Framework Amendment 11: Gulf of Mexico Migratory Group King Mackerel Catch Limits

This Framework modifies the units used to monitor Gulf migratory group king mackerel landings to the MRIP-FES data currency and specifies new catch limits in pounds landed weight as follows:

Fishing Year

OFL

ABC

Total ACL

Recreational ACL

Commercial Total ACL

2022/2023

11,050,000

9,720,000

9,720,000

6,609,600

3,110,400

2023/2024+

11,180,000

9,990,000

9,990,000

6,793,200

3,196,800

 

The corresponding commercial zone annual catch limits expressed in pounds landed weight are as follows:

Fishing Year

Commercial Total

Western Zone HL

Northern Zone HL

Southern Zone HL

HL Total

Southern Zone GN

2022/2023

3,110,400

1,244,160

559,872

653,184

2,457,216

  653,184

2023/2024+

3,196,800

1,278,720

575,424

671,328

2,525,472

  671,328

 

This final rule is effective January 6, 2023.

Cobia harvest

Amendment 32 – Modifications to Gulf of Mexico Migratory Group Cobia Catch Limits, Possession Limits, Size Limits, and Framework Procedure

 

This Amendment reduces the Gulf Group Cobia Stock overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limits with increasing yield streams for the years 2021-2023 and updates catch limits to MRIP-FES data currency. It also modifies the stock apportionment between Gulf and Florida East Coast Zones to 63% and 37% respectively.  The Amendment modifies the Coastal Migratory Pelagic framework procedure to expand the South Atlantic Council’s responsibilities in managing cobia in the Florida East Coast Zone and match our current management practices. Finally, this Amendment modifies the annual catch target buffer, reduces the daily possession limit to 1-fish per person, and creates a 2-fish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors.

This final rule is effective November 21, 2022.

Framework Amendment 7 – Modifications to Gulf of Mexico Migratory Gulf Cobia Size and Possession Limits

This Framework Amendment increases the recreational and commercial minimum size limit for cobia in the Gulf Zone to 36 inches fork length.

This final rule is effective March 25, 2020.

Amendment 31 – Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia Management 

This Amendment transfers management of Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia (Georgia – New York) to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC)

This final rule is effective March 21, 2019.

Framework Amendment 5 – King and Spanish Mackerel Permit Restrictions

This Framework removes the restriction on fishing for, or retaining the recreational bag and possession limits of king and Spanish mackerel on a vessel with a Federal commercial permit for king or Spanish mackerel when commercial harvest of king or Spanish mackerel in a zone or region is closed.

This final rule is effective August 31, 2017.

Mackerel Amendment 26 – King Mackerel Allocations & Mixing Zone Delineation

This amendment creates a single year-round regulatory boundary between the Gulf and South Atlantic migratory groups of king mackerel at a line extending east from the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, Florida boundary. The amendment also renames the zones in the Gulf. Zone map

The amendment revises the Gulf migratory group king mackerel annual catch limits and the Gulf migratory group king mackerel commercial zone quotas.

Finally, the amendment increases the recreational bag limit to 3-fish per person.

This final rule is effective on May 11, 2017.

Framework Amendment 3 – Gulf of Mexico King Mackerel Gillnet Fishery Management Modifications

This framework action increases the commercial trip limit to 45,000 pounds. The action also: establishes a payback provision if the Florida West Coast Southern Subzone gillnet annual catch limit is exceeded; and allows commercial king mackerel gillnet permits to be renewed only if landings for a single year during 2006-2015 were greater than one pound. Permits that do not qualify will be non-renewable and non-transferable.

This final rule is effective January 19, 2016.

Mackerel Amendment 20B – Modifications to Zone Management

Amendment 20B proposed to 1) remove the trip limit reductions for Gulf migratory group king mackerel in the Florida west coast Northern and Southern Subzones, 2) adjust the fishing season for Gulf migratory group king mackerel in the Florida west coast Northern Subzone, 3) allow transit of vessels with king mackerel through areas closed to king mackerel fishing, 4) create regional quotas for Atlantic migratory group king and Spanish mackerel and allow transfer of quota between zones, 5) modify the framework procedure for the FMP, and 6) create an East Coast Zone for Gulf migratory group cobia with a separate annual catch limit, which will be managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) because it is within their jurisdictional boundaries.

This final rule is effective March 1, 2015.

