Key Message:
NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed rule for gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico. Comments are due by June 5, 2023.
Summary of Proposed Changes:
- The proposed rule would increase the gray triggerfish commercial trip limit from 16 to 25 fish.
How To Comment On The Proposed Rule:
The comment period is open now through June 5, 2023. 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.
FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 88 FR 29048, published May 5, 2023.
Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
- Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
- Go to https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2023-0044-0001
- Click the "Comment” icon, complete the required fields.
- Enter or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Peter Hood, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the trip limit proposed to be increased?
- Since implementation of the 16-fish trip limit in 2018, landings have been below the commercial catch limit, with the exception of 2018 when 100.9% of the catch limit was landed.
- Additionally, since the most recent catch increase in 2021, commercial landings have been approximately half of the sector’s catch target and less than half of the sector’s catch limit.
- Commercial fishermen requested the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council increase the trip limit so they have a chance to harvest the annual catch target.
- This action would increase the trip limit from 16 fish to 25 fish.
- Although the trip limit increase is projected to increase landings by 33 percent, projections indicate the commercial season would stay open through the year with the exception of the fixed June 1 through July 31 season closure.
Where can I find more information on the framework and proposed rule?
- Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
By Mail: Peter Hood
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
- The Gray Triggerfish Commercial Trip Limit Framework may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/modification-gray-triggerfish-commercial-trip-limits?check_logged_in=1.
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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:
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- Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
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- 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, FL 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.
Other contacts:
Media: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750
