Councils

Section 302(h) (16 U.S.C. 1852(h)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (5), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (7)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) prioritize fisheries and habitats experiencing or expected to experience shifts in geographic range, spatial distribution, or productivity;; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs (11) and (12), respectively; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: (8) approve, for each of its managed stocks of fish, objective and measurable criteria for identifying whether the stock of fish is overfished or experiencing overfishing, which may not be less precautionary than the recommendation of its scientific and statistical committee; (9) develop and implement a habitat protection plan to protect essential fish habitat in the region of the Council from adverse effects caused by fishing, including— (A) quantitative and measurable targets and goals to increase quality, quantity, and representativeness of essential fish habitat; and (B) conservation and management measures in a fishery management plan to implement the habitat protection plan; (10) at routine intervals not less frequently than every 7 years and based on scientific evidence or other relevant information, review habitat protection plans developed under paragraph (9) by such Council and each designation of essential fish habitat and habitat areas of particular concern under section 303(a)(7) by such Council, and amend fishery management plans of such Council as necessary and appropriate;.