NOAA Fisheries Announces Modifications to the Commercial Greater Amberjack Trip Limit and Boundary between State and Federal Waters for Reef Fish Management

The following NOAA Fisheries Bulletin is provided as a courtesy:  Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. ISSUE DATE: April 14, 2020                                                                                            FB20-024 CONTACT: Kelli O'Donnell, 727-824-5305, kelli.odonnell@noaa.gov Modifications to the Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack Commercial Trip Limit and Boundary between State and Federal Waters for Reef Fish Management KEY MESSAGE: NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule modifying the greater amberjack commercial trip limit in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and adjusting the state/federal boundary of several areas for reef fish management. WHEN THIS RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT: Regulations will be effective May 14, 2020. WHAT THIS MEANS: The greater amberjack commercial trip limit will be 1,000 lb gutted weight. When 75 percent of the quota has been landed, the greater amberjack commercial trip limit will be reduced to 250 lb gutted weight.  The coordinates for the Gulf reef fish stressed area, the reef fish longline and buoy gear restricted area, and the recreational shallow-water grouper closure now align with the 9-nautical mile (nm) reef fish management boundary specified in the Department of Commerce 2016 and 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Acts.  FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 85 FR 20611, published April 14, 2020. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Why is the commercial trip limit changing? The change in the current commercial trip limit is expected to extend the Gulf greater amberjack commercial fishing season. The 1,000-lb trip limit will still allow for targeted trips for the species. What are the current commercial greater amberjack management measures, including when this rule is effective?  Fishing Year: January 1 - December 31 Seasonal Closure: March 1 - May 31 Size Limit: 36 inch fork length Accountability Measures: inseason closure and payback of any overage of the annual catch limit Trip Limit: 1,000 lb gutted weight with a step-down to 250 lb gutted weight when 75 percent of the quota has been landed 2020 annual catch limit if no payback*: 484,380 lb whole weight 2020 annual catch target if no payback*: 421,411 lb whole weight *2019 commercial greater amberjack landings are still being finalized.  A payback, if any, will be published in the Federal Register after final commercial landings are complete. Why are the coordinates of the reef fish management areas being changed?  Generally, the state/federal boundary for all fisheries management in the Gulf is 3 nm off the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and 9 nm off the coasts of Texas and Florida. The Consolidated Appropriations Acts of 2016 and 2017 changed the state/federal boundary for purposes of management under the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan to 9 nm off the coasts of all of the Gulf states. As a result, some existing federal reef fish management areas now extend into state managed areas. This final rule revises the boundaries of the Gulf reef fish stressed area, reef fish longline and buoy gear restricted area, and the recreational shallow-water grouper closure to align with the changed state/federal boundary.  Please click on the links for maps and coordinates. Where can I find more information on the Department of Commerce Appropriations Act? The Department of Commerce Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 can be found at: Public Law 114-113 Department of Commerce NOAA General Provisions Section 110. The Department of Commerce Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 can be found at: Public Law 115-31 Department of Commerce NOAA General Provisions Section 110. Where can I find more information on this rule? Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office By Mail: Kelli O'Donnell NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office Sustainable Fisheries Division 263 13th Avenue South St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505 By FAX: (727) 824-5308 By Phone: (727) 824-5305 The Greater Amberjack Commercial Trip Limits Framework may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/framework-action-greater-amberjack-commercial-trip-limits. Additional information on management of greater amberjack in the Gulf may be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/management-plan/gulf-mexico-reef-fish-fishery-management-plan. 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.      Emily Muehlstein Public Information Officer 888-833-1844 ext. 238

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