Final Rule Increases Annual Catch Limits for South Atlantic Blueline Tilefish

KEY MESSAGE:

• NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for Abbreviated Framework Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, which increases the annual catch limits for South Atlantic blueline tilefish in response to the results of the latest population assessment.
• The annual catch limits are based on acceptable biological catch recommendations from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee. 

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

The rule will be effective on August 17, 2020.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES:

• The final rule will increase the total and sector annual catch limits for blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic, as follows (in pounds whole weight).

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 85 FR 43145, published July 16, 2020.

Where can I find more information on Abbreviated Framework Amendment 3?

• Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office 

By Mail: Mary Vara

NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

Sustainable Fisheries Division

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By FAX: (727) 824-5308

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

• Abbreviated Framework Amendment 3 may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/abbreviated-framework-amendment-3-blueline-tilefish.
• Or at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2020-0039.

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