Fisheries of the Pacific Region; Mid-Atlantic Region, Gulf of Mexico Region

Samenvatting

This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has determined that in the Pacific Region, the canary rockfish stock, as well as the Queets coho stock and the Western Straights of Juan de Fuca coho stocks, have been determined to be in an overfished condition. In addition, the Gulf of Mexico stock of gag grouper has been determined to be in an overfished condition. Finally, the Mid-Atlantic stock of black sea bass was found to be experiencing overfishing in 2007. However, since this determination, an updated assessment using 2008 data has been completed and NMFS has determined that overfishing is no longer occuring. For any stocks which NMFS determines to be experiencing overfishing in 2009, the applicable fishery management council (Council) must amend the stock's Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to establish a mechanism for specifying Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) and specify ACLs and AMs in 2010, if possible, but no later than 2011. For stocks which NMFS determines to be in or approaching an overfished condition and provides notice to the applicable Council(s) after July 12, 2009, the applicable Council(s)