reef resources in each state and territory. Options to fill these important gaps in our knowledge should be considered, including identifying support for detailed resource assessments and the collection and analysis of improved fisheries statistics by local government agencies. 2. Overlap with existing FMPs Three of the Council's FMPs have the potential for considerable overlap with management of coral reef resources in the EEZ, possibly through a new FMP: the Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish FMP, the Crustacean FMP and the Precious Corals FMP. To clarify this issue, it would be important to identify which species, depths and gear types are covered by each plan. Alternatively, an ecosystem-based FMP encompassing all of these fisheries may be a better management approach because the complexity of interactions among reef-associated species and shared habitat may make it difficult to manage these fisheries independently. 3. Jurisdiction The issue of jurisdiction over coral reef resources is complicated and unresolved in many areas in the Western Pacific Region, especially in CNMI. It is recommended that his issue be addressed before proceeding with a management plan for the coral reef fisheries in the region.
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page 64 ~ Federal Reports