Reclassifying Management Unit Species as Ecosystem Components

Reclassifying Management Unit Species as Ecosystem Components - Amendment 4 to the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for American Samoa, Amendment 5 to the Fishery Ecosystem Plans for the Marianas Archipelago, and Amendment 5 to the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Hawaii; (RIN 0648-BH63)

This EA analyzes the potential environmental effects of the titular amendments. The proposed amendments would reclassify management unit species as ecosystem component species, consistent with the National Standards (50 CFR 600, Subpart D). The proposal is an administrative action that would not change any fishery so we do not anticipate direct effects on target or non-target species, or protected resources or their habitats.

Proposed rule - July 2018; final rule in October 2018.