Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management to Convene its Ad Hoc Artificial Substrate Advisory Panel

Meeting Notice February 5, 2013    Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management to Convene its Ad Hoc Artificial Substrate Advisory Panel The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene its Ad Hoc Artificial Substrate Advisory Panel Thursday, February 28, 2013, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council office, 2203 N. Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, in Tampa, Florida.  The Panel will discuss artificial substrates and their potential consideration as essential fish habitat in the Gulf of Mexico fisheries. Specifically, the Advisory Panel will evaluate potential implications, including regulatory, fishery, or habitat impacts of consideration of artificial substrates as essential fish habitat in accordance with the regulations at 50 CFR Part 600 Subpart J. Items for consideration may include types of structures to be considered, potential conflicts with existing regulatory measures, and requirements to minimize impacts of fishing to the extent practicable. The Advisory Panel will consider if new information exists to demonstrate artificial substrates, including fixed petroleum leg platforms and artificial reefs, provide habitat functions to federally-managed species in the Gulf of Mexico. A copy of the agenda and related materials can be obtained by calling 813-348-1630.  Although other non-emergency issues not on the agenda may come before the Panel for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting.  Actions of the Panel will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take action to address the emergency. This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities.  Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aides should be directed to Kathy Pereira at least five working days prior to the meeting. About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.        The Gulf Council has an APP for that - Download it for free!           iPhone         Droid Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Charlene Ponce Public Information Officer 888-833-1844 ext. 229

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