[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 37 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-4105]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: February 24, 1994]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 642

[Docket No. 930791-3191; I.D. 021594A]

 

Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and 
South Atlantic

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Trip limit reduction.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: NMFS reduces the commercial trip limit of Atlantic group 
Spanish mackerel in the southern zone to 500 pounds (227 kg) per day in 
or from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This trip limit reduction is 
necessary to protect the Atlantic Spanish mackerel resource.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The 500-pound (227-kg) commercial trip limit is 
effective on February 18, 1994, at 12:01 a.m., and remains in effect 
through March 31, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark F. Godcharles, 813-893-3161.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The fishery for coastal migratory pelagic 
fish (king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, cero, cobia, little tunny, 
dolphin, and, in the Gulf of Mexico only, bluefish) is managed under 
the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources 
of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (FMP). The FMP was prepared by 
the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils 
(Councils) and is implemented by regulations at 50 CFR part 642, under 
the authority of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
    An adjusted allocation and commercial trip limits were recommended 
by the Councils and implemented by NMFS for Atlantic migratory group 
Spanish mackerel for the current fishing year April 1, 1993, through 
March 31, 1994 (58 FR 45847, August 31, 1993). As set forth at 50 CFR 
642.27(b), the adjusted allocation is 4.25 million pounds (1.93 million 
kg). In accordance with 50 CFR 642.27(a)(2)(iv), after 100 percent of 
the adjusted allocation of Atlantic group Spanish mackerel is taken, 
Spanish mackerel in or from the EEZ in the southern zone may not be 
possessed aboard or landed from a vessel in amounts exceeding 500 
pounds (227 kg) per day.
    NMFS has determined that 100 percent of the adjusted allocation for 
Atlantic group Spanish mackerel from the southern zone was taken by 
February 17, 1994. Accordingly, the 500-pound (227-kg) per day 
commercial trip limit applies to Spanish mackerel in or from the EEZ in 
the southern zone effective 12:01 a.m., local time, February 18, 1994.
    The southern zone extends from the Georgia/Florida boundary 
(30 deg.42'45.6'' N. latitude) southward to the Dade/Monroe County, 
Florida, boundary (25 deg.20.4' N. latitude).

Classification

    This action is required by 50 CFR 642.27(a)(2)(iv) and (b).

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 642

    Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: February 17, 1994.
Richard H. Schaefer,
Director of Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 94-4105 Filed 2-17-94; 4:57 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P