[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 14526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-5711]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 032007B]


National Artificial Reef Plan (as Amended): Guidelines for 
Siting, Construction, Development, and Assessment of Artificial Reefs

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of agency decision.

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SUMMARY: The National Artificial Reef Plan (NOAA Technical Memorandum, 
NMFS OF-6) was originally published in November 1985, in fulfillment of 
a requirement under the National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984. NMFS 
worked in partnership with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries 
Commission and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission to update 
and revise this plan. A revised version has been completed, entitled 
the ``National Artificial Reef Plan (as Amended): Guidelines for 
siting, construction, development, and assessment of artificial 
reefs.'' This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives 
outlined in the National Fishing Enhancement Act.

DATES: The revised National Artificial Reef Plan (National Plan) was 
approved on March 7, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the ``National Artificial Reef Plan (as Amended): 
Guidelines for siting, construction, development, and assessment of 
artificial reefs'' are available from Christopher M. Moore, Director of 
the Partnerships and Communications Division, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher M. Moore, (301) 713-2379 
ext. 165; fax (301) 713-0596.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Artificial Reef Plan of 1985 
was developed by the Secretary of Commerce under direction of the 
National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984. This Act directed the 
Secretary of Commerce to develop and publish a long-term National 
Artificial Reef Plan to promote and facilitate responsible and 
effective artificial reef use based on the best scientific information 
available.
    The National Plan provided guidance on various aspects of 
artificial reef use, including types of construction materials, 
planning, siting, design, and management of artificial reefs. This 
document was general in its scope and provided a framework for 
regional, state, and local planners to develop more detailed, site-
specific artificial reef plans to meet local needs and conditions. The 
National Plan was designed to be a dynamic working document that would 
be updated as new information became available.
    Since 1985, new information and research on artificial reefs have 
become available. Accordingly, NMFS has updated and revised the 
National Plan, in cooperation with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries 
Commission and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. The 
National Plan was initially revised with input from state artificial 
reef programs and staff from the interstate marine fisheries 
commissions, the Minerals Management Service, and the National Marine 
Fisheries Service. The draft revision to the 1985 National Artificial 
Reef Plan was revised in response to comments that were provided 
through internal NOAA review and external review by the Atlantic States 
Marine Fisheries Commission and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries 
Commission.
    The interstate marine fisheries commissions have been involved in 
the development and review of this document due to their extensive 
involvement and experience with state artificial reef management 
programs. Most coastal states have coordinated their artificial reef 
activities through the respective interstate marine fisheries 
commissions, and most interstate commissions have established technical 
advisory committees for marine artificial reef development. These 
committees are composed of the coordinators of the state marine 
artificial reef programs within the respective state agencies 
responsible for marine and coastal resources management. Committee 
membership also includes representatives from the National Marine 
Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minerals Management 
Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and Regional Fishery 
Management Councils.
    The revised National Plan provides information on the roles of 
federal, state, and local governments; interstate marine fisheries 
commissions; Regional Fishery Management Councils; and private citizens 
in artificial reef development. The document also provides guidelines 
for siting, materials, design, construction, and management of 
artificial reefs; and information on regulatory and permitting 
requirements, liability issues, and research needs. The revised 
National Plan also includes updated information on artificial reef 
activities and programs, and it references other useful sources of 
information for artificial reef development. The most significant 
changes occur in the section of the plan dealing with materials for 
artificial reef development. New language in the revised National Plan 
is consistent with the guidelines and recommendations of the interstate 
marine fisheries commissions and representatives of state artificial 
reef programs relative to artificial reef development.

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.

    Dated: March 22, 2007.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E7-5711 Filed 3-27-07; 8:45 am]
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