Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2015 Recreational Accountability Measure and Closure for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic Region

NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for recreational blueline tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. The NMFS Science and Research Director estimates that recreational landings for blueline tilefish have reached the recreational annual catch limit (ACL). Therefore, NMFS is closing the recreational sector for blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ at 12:01 a.m., local time, June 10, 2015, and it will remain closed until the 2016 recreational fishing season begins on May 1, 2016. This closure is necessary to protect the blueline tilefish resource.