REPORT ON COUNCIL MANAGEMENT COORDINATION.

SEC. 216. REPORT ON COUNCIL MANAGEMENT COORDINATION. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Council, in consultation with the New England Fishery Council, shall submit a report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation within 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act—(1) describing the role of council liaisons between the Mid-Atlantic and New England Councils, including an explanation 120 STAT. 3621 of council policies regarding the liaison’s role in Council decision-making since 1996;(2) describing how management actions are taken regarding the operational aspects of current joint fishery management plans, and how such joint plans may undergo changes through amendment or framework processes;(3) evaluating the role of the New England Fishery Council and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Council liaisons in the development and approval of management plans for fisheries in which the liaisons or members of the non-controlling Council have a demonstrated interest and significant current and historical landings of species managed by either Council;(4) evaluating the effectiveness of the various approaches developed by the Councils to improve representation for affected members of the non-controlling Council in Council decision-making, such as use of liaisons, joint management plans, and other policies, taking into account both the procedural and conservation requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; and(5) analyzing characteristics of North Carolina and Florida that supported their inclusion as voting members of more than one Council and the extent to which those characteristics support Rhode Island’s inclusion on a second Council (the Mid-Atlantic Council).