November 24, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
WHAT/WHEN:
The commercial hook-and-line component for golden tilefish in federal waters of the South Atlantic will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 29, 2017. During the commercial closure, harvest or possession of golden tilefish in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits when the recreational sector is open.
WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:
The 2017 commercial catch limit for the golden tilefish hook-and-line component is 135,324 pounds gutted weight. Commercial landings are projected to reach the commercial catch limit on November 29, 2017. According to the accountability measure, harvest must close to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded.
DURING AND AFTER THE CLOSURE:
- The commercial hook-and-line component closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper permit.
- The prohibition on sale or purchase during the closure does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m. on November 29, 2017, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
- Harvest by the commercial hook-and-line component will reopen at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on January 1, 2018.
This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=383bc195ccbeab4fd6bec1c24905df34&node=sp50.12.622.i&rgn=div6.
Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.