Coral and Coral Reefs of the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic

الملخص

An emergency interim rule is in effect through August 14, 1994, to control the taking of live rock in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) off Florida and Alabama. At the request of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council), NMFS extends the emergency interim rule, with modifications, for an additional 90 days. As modified, this emergency interim rule prohibits all taking of live rock in the EEZ off Alabama; prohibits the taking of live rock by chipping in the Gulf EEZ from the Pasco/Hernando County line in Florida to the Florida/Alabama boundary; prohibits the taking of live rock by chipping with power-assisted tools in the Gulf EEZ south of the Pasco/Hernando County line; and establishes a daily vessel limit in the Gulf EEZ off Florida. The intended effect of this rule is to protect live rock resources and fishery habitat in the Gulf.