Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Regional Fishery Management Council Membership; Financial Disclosure and Recusal

Résumé

NMFS is taking final action to amend the regulations that address disclosure of financial interests by, and voting recusal of, council members appointed by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to the regional fishery management councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The regulatory changes will provide guidance to (1) ensure consistency and transparency in the calculation of a Council member's financial interests; (2) determine whether a close causal link exists between a Council decision and a benefit to a Council member's financial interest; and (3) establish regional procedures for preparing and issuing recusal determinations. This final rule will improve implementation of the statutory requirements governing disclosure of financial interests and voting recusal at section 302(j) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).