Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Emergency Fisheries Closures in the Southeast Region Due to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill; Amendment 2

NMFS issues this emergency rule to close portions of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), South Atlantic, and Caribbean exclusive economic zones (Southeast EEZ) to all fishing as necessary when new information becomes available, to respond to the evolving nature of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The closed portions of the Southeast EEZ will be updated on a regular basis and announced to the public via NOAA Weather Radio, fishery bulletin, and NOAA Web site updates. The updated closed area may also be obtained by calling the NMFS Southeast Regional Office, Sustainable Fisheries Division at 727-824-5305. This rule replaces the existing closure rule, which became effective May 7, 2010, and will remain in effect until terminated by subsequent rulemaking, which will occur once the existing emergency conditions from the oil spill no longer exist. Fish and shellfish in oil affected waters may be contaminated with levels of hydrocarbons above baseline levels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers such seafood to be adulterated. The intent of this emergency rule is to prohibit the harvest of adulterated seafood and for public safety.