Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Extension of Effective Date and Amendment of Bycatch Reduction Device Certification

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An interim rule is in effect through November 16, 1998, that certifies the Jones-Davis and Gulf fisheye bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for use in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery. NMFS extends the interim rule through May 15, 1999, because conditions requiring the interim rule to reduce overfishing remain unchanged. NMFS also amends the interim rule regarding the specifications for the Jones-Davis, fisheye, and Gulf fisheye BRDs. The intended effects of this rule are to provide flexibility to Gulf shrimp trawlers for complying with the requirement to use a BRD and to maximize the effectiveness of BRDs. Providing a variety of certified BRDs will allow shrimpers to select a BRD based on how it matches the operating conditions their vessel encounters. This should enhance compliance, help minimize shrimp loss, and further increase bycatch reduction and, thus, further reduce overfishing of red snapper.