FB08-042 Seeking Public Comment for Am 14 Proposed Rule

Southeast Fishery Bulletin th National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13 Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: July 16, 2008 Kate Michie, or Kate.Michie@noaa.gov FB08-042 727/824-5305, FAX 727/824-5308 http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov NOAA Seeking Public Comments on Proposed Rule to Establish Marine Protected Areas for Snapper-Grouper in U.S. Federal Waters of the South Atlantic NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service The use of shark bottom longline gear would also be (NOAA Fisheries Service) published a proposed prohibited within the MPAs. This provision however, rule to implement Amendment 14 to the South will be implemented through Amendment 2 to the Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Consolidated Highly Migratory Species FMP drafted by Plan (FMP) in the Federal Register on July 16, the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Division of 2008 (73 FR 40824). The South Atlantic Fishery NOAA, who is responsible for the management of HMS Management Council (Council) has submitted fisheries. Amendment 14 and associated Final Environmental Impact Statement for review, approval, and The primary purpose of implementing these MPAs is to implementation by NOAA Fisheries Service. The protect a portion of the population and habitat of long-public comment period is open through August 15, lived, deep-water snapper grouper species (speckled 2008. hind, ...