Framework Amendment 1 – ACL/ACT Modifications

This rule modifies the annual catch limits (ACL) for Atlantic and Gulf migratory groups of Spanish mackerel and modifies the recreational annual catch target (ACT) for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel, based on the results of the most recent stock assessments for these stocks. Framework Amendment 1 also specifies the optimum yield and acceptable biological catch (ABC) estimates for Atlantic and Gulf migratory groups of Spanish mackerel. The purpose of this rule is to update ACLs based on the best scientific information available and to ensure overfishing does not occur for Spanish mackerel.

This final rule is effective December 22, 2014.

Mackerel Amendment 20A – Sale and Permit Provisions

Actions in this amendment address issues associated with coastal migratory pelagic (CMP) permits, including whether to require commercial permits for sale of fish caught under the bag limit, eliminate some permits, and modify conditions for obtaining and holding permits.

This final rule is effective July 16, 2014, except for the amendments to § 622.386(d) and (e), which are effective August 7, 2014.

Modifications to Federally Permitted Seafood Dealer Reporting Requirements

This amendment consolidates the existing South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico federal dealer permits and requires permits for dealers who currently are not required to have one. The amendment additionally increases the frequency of federal dealer reporting from monthly to weekly and establishes requirements to maintain a federal dealer permit.

This final rule is effective August 7, 2014

Framework Action to Require Electronic Reporting for Headboats

This amendment modifies the frequency of headboat reporting to be on a weekly basis (or intervals shorter than a week if notified by the Science and Research Director) via electronic reporting, and will be due by 11:59 p.m., local time, the Sunday following a reporting week. If no fishing activity occurs during a reporting week, an electronic report so stating must be submitted for that week.

This final rule is effective March 5, 2014.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 18

Establishes annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for Gulf group cobia, king mackerel, and Spanish mackerel. The amendment was implemented December 29, 2011 and became effective January 30, 2012. It also removes cero, little tunny, dolphin, and bluefish from the fishery management plan, revises the framework procedure, and separates cobia into Atlantic and Gulf migratory groups.

This final rule is effective January 30, 2012.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 17

Establishes a limited access system on for-hire reef fish and coastal migratory pelagics (CMP) permits. Permits are renewable and transferable in the same manner as currently prescribed for such permits. The Gulf Council will have periodic review at least every 10 years on the effectiveness of the limited access system.

This final rule is effective June 15, 2006.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics  July 2003 Regulatory Amendment (Amendment 16)

The 2003 regulatory amendment establishes definitions of maximum sustainable yield (MSY), optimum yield (OY), the overfishing threshold, and the overfished condition for Cobia and Gulf grouper king and Spanish mackerel.

This final rule is effective on May 14, 2003.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 15

Amendment 15 to the coastal migratory pelagic (CMP) fishery management plan (FMP) in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico proposes to establish two actions. Action 1 establishes an indefinite limited access program for the king mackerel fishery in the exclusive economic zone under the jurisdiction of the Gulf of Mexico (GMFMC), South Atlantic (SAFMC), and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (MAFMC). Establishment of a limited access system that caps participation at the current level provides for long-term social and economic stability in the mackerel fisheries. Action 2 changes the fishing season to March 1 through February 28/29 for the Atlantic groups of king and Spanish mackerel. Beginning the fishing year on March 1 ensures the mackerel fisheries in the Atlantic are open during March when several other fisheries are closed.

This final rule is effective August 8, 2005.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 14

Amendment 14, implemented July 29, 2002, established a 3-year moratorium on the issuance of charter vessel and head boat permits unless sooner replace by a comprehensive effort limitation system. The control date for eligibility was established as March 29, 2001. Also includes other provisions for eligibility, application, appeals, and transferability.

This final rule is effective July 29, 2002, except for the revisions to Secs. 622.5(b)(1) and 622.43(a)(3)(ii), which are effective December 26, 2002.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 13

Amendment 13 established two marine reserves in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the vicinity of the Dry Tortugas, Florida known as Tortugas North and Tortugas South in which fishing for coastal migratory pelagic species is prohibited. This action complements previous actions taken under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.

This final rule is effective August 19, 2002.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 12

Amendment 12 proposes to extend the commercial king mackerel permit moratorium from its current expiration date of October 15, 2000 to October 15, 2005, or until replaced with a license limitation, limited access, and/or individual fishing quota or individual transferable quota system, whichever occurs earlier.

