Environmental Assessment for a Rule to Implement ICCAT Management Procedures and Adjust North Atlantic Swordfish, South Atlantic Swordfish, North Atlantic Albacore, and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quotas

NMFS is considering alternatives to implement the management procedures adopted by ICCAT for North Atlantic swordfish and Atlantic bluefin tuna. In doing so, NMFS would also consider procedures for implementing future U.S. quotas adopted under the management procedures. This action would also continue implementing a process that adjusts the baseline quotas when applying any overharvest or the allowable level of any carryover of previous year’s quota underharvest to baseline quotas. For swordfish, this process includes international transfers of U.S. North and South Atlantic swordfish quota under adopted ICCAT recommendations.