Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; 2021 Commercial Accountability Measure and Closure of the Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina Hogfish Stock in the South Atlantic

Resumo

NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) applicable to the commercial harvest of hogfish in the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina (Georgia-North Carolina) for the 2021 fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS estimates that commercial landings of the Georgia- North Carolina hogfish stock have reached the sector's annual catch limit (ACL). Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock on November 10, 2021. This closure is necessary to protect the hogfish resource.