Deep-Water Commercial Fishery in Gulf of Mexico Will Close at 12:01 A.M., July, 15, 2004

July 9, 2004

Release from:
NOAA

NOAA Fisheries announces that the commercial fishery for deep-water grouper (misty, snowy, yellowedge, Warsaw grouper, and speckled hind) in Gulf of Mexico federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 15, 2004, when the 2004 deep-water grouper quota of 1.02 million pounds is projected to be reached. The commercial fishery will remain closed until 12:01 a.m., local time, January 1, 2005. The operator of a vessel with a valid reef fish permit having deep-water grouper aboard must have landed and sold such deep-water grouper prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, July 15, 2004. For further information contact Phil Steele (727) 570-5305 or Phil.Steele@noaa.gov.