Coral Amendment 8
Amendment Summary
Revised the acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits, Expanded multiple coral habitat areas of particular concern, and implemented a transit provision through the Oculina Bank HAPC.
Amendment documents
Implemented Regulations
- Expands portions of the northern and western boundaries of the Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern (HAPC) (Oculina Bank HAPC) and allows transit through the Oculina Bank HAPC by fishing vessels with rock shrimp onboard.
- Modifies vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirements for rock shrimp fishermen transiting through the Oculina Bank HAPC with rock shrimp on aboard.
- Expands a portion of the western boundary of the Stetson Reefs, Savannah and East Florida Lithoherms, and Miami Terrace Deepwater Coral HAPC (CHAPC) (Stetson-Miami Terrace CHAPC), including modifications to the shrimp access area A, which is renamed “shrimp access area 1”.
- Expands a portion of the northern boundary of the Cape Lookout Lophelia Banks Deepwater CHAPC (Cape Lookout CHAPC).
-
The Council identifies management needs and develop actions and alternatives.
-
The Council facilitates a designated public comment opportunity on the draft amendment.
-
The Council votes to approve the amendment and send it to NOAA Fisheries.
-
NOAA Fisheries reviews the amendment and publishes proposed and final rules, with public comment periods.
-
The final rule is in effect.