A new rule effective August 22, 2016, will extend the existing commercial shrimp permit moratorium for an additional 10 years, until October 26, 2026.
NOAA Fisheries, with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, developed Amendment 17A to the management plan for Gulf shrimp containing these management measures. The final rule implementing the regulations published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2016.
This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.
Electronic copies of the amendment, final rule, and supporting materials may be obtained from the NOAA Fisheries Web site
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/shrimp/2016/am17a/index.html
NOAA Fisheries would also like to remind permit holders of reporting requirements to renew Gulf shrimp permits. All permit holders must complete the annual landings and gear survey forms before renewing their permits. In addition, permit holders must complete the annual economic survey form and participate in the electronic logbook, observer, and trip interview programs, if selected. For more information about these surveys and programs:
- Permit renewals: NOAA Fisheries Southeast Permits Office, 1-877-376-4877
- Annual landings survey, annual gear survey, and electronic logbook program: Rebecca Smith, 409-766-3783
- Annual economic survey: Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 305-365-4109
- Observer program: Elizabeth Scott-Denton, 409-766-3571
This bulletin provides only a summary of the information regarding the existing regulations. Any discrepancies between this bulletin and the regulations as published in the Federal Register will be resolved in favor of the Federal Register.