The Regulatory Services Division encompasses a wide variety of programmatic activities that support the management of the Nation's living marine resources. The Division supports management through the development and analysis of national fisheries legislation and policy. We provide oversight and guidance on activities to analyze the economic and social impacts associated with proposed management programs. Support activities also include the review and processing of all documents to be published in the Federal Register. The Division provides oversight and guidance of the operations and administration of the Regional Fishery Management Councils, and conducts the annual Council nomination and appointment process.

The National Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing
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Policy and Legislative Development and Analysis - We develop national policy regarding the requirements of fisheries management in order to meet the requirements of a wide variety of laws and Executive Orders, including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Legislation is analyzed and evaluated for its effects on fishery management programs, and for necessary amendment to enhance the management process. These activities include the interpretation of statutory language, and the development of associated guidelines.

Economic Analysis - We provide Guidelines for preparing economic analysis of economic impacts associated with proposed fishery management actions, and review and provide advice to economists and managers on the adequacy of analyses prepared. In particular, reviews are conducted of the analysis of national and regional impacts contained in the Regulatory Impact Reviews, and of the analyses of impacts on small entities contained in the Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis. The steps for doing the Regulatory Impact Reviews and the Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis are contained in the Guidelines.

Social Analysis - We prepare Social Science Guidelines regarding the analysis of social impacts associated with proposed fishery management programs, including effects on dependent fishing communities. We review social impact assessment of specific management actions, and work with authors and managers regarding those reviews.

Regulations - The Regulations Unit coordinates and oversees the procedures and processing of all documents, including proposed and final regulations, for publication in the Federal Register, ensuring that such documents are in the required format and are concisely, clearly written.

Fishery Management Council Support - The Division provides oversight and support for Council operations and administration through the development of national policies, guidance and regulations. In addition, the Division provides oversight of the procedures and policies governing the nomination and appointment of Council members, as well as processing all documentation as a basis for Secretarial appointment decisions.

Other Activities - The Division provides oversight and coordination of the implementation of provisions of the Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA).

To contact the Regulatory Services Division: (301) 713-2337