Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 14

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). This final rule prohibits the use or possession of fish traps in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) beginning February 8, 2007; prohibits the use or possession of fish traps west of 85 deg.30' W. long.; modifies the procedure for retrieval of fish traps when a breakdown prevents a vessel with a trap endorsement from retrieving its traps; modifies the restrictions on transfer of fish trap endorsements and reef fish permits; prohibits the harvest or possession of Nassau grouper in or from the EEZ of the Gulf; and clarifies the authority of the Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS (RA), to reopen a prematurely closed fishery. In addition, NMFS extends the current prohibition on the possession of dynamite on board a permitted vessel to those vessels permitted in the South Atlantic golden crab fishery. The intended effects of this rule are to conserve and manage the reef fish resources of the Gulf and enhance enforceability of the regulations. This rule also informs the public of the approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of a new collection-of-information requirement contained in this rule.