Temporary Rule To Establish Separate Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic Region

NMFS issues this temporary rule to reduce the amount of blueline tilefish that may be harvested in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic by removing the blueline tilefish portion from the deep-water complex annual catch limit (ACL) and establishing separate commercial and recreational ACLs and accountability measures (AMs) for blueline tilefish. At its December 2013 meeting, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) requested emergency action regarding blueline tilefish given new stock assessment results that indicate the blueline tilefish stock is overfished and undergoing overfishing in the South Atlantic. This temporary rule is based upon the best scientific information available, and will be effective for 180 days, unless superseded by subsequent rulemaking. NMFS may extend the rule's effectiveness for an additional 186 days pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act). The intent of this rulemaking is to reduce overfishing of blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic.