Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Amendment 7 to the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan

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The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 7 to the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan to NMFS for review and approval. Amendment 7 proposes to implement a rebuilding plan for the overfished bluefish stock, as well as revisions to fishery management plan goals and objectives, administrative measures during the specifications process, and the allocation percentages of quota between the commercial and recreational sectors and commercial quota among the states. The purpose of this amendment is to implement a rebuilding plan, as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and to update the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan; responding to recent changes in stock health and distribution using the best information available, while recognizing economic need and reliance throughout the management area. This notice is intended to alert the public to this action and provide an opportunity for comment.