FB11-022 Reopening of Comment Period on GAJ Season Proposed Rule

Southeast Fishery Bulletin th National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13 Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Steve Branstetter or Steve.Branstetter@noaa.gov March 10, 2011 727-824-5305 FB11-022 Public Comment Period Reopened for a Proposed Rule to Establish a Recreational Fixed Closed Season for Greater Amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico NOAA Fisheries Service is reopening the public The Council considered several closure options, comment period for a proposed rule to create a seasonal including spring and fall closures, but determined the closure to recreational fishing for greater amberjack in closed periods were too long, and would create an the Gulf of Mexico. This proposed closure, during June economic burden to the recreational sector. Thus, they and July of each year, is expected to allow the selected a shorter closure period during the peak of recreational season to be open for the other ten months fishing effort. During the Council’s deliberations, many of the year, without exceeding the recreational quota. for-hire operators indicated a June-July closure was a better option, allowing them to market greater amberjack NOAA Fisheries Service ...