The annual catch limit (ACL) framework, describing how the acceptable biological catch level (ABC) is reduced from the overfishing limit (OFL) based on scientific uncertainty in the estimate of OFL, how the ACL can be set at or below ABC, and how an annual catch target (ACT) can be set below the ACL to account for management uncertainty.

<p>The Scientific and Statistical Committee of a Regional Fishery Management Council sets an OFL and ABC, while the Regional Fishery Management Council sets the ACL and ACT; each decision is based on a science-management feedback loop.