NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comment on King & Spanish Mackerel Rules
OutdoorHub 03.21.14
NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed rule for Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic king and Spanish mackerel. If approved, this rule would modify the coastal migratory pelagics permit requirements and restrictions, including modification of the sales provisions and income requirements.
For the Gulf of Mexico, the rule would prohibit the sale of king and Spanish mackerel caught under the bag limit unless those fish are either caught on a for-hire trip and the vessel has both a for-hire and commercial vessel permit, or the fish are caught as part of a state-permitted tournament and the proceeds from the sale are donated to charity.
For the Atlantic region, the rule would prohibit the sale of king and Spanish mackerel caught under the bag limit unless the fish are caught as part of a state-permitted tournament and the proceeds from the sale are donated to charity.
In addition, the rule would remove the income qualification requirement for king and Spanish mackerel commercial vessel permits.
The Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils developed Amendment 20A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region to address permit issues. This rule proposes to establish the management measures included in that amendment.
Request for Comments:
NOAA Fisheries must receive comments on this amendment no later than May 5, 2014. We will address all comments specifically directed to the amendment or the proposed rule in the final rule. You may obtain electronic copies of the amendment and proposed rule from the NOAA Fisheries Web site or the e-Rule Making Portal www.regulation.gov
How to Submit Comments:
You may submit comments on this document, identified by “NOAA-NMFS-2013-0168”, by one of the following methods:
Electronic Submission via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. NOAA Fisheries will accept anonymous comments (enter “N/A” in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). You can also attach additional files (up to 10MB) in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only.
Mail written comments to Susan Gerhart, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on the regulations.gov website without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible.
For more information on Amendment 20A and the proposed rule please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the NOAA Fisheries Web site.
