July 21, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Key Message:
- NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule that will prohibit fishing in the Madison-Swanson and Steamboat Lumps Marine Protected Areas throughout the year, and prohibit the possession of Gulf of Mexico reef fish, with no exception for vessels in transit unless the vessel has an operating vessel monitoring system, a valid federal commercial Gulf of Mexico reef fish permit, and fishing gear appropriately stowed.
- These prohibitions do not apply to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species.
When Will the Rule Take Effect:
- Regulations will be effective August 20, 2021.
What This Means:
- The rule would prohibit all fishing, except for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species, year-round in the Madison-Swanson and Steamboat Lumps Marine Protected Areas.
- The rule would prohibit the possession of Gulf of Mexico reef fish in these areas unless a vessel has a valid Federal commercial permit for Gulf of Mexico reef fish, which requires an operating satellite-based vessel monitoring system, and is in transit with fishing gear that are appropriately stowed.
FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 86 FR 38418, published July 21, 2021.
This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.
Where can I find more information on the rule?
- Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
By Mail: Rich Malinowski
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
Sustainable Fisheries Division
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505
By FAX: (727) 824-5308
By Phone: (727) 824-5305
- Framework Amendment may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/modification-fishing-access-eastern-gulf-mexico-marine-protected-areas.