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Published: June 17, 2008
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The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery for review, approval, and implementation by NOAA Fisheries Service. The amendment would establish eight new marine protected areas (MPAs) in which fishing for or possession of snapper-grouper species would be prohibited, but other types of legal fishing would be allowed. The MPAs would be located in the following areas: one off southern North Carolina, three off South Carolina, one off Georgia, and three off Florida, and range from 5 by 10 nautical miles to 22 by 23 nautical miles in area. Amendment 14 also proposes to prohibit the use of shark bottom longlines within the MPAs, however, NOAA Fisheries Service is proposing to implement the prohibition of shark bottom longlines through separate rulemaking. If implemented, these measures are expected to enhance the optimum size, age and genetic structure of slow growing long-lived deepwater grouper species.  

Written comments will be accepted through August 5, 2008 and can be submitted, identified by 0648-AU28, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov, by fax to: (727) 824-5308, Attn: Kate Michie, or by mail to Kate Michie, NOAA Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

For additional information, please contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; toll free 1-866-SAFMC-10 or 843-571-4366. 13-2239 x120.

 

source: NOAA Fish News 

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