Key Messages:
- NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments on an application for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP). The applicant proposes sampling red drum, Spanish mackerel, and king mackerel as they occur as bycatch in the menhaden purse seine fishery off Louisiana for management implications.
- The proposed study would occur primarily in state waters, but could occur in Federal waters off Louisiana in waters less than 60 feet depth.
- If granted, the EFP would allow the applicant to harvest up to 200 individuals of each of the above listed species during the 2024 menhaden season (April 15 – November 1, 2024) in order to determine the sex of fish and obtain other life history information.
- The EFP would also allow red drum, Spanish mackerel, and king mackerel that are captured as bycatch to be held in large flow-through tanks for 24 hours to assess survival rates before being released.
- The proposed EFP activity is to be funded by the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission.
- The project would enhance our understanding of the Louisiana commercial menhaden fishery on management of federally-managed species in the Gulf of Mexico, and assist in future management decisions.
Application information: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/bycatch/exempted-fishing-permit-quantification-bycatch-composition-and-survival/.
How to Comment On the Application:
The comment period is open now through April 22, 2024.
You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.
Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2024-0048-0002
2. Click the "Comment" icon, complete the required fields.
3. Enter or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Dan Luers, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Sign Up For Text Message Alerts - Find Out About Immediate Openings and Closures
NOAA's Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time. Sign up for one or more of the following groups:
- Gulf of Mexico Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
- Gulf of Mexico Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFCOMMFISH to 888777
- South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text SATLRECFISH to 888777
- South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text SATLCOMMFISH to 888777
- Caribbean Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text CARIBFISH to 888777
Quick Glance Contact List for the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office
Permits Mailbox: The Permits Office in St. Petersburg, Florida, now has a Permits mailbox in the front lobby (263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701). You can now drop off original permits for permit transfers. Envelopes with information labels will be provided so that your documents can be attached to the correct application. The mailbox will be checked daily. For more information, contact the Permits Office at 877-376-4877.
Media Contact: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750
Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan, 727-385-5202
