Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 14

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NMFS issues this proposed rule to implement Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). This proposed rule would prohibit the use or possession of fish traps in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) beginning February 8, 2007; prohibit the use or possession of fish traps west of 85 deg.30' W. long.; modify the procedure for retrieval of fish traps when a breakdown prevents a vessel with a trap endorsement from retrieving its traps; modify the restrictions on transfer of fish trap endorsements and reef fish permits; prohibit the harvest or possession of Nassau grouper in or from the EEZ of the Gulf; and clarify the authority of the Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS (RA), to reopen a prematurely closed fishery. In addition, NMFS proposes to extend the current prohibition on the possession of dynamite on board a permitted vessel to those vessels permitted in the South Atlantic golden crab fishery. The intended effects of this rule are to conserve and manage the reef fish resources of the Gulf and enhance enforceability of the regulations.