Search Results for keywords:"overharvest prevention"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced the closure of the commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery from December 6, 2024, to December 31, 2024. This decision is due to reaching 100% of the domestic annual harvest quota, aiming to prevent overfishing and support the species' recovery under the management plan. During this period, strict limits are placed on the amount of mackerel that vessels can catch and dealers can purchase. This action is necessary to comply with federal regulations and ensure the sustainability of the mackerel population.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is implementing a temporary rule to set a possession limit of 2,000 pounds for Atlantic herring in Management Area 1B. This measure is necessary because the herring catch from this area is projected to reach 92% of its sub-annual catch limit, and the rule aims to prevent overfishing, which could lead to stricter catch limits in the future. The rule is effective from January 8, 2025, to December 31, 2025. The agency waived the requirement for public notice and a comment period since the regulation was previously discussed and anticipated by the fishing industry.