# Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico Essential Fish Habitat Amendment
> **Rule** · Final rule. · Published 2005-12-23 · Effective 2006-01-23 · 70 FR 76216
## Document
- **Document number:** 05-24416
- **Category:** fishery-mgmt
- **Region:** south atlantic
- **Federal Register citation:** 70 FR 76216
- **Publication date:** 2005-12-23
- **Effective date:** 2006-01-23
- **NOAA docket:** Docket No. 050915240-5332-02
## Abstract

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Generic Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) of the Gulf of Mexico (EFH Amendment 3), which was prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). EFH Amendment 3 amends each of the seven Council FMPs -shrimp, red drum, reef fish, coastal migratory pelagic resources, coral and coral reefs, stone crab, and spiny lobster- to describe and identify essential fish habitat (EFH); minimize to the extent practicable the adverse effects of fishing on EFH; and encourage conservation and management of EFH. This final rule establishes additional habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs), restricts fishing activities within HAPCs to protect EFH, and requires a weak link in bottom trawl gear to protect EFH. The intended effect of this final rule is to facilitate long-term protection of EFH and, thus, better conserve and manage fishery resources in the Gulf of Mexico.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/12/23/05-24416/fisheries-of-the-caribbean-gulf-of-mexico-and-south-atlantic-gulf-of-mexico-essential-fish-habitat)
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