Extension of Temporary Rule That Established Separate Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic Region

NMFS issues this temporary rule to extend the expiration date of emergency measures implemented to reduce the amount of blueline tilefish that may be harvested in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. NMFS published an emergency rule on April 17, 2014, to remove the blueline tilefish portion from the deep-water complex annual catch limit (ACL) and establish separate commercial and recreational ACLs and accountability measures (AMs) for blueline tilefish. The intent of this rulemaking is to extend the measures implemented in the emergency action to reduce overfishing of blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic while the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) develops permanent management measures.