Limited Access Management of Fisheries off Alaska, Determinations and Appeals

Resumo

This document proposes procedures to govern appeals of initial administrative determinations under the Alaska fixed gear Pacific halibut and sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) limited access program. This proposed rule sets forth: Who may appeal initial administrative determinations; the time period for submitting appeals; what must be included in appeals; procedures regarding acceptance of appeals; the authority of appellate officers; the process for disqualifying appellate officers; evidentiary procedures; the hearing process, including discretionary pre-hearing conferences; post-hearing decisions; and general procedures for appeals. The intended effect of this action is to set forth proposed procedures for appeals from initial administrative determinations made by NMFS management staff and decisions issued by appellate officers under the IFQ program.