Temporary Rule To Delay Start Date of 2012-2013 South Atlantic Black Sea Bass Commercial Fishing Season

NMFS issues this temporary rule to delay the start date of the 2012-2013 fishing season for the commercial black sea bass sector of the snapper-grouper fishery from June 1, 2012 to July 1, 2012 to allow for the implementation of the final rule for Amendment 18A to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 18A). The final rule for Amendment 18A modifies black sea bass accountability measures, establishes an endorsement program for black sea bass pot fishermen, modifies size limits for commercial and recreational black sea bass, and improves fisheries data collection in the for-hire sector of the snapper-grouper fishery. Amendment 18A also updates the black sea bass rebuilding plan and modifies the acceptable biological catch (ABC) for black sea bass. The intent of Amendment 18A is to reduce overcapacity in the black sea bass segment of the snapper-grouper fishery. The final rule implementing management measures in Amendment 18A is not expected to be effective until after June 1, the start of the black sea bass fishing season. Therefore, this temporary rule is necessary to delay the start of the commercial black sea bass season to allow NMFS to finalize rulemaking for Amendment 18A. The intent of this temporary rule is to reduce the rate of black sea bass harvest and help ensure black sea bass landings remain below the annual catch limit (ACL).