An Assessment of Fisheries Species to Inform Time-of-Year Restrictions for North Carolina and South Carolina

This publication provides a review of the life history and spatiotemporal distribution of 13 managed fish and crustacean species to protect associated fisheries and habitats and minimize negative impacts of coastal development. The life history reviews include recent biological data and distribution information. This report and associated data products (maps, infographics) are intended to help coastal managers make timely decisions regarding authorization of coastal development activities. The report can help normalize environmental reviews and mitigation of impacts to federally managed species, essential fish habitat (EFH), Endangered Species Act-listed species and their associated critical habitats. The NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may use information in this document when developing conservation recommendations for specific actions to protect EFH under Section 305(b)(4)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). The MSA also requires federal agencies to consult with the NMFS on all actions or proposed actions that are permitted, funded, or undertaken by the agency that may adversely affect EFH. 2019 NOS (National Ocean Service) NCCOS (National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science) Submitted https://doi.org/10.25923/7xdd-nw91 Public Domain 1935