The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing the Atlantic southern zone for commercial Spanish mackerel fishing starting February 3, 2021, as the fishing quota is expected to be reached by then. This closure aims to protect the Spanish mackerel resources, and it will last until February 28, 2021. During this period, those with permits can still keep Spanish mackerel under recreational limits, but selling or purchasing these fish from the southern zone is prohibited unless they were already harvested and stored before the closure. The commercial fishing for Spanish mackerel will reopen on March 1, 2021.
Simple Explanation
The government is temporarily stopping people from catching a fish called Spanish mackerel in a certain ocean area because they’ve caught almost as much as they’re allowed. Starting February 3, 2021, fishermen can still keep some for fun, but they can’t sell them, and this rule helps make sure there are enough fish in the sea.