Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; 2019-2020 Commercial Quota Reduction for King Mackerel Run-Around Gillnet Fishery

Resumo

NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) through this temporary rule for commercial harvest of king mackerel in the southern zone of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) using run-around gillnet gear. NMFS has determined that the commercial annual catch limit (equivalent to the commercial quota) for king mackerel using run-around gillnet gear in the southern zone of the Gulf EEZ was exceeded in the 2018-2019 fishing year. Therefore, NMFS reduces the southern zone commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for king mackerel fishing using run-around gillnet gear in the Gulf EEZ during the 2019- 2020 fishing year. This commercial ACL reduction is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.