Natural Resources Compliance 15 items
Magnuson-Stevens Act Fishery Compliance Checklist
Assess a commercial fishing operation's compliance with federal fishery management plan requirements under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Magnuson-Stevens Act50 CFR 600MSA
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Permits and Authorization
- Does the vessel hold all federal permits required for the fisheries in which it operates? *
- Are permits current and displayed/carried as required? *
- Is the vessel operating within the authorized management area and season? *
Catch Limits and Accountability
- Is the operation staying within applicable annual catch limits (ACLs) and quota allocations? *
- Are accountability measures (closures, in-season adjustments) observed when triggered? *
- Are quota transfers or leases, where permitted, documented and reported per program rules? *
Bycatch and Gear Requirements
- Are measures to minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality followed, including required bycatch reduction devices? *
- Is fishing gear compliant with applicable configuration, marking, and area restrictions? *
- Are prohibited species and undersized catch returned to the sea as required? *
Reporting and Monitoring
- Are logbooks, vessel trip reports, or landings reports submitted accurately and on time? *
- Is a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) installed and operating where required? *
- Are fisheries observers or electronic monitoring accommodated when the vessel is selected? *
Protected Resources
- Are interactions with marine mammals, sea turtles, and ESA-listed species handled and reported per requirements? *
- Is the crew trained in safe handling and release procedures for protected species? *
- Are applicable marine mammal take reduction plan measures (e.g., gear modifications) implemented? *
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