9 guidelines through a proposed and final rulemaking.