"This document provides technical assistance for description, identification, conservation, and enhancement of EFH, and is designed to aid Fishery Management Councils (Councils) in implementing the EFH requirements of section 303 and 305 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). This manual also describes how NMFS, acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), will implement its EFH requirements under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Additionally, the manual will implement its EFH requirements under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Additionally, the manual elaborates on the procedures for the statutorily required consultations for Federal actions that may adversely affect EFH and recommendations made to any state agency for any actions undertaken that may adversely affect EFH. Finally, it is intended to be updated regularly, e.g., as new and innovation methods become available in habitat identification and mapping. This effort supports Congress' intent that habitat considerations receive increased attention for the conservation and management of marine fishery resources (sec 2(a)(9) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act).