50 CFR § 600.305-600.355 - Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions - National Standards.

This Subpart of Part 600 of Title 50 of the Federal Code of Regulations establishes guidelines, based on the national standards, to assist in the development and review of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), amendments, and Regulations prepared by the Regional Fishery Management Councils and the Secretary of Commerce. Regional Fishery Management Councils created by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). In developing FMPs, the Councils have the initial authority to ascertain factual circumstances, to establish management objectives, and to propose management measures that will achieve the objectives. The Secretary will determine whether the proposed management objectives and measures are consistent with the national standards, other provisions of the MSA, and other applicable law. The national standards are statutory principles that must be followed in any FMP. National standards concern principally efficient and sustainable fisheries, scientific information, management of individual stock of fish (unit), bycatch, community participation, allocation of fish resources. Standards take into account (manmade) environmental changes to fish resources. The Councils should adhere to the precautionary approach found in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.