12-26-2008, 07:02 PM
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December Hot Sheet - FWC Marine Fisheries Management
by Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission
![[Image: article_184_250.jpg]](http://www.gaffmag.net/images/articles/article_184_250.jpg)
FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management
December 2008 Hot Sheet - Marine Fisheries Management
HOT SHEET - DECEMBER 2008 (Valid through December 31, 2008) Issues covered in this posting:
Grouper & Snapper, Red Snapper (Gulf) , Amberjack & Triggerfish, Blue Crab, Marine Life, Snook, Spotted Seatrout
Issue: GROUPER and SNAPPER
Action: Pending Regulations Changes Information: Regulation changes are taking effect on January 1, 2009 for grouper fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and are still pending for snapper and grouper fisheries the South Atlantic.
Gulf of Mexico
New regulations in federal waters are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2009 that primarily affects the harvest of Gag Grouper. At the December FWC meeting in Key West, new rules were adopted in state waters:
Gag Grouper
[ul][li]Established a two-month closed season during February and March[/li][li]Reduced the bag limit to two within the five grouper aggregate bag limit[/li][/ul]
Red Grouper
[ul][li]Increased the bag limit to two within the five grouper aggregate bag limit[/li][/ul]
These grouper regulations are consistent with the new federal regulations except for the red grouper bag limit, which will remain at one in federal waters for the first part of 2009.
For further details on Gulf grouper regulation changes in state and federal waters: [url "http://www.myfwc.com/marine/grouper/index.htm"]Gulf of Mexico regulation changes[/url]
South Atlantic
Grouper
New regulations for federal waters of the South Atlantic have been adopted for Gag, Black, and Red Grouper that would reduce harvest by all fishers. However, these regulations have not been implemented but are expected to take effect sometime in early 2009 but not by January 1. These changes include:
[ul][li]January through April closed to all harvest of these species[/li][li]The grouper aggregate bag limit reduced to 3 grouper.[/li][li]Gag and Black Grouper individual bag limits within the aggregate reduced to one total for any of these species[/li][li]Red Grouper bag limit reduced to three within the aggregate grouper bag limit[/li][/ul]
Federal regulations for grouper and snapper were discussed at the December 2008 FWC meeting but no action was taken.
Snapper
Potential regulation changes for Red and Vermilion Snapper in federal waters of the Atlantic were discussed at December 2008 South Atlantic Council meeting which occurred during the same week as the FWC meeting. The South Atlantic Council approved new regulations for Vermilion Snapper that would establish a 5-fish bag limit and a November - March closed season which are expected to take effect sometime in 2009 pending final implementation. Action on Red Snapper was postponed at the December 2008 South Atlantic Council meeting and will be addressed during 2009. The FWC may address potential changes following any action taken by the federal agencies.
Additional rule changes are expected to take effect sometime in 2009 that would affect federal snapper and grouper permit holders and all sales of snapper and grouper species. These rules were adopted by the South Atlantic Council in March 2008 but have not been implemented.
For further details on snapper and grouper regulation changes in the Atlantic:
[url "http://www.myfwc.com/marine/grouper/index.htm"]South Atlantic regulation changes[/url]
Timeline: FWC meeting December 3-4 in Key West
South Atlantic meeting: November 30 to December 5 in Wilmington, NC
New rules to take effect January 1, 2009 for federal waters on both coasts
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_GrprRuleChanges.htm"]FWC News Release - Grouper Regulations[/url] [www.myfwc.com]
[url "http://www.myfwc.com/marine/"]FWC Marine Fisheries - Grouper page[/url] [www.myfwc.com/marine]
[url "http://myfwc.com/commission/2008/Dec08/Docs/2008_Dec_FPHGrouperPresentation.pdf"]DMFM Background Report - Gulf Grouper FPH[/url] [www.myfwc.com/commission]
[url "http://www.safmc.net/News/NewsReleases/NewsReleaseSeptember232008/tabid/582/Default.aspx"]South Atlantic Council News Release [/url][www.safmc.net]
[url "http://www.gulfcouncil.org/Beta/GMFMCWeb/prrel/pr%202008-24.pdf"]Gulf Council News Release[/url] [www.gulfcouncil.org]
Issue: RED SNAPPER (GULF)
Action: Proposed Season Change in State Waters of the Gulf of Mexico
Information: At the December 4, 2008 Commission meeting, proposed rules were approved that would change the recreational season for Red Snapper in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico (out to 9 nautical miles) from April 15 - November 1 to June 1 - September 30. This proposed action makes the closed season for Red Snapper in state waters consistent with that in federal waters (beyond 9 nautical miles).
