I n this rule, NMFS proposes management measures for the 2019 summer flounder recreational fishery consistent with the recommendations of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission). NMFS proposes to waive Federal summer flounder recreational measures in Federal waters of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and to all federally permitted summer flounder party/charter vessels, regardless of where they fish, so long as the states, through the Commission, collectively implement measures designed to constrain landings to the 2019 recreational harvest limit. The implementing regulations for this fishery require NMFS to publish recreational measures for the fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of this action is to constrain recreational catch to the summer flounder recreational harvest limit and thereby, prevent overfishing on the summer flounder stock.
DATES:
Comments must be received by June 3, 2019.
ADDRESSES:
You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2019-0025, by either of the following methods:
Electronic submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
- Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2019-0025,
- Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields
- Enter or attach your comments.
-OR-
Mail: Submit written comments to Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter “N/A” in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Emily Gilbert, Fishery Policy Analyst, (978) 281-9244.
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