May 31, 2013 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:
Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board has approved for public comment Draft Addendum I to Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Red Drum. The Draft Addendum proposes revisions to the habitat section of Amendment 2 (2002) to include the most current state of information on red drum spawning habitat and habitat by life stage (egg, larval, juvenile, sub-adult, and adult). It also identifies and describes the distribution of key habitats and habitats of concern, including potential threats and habitat bottlenecks (habitat or habitat characteristics that limit the sustainability or recovery of red drum), as well as ecosystem considerations.
The Draft Addendum is available on the Commission’s website (www.asmfc.org) under Breaking News or is available here. Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide written comment on Draft Addendum I. Public comment will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EST) on June 30, 2013 and should be forwarded to:
Kirby Rootes-Murdy Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741(fax) or via email at krootes-murdy@asmfc.org (Subject line: Red Drum Habitat Addendum)