Modification of Fishing Access in Eastern Gulf of Mexico Marine Protected Areas
Summary
The amendment and rule would prohibit fishing and the possession of any species of Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish year-round in the Madison-Swanson and Steamboat Lumps MPAs, with no exception for vessels in transit unless the vessel has an operating vessel monitoring system and a valid federal commercial Gulf reef fish permit. These prohibitions do not apply to Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS). This framework amendment was unanimously approved by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) at its June 2020 meeting.