Final Rule Implements Reef Fish Amendment 24 Establishing a Limited Access System for the Gulf of Mexico Commercial Reef Fish Fishery

July 25, 2005

Release from:
NOAA

NOAAs National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has published a final rule in the Federal Register implementing the approved regulatory actions in Amendment 24 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council in cooperation with NMFS developed the FMP. The intended effect of the final rule is to establish a limited access system for the commercial reef fish fishery. The final rule is effective August 17, 2005 (70 FR 41161).

The final rule will establish a limited access system for the commercial fishery for Gulf of Mexico reef fish. All vessels with valid commercial reef fish permits on July 5, 2005, the date the amendment was approved, will be issued a commercial reef fish permit under the limited access system, and permits will be renewable and transferable in the same manner as currently prescribed.

NMFS prepared a Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) and a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) that augments the findings of the FMPs RIR. The FRFA is available from the Sustainable Fisheries Office, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.

Written copies of the final rule may be obtained from the NMFS Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. Electronic copies of the final rule may be obtained from the Federal Register website at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.

This Small Entity Compliance Guide complies with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. Any discrepancies between this document and the rule as published in the Federal Register will be resolved in favor of the Federal Register.

NMFS is dedicated to protecting and preserving the nations living marine resources and their habitats through scientific research, management, and enforcement. NMFS provides effective stewardship of these resources for the benefit of the nation, supporting coastal communities that depend upon them, and helping to provide safe and healthy seafood to consumers and recreational opportunities for the American public.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nations coastal and marine resources.

This and other news releases are available on the SERO homepage at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.

NMFS is an agency of the Commerce Departments National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.