South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Archives - Page 31 of 42

Commercial Closure of the Golden Tilefish Hook-and-Line Component in South Atlantic Federal Waters on November 29, 2017

November 24, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

The commercial hook-and-line component for golden tilefish in federal waters of the South Atlantic will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 29, 2017. During the commercial closure, harvest or possession of golden tilefish in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits when the recreational sector is open.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

The 2017 commercial catch limit for the golden tilefish hook-and-line component is 135,324 pounds gutted weight. Commercial landings are projected to reach the commercial catch limit on November 29, 2017. According to the accountability measure, harvest must close to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded.

DURING AND AFTER THE CLOSURE:

The commercial hook-and-line component closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper permit.
The prohibition on sale or purchase during the closure does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m. on November 29, 2017, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
Harvest by the commercial hook-and-line component will reopen at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on January 1, 2018.

This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=383bc195ccbeab4fd6bec1c24905df34&node=sp50.12.622.i&rgn=div6.

Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.

ASMFC Approves Interstate FMP for the Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia

November 15, 2017 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Linthicum, MD – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Migratory Group (AMG). The FMP complements many of the aspects of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (SAFMC) cobia regulations for federal waters extending from Georgia through New York. The FMP was initiated in response to recent overages of the federal annual catch limit (ACL) for AMG Cobia. Managing the recreational ACL on a coastwide basis has resulted in federal closures and significant overages in 2015 and 2016, disrupting fishing opportunities and jeopardizing the health of the stock.

Under the Interstate FMP, the recreational fishery will be managed with a one fish bag limit and minimum size limit of 36” fork length (FL) or total length equivalent. Vessel limits will be determined once individual states set their seasonal restrictions, but may not exceed six fish per vessel. State-specific allocations of a coastwide recreational harvest limit that is equivalent to the federal AMG cobia ACL of 620,000 pounds result in the following state-specific soft targets:

· Georgia: 58,311 pounds

· South Carolina: 74,885 pounds

· North Carolina: 236,316 pounds

· Virginia: 244,292 pounds

Recreational harvest overages of specific-state allocations will be evaluated over a three-year time period. If overages occur, states will be required to adjust management measures to reduce harvest in the subsequent three-year period.

The commercial fishery will maintain the current management measures as implemented through the SAFMC FMP and continue to be managed with a 33” FL minimum size limit and two fish limit per person, with a six fish maximum vessel limit. The federal ACL of 50,000 pounds is allocated to the entire commercial fishery from Georgia through New York. The commercial AMG cobia fishery will close once the ACL is projected to be reached.

The FMP provides the opportunity for states to declare de minimis status for their recreational fishery if landings constitute less than 1% of the recreational AMG cobia harvest. States must submit implementation plans to the Commission by January 1, 2018 for Technical Committee review and Board approval at the February 2018 meeting in Alexandria, Virginia. Approved plans must be implemented by April 1, 2018. The FMP will be available on the Commission’s website, www.asmfc.org, in early December. For more information, please contact Dr. Louis Daniel, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at ldaniel@asmfc.org or 252.342.1478.

To learn more about the ASMFC visit their site here.

Recreational Anglers Asked to Help with Red Snapper Reporting

November 1, 2017 — CHARLESTON, South Carolina — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Recreational fishermen gearing up to take advantage of the red snapper mini-season this year will also have the opportunity to voluntarily report their catches and releases of red snapper via a new pilot reporting website at MyFishCount.com. The recreational season will open in federal waters of the South Atlantic for two consecutive 3-day weekends, November 3rd through 5th and November 10th through 12th.

After hearing the requests of anglers across the region, the Council and the Snook and Gamefish Foundation in partnership with Elemental Methods, have teamed up to make recreational electronic reporting a possibility for the 2017 red snapper mini-season through MyFishCount.com. The type of catch information anglers can record on MyFishCount.com include fish length, photos, depth fished, release method, and more.

To log catches on MyFishCount.com, anglers need to first register for an account on the website. Once registered, the easy-to-use website will allow each user the opportunity to create a trip log, enter catch information, and view past trips from one convenient location. The website is accessible from any internetenabled device while in cellular range. To collect information while fishing offshore out of cellular range, anglers can download and print a log sheet to record catch information to later be entered into MyFishCount.com. The downloadable form will be available for the mini-season and available on the MyFishCount.com website and the Council’s website under the Red Snapper Reporting page.

