Photo: NOAA 



management plans be prepared by "Regional Fishery Management 

 Councils" consisting of both federal and state officials. These manage- 

 ment plans are to be submitted to the Secretary of Commerce for review, 

 approval, and implementation. If they are disapproved, in whole or in 

 part, the Councils must consider the Secretary's comments in the prepa- 

 ration of new plans. Under certain circumstances the Secretary of Com- 

 merce may prepare preliminary management plans and establish in- 

 terim regulations pending action by the Councils. 



The FMCA sets standards for conservation and management 

 measures to be included in the plans and prohibits foreign fishing in the 

 economic resources zone unless it is conducted under the terms of inter- 

 national agreements. New international agreements must recognize the 

 authority of the United States to comply with regulations issued by the 

 Secretary of Commerce under the Act. The Act prohibits the renewal, or 



