To lower the commercial harvest rate of Gulf of Mexico ( Gulf ) greater amberjack, NOAA Fisheries is putting in place an emergency regulation. While a Framework Action to modify commercial trip limits is being reviewed and considered for implementation, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council ( Council ) requested that NOAA Fisheries take immediate action.
- According to the most recent population assessment, Gulf greater amberjack is overfished ( the population is too low ) and is being overfished ( too many fish are being caught ).
- With a step-down to 250 pounds gutted weight after 75 % of the commercial annual catch target ( or commercial quota ) has been harvested, the Commercial Trip Limit is reduced by this Emergency Rule to 7 greater amberjack from the current trip limit of 1, 000 pounds Gutted Weight.
- This modification aims to lengthen the commercial fish time and lower the capture rate of greater amberjack.
An overview of transform
- Beginning on January 1 is the Gulf greater amberjack commercial fishing season. The Business Trip Capacity is lowered by the Emergency Rule to 7 fish.
- This Emergency Rule will be in effect for 180 times, or until a final rule implementing the Framework Action, which NOAA Fisheries is now reviewing, replaces it. This Emergency Rule wo n’t be kept in place.
- To lower Gulf greater amberjack harvest rates and lengthen the fishing season, the business trip limit must be modified. The Business Greater Amberjack Fishing Season will likely be extended by the Emergency Rule into June 2024, when it is anticipated that the business limit will be met and the harvest will come to an end.
What will the Gulf Greater Amberjack Emergency Rule accomplish?
- The Gulf greater amberjack business trip limit will be lowered by the Emergency Rule to 7 fish (estimated 210 pounds destroyed weight ), down from the current maximum of 1, 000 kg, with a step back to 250 pounds after 75 % of the commercial limit has been harvested.
Why did the Council ask for an emergency law?
- The get rates for Gulf greater amberjack were significantly decreased by the ultimate rule of Amendment 54 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources in the Gulf of Mexico, which went into effect in June 2023.
- The Council created a Framework Action to lower the trip limit in order to lengthen the fishing season because it is anticipated that the Gulf greater Amberjack commercial fishery season, which starts on January 1, will be very brief each year.
- Professional landings in 2023 exceeded the annual commercial catch cap, necessitating NOAA Fisheries to further reduce the overage by 2024.
- The Framework Action was approved by the Council at their meeting in October 2023, but if it is put into effect, the new 7-fish trip limit wo n’t take effect until the spring of 2024.
- In order to minimize produce rates and lengthen the 2024 fishing season, the Council requested an Emergency Law that would go into effect on January 1st-2024 and reduce the journey control to 7 fish in accordance with what would be specified in the Framework Action.
The Emergency Rule may take influence when?
- This Emergency Rule will be in force from January 1 through June 29, 2024, or until a final principle implementing the Framework Action replaces it.
- There wo n’t be an extension of the Emergency Rule.
Where may I learn more about the Emergency Rule?
- Call the Southeast Regional Office of NOAA Fisheries.
via email: Dan Luers
Southeast Regional Office NOAA Fisheries
Division of Sustainable Fisheries
South at 263 13th Avenue
Florida’s St. Petersburg, 33701- 5505
FAX: ( 727 ) 824- 5308
Call ( 727 ) 824-5305