Using MyFishCount.com during the mini-season is an opportunity to collect information about the current red snapper fishery and can provide information to inform the development of future recreational reporting platforms. “We saw a unique opportunity to involve anglers in testing this pilot program with this year’s red snapper mini-season,” explained Chester Brewer, recreational fisherman and member of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council from West Palm Beach, Florida. “Fishermen have been telling managers about the increasing numbers of red snapper as the stock continues to rebuild. This pilot project gives them the opportunity to help document what they are seeing.” Brewer noted that this type of data collection effort may be useful in the future management of red snapper.

“It is also imperative that anglers use best fishing practices as they take advantage of this opportunity to catch red snapper,” said Brewer. “The use of descending devices and other best fishing practices will be highly beneficial in reducing fishing mortality as this stock continues to rebuild.”

Additional information on the pilot program, best fishing practices, and other items of interest for the upcoming red snapper season is available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/electronic-reportingprojects/red-snapper-reporting.

To learn more about MyFishCount and to register for an account, visit MyFishCount.com or contact Kelsey Dick at the Council office at 843-725-7580 or kelsey.dick@safmc.net.

Request for Comments: Proposed Changes to Golden Tilefish Regulations in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Region

October 31, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed interim rule for golden tilefish. The proposed actions in the interim rule would temporarily reduce golden tilefish catch limits for 2018 based on the most recent population assessment. The purpose of the action is to reduce overfishing (rate of removal is too high) of golden tilefish while management measures are being developed to end overfishing.

Comments are due by November 14, 2017.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES:

The proposed interim rule would temporarily reduce the total catch limit for golden tilefish from 558,036 to 323,000 poundsgutted weight. Using the existing allocations, the temporary catch limits would be 313,310 pounds gutted weight for the commercial fishery and 2,187 fish for the recreational fishery. For commercial fishermen, the hook-and-line catch limit would be 78,328 pounds gutted weight and the long-line catch limit would be 234,982 pounds gutted weight.
The interim measures would be effective for 180 days after the date of publication and may be extended for an additional 186 days while the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council develops Amendment 45 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery in the South Atlantic (Amendment 45).

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED INTERIM RULE:

There is a 15 day comment period associated with this proposed interim rule. The comment period is now open through November 14, 2017. We will address all comments specifically directed to the proposed interim rule in the final rule. You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER:

82 FR 50101, published October 30, 2017

Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0111-0001.

2. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields.

3.Enter or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Karla Gore, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Why is the temporary reduction in the catch limit being proposed?

These temporary regulations will reduce overfishing of golden tilefish while long term management measures are developed to end overfishing in Amendment 45.
In April 2016, a population assessment update for golden tilefish was completed using data through 2014 (SEDAR 25 Update 2016). The updated assessment indicated that the golden tilefish population is undergoing overfishing but is not overfished (population abundance is too low).
As mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries must end overfishing of golden tilefish.

What are the proposed actions in the interim rule?

Temporarily revise the commercial and recreational catch limits for golden tilefish for 2018 (See Table 1 below).

Table 1. Proposed commercial and recreational catch limits for golden tilefish

Total

catch limit

Commercial catch limit

Commercial Hook-and-Line catch limit

Commercial Longline catch limit

Recreational catch limit

(pounds gutted weight)

(numbers of fish)

323,000

313,310

78,328

234,982

2,187

Where can I find more information on the environmental assessment and the interim rule?

Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail:

Karla Gore
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

The environmental assessment and interim rule may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/s_atl/sg/2017/golden_tilefish_interim/index.html.

Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here

Council’s Request for Red Snapper Season in 2017 Approved

October 27, 2017 — Charleston, S.C. — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

At the request of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and working closely with NOAA Fisheries, an interim annual catch limit has been approved that will open the red snapper fishery to limited harvest in 2017. NOAA Fisheries announced today that the red snapper recreational fishery in the South Atlantic region will open for two consecutive 3-day weekends beginning November 3rd. Recreational fishermen may harvest red snapper in federal waters (from 3 to 200 nautical miles) November 3^rd through 5^th and November 10^th through 12th. The recreational bag limit is 1 fish per person/day and there is no minimum size limit. The commercial fishery will open November 2nd with a 75-pound (gutted weight) trip limit and no minimum size limit. Commercial trip limits are limits on the amount of the applicable species that may be possessed on board or landed, purchased, or sold from a vessel per day.

“We sincerely appreciate the decision by the Secretary of Commerce to allow limited harvest of red snapper this year,” said Council Chair Charlie Phillips. “Approving the Council’s request for an interim catch limit for 2017 will allow fishermen limited access to the resource as the stock continues to rebuild, provide an economic boost to fishing communities impacted by Hurricane Irma, and present an opportunity for data to be collected from both recreational and commercial fishermen.” The 2017 red snapper season is based on the approved interim annual catch limit of 42,510 fish. The recreational sector is allocated 71.93% of the total annual catch limit.

