EFH Regulatory Guidelines
Subpart J
The EFH Regulations provide clear guidance and efficient procedures
for Councils, NOAA Fisheries, and other agencies. Noteworthy elements
include:
- Description and Identification of EFH: (1) clear standards for
identifying EFH, including requirements to refer to geographic
boundaries and to provide maps; (2) guidance encouraging Councils
to distinguish EFH from all potential habitats
- Evaluation of Fishing Activities that May Adversely Affect EFH:
(1) specific guidance on what information Councils should provide
in the evaluation; (2) clear standards for deciding when Councils
must act to minimize adverse effects
- EFH Consultation Procedures: (1) reinforcement of NOAA Fisheries’
preference for combining EFH consultations with other environmental
reviews (e.g., NEPA, Clean Water Act) to promote efficiency; (2)
streamlined procedures for developing General Concurrences (which
eliminate the need for individual consultations on actions with
minimal impacts to EFH); (3) clarification that for relatively
simple actions, the federal agency’s written assessment
of effects to EFH may be very brief.
EFH Final Rule (50 CFR 600)
Subpart
J: Essential Fish Habitat description and identification,
habitat areas of particular concern, and minimizing adverse effects
of fishing on EFH to the extent practicable.
600.805
- Subpart J Purpose and Scope
600.810
- Subpart J Definitions
600.815
- Subpart J Contents of Fishery Management Plans