Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; 2019 Commercial Accountability Measure and Closure for the Other Jacks Complex

NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish complex (Other Jacks Complex) commercial sector in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic for the 2019 fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS projects that commercial landings of the Other Jacks Complex will reach the combined commercial annual catch limit (ACL) by July 16, 2019. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for this complex in the South Atlantic EEZ, on July 16, 2019, and it will remain closed until the start of the next fishing year on January 1, 2020. This closure is necessary to protect the lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish resources.