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_GulfSnapperProposed.htm"]FWC News Release - Proposed Red Snapper Season[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com]
Issue: GREATER AMBERJACK and GRAY TRIGGERFISH
Action: New Regulations in State Waters of the Gulf of Mexico
Information: New regulations for Greater Amberjack and Gray Triggerfish took effect in August 2008 in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The most recent stock assessments for these species indicate that there is excessive fishing pressure and that reductions in harvest are needed. The FWC adopted these same rules for Gulf of Mexico state waters at their December 2008 meeting.
New State and Federal Regulations
Greater Amberjack
[ul][li]Increase the recreational minimum size limit to 30 inches fork length[/li][li]Zero bag limit for captain and crew of for-hire vessels[/li][li]Set Annual Catch Limits - allows for in-season adjustments if the limits are exceeded
possible seasonal closure if ACL is exceeded[/li][li]Quotas set: 0.503 million pounds for commercial, 1.386 mp for recreational[/li][/ul]
Gray Triggerfish
[ul][li]Increase recreational and commercial minimum size to 14 inches fork length[/li][li]Set Annual Catch Limits - allows for in-season adjustments if the limits are exceeded
possible seasonal closure if ACL is exceeded[/li][li]Commercial quota set at 80,000 pounds in 2008, increasing in 2009 and 2010[/li][/ul]
Timeline: Rule will become effective in state waters January 1, 2009
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_GulfAmberTrig.htm"]FWC News Release - New State Rules[/url] [www.myfwc.com]
[url "http://myfwc.com/commission/2008/Dec08/Docs/2008_Dec_FPHFederalConsistencyReefFishPresentation.pdf"]FWC Background Report - Amberjack and Triggerfish[/url] [www.myfwc.com]
[url "http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/bulletins/pdfs/2008/FB08-040%20Reef%20Fish%20Amendment%2030A.pdf"]Southeast Fishery Bulletin - New Federal Regs [/url][http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov]
Issue: BLUE CRAB
Action: Proposed Staggered Closed Seasons to Remove Abandoned Traps
Information: Draft rules establishing regional closed seasons to the harvest of blue crabs with traps were approved at the December 2008 FWC meeting. The proposed rules would establish closed periods of up to 10 days in six regions in the state to help efforts to identify and retrieve lost and abandoned blue crab traps from Florida waters. The proposed rule stems from deliberations of the Blue Crab Advisory Board, comments generated during public workshops held throughout the state during August, and from other comments received by staff. A hearing on final adoption of the rules will be held at the February 2009 FWC meeting in Destin.
Link to map of proposed closed areas and dates:
[url "http://www.myfwc.com/marine/workgroups/2008/BlueCrab/MapofProposedClosures.pdf"]Blue Crab Trap Closure Map[/url]
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_BlueCrabProposal.htm"]FWC News Release - Blue Crab Trap Closed Seasons[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com]
[url "http://myfwc.com/commission/2008/Dec08/Docs/2008_Dec_DRBlueCrabClosuresPresentation.pdf"]FWC Background Report - BC Trap Closed Seasons[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com/commission]
Issue: MARINE LIFE (Aquarium Trade)
Action: Proposed Rules
Information: At the December 2008 FWC meeting, a series of draft rule amendments were proposed for the marine life (aquarium species) fishery. Final action on these rules is scheduled for the February 2009 FWC meeting. The FWC is proposing to add several species to the marine life rule, which means that commercial harvesters of these species would need a marine life endorsement to collect them. These species also would be included in the marine life recreational bag limit. In addition, the FWC is proposing to adjust size and bag limits of several species already in rule. For specific details on the rule changes, review the top two links below.
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_MarineLife.htm"]FWC News Release - Marine Life[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com]
[url "http://myfwc.com/commission/2008/Dec08/Docs/2008_Dec_DRMarineLifePresentationUpdate2.pdf"]FWC Background Report - Marine Life Draft Rules[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com/commission]
[url "https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=68B-42"]68B-42, F.A.C. - Marine Life Rule[/url] [https://www.flrules.org]
Issue: SNOOK
Action: Seasonal Closures
Information: There are two snook harvest seasons closing in December. The first snook closure starts on Dec. 1 in all of Florida's Gulf of Mexico, Everglades National Park and Monroe County coastal and inland waters. The harvest season for snook will remain closed until March 1 in these areas.
