NOAA Announces New Regulations for King and Spanish Mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region

Below is a Southeast Fishery Bulletin recently distributed from NOAA Fisheries Service that may be of interest.  SOUTHEAST FISHERY BULLETIN (Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic) FB14-042   Susan Gerhart 727-824-5305   June 16, 2014       NOAA Announces New Regulations for King and Spanish Mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region Small Entity Compliance Guide A new rule, effective July 16, 2014, will change the coastal migratory pelagics permit requirements and restrictions, including modification of the sales provisions and income requirements. For the Gulf of Mexico, the rule prohibits the sale of king and Spanish mackerel caught under the bag limit unless those fish are either caught on a for-hire trip and the vessel has both a for-hire and commercial vessel permit, or the fish are caught as part of a state-permitted tournament and the proceeds from the sale are donated to charity. For the Atlantic region, the rule prohibits the sale of king and Spanish mackerel caught under the bag limit unless the fish are caught as part of a state-permitted tournament and the proceeds from the sale are donated to charity. In addition, the rule removes the income qualification requirement for king and Spanish mackerel commercial vessel permits. NOAA Fisheries with the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils developed an amendment to the management plan for coastal migratory pelagics containing these management measures. The final rule implementing the regulations published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2014.   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, final rule, supporting materials, and frequently asked questions may be obtained from the NOAA Fisheries Web sitehttp://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_sa/cmp/2014/am20a/index.html.      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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