During the open red snapper season, state marine resource agency personnel will be conducting surveys at various locations and collecting samples from fishermen. Anglers are encouraged to cooperate with samplers and to provide carcasses (after fillets have been removed) for data collection.

Fishermen are also urged to use best fishing practices to minimize the number of released red snapper and help improve the likelihood that released fish will survive. “The red snapper fishery has remained closed since 2014 because mortality estimates of the number of released fish exceeded the annual catch limit,” explained Captain Mark Brown, Council Vice-Chair and a full-time charter captain based in Mt. Pleasant, SC. “It is imperative that we use best practices. The key to having future access to red snapper lies in reducing the mortality of fish that are released.”

Best Practices

Once you have met your red snapper bag limit, move away from areas likely to have red snapper. If you are approaching your vessel limit, move to a different area. When red snapper are out of season avoid areas where they are common.
Use single hook rigs – since the bag limit is 1 per person, this potentially reduces the number of red snapper caught on one drop.
If you catch a red snapper and plan to release the fish, keep the fish in the water as you remove the hook and return the fish back to the water as quickly as possible. Tips on how to use a dehooking device.
Recognize signs of barotrauma: bulging eyes, stomach protruding from mouth, distended intestines, bloated belly. Information on signs of barotrauma.

Use descending devices if releasing fish with barotrauma. There are a variety of devices available. Different types of descending devices and their use.

New Pilot Program for Recreational Reporting

Recreational anglers will have the opportunity to report individually about their red snapper fishing trips via a voluntary pilot program being tested for the first time as the red snapper mini-season opens. MyFishCount.com is a new web portal that allows anglers to report their catches using photos to document lengths, as well as depths fish are caught, release techniques, hook type, and other information. Anglers are encouraged to register online and to take photos and keep written records of the information while offshore.

Additional information on this pilot program as well as other items of interest for the upcoming red snapper season is available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/electronic-reporting-projects/red-snapper-reporting.

Season for 2018

In addition to the emergency rule request to allow an opening this year, the Council also approved measures in Amendment 43 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan during its September 25, 2017 meeting. The amendment would revise the process for calculating the annual catch limit with the intent to allow a red snapper season in 2018. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the recreational fishery would open the second Friday in July (July 13, 2018) and the commercial fishery the second Monday in July (July 9, 2018).

The catch rate during the 2017 season will be considered in setting the length of any 2018 season, so fishermen are encouraged to follow the best fishing practices and to be conservative in how many red snapper they catch during 2017. The amendment is currently under review and an announcement from NOAA Fisheries about a 2018 red snapper season is expected in early 2018.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, one of eight regional councils, conserves and manages fish stocks from three to 200 miles offshore of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and east Florida. For more information, visit: www.safmc.net.

NOAA Announces 2017 Limited Opening of Recreational and Commercial Red Snapper Fishery in South Atlantic Federal Waters

October 27, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

KEY MESSAGE:

Red snapper recreational and commercial seasons will open in South Atlantic federal waters for limited harvest in 2017 through emergency action.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council requested the opening after recent scientific information indicated a large increase in the size of the red snapper population since 2010.
NOAA Fisheries determined the limited harvest in 2017 is neither expected to result in overfishing, nor prevent continued rebuilding of the population.WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

The recreational sector will open for harvest on weekends only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) on the following days:
- November 3, 4, and 5, 2017 – The recreational season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 3, 2017, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 6, 2017.
- November 10, 11, and 12, 2017 – The recreational season opens again at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 10, 2017, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 13, 2017.

The commercial sector will open for harvest upon implementation of the emergency rule at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 2, 2017, and will close at 11:59 p.m., local time, on December 31, 2017, unless the commercial annual catch limit is met or projected to be met before this date.
- NOAA Fisheries will announce if the commercial sector needs to close before 11:59 p.m., local time, on December 31, 2017.

THE REGULATIONS DURING THE LIMITED SEASONS ARE:

For the recreational sector, the bag limit is one red snapper per person per day. This applies to private and charterboat/headboat vessels (the captain and crew on for-hire vessels may retain the recreational bag limit).
For the commercial sector, the trip limit is 75 pounds gutted weight.
There are no minimum size limits for the recreational and commercial sectors.
The recreational and commercial catch limits are 29,656 fish and 124,815 pounds whole weight, respectively.

