Council functions

(a) Research priorities Section 302(h)(7) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852(h)(7)) is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting forage fish populations and distribution, after habitats,. (b) Unmanaged forage fish Section 302(h) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852(h)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (8), by striking and at the end; (2) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following: (9) develop a list of unmanaged forage fish occurring in the area under its authority and recommend within fishery management plans the prohibition of the development of any new directed forage fish fishery until the Council has— (A) considered the best scientific information available and evaluated the potential impacts of forage fish harvest on existing fisheries, fishing communities, and the marine ecosystem; (B) determined whether conservation and management of the forage fish fishery is needed; (C) if a determination is made that conservation and management is needed, prepared and submitted to the Secretary a fishery management plan or amendment consistent with section 303; and (D) received final, approved regulations from the Secretary pursuant to section 304(b)(3); and. (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.