Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans of the Gulf of Mexico

NMFS issues this final rule to implement the Generic Amendment Addressing the Establishment of the Tortugas Marine Reserves in the Fishery Management Plans of the Gulf of Mexico (Tortugas Amendment), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf of Mexico Council). This action will provide enhanced protections for existing marine reserves in the vicinity of the Dry Tortugas, Florida, and is taken under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This final rule complements regulations previously issued by NOAA under the authority of the National Marine Sanctuary Act by better informing the public of applicable restrictions and providing enhanced enforcement authority and stricter penalties for violations. Consistent with NOAA's existing regulations, these regulations prohibit fishing for any species and anchoring by fishing vessels within the reserves. The intended effect is to inform the public of these restrictions and to further protect and conserve important marine resources.