NOAA Fisheries Service Announces New Regulations for Spiny Lobster in the Florida Keys

July 27, 2012    Below is a Southeast Fishery Bulletin recently distributed by NOAA Fisheries Service announcing new regulations for spiny lobster in the Florida Keys. SOUTHEAST FISHERY BULLETIN   FB12-056    Susan Gerhart  727-824-5305 July 27, 2012   NOAA Fisheries Service Announces New Regulations for Spiny Lobster in the Florida Keys On July 16, 2012, NOAA Fisheries Service approved Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for Spiny Lobster Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. This amendment prohibits commercial spiny lobster trap fishing in certain areas of the Florida Keys to protect threatened corals. A final rule implementing these regulations published in the Federal Register on July 27, 2012 (77 FR 44168) with an effective date of August 27, 2012. The fishery management plan for spiny lobster is jointly managed by the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils). NOAA Fisheries Service and the Councils developed Amendment 11 to address requirements of a biological opinion developed under the Endangered Species Act that addresses impacts of the spiny lobster fishery on threatened and endangered species, including corals. Staff from NOAA Fisheries Service and the Councils worked with fishermen, scientists, and managers to choose areas that would protect the most coral without overly restricting fishing. In total, 60 closed areas were chosen that cover 5.9 square miles. Maps and coordinates of the closed areas can be found athttp://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/SpinyLobsterClosedAreas.htm.  This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. Electronic copies of the amendment and final rule may be obtained from the NOAA Fisheries Service Web site: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/SpinyLobsterAmendment.htm.   For more information on Amendment 11 and the closed areas please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the NOAA Fisheries Service Web site. This summary is not a substitute for the actual regulations. We encourage you to read the full text of the regulations, available at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/. To view a complete list of Fishery Bulletins, visit the NOAA Fisheries' Southeast RegionalOffice website at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov. This announcement is forwarded as a courtesy of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.       Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Charlene Ponce Public Information Officer 888-833-1844 ext. 229

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