This final rule is effective on October 2, 2000.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 11

Amendment 11 included proposals for mackerel in the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC)’s Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Sustainable Fishery Act Definitions and other Provisions in Fishery Management Plans of the South Atlantic Region.

This final rule is effective September 6, 2002, except for the addition of Sec. 622.4(a)(2)(xi) and the revision of Sec. 622.6(a)(1)(i) which are effective December 5, 2002.

July 2000 Regulatory Amendment

The 2000-2001 regulatory amendment reduced total allowable catch (TAC) from 10.6 MP to 10.2 MP, provided a 2-fish bag limit for the captain and crew of for-hire vessels, and revised the trip limit for Gulf migratory group king mackerel in the northern area of the Eastern Zone (Miami-Dade through Volusia Counties, Florida) to remain at 50 fish until February 1. If the quota is not 75 percent filled as of February 1, then the trip limit will increase to 75 fish; if the quota is 75 percent filled or greater, then the trip limit will remain at 50 fish.

This rule is effective on April 30, 2001.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 10

Amendment 10 incorporated essential fish habitat (EFH) provisions for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC).

This final rule is effective on July 14, 2000.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 9

Amendment 9, would reallocate the percentage of the commercial allocation of total allowable catch (TAC) for the North Area (Florida east coast) and South/West Area (Florida west coast) of the Eastern Zone to 46.15% North and 53.85% South/West, as well as retain the recreational and commercial allocations of TAC at 68% recreational and 32% commercial. It will subdivide the commercial hook-and-line king mackerel allocation for the Gulf group, Eastern Zone, and South/West Area (Florida west coast) by establishing 2 subzones with a dividing line between the 2 subzones at the Collier/Lee County line. It will establish regional allocations for the west coast of Florida based on the 2 subzones with 7.7% of the Eastern Zone allocation of TAC being allowed from Subzone 2 and the remaining 92.3% being allocated as follows: 50% – Florida east coast; 50% – Florida west coast; 50% – Net Fishery; 50% – Hook-and-Line Fishery.

A trip limit of 3,000 pounds per vessel per trip for the Western Zone will be established, as well as a moratorium on the issuance of commercial king mackerel gill-net endorsements. It will allow re-issuance of gill-net endorsements to only those vessels that: (1) had a commercial mackerel permit with a gill-net endorsement on or before the moratorium control date of October 16, 1995 (Amendment 8), and (2): had landings of king mackerel using a gill net in one of the two fishing years 1995-96 or 1996-97 as verified by NMFS or trip tickets from the FDEP; allow transfer of gill net endorsements to immediate family members (son, daughter, father, mother, or spouse) only; and prohibit the use of gill nets or any other net gear for the harvest of Gulf group king mackerel south of an east/west line at the Collier/Lee County line. The minimum size limit will increase for Gulf group king mackerel from 20 inches to 24 inches fork length (FL) and the retention and sale of cut-off (damaged) legal-sized king and Spanish mackerel will be allowed.

This final rule is effective April 27, 2000.

July 1999 Regulatory Amendment

The regulatory amendment for the 1999-2000 season proposed to retain total allowable catch (TAC) for Gulf group king mackerel at 10.6 million pounds. It also proposed to establish a 2-fish per person per day bag limit on Gulf group king mackerel for the captain and crew of for-hire vessels and retain this 2-fish bag limit for all other recreational fishermen; however, the captain and crew bag limit was rejected by NMFS. The fishing season for the commercial gill net fishery for Gulf group king mackerel was changed to open at 6 a.m. eastern standard time (EST) on the Tuesday following the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, with the following weekend open as long as the quota has not been taken, and all subsequent weekends and holidays would be closed as long as the season remains open. Weekend and holiday closures would be from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Monday EST (or Tuesday if a Monday holiday is involved), and during this period, boats with a net on board must be tied to the dock. The TAC for Gulf group Spanish was changed from 7.0 million pounds to 9.1 million pounds, and the bag limit for Gulf group Spanish was increased from 10 to 15 fish per person per day.

