Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 18B
catch-limit · south atlantic · grouper · Published 2013-04-23 · Effective 2013-05-23 · 78 FR 23858
Document
Document number
2013-09574
Federal Register citation
78 FR 23858
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
catch-limit
Region
south atlantic
Species
grouper
Publication date
2013-04-23
Effective date
2013-05-23
NOAA docket
Docket No. 120404257-3325-02
Abstract
NMFS issues this final rule to implement management measures described in Amendment 18B to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 18B), as prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule: establishes a longline endorsement program for the commercial golden tilefish component of the snapper-grouper fishery; establishes initial eligibility requirements for a golden tilefish longline endorsement; establishes an appeals process; allocates the commercial golden tilefish annual catch limit (ACL) among gear groups; establishes a procedure for the transfer of golden tilefish endorsements; and modifies the golden tilefish trip limits; and establishes a trip limit for commercial fishermen who do not receive a golden tilefish longline endorsement. The intent of this rule is to reduce overcapacity in the commercial golden tilefish component of the snapper-grouper fishery.