Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Catch Specifications

In accordance with the framework procedure for adjusting management measures of the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (FMP), NMFS issues this rule to reduce the commercial quotas for Atlantic group king and Spanish mackerel, revise the trip limits for Atlantic group Spanish mackerel, reduce the commercial quota for Gulf group Spanish mackerel, revise the commercial trip limits in the eastern zone for Gulf group king mackerel, and establish a zero bag limit for Gulf group king mackerel for captains and crews of charter vessels and headboats. The intended effects of this rule are to protect king and Spanish mackerel from overfishing and maintain healthy stocks while still allowing catches by important commercial and recreational fisheries.