NMFS that it has decided not to implement the interim rule
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council received word this afternoon from NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that it has decided not to implement the interim rule proposed by the Council to address overfishing of gag, red grouper, and black grouper (see attached letter).
The interim rule requested by the Council would have implemented a four-month spawning season closure for the three species beginning in January 2009, established a commercial quota for gag, and reduced recreational bag limits for the three species currently experiencing overfishing. Additional information from the NMFS Southeast Regional Office via a Fishery Bulletin is expected early next week.
Note:
The Council also submitted Amendment 16 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan for review by NMFS and the Secretary of Commerce in October 2008. The amendment contains long-term management measures to address overfishing for gag and vermilion snapper. The amendment includes a January through April spawning season closure for shallow-water grouper (for both commercial and recreational fishermen). The amendment is currently under review and a decision regarding implementation of the amendment is expected later in 2009. A copy of Amendment 16 is available in the “Library” section of the Council’s web site at www.safmc.net.
Kim Iverson
Public Information Officer
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201
N. Charleston, SC 29405
843/571-4366 or Toll free 866/SAFMC-10
www.safmc.net
NMFS that it has decided not to implement the interim rule
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council received word this afternoon from NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that it has decided not to implement the interim rule proposed by the Council to address overfishing of gag, red grouper, and black grouper (see attached letter).
The interim rule requested by the Council would have implemented a four-month spawning season closure for the three species beginning in January 2009, established a commercial quota for gag, and reduced recreational bag limits for the three species currently experiencing overfishing. Additional information from the NMFS Southeast Regional Office via a Fishery Bulletin is expected early next week.
Note:
The Council also submitted Amendment 16 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan for review by NMFS and the Secretary of Commerce in October 2008. The amendment contains long-term management measures to address overfishing for gag and vermilion snapper. The amendment includes a January through April spawning season closure for shallow-water grouper (for both commercial and recreational fishermen). The amendment is currently under review and a decision regarding implementation of the amendment is expected later in 2009. A copy of Amendment 16 is available in the “Library” section of the Council’s web site at www.safmc.net.
Kim Iverson
Public Information Officer
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201
N. Charleston, SC 29405
843/571-4366 or Toll free 866/SAFMC-10
www.safmc.net