Key Messages:

NOAA Fisheries announces implementation of the final rule for Framework Amendment 11 under the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region. This rule modifies Gulf of Mexico Migratory Group king mackerel catch limits.

When Rule Will Take Effect:

Regulations become effective January 6, 2023.

What This Means:

• Framework Amendment 11:
• Modifies the units used to monitor Gulf of Mexico migratory group king mackerel landings from the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Coastal Household Telephone Survey to the MRIP Fishing Effort Survey, and
• Specifies new overfishing limits and acceptable biological catch levels.
• The rule:
• Modifies the sector annual catch limits and commercial zone (Figure 1) annual catch limits as indicated in Tables 1 and 2 below.

Table 1. 2022/2023 and 2023/2024+ overfishing limits (OFL), acceptable biological catch (ABC) levels, total annual catch limits (ACL), recreational sector ACLs, and commercial sector total ACLs in pounds landed weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the catch limits being reduced?

• The most recent Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review population assessment for Gulf of Mexico migratory group king mackerel, known as the SEDAR 38 Update, showed the population was not overfished (i.e. the population is not too low) or undergoing overfishing (i.e. too many fish are not being caught). However, it did show that recruitment (larvae showing up in plankton surveys) has been low in recent years.
• SEDAR 38 Update used updated recreational catch and effort data from the MRIP Fishing Effort Survey, which estimated larger than previously calculated catch and effort for the recreational sector.
• Because MRIP Fishing Effort Survey data were used, estimates of historic recreational landings were greater than in previous assessments.
• The “increase” in the recommended catch limits compared to the current catch limits is largely a result of converting the recreational catch and effort data to the MRIP Fishing Effort Survey data currency.
• The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee recommended a reduction in the OFLs and ABCs to address decreased recruitment.

Where can I find more information on Framework Amendment 11?

• Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: Kelli O’Donnell

NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

Sustainable Fisheries Division

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By FAX: (727) 824-5308

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

• Framework Amendment 11 may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/framework-11-management-gulf-king-mackerel.