All other Florida waters will close to the harvest of snook beginning on Dec. 15. This includes all Atlantic coastal and inland waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River. The harvest season for snook will remain closed until Feb. 1 in these areas.
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_SnookClose2.htm"]FWC News Release - Snook Seasons[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com]
[url "https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=68B-21"]68B-21, F.A.C. - Snook Rule[/url] [https://www.flrules.org]
Issue: SPOTTED SEATROUT
Action: Recreational Season in South Florida Will Re-open January 1
Information: Recreational harvest of Spotted Seatrout in southern Florida closed on November 1, 2008 and will re-open January 1, 2009. The closed area includes all waters south of the Flagler-Volusia counties line in the Atlantic and south of a line running due west from the westernmost point of Fred Howard Park Causeway, which is about 1.17 miles south of the Pinellas/Pasco counties line in the Gulf.
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_SnapperClose.htm"]FWC News Release - Snapper and Seatrout Closed[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com]
[url "https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=68B-37"]68B-37, F.A.C. - Spotted Seatrout Rule[/url] [https://www.flrules.org]
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December Hot Sheet - FWC Marine Fisheries Management
by Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission
FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management
December 2008 Hot Sheet - Marine Fisheries Management
HOT SHEET - DECEMBER 2008 (Valid through December 31, 2008) Issues covered in this posting:
Grouper & Snapper, Red Snapper (Gulf) , Amberjack & Triggerfish, Blue Crab, Marine Life, Snook, Spotted Seatrout
Issue: GROUPER and SNAPPER
Action: Pending Regulations Changes Information: Regulation changes are taking effect on January 1, 2009 for grouper fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and are still pending for snapper and grouper fisheries the South Atlantic.
Gulf of Mexico
New regulations in federal waters are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2009 that primarily affects the harvest of Gag Grouper. At the December FWC meeting in Key West, new rules were adopted in state waters:
Gag Grouper
[ul][li]Established a two-month closed season during February and March[/li][li]Reduced the bag limit to two within the five grouper aggregate bag limit[/li][/ul]
Red Grouper
[ul][li]Increased the bag limit to two within the five grouper aggregate bag limit[/li][/ul]
These grouper regulations are consistent with the new federal regulations except for the red grouper bag limit, which will remain at one in federal waters for the first part of 2009.
For further details on Gulf grouper regulation changes in state and federal waters: [url "http://www.myfwc.com/marine/grouper/index.htm"]Gulf of Mexico regulation changes[/url]
South Atlantic
Grouper
New regulations for federal waters of the South Atlantic have been adopted for Gag, Black, and Red Grouper that would reduce harvest by all fishers. However, these regulations have not been implemented but are expected to take effect sometime in early 2009 but not by January 1. These changes include:
[ul][li]January through April closed to all harvest of these species[/li][li]The grouper aggregate bag limit reduced to 3 grouper.[/li][li]Gag and Black Grouper individual bag limits within the aggregate reduced to one total for any of these species[/li][li]Red Grouper bag limit reduced to three within the aggregate grouper bag limit[/li][/ul]
Federal regulations for grouper and snapper were discussed at the December 2008 FWC meeting but no action was taken.
Snapper
Potential regulation changes for Red and Vermilion Snapper in federal waters of the Atlantic were discussed at December 2008 South Atlantic Council meeting which occurred during the same week as the FWC meeting. The South Atlantic Council approved new regulations for Vermilion Snapper that would establish a 5-fish bag limit and a November - March closed season which are expected to take effect sometime in 2009 pending final implementation. Action on Red Snapper was postponed at the December 2008 South Atlantic Council meeting and will be addressed during 2009. The FWC may address potential changes following any action taken by the federal agencies.
Additional rule changes are expected to take effect sometime in 2009 that would affect federal snapper and grouper permit holders and all sales of snapper and grouper species. These rules were adopted by the South Atlantic Council in March 2008 but have not been implemented.