This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

When are the 2017 South Atlantic recreational and commercial red snapper seasons?

The recreational sector will open for harvest on weekends only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) on the following days:
- November 3, 4, and 5, 2017 – The recreational season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 3, 2017, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 6, 2017.
- November 10, 11, and 12, 2017 – The recreational season opens again at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 10, 2017, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 13, 2017.
The commercial sector will open for harvest upon implementation of the emergency rule at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 2, 2017, and will close at 11:59 p.m., local time, on December 31, 2017, unless the commercial annual catch limit is met or projected to be met before this date.
NOAA Fisheries will announce if the commercial sector needs to close before December 31, 2017.
- NOAA Fisheries will announce if the commercial sector needs to close before December 31, 2017.

What are the regulations for red snapper during these seasons?

- Recreational annual catch limit of 29,656 fish.
- The recreational bag limit is one red snapper per person per day.
- Commercial annual catch limit of 124,815 pounds whole weight.
- The commercial trip limit is 75 pounds gutted weight.
- There is no minimum size limit for both the recreational and commercial sectors.

What is the history of red snapper harvest and prohibitions in the South Atlantic Region?

Harvest of red snapper from South Atlantic federal waters was prohibited in 2010 when the population was determined to be severely overfished and undergoing overfishing (Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review [SEDAR] 15).
Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region established a process that allowed harvest if total removals (landings plus dead discards) were below the acceptable biological catch in the previous year.
Limited harvest of red snapper was allowed in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
The estimated total removals of red snapper exceeded the acceptable biological catch in 2014, 2015, and 2016, resulting in no allowable harvest since 2014.

What is the current status of the red snapper population in the South Atlantic Region?

The latest population assessment (SEDAR 41) was completed in 2016 and revised in 2017. It indicated the South Atlantic red snapper population is overfished and undergoing overfishing; however, the population is rebuilding.
The red snapper overfishing determination in the assessment came from 2012-2014 when only a small amount of harvest was allowed to occur. However, discards during this time period were high due to fishermen targeting species that co-occur with red snapper, which likely contributed to the overfishing determination.
SEDAR 41 stated that recreational discards were one of the most important and uncertain sources of information used in the stock assessment during the harvest prohibition from 2010-2014.
The harvest prohibition in 2015 and 2016 has contributed towards addressing overfishing of red snapper supported by an increase in population biomass of red snapper since 2010.

Why is limited harvest of red snapper being allowed in 2017?

Recently available fisheries independent studies by the Southeast Reef Fish Survey program available here and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission available here have shown relative abundance of red snapper has increased since 2014, and was highest in 2017.
The scientific studies also show a greater number of large red snapper and a broader range of ages in recent years suggesting rebuilding of the red snapper population despite the limited harvest allowed in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
The total annual catch limit implemented by this temporary rule equals the landings of red snapper during the limited harvest in 2014.
The harvest prohibitions of red snapper since 2010 have resulted in adverse socio-economic effects to fishermen and fishing communities such as loss of additional revenue and recreational opportunities, as well as indirect benefits to businesses that provide supplies for fishing trips.
Collection of fishery dependent data is limited during harvest prohibitions. Federal and state personnel will collect information, including catch data and biological samples during the open season in 2017, which will inform future population assessments for red snapper.

How will the limited harvest in 2017 affect the overfishing and overfished status of red snapper?

NOAA Fisheries has determined that the limited harvest in 2017 is not expected to result in overfishing and will not prevent the continued rebuilding of the red snapper population.

What are some Best Fishing Practices while fishing for red snapper?
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council identified the following best practices to reduce release mortality and further protect the population as it rebuilds:

- Avoid areas likely to have red snapper if you already have met your recreational bag limit. If you are approaching your commercial vessel limit, move to a different area.
- When red snapper are out of season, avoid areas where they are common.
- Use single hook rigs since the recreational bag limit for red snapper during the limited fishing season is one per person per day. This will potentially reduce the number of red snapper that are caught on one drop.
- Use a dehooking device to remove the hook. Keep fish in the water if you plan to release them or return them as quickly as possible.
- Use descending devices when releasing fish with signs of barotrauma.

Where can I find more information on the environmental assessment and temporary final rule through emergency action?

Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: Nikhil Mehta

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

The environmental assessment and temporary final rule through emergency action may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/s_atl/sg/2017/red_snapper_er_2017/index.html

Additional information on management of red snapper in the South Atlantic may be found at: http://safmc.net/regulations/regulations-by-species/red-snapper/

Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.