This final rule is effective on September 20, 1999.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 8

Amendment 8, implemented in March 1998, made the following changes to the management regime: Clarified ambiguity about allowable gear specifications for the Gulf group king mackerel fishery by allowing only hook-and-line and run-around gill nets. However, catch by permitted, multi-species vessels and bycatch allowances for purse seines were maintained; Established the Council’s intent to evaluate the impacts of permanent jurisdictional boundaries between the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) and separate fishery management plans (FMP) for coastal pelagics in these areas; Established a moratorium on commercial king mackerel permits until no later than October 15, 2000, with a qualification date for initial participation of October 16, 1995;

Increased the income requirement for a king or Spanish mackerel permit to 25 percent of earned income or $10,000 from commercial sale of catch or charter or head boat fishing in 1 of the 3 previous calendar years, but allowed for a 1-year grace period to qualify under permits that are transferred; Legalized retention of up to 5 cut-off (barracuda damaged) king mackerel on vessels with commercial trip limits; Set an optimum yield (OY) target at 30 percent static SPR; Provided the SAFMC with authority to set vessel trip limits, closed seasons or areas, and gear restrictions for Gulf group king mackerel in the North Area of the Eastern Zone (Dade/Monroe to Volusia/Flagler County lines); Established various data consideration and reporting requirements under the Framework Procedure. Modified the seasonal framework adjustment measures and specifications (see Appendix I).

This final rule is effective April 3, 1998, except that changes to § 622.4 are effective March 4, 1998.

May 1998 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1998/99 season the amendment proposes to retain the total allowable catch (TAC) for the Gulf group king mackerel, but to set the bag limit for captain and crew of charter and head boats at zero. The size limit for king mackerel would increase to 24 inches (FL). The commercial king mackerel hook-and-line trip limit for the western zone (AL-TX) would be set at 3,000 pounds per trip.

This final rule is effective February 19, 1998, except for the revision of § 622.44(a)(2)(i) which is effective February 24, 1998, and for the addition of introductory text at § 622.44(a)(1) and the revision of § 622.44(a)(1)(iii) which are effective March 23, 1998.

May 1997 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1997/98 season the total allowable catch (TAC) was increased to 10.6 MP for Gulf group king mackerel. The zero bag limit for captain and crew of charter and head boats was rescinded. The commercial hook-and-line trip limit for the Florida East Coast Zone (FECZ) was changed to 50 fish until the subquota was taken. The TAC and bag limits remained unchanged for Gulf group Spanish Mackerel.

The rule is effective on February 19, 1998.

May 1996 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1996/97 season the total allowable catch (TAC) and bag limits remained unchanged for Gulf group king mackerel, except that the bag limit for captain and crew of charter and head boats was set at zero. The commercial hook-and-line trip limit for the Florida West Coast Zone (FWCZ) was set at 1,250 pounds per trip until 75% of the subquota was taken and then changed to 500 pounds per trip. Florida East Coast Zone (FECZ) set at 750 pounds then to 500 pounds when 75% taken. TAC for Gulf group Spanish mackerel was reduced to 7.0 MP and the bag limits remained unchanged.

This final rule is effective June 2, 1997.

May 1995 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1995/96 season the total allowable catch (TAC) and bag limits remained unchanged for Gulf group king and Spanish mackerels. The hook-and-line trip limit for the Florida West Coast Zone (FWCZ) of the eastern zone was set at 125 fish until 75% of the subquota was taken, then it became 50 fish.

This rule is effective November 22, 1995.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 7

Amendment 7, implemented in September 1994, equally divided the Gulf commercial allocation in the Eastern Zone at the Dade-Monroe County line in Florida. The suballocation for the area from Monroe County through Western Florida is equally divided between commercial hook-and-line and net gear users.

This final rule is effective September 23, 1994 except that the amendment to § 204(b) is effective August 24. 1994; § 642.4(m) is effective August 24. 1994. except for § 642.4(m)(4), which is effective August 24, 1994 through October 31. 1994: and §642.7(t)(u), and (v) and 642.28(b)(2) are effective November 1, 1994.

May 1994 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1994/95 season the total allowable catch (TAC) and bag limits remained unchanged for Gulf group king mackerel. Commercial gill net boats fishing king mackerel in the eastern zone were limited to 25,000 pounds per trip. The TAC and bag limits for Gulf group Spanish mackerel remained unchanged. Florida East Coast Zone (FECZ) modified to 50 fish until 25% of subquota is taken. Emergency action added 300,100 pounds under 125-fish trip limit.

This final rule is effective November 21, 1994.

