March 10, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
KEY MESSAGE:
- The commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper will revert back to 1,000 pounds gutted weight in federal waters of the South Atlantic Region (Virginia/North Carolina boundary south to the Florida Keys in the Atlantic).
- The recreational bag limit for Atlantic migratory group king mackerel (Atlantic king mackerel) will revert back to:
- (1) 3-fish per person in federal waters from the Connecticut/Rhode Island/New York boundary to the Georgia/Florida boundary, and
- (2) 2-fish per person in federal waters from the Georgia/Florida boundary south to the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, Florida boundary.
WHEN CHANGES WILL TAKE EFFECT:
- The changes to the commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper and the recreational bag limit for Atlantic king mackerel will be effective 12:01 am local time, on March 17, 2021.
WHAT THIS MEANS:
- On September 16, 2020, NOAA Fisheries announced an emergency rule to increase:
- The commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper from 1,000 pounds gutted weight to 1,500 pounds gutted weight in federal waters of the South Atlantic Region (Virginia/North Carolina boundary south to the Florida Keys in the Atlantic).
- The recreational bag limit for Atlantic migratory group king mackerel (Atlantic king mackerel) from: (1) 3-fish per person to 4-fish per person in federal waters from the Connecticut/Rhode Island/New York boundary to the Georgia/Florida boundary, and (2) 2-fish per person to 4-fish per person in federal waters from the Georgia/Florida boundary south to the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, Florida boundary.
- These changes were made in an emergency rule to address economic losses to the commercial and recreational fishing communities, and industries that have resulted from recent unforeseen events such as disruptions to market, restricted access to ports, closures of harbors and boat ramps, and disruptions to fishing supplies.
- The emergency rule published on September 17, 2020, is effective for 180 days, and ends on March 16, 2021.