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 implements several management changes. For Atlantic group king mackerel, total allowable catch (TAC) is increased. For Atlantic group Spanish mackerel, TAC is decreased; the allocation of TAC between the commercial and recreational sectors is revised; and an incidental catch allowance for vessels using gillnets with a mesh size less than 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) is established. For Gulf group king mackerel, a commercial trip limit is established in the western zone, and a 0-fish bag limit is established for captain and crew on for-hire vessels. For both Gulf and Atlantic group king mackerel, the minimum size limit is increased. The intended effects of this rule are to protect king and Spanish mackerel from overfishing and maintain healthy stocks while still allowing catches by commercial and recreational fisheries.