May 1993 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1993/94 season the total allowable catch (TAC) and bag limits remained the same for Gulf group king mackerel. For the eastern zone (FL) commercial hook-and-line fisheries the trip limit for the Florida East Coast Zone (FECZ) was set at 50 fish until 50% of the subquota was taken and then was reduced to 25 fish until the quota was taken. For the Florida West Coast Zone (FWCZ) there was no trip limit until 75% of the subquota was taken then was reduced to 50 fish. The TAC and bag limits for Gulf group Spanish mackerel remained unchanged.

This final rule is effective November 1, 1993.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 6

Amendment 6, implemented in November of 1992, made the following changes: Identified additional problems and an objective in the fishery; Provided for rebuilding overfished stocks of mackerels within specific periods; Provided for biennial assessments and adjustments; Provided for more seasonal adjustment actions, including size limits, vessel trip limits, closed seasons or areas, and gear restrictions; Allowed Gulf group king mackerel stock identification and allocation when appropriate; Provided for commercial Atlantic Spanish mackerel possession limits; Changed commercial permit requirements to allow qualification in one of three preceding years; Discontinued the reversion of the bag limit to zero when the recreational quota is filled; Modified the recreational fishing year to the calendar year; and Changed the minimum size limit for king mackerel to 20 inches FL, and changed all size limit measures to fork length only.

This final rule is effective December 3, 1992, except that 64 2.23(a}(3) is effective December 3, 1992, through January 3, 1993.

May 1992 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1992/93 season the amendment increased total allowable catch (TAC) for Gulf group king mackerel to 7.8 MP with commercial quota of 2.50 MP and recreational allocation of 5.3 MP. The king mackerel bag limit was reduced to 2 fish per person including captain and crew of charter and head boats for the entire Gulf exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The TAC for Gulf group Spanish mackerel remained at 8.6 MP. The bag limits were increased to 7 fish off TX, and 10 fish off FL-LA. The amendment deleted the requirement that the bag limits for Gulf group king and Spanish mackerels revert to zero when the allocations were projected to be harvested and the fisheries be closed. Emergency action added 259,000 pounds under 25-fish trip limit.

This rule is effective September 18, 1992.

May 1991 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1991/92 season the amendment increased total allowable catch (TAC) for Gulf group king mackerel to 5.75 MP with a 1.84 MP commercial quota and 3.91 MP recreational allocation. The king mackerel bag limit was modified to 2 fish off Florida and 2/3 AL-TX (See 1986/87 regulatory amendment for description). The TAC for Gulf group Spanish mackerel was increased to 8.6 MP and the bag limit modified to 3 fish off TX, 5 fish off FL, and 10 fish off AL-LA. The amendment also set the overfishing thresholds at 30% SPR (SSBR).

This final rule is effective September 4, 1991.

May 1990 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1990/91 season the amendment left the total allowable catch (TAC) (4.25 MP) and bag limit for Gulf group king mackerel unchanged. The TAC (5.25 MP) for Gulf group Spanish mackerel was unchanged. The bag limits for Spanish mackerel were changed to 4 fish off FL, 3 fish off TX, and 10 Fish off AL-LA at the request of the states.

This final rule is effective August 1, 1990, except that revised § 642.28(a)(1)(iii)(B) and (a)(5)(ii) and new § 642.28(a)(1)(iii)(C) are effective August 20, 1990, and revised § 642.28(a)(1)(iii)(A) and (a)(1)(iv)(A) are effective January 1, 1991.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 5

Amendment 5 with Environmental Assessment (EA), implemented in August 1990, made a number of changes in the management regime which: Extended the management area for Atlantic groups of mackerels through the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (MAFMC) area of jurisdiction; Revised problems in the fishery and plan objectives; Revised the fishing year for Gulf group Spanish mackerel from July-June to April-March; Revised the definition of “overfishing”; Added cobia to the annual stock assessment procedure; Provided that the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) will be responsible for pre-season adjustments of total allowable catch (TAC) and bag limits for the Atlantic migratory groups of mackerels while the Gulf Council will be responsible for Gulf migratory groups; Continued to manage the two recognized Gulf migratory groups of king mackerel as one until management measures appropriate to the eastern and western groups can be determined;

Redefined recreational bag limits as daily limits; Deleted a provision that specified that bag limit catches of mackerel may be sold; Provided guidelines for corporate commercial vessel permits; Specified that Gulf group king mackerel may be taken only by hook-and-line and run-around gill nets; Imposed a bag limit of two cobia per person per day for all fishermen; Established a minimum size of 12-inch (30.5 cm.) fork length (FL) or 14-inch (35.6 cm.) total length (TL) for king mackerel and included a definition of “conflict” to provide guidance to the Secretary.