For further details on snapper and grouper regulation changes in the Atlantic:
[url "http://www.myfwc.com/marine/grouper/index.htm"]South Atlantic regulation changes[/url]
Timeline: FWC meeting December 3-4 in Key West
South Atlantic meeting: November 30 to December 5 in Wilmington, NC
New rules to take effect January 1, 2009 for federal waters on both coasts
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_GrprRuleChanges.htm"]FWC News Release - Grouper Regulations[/url] [www.myfwc.com]
[url "http://www.myfwc.com/marine/"]FWC Marine Fisheries - Grouper page[/url] [www.myfwc.com/marine]
[url "http://myfwc.com/commission/2008/Dec08/Docs/2008_Dec_FPHGrouperPresentation.pdf"]DMFM Background Report - Gulf Grouper FPH[/url] [www.myfwc.com/commission]
[url "http://www.safmc.net/News/NewsReleases/NewsReleaseSeptember232008/tabid/582/Default.aspx"]South Atlantic Council News Release [/url][www.safmc.net]
[url "http://www.gulfcouncil.org/Beta/GMFMCWeb/prrel/pr%202008-24.pdf"]Gulf Council News Release[/url] [www.gulfcouncil.org]
Issue: RED SNAPPER (GULF)
Action: Proposed Season Change in State Waters of the Gulf of Mexico
Information: At the December 4, 2008 Commission meeting, proposed rules were approved that would change the recreational season for Red Snapper in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico (out to 9 nautical miles) from April 15 - November 1 to June 1 - September 30. This proposed action makes the closed season for Red Snapper in state waters consistent with that in federal waters (beyond 9 nautical miles).
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_GulfSnapperProposed.htm"]FWC News Release - Proposed Red Snapper Season[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com]
Issue: GREATER AMBERJACK and GRAY TRIGGERFISH
Action: New Regulations in State Waters of the Gulf of Mexico
Information: New regulations for Greater Amberjack and Gray Triggerfish took effect in August 2008 in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The most recent stock assessments for these species indicate that there is excessive fishing pressure and that reductions in harvest are needed. The FWC adopted these same rules for Gulf of Mexico state waters at their December 2008 meeting.
New State and Federal Regulations
Greater Amberjack
[ul][li]Increase the recreational minimum size limit to 30 inches fork length[/li][li]Zero bag limit for captain and crew of for-hire vessels[/li][li]Set Annual Catch Limits - allows for in-season adjustments if the limits are exceeded
possible seasonal closure if ACL is exceeded[/li][li]Quotas set: 0.503 million pounds for commercial, 1.386 mp for recreational[/li][/ul]
Gray Triggerfish
[ul][li]Increase recreational and commercial minimum size to 14 inches fork length[/li][li]Set Annual Catch Limits - allows for in-season adjustments if the limits are exceeded
possible seasonal closure if ACL is exceeded[/li][li]Commercial quota set at 80,000 pounds in 2008, increasing in 2009 and 2010[/li][/ul]
Timeline: Rule will become effective in state waters January 1, 2009
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_GulfAmberTrig.htm"]FWC News Release - New State Rules[/url] [www.myfwc.com]
[url "http://myfwc.com/commission/2008/Dec08/Docs/2008_Dec_FPHFederalConsistencyReefFishPresentation.pdf"]FWC Background Report - Amberjack and Triggerfish[/url] [www.myfwc.com]
[url "http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/bulletins/pdfs/2008/FB08-040%20Reef%20Fish%20Amendment%2030A.pdf"]Southeast Fishery Bulletin - New Federal Regs [/url][http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov]
Issue: BLUE CRAB
Action: Proposed Staggered Closed Seasons to Remove Abandoned Traps
Information: Draft rules establishing regional closed seasons to the harvest of blue crabs with traps were approved at the December 2008 FWC meeting. The proposed rules would establish closed periods of up to 10 days in six regions in the state to help efforts to identify and retrieve lost and abandoned blue crab traps from Florida waters. The proposed rule stems from deliberations of the Blue Crab Advisory Board, comments generated during public workshops held throughout the state during August, and from other comments received by staff. A hearing on final adoption of the rules will be held at the February 2009 FWC meeting in Destin.
Link to map of proposed closed areas and dates:
[url "http://www.myfwc.com/marine/workgroups/2008/BlueCrab/MapofProposedClosures.pdf"]Blue Crab Trap Closure Map[/url]
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_BlueCrabProposal.htm"]