Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 11

Zusammenfassung

NMFS issues this proposed rule to implement Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). Amendment 11 proposes to revise the framework procedure for modifying management measures, change the definition of optimum yield (OY), restrict the sale/purchase of reef fish harvested from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to permitted reef fish vessels/dealers, allow transfer of reef fish permits and fish trap endorsements under specified circumstances, implement a new reef fish permit moratorium, and require charter vessel and headboat permits. NMFS, based on a preliminary evaluation of Amendment 11, has disapproved three of the measures in the amendment because they are inconsistent with the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act). The proposed rule would implement the remaining measures in Amendment 11. The intended effects of the proposed rule are to improve procedures for timely management, relieve restrictions and hardships, and enhance enforceability of the regulations.