NOAA Fisheries has proposed rule that would establish a 4-month closure in an area in the Gulf of Mexico called “The Edges.” Now the association is seeking public comments on it. It is said that during the January 1 through April 30 closure, all commercial and recreational fishing for and possession of fish managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery
Management Council (Gulf Council) would be prohibited in the closed area except possession would be allowed when transiting the area with gear stowed in accordance with federal regulations.
The main reason for the closure is to protect gag and other groupers during their respective spawning seasons. This measure is outlined in Amendment 30B to the Fishery
Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico submitted by the Gulf Council. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2009, with the comment period ending May 4, 2009.
According to NOAA Fisheries “the Edges” closure was originally included in the proposed rule for Amendment 30B. However that proposed rule contained an error relative to the “The Edges” seasonal-area closure, and the measure was removed from the Amendment 30B final rule. The closure provision has been revised to reflect the intent of
Amendment 30B and is contained in this proposed rule.
