Final Rule: Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Permit Income Requirement and Dual-permitted Crew Size

October 19, 2012    Below is a Southeast Fishery Bulletin recently distributed by NOAA Fisheries Service announcing a final rule for Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Permit Requirements and Dual-Permitted Vessel Crew Size. SOUTHEAST FISHERY BULLETIN   FB12-078     Cynthia Meyer   727-824-5305 October 19, 2012   Final Rule: Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Permit Income Requirement and Dual-permitted Crew Size NOAA Fisheries published a final rule on October 19, 2012, (77 FR 64237) for Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Permit Requirements and Dual-Permitted Vessel Crew Size. The rule is effective on November 19, 2012. The rule: Eliminates the earned income qualification requirement for the renewal of Gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish permits, and Increases the maximum number of crew members for dual-permitted (commercial and charter) vessels. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council determined the existing earned income requirement in the reef fish fishery is no longer necessary. The regulation pertaining to the maximum number of crew stipulates that dual-permitted vessels without a certificate of inspection are limited to a three-person crew when fishing commercially. The increase to four crew members would most directly benefit commercial spear fishermen, by allowing two persons to remain aboard, resulting in improved safety during commercial diving operations. 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 Web site http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/pdfs/Gulf_Amendment_34_EA.pdf  For more information on Amendment 34, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the NOAA Fisheries 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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