54 



There are several reasons why this shift is appropriate for 

 bluefish, which are the following: 



^ Bluefish is a species that is found and harvested 



predominantly in state waters and is an ideal species for 

 management by the states. 



^ The ASMFC already has in place an existing Interstate 

 Fishery Management Plan (IFMP) for Atlantic Bluefish. 



^ The ASMFC and Atlantic coast states are heavily involved in 

 the management planning for the species in state and federal 

 waters . 



The Atlantic Coastal Act is a more appropriate vehicle for 

 advancing states' interests in a species that is harvested 

 predominantly in state waters. With respect to bluefish, the 

 states have already developed a comprehensive management strategy 

 for bluefish, as represented by the IFMP for Atlantic bluefish. 

 If there is a need for additional Federal regulations to buttress 

 the IFMP, the ASMFC can recommend that the Secretary take action 

 with respect to the FEZ. NMFS does not intent to withdraw the 

 FMP until the ASMFC has made a recommendation to the Secretary 

 enabling Atlantic Coastal Act regulations to be implemented in 

 the EEZ, thereby ensuring no lapse in EEZ regulations during this 

 process. 



BLUEFISH MANAGEMENT UNDER THE ASMFC 



The Atlantic Coastal Act gives the ASMFC broad responsibilities 

 to manage marine species such as bluefish in state waters, and 

 gives the Secretary of Commerce authority to support ASMFC 

 actions through the implementation of regulations in the 

 Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) , and imposition of moratoria on 

 fishing in state waters when states do not comply with an ASMFC 

 fishery management plan. 



NMFS, however, maintains an important and ongoing role with 

 regard to bluefish. NMFS is involved with the ASMFC management 

 of bluefish; NMFS scientists provide technical advice, and NMFS 

 Regional and Headquarters personnel interact with management 

 decision-making bodies such as the ASMFC Bluefish Fishery 

 Management Board. This latter group would have primary 

 responsibility to maintain and monitor the IFMP for bluefish, and 

 for formulating management recommendations for any amendments to 

 it. In the future, bluefish management decisions would be made 

 by the ASMFC with supportive action taken by the Secretary in the 

 EEZ or state waters as needed. 



NMFS also intends to support the ASMFC, and take whatever 

 supportive measures are necessary for the conservation of 



