Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 10

NMFS issues this final rule to implement the approved measures of Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 10), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule requires, with limited exceptions, the use of NMFS-certified bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) in shrimp trawls in the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone (Gulf EEZ) east of 85[deg]30' W. long. (approximately Cape San Blas, FL). In addition, this final rule identifies the certified BRDs currently authorized for use in the Gulf EEZ east of 85[deg]30' W. long. and modifies the Gulf Of Mexico Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Protocol Manual to reflect the specific bycatch reduction criterion applicable for certification of BRDs used in this area of the Gulf EEZ. The intended effect of this final rule is to reduce bycatch in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery to the extent practicable.