NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on Amendment 17A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA Fisheries is also seeking public comment on the proposed rule to implement management measures contained in the amendment. Amendment 17A proposes to extend the existing commercial shrimp permit moratorium for an additional 10 years, until October 26, 2026.

Comment period ends June 6, 2016.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 17A to NOAA Fisheries for review, approval, and implementation. The Notice of Availability for public comment on this amendment published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2016, and the proposed rule published on April 14, 2016. Comments will be accepted through June 6, 2016. We will address all comments specifically directed to either the amendment or the proposed rule in the final rule.
For more information on Amendment 17A, visit the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Region Web site at:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/shrimp/2016/am17a/index.html.

An electronic copy of the amendment is available at that Web site or from the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal https://www.regulations.gov/#!home.

How to Submit Comments
NOAA Fisheries must receive comments on these documents no later than June 6, 2016. You may submit comments on the amendment or the proposed rule, identified by “NOAA-NMFS-2016-0018”, by one of the following methods:

Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016-0018, click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Mail written comments to Susan Gerhart, Southeast Regional Office, NOAA Fisheries, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on the regulations.gov Web site without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NOAA Fisheries will accept anonymous comments (enter “N/A” in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.