Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 31

Zusammenfassung

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 31 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. Amendment 31 proposes actions to address sea turtle bycatch in the bottom longline component of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish fishery. The measures contained in the subject amendment are intended to balance the continued viability of the bottom longline component of the reef fish fishery while maintaining adequately protective measures for sea turtles.