Officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the daily possession limit for commercially harvested large coastal sharks (great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, nurse shark, blacktip shark, bull shark, lemon shark, sandbar shark, silky shark, spinner shark, and tiger shark) is increasing from 45 to 55 per…
Key Message: NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule that will implement two framework actions under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; Modifications to Data Calibrations (Data Calibrations Framework) and Annual Catch Limits (Catch Limits Framework) for Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Red Snapper….
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met in Biloxi, Mississippi, on October 24-27, 2022. The meeting began with the Council populating its’ Council Committees through August 2023. NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit provided remarks to the Council and stakeholders on agency priorities. Additionally, the Council heard presentations on the Joint Council Workgroup…
Key Messages: NOAA Fisheries announces implementation of the final rule for Amendment 32 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region. When Rule Will Take Effect: Regulations become effective November 21, 2022. What This Means: Amendment 32: Modifies…
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on a framework action to modify red snapper catch limits. The Council chose to decrease the overfishing limit and increase the acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits, and annual catch targets. The state specific private angling annual catch limits are calculated…
Key Message: NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for a framework amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. This framework amendment and final rule will revise the overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits, and annual catch targets for Gulf of Mexico…
NOAA Fisheries approved new criteria to inform Gulf of Mexico reef fish and red drum management. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council recommended these criteria changes for two amendments, Amendment 48 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Amendment 5 to the…
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in Gulf Shores, Alabama April 4-7, 2022. The Council made preliminary appointments to its Coral, Data Collection, and Spiny Lobster Advisory Panels. Final appointments will be made during the June Council meeting after fishery violation background checks are completed. The Council also named the…
Shrimpers in St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes: Have your TEDs measured and approved to be sure they are properly installed — NO enforcement actions will be taken during these courtesy checks. Canh Nguyen and Jason Letort, gear specialists with NOAA Fisheries, will visit shrimp boats to make sure TEDs are…
TED Requirements for Skimmer Trawls: In an effort to strengthen sea turtle conservation efforts, NOAA Fisheries is offering a reminder to the shrimp industry of current TED requirements. A TED is a device that allows sea turtles to escape from trawl nets, and their use is required by regulations implemented…