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Figure 1. Gulf and Atlantic king mackerel stock boundaries as currently used for management purposes by the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. The Gulf of Mexico is divided into commercial management zones, which are managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and includes the mixing zone (hashed area). The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council management area is divided into a Northern and Southern Zone, extending north to the easternmost tip of Long Island, New York.
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.
|
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
|
Note: Recreational ACL values are in MRIP-Fishing Effort Survey units.
Table 2. 2022/2023 and 2023/2024+ commercial total ACLs and commercial zone ACLs in pounds landed weight. HL = hook and line; GN = gillnet.
|
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
|
Formal Federal Register Name/Number: 87 FR 74989, published December 7, 2022.
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
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