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The purpose of this report is to define areas that could eventually be designated as Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for American lobster. This EFH designation is mandated by Congress for all managed species by the Magnuson-Stevens Act which was amended in 1996 under the Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA). Essential Fish Habitats must eventually be defined by the councils and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). By completing this report before the congressional deadline of October 1 1998, an opportunity exists to enlist the cooperation and support of lobster harvesters, dealers and organizations, all of whom stand to benefit from an objective review of existing scientific data.

Without a definition to be considered by the Council, the impact of each of the other fishery management plans on Lobster Habitat cannot be assessed. This report presents the facts that will have to be considered by NMFS in order to comply with the SFA. The integration of this scientific data will, hopefully, help to guide and influence the EFH process by ensuring the long-term health and survival of both the American lobster and the lobster industry.