NMFS Proposes Rule to Protect Essential Fish Habitats in the Gulf of Mexico

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a proposed rule to implement Generic Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plans of the Gulf of Mexico, aiming to protect essential fish habitats (EFH) and promote conservation and management of EFH. The proposed rule would establish additional habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs) and restrict fishing activities within these areas to protect EFH.