Overview
Title
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; 2020-2021 Commercial Hook-and-Line Closure for King Mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico Southern Zone
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The people in charge of fishing rules have decided that fishermen can’t use a certain kind of fishing rod to catch a type of fish called king mackerel in part of the Gulf of Mexico because too many have been caught already. This break from fishing will help make sure there are enough fish left for the future.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has issued a temporary rule to close the hook-and-line commercial fishing for king mackerel in the southern zone of the Gulf of Mexico. This closure is due to the commercial quota being reached and will last from February 22, 2021, until the end of the fishing year on June 30, 2021. NMFS previously closed gillnet fishing for the same species in this zone after reaching its quota on January 28, 2021. The closure aims to conserve the king mackerel population in the Gulf.
Abstract
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) to close the hook-and-line component of the commercial sector for king mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) southern zone. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), addresses an urgent regulatory measure to protect the king mackerel fish population in the Gulf of Mexico. The NMFS is implementing a temporary rule to close the commercial hook-and-line fishing for king mackerel in the southern zone of the Gulf, which officially runs from February 22, 2021, to June 30, 2021. This decision followed the closure of the gillnet fishery for the same species within the southern zone after those quotas were reached earlier in the year.
General Summary
The text outlines that fishing regulations are enforced to maintain sustainable fish populations. These regulations are part of a larger Fishery Management Plan, which aims to conserve species like king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region. The document specifies that once the fishing quota for the current year is met, fishing activities must halt to prevent overfishing. The decision to close the hook-and-line component came after determinations that the commercial quota for the region would be reached by late February 2021, making it necessary to cease fishing operations until the next season.
Significant Issues
There are several specialized references within the document that might not be easily understood by the general public. Citations like "50 CFR 622.388(a)(1)" and the regulatory jargon around fishing gear could make the text inaccessible to individuals without a background in fisheries management or law. The waiver of the standard procedure for public notice and comment, justified by what NMFS sees as urgent conservation needs, is explained in legal and technical language, which might be challenging for a layperson to understand fully. Furthermore, specific terminologies such as "run-around gillnet gear" and "EEZ" (Exclusive Economic Zone) might require additional explanation.
Public Impact
This rule impacts various stakeholders differently. For the general public, such measures are designed to ensure the longevity of fish stocks and the ecological health of marine environments. The closures prevent overfishing, thus helping to maintain sustainable fish populations that are vital not just for ecological balance but also for supporting future fishing industries that many local communities rely on economically.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Fishermen and Fishing Communities: The immediate negative impact lies with the commercial fishing communities, particularly those engaged in hook-and-line fishing in the Gulf's southern zone. With fishing halted, economic hardship might be felt. Those dependent on this seasonal work may find themselves without income during the closure.
Environmental Stakeholders: On a positive note, environmental groups and advocates for sustainable fishing practices might view this as a necessary step to protect vulnerable fish populations. Preserving the king mackerel through such closures could allow the population to recover, benefiting biodiversity and long-term fishery sustainability.
Regulatory Bodies: For NMFS and related bodies, this decision reflects a commitment to conservation. It demonstrates how regulatory actions, although perhaps inconvenient for some, prioritize long-term ecological stewardship over short-term economic activity.
In conclusion, while this document embodies regulatory action meant to safeguard king mackerel populations, it also highlights the complexities and challenges in balancing environmental conservation with economic realities.
Issues
• The document contains specialized regulatory references such as '50 CFR 622.388(a)(1)' and '50 CFR 622.384(b)(1)(iii)(A)' which may not be easily understood by the general public without additional context or explanation.
• The rationale for waiving prior notice and public comment under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) is provided, but the explanation may be overly complex for individuals not familiar with legal or regulatory language.
• Certain terms like 'run-around gillnet gear' and 'EEZ' are industry-specific and might need further simplification or explanation for a wider audience.
• The document outlines various dates and weights which could potentially be confusing to readers not familiar with fishing regulations, requiring careful reading to understand the timeline and limits.