Emergency Rule: Vermilion Snapper Commercial Trip Limit & Atlantic King Mackerel Recreational Bag Limit

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council requested a temporary rule for emergency action to increase:

• The commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper from 1,000 pounds gutted weight to 1,500 pounds gutted weight in federal waters of the South Atlantic Region (Virginia/North Carolina boundary south to the Florida Keys in the Atlantic).
• The recreational bag limit for Atlantic migratory group king mackerel (Atlantic king mackerel) from: (1) 3-fish per person to 4-fish per person in federal waters from the New York/Connecticut/Rhode Island boundary to the Georgia/Florida boundary, and (2) 2-fish per person to 4-fish per person in federal waters from the Georgia/Florida boundary south to the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, Florida, boundary. 

• These changes are being made to address economic losses to the commercial and recreational fishing communities and industries that have resulted from recent unforeseen events including, but not limited to, declines in and disruptions to markets and for-hire trips, restricted access to ports, closures of harbors and boat ramps, and disruptions to obtaining fishing supplies.  The rule increases the likelihood that optimum yield will be achieved in these fisheries. The existing annual catch limits and accountability measures will remain unchanged

Council's Letters Requesting Emergency Rule

• Council's Emergency Rule Request for Vermilion Snapper Trip Limits
• Council's Emergency Rule Request for Atlantic King Mackerel Bag Limits