WHAT/WHEN:
- The 2019/2020 Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) commercial quota for the king mackerel gillnet component is 530,043 lbs.
- The use of run-around gillnets for king mackerel is restricted to the Gulf southern zone (see map below).
- The commercial harvest reduction is effective with the start of the 2019/2020 fishing season, January 21, 2020.
WHY THIS REDUCTION IS HAPPENING:
- The latest report for 2018/2019 Gulf king mackerel gillnet commercial landings indicates 631,257 lbs were harvested; 45,357 lbs greater than the 2018/2019 quota.
- Commercial post-season accountability measures require a reduction in the next fishing year’s quota by the amount of the previous year’s quota overage.
- As a result, the 2019/2020 quota is reduced from 575,400 lbs to 530,043 lbs.
- This action is necessary to protect the king mackerel population and prevent overfishing.
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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.
Text alerts you may receive include:
- Immediate fishery openings and closures
- Any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly
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
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Other contacts:
Media: Kim Amendola, 727-551-5707
Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750
