Operational Guidelines

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(May 1, 1997 version with updated Appendices)

Introduction & Table of Contents

Phase I: Planning

Phase II: Preparation of Draft Documents

Phase III: Public Review and Council Adoption

Phase IV: Final FMP/Proposed Regulations and Final Rules

Phase V: Continuing and Contingency Fishery Management

Appendices:

NMFS Habitat Conservation Policy**

Other Applicable Laws - Interagency Guidance:

a.	CZMA
b.	ESA section 7 Regulations
c.	Procedures for Development of Regulations
d.	Guidelines for Economic Analysis of Fishery Management Actions
e.	NEPA: NAO 216-6
f.	Paperwork Reduction Act
g.	Guidance for Social Impact Assessment

Highly Migratory Species Procedures

**The guidance under Appendix 1 was prepared in 1983 before the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996, which established new requirements regarding essential fish habitat (EFH) under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This Appendix habitat conservation policy statement has been superceded, in part, by agency guidance regarding essential fish habitat requirements under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. For current agency guidance regarding EFH, see the following information:

Essential Fish Habitat Regulatory Guidelines
Essential Fish Habitat Statute and Regulations

Note: The Operational Guidelines represent NOAA Fisheries' guidance, pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, for the development, review, approval, and implementation of FMPs, amendments, and other related fishery management actions. The document serves as a guide for the rulemaking aspects of the fishery management process under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The Operational Guidelines are currently undergoing revision as part of the Regulatory Streamlining Project. Once adopted in final by NOAA Fisheries, the revised Operational Guidelines will be posted to this website.

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