Coral Amendment 2
Amendment Summary
Revised the acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits, and joint amendment with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Provided definitions of live rock and allowable octocoral, established various prohibitions, and required permits for aquaculture operations.
Amendment documents
Implemented Regulations
- Prohibits the taking of wild live rock in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the southern Atlantic states (South Atlantic) from the North Carolina/Virginia boundary to the Dade/Broward County line in Florida and in the EEZ of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), except off Florida north of Monroe County; Phases out wild live rock harvests in the South Atlantic EEZ south of the Dade/Broward County line by 1996.
- Phases out wild live rock harvests in the Gulf EEZ off Florida north of Monroe County by 1997.
- Establishes restrictions on live rock harvesting and possession and requires permits and reporting during the phase-out periods; and allows and facilitates live rock aquaculture. In addition, NMFS amends the regulations to correct and conform them to current standards, informs the public of the approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of new collection-of-information requirements contained in this rule, and publishes the OMB control number for those collections.
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The Council identifies management needs and develop actions and alternatives.
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The Council facilitates a designated public comment opportunity on the draft amendment.
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The Council votes to approve the amendment and send it to NOAA Fisheries.
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NOAA Fisheries reviews the amendment and publishes proposed and final rules, with public comment periods.
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The final rule is in effect.