NOAA Fisheries Extends the Private Angler’s Red Snapper Recreational Fishing Sea

NOAA Fisheries is extending the red snapper recreational fishing season for private anglers in the Gulf of Mexico due to impacts of Tropical Storm Colin. The private angler component’s federal-water fishing season was scheduled to close at 12:01 a.m. (local time) Friday June 10, 2016. NOAA Fisheries is extending the federal season for two additional […]

NTSB to Launch Mission to Recover Voyage Data Recorder

WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board will launch a mission to recover a voyage data recorder located April 26 in about 15,000 feet of water near the Bahamas. The voyage data recorder is from the cargo ship El Faro, a U.S. flagged cargo ship that sank during Hurricane Joaquin Oct. 1, 2015. The El […]

Commercial and recreational saltwater fishing generated $214 billion in 2014

Fishing and seafood industries a strong part of U.S. coastal economy Commercial and recreational saltwater fishing in the United States generated more than $214 billion in sales and supported 1.83 million jobs in 2014, according to a new economic report released by NOAA Fisheries today. The report, Fisheries Economics of the United States 2014, provides […]

Gulf Council to Meet in Clearwater, Florida

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will meet June 20 – 24, 2016, at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Hotel in Clearwater, Florida. Committee meetings will convene Monday at 8:30 am, concluding at noon Wednesday. The full Council will convene Wednesday afternoon beginning at 1:15 pm. The Council is expected to adjourn by 11:30 am […]

NOAA Fisheries Reminds Recreational Fisherman that the Gulf of Mexico Greater Am

This is a reminder that the recreational harvest of greater amberjack and gray triggerfish will close in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico on June 1, 2016,12:01 a.m., local time. The recreational seasons for greater amberjack and gray triggerfish close annually from June 1 through July 31.    NOAA Fisheries will review the recreational […]

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Public Comment on a Proposed Extension of the Gulf of Mexic

Comment period ends June 6, 2016 NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on Amendment 17A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA Fisheries is also seeking public comment on the proposed rule to implement management measures contained in the amendment. Amendment 17A proposes to extend the existing […]

NOAA Fisheries hosts public meetings in April to discuss potential skimmer trawl

Agency also preparing Environmental Impact Statement   NOAA Fisheries is considering new regulations in the shrimp fishery of the southeastern United States based on information indicating sea turtles are vulnerable to capture by skimmer trawls and tow times may not be as effective in reducing bycatch-related mortality as turtle excluder devices. The agency will host […]

Closure of the Southern Florida West Coast Subzone to King Mackerel Gillnet Fish

King mackerel commercial gillnet fishing in the southern Florida west coast subzone is closed, effective 12:01 p.m. (noon, local time) March 11, 2016, through 6 a.m. (local time) January 17, 2017. NOAA Fisheries has determined landings have reached the 551,448- pound commercial quota. From November 1 through March 31, the southern subzone is that part […]

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Proposed Changes to Gag and Black Grouper Recr

  NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on changes to the gag and black grouper recreational management measures in the Gulf of Mexico. Proposed Changes: Increase the gag recreational minimum size limit from 22 inches total length to 24 inches total length. Increase the black grouper recreational minimum size limit from 22 inches total length to 24 […]

COAST GUARD RESCUES TWO FROM VESSEL TAKING ON WATER

 NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard rescued two people from a boat taking on water near Lafitte, Louisiana, Thursday. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans were notified by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office of a boat taking on water at 6:30 p.m. Watchstanders directed an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station New […]