Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic States; Recreational-for-hire Fisheries; Control Date

Riepilogo

This notice announces that the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) is considering whether there is a need to impose additional management measures limiting entry into the recreational-for-hire (i.e., charter vessel and headboat) fisheries for reef fish and coastal migratory pelagic fish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico and, if there is a need, what management measures should be imposed. If the Council determines that there is a need to impose additional management measures, it may initiate a rulemaking to do so. Possible measures include the establishment of a limited entry program to control participation or effort in the recreational-for-hire fisheries for reef fish and coastal migratory pelagics. If a limited entry program is established, the Council is considering November 18, 1998, as a possible control date. Consideration of a control date is intended to discourage new entry into the fisheries based on economic speculation during the Council's deliberation on the issues.