ASMFC South Atlantic Board Selects Final Measures for the Interstate FMP for the Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia and Recommends Final Approval by the Commission

October 20, 2017 — NORFOLK, Va. — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Commission’s South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board selected final measures for the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Migratory Group (AMG) Cobia and recommended Commission approval of the FMP at its next Business Session meeting, scheduled for November in Baltimore, MD.

The FMP was initiated in response to recent overages of the federal annual catch limit (ACL) for AMG Cobia. Managing the recreational ACL on a coastwide basis has resulted in federal closures and significant overages in 2015 and 2016, disrupting fishing opportunities and jeopardizing the health of the stock.

The Board-approved FMP complements many of the aspects of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (SAFMC) cobia regulations from Georgia through New York. The recreational fishery will be managed with a one fish bag limit and minimum size limit of 36” fork length (FL) or total length equivalent. Vessel limits will be determined once individual states set their seasonal restrictions, but may not exceed six fish per vessel. State-specific allocations of a coastwide recreational harvest limit that is equivalent to the federal AMG cobia ACL of 620,000 pounds result in the following state-specific soft targets:

· Georgia: 58,311 pounds

· South Carolina: 74,885 pounds

· North Carolina: 236,316 pounds

· Virginia: 244,292 pounds

The commercial fishery will maintain the current management measures as implemented through the SAFMC plan and continue to be managed with a 33” FL minimum size limit and 2 fish limit per person, with a 6 fish maximum vessel limit. The federal ACL of 50,000 pounds is allocated to the entire commercial fishery from Georgia through New York. The commercial AMG cobia fishery will close once the ACL is projected to be reached.

The FMP provides the opportunity for states to declare de minimis status for their recreational fishery if landings constitute less than 1% of the recreational AMG cobia harvest. States must submit implementation plans to the Commission by January 1, 2018 for Technical Committee review and Board approval at the February 2018 meeting in Alexandria, Virginia. Approved plans must be implemented by April 1, 2018. For more information, please contact Dr. Louis Daniel, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at ldaniel@asmfc.org or 252.342.1478.

A PDF version of the press release can be found here – http://www.asmfc.org/uploads/file/59e95456pr54CobiaFMP_BoardApproval.pdf

Commercial Reopening for Blueline Tilefish in South Atlantic Federal Waters on October 24, 2017, for Eight Days

October 20, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

The commercial harvest of blueline tilefish in South Atlantic federal waters will reopen for eight days on October 24, 2017. Commercial harvest will reopen 12:01 a.m. (local time) on October 24, 2017 and close 12:01 a.m. (local time) on November 1, 2017. During the eight-day reopening, the commercial trip limit for blueline tilefish is 336 pounds whole weight or 300 pounds gutted weight.

WHY THIS REOPENING IS HAPPENING:

The 2017 commercial catch limit is 87,521 pounds whole weight. On July 18, 2017, the commercial catch limit for the 2017 season was projected to be met, and NOAA Fisheries closed the season. However, a recent landings update indicates that the blueline tilefish catch limit was not met.

AFTER THE CLOSURE:

The 2018 fishing season for the commercial sector opens at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on January 1, 2018.
As a reminder, recreational harvest is closed for the remaining part of 2017. Therefore, the recreational bag and possession limit for blueline tilefish in or from South Atlantic federal waters is zero.

Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.

Commercial Closure for Greater Amberjack in South Atlantic Federal Waters on October 18, 2017

October 13, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

The commercial harvest of greater amberjack in South Atlantic federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on October 18, 2017. During the commercial closure, harvest or possession of greater amberjack in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits while the recreational fishery is open.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

The 2017 commercial catch limit is 769,388 pounds gutted weight. Commercial landings have met the commercial catch limit. According to the accountability measure, commercial harvest should close.

DURING THE CLOSURE:

The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper.
The prohibition on sale or purchase during a closure for greater amberjack does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, October 18, 2017, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.

Commercial Closure for Vermilion Snapper in South Atlantic Federal Waters on October 17, 2017

October 13, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

The commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in South Atlantic federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on October 17, 2017. During the commercial closure, harvest or possession of vermilion snapper in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits when the recreational fishery is open.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

The 2017 July-December commercial catch limit is 431,460 pounds whole weight. In addition, the unused portion of the January 1 through June 30, 2017, commercial catch limit was added to the July 1 through December 31, 2017, commercial catch limit. Commercial landings are projected to reach the July-December commercial catch limit by October 17, 2017. According to the accountability measure, harvest should close to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded.

AFTER THE CLOSURE:

The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper.
The prohibition on sale or purchase during a closure for vermilion snapper does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m. on October 17, 2017, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.