Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 17

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 17 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). Amendment 17 and this final rule extend the current commercial reef fish vessel permit moratorium, which is effective through December 31, 2000, for 5 years through December 31, 2005. The purpose of the moratorium is to provide a stable environment in the fishery necessary for evaluation and development of a more comprehensive controlled access system for the entire commercial reef fish fishery.