This final rule is effective August 20, 1990.

May 1989 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1989/1990 season the amendment increased total allowable catch (TAC) for Gulf group king mackerel to 4.25 MP with commercial quota 1.36 MP and recreational allocation 2.89 MP. The bag limit remained unchanged. The TAC for Gulf group Spanish mackerel was increased to 5.25 MP. The allocation ratio between commercial (57%) and recreational (43%) remained unchanged as did the bag limit.

This final rule is effective is July 1, 1989.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 4

Amendment 4 with Environmental Assessment (EA), implemented in 1989, reallocated Spanish mackerel equally between recreational and commercial fishermen on the Atlantic group with an increase in total allowable catch (TAC).

This final rule is effective September 18, 1989.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 3

Amendment 3 with Environmental Assessment (EA), was partially approved in 1989, revised, resubmitted, and approved in 1990. It prohibited drift gill nets for coastal pelagics and purse seines for the overfished groups of mackerels.

This final rule is effective August 14, 1989.

May 1988 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1988/89 season the amendment set total allowable catch (TAC) for Gulf group king mackerel at 3.4 MP with commercial quota of 1.1 MP and recreational allocation 2.3 MP. The commercial quota was allocated 69% to eastern zone (FL) and 31% to western zone (AL-TX). The TAC for Gulf group Spanish mackerel was increased to 5.0 MP allocated 43% to recreational sector and 57% to commercial sector. The Spanish mackerel bag limit was set at 4 fish off Florida and 10 fish off AL-TX.

This final rule is effective July 1, 1988.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 2

Amendment 2 with Environmental Assessment (EA), implemented in July of 1987, revised Spanish mackerel maximum sustainable yield (MSY) downward, recognized two migratory groups, and set commercial quotas and bag limits. Charterboat permits were required, and it was clarified that total allowable catch (TAC) for overfished stocks must be set below the upper range of acceptable biological catch (ABC). The use of purse seines on overfished stocks was prohibited.

This final rule is effective June 30, 1987, except 642.7(a)(31) which is effective August 24, 1987.

May 1987 Regulatory Amendment

For the 1987/88 season (July 1 – June 30) the amendment reduced total allowable catch (TAC) for Gulf group king mackerel to 2.2 MP with commercial quota of 0.7 MP and recreational allocation of 1.5 MP. The purse-seine allocation was set at zero. TAC for Gulf group Spanish mackerel was set at 2.5 MP with a commercial quota of 1.4 MP and recreational allocation for 1.1 MP. The bag limit for Spanish mackerel was set at 3 fish.

This final rule is effective June 30, 1987.

May 1986 Regulatory Amendment

Allowed charter boats to obtain commercial permits. For the 1986/87 season (July 1 – June 30) the amendment set total allowable catch (TAC) for Gulf group king mackerel at 2.9 MP with 0.93 MP commercial quota and 1.97 MP recreational allocation. The king mackerel bag limit was set at 2 fish for persons fishing from boats without a captain and crew and 3 fish for persons fishing from boats with a captain and crew (i.e., for-hire boats), the crew excluded. The commercial quota was allocated 6% for purse-seines, 64.5% for eastern zone (Florida) and 29% for western zone (AL-TX). The amendment also provided that the recreational and commercial fisheries would be closed when their allocation was taken.

This final rule is effective July 1, 1986.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 1

Amendment 1 and its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), implemented in September of 1985, provided a framework procedure for pre-season adjustment of total allowable catch (TAC), revised king mackerel maximum sustainable yield (MSY) downward, recognized separate Atlantic and Gulf migratory groups of king mackerel, and established fishing permits and bag limits for king mackerel. Commercial allocations among gear users were eliminated. The Gulf commercial allocation for king mackerel was divided into eastern and western zones for the purpose of regional allocation.

This final rule is effective September 22, 1985.

Original Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan

The Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic and Environmental Assessment (EA), approved in 1982 and implemented by regulations effective in February of 1983, treated king and Spanish mackerel each as one U.S. stock. Allocations were established for recreational and commercial fisheries, and the commercial allocation was divided between net and hook-and-line fishermen.

This final rule is effective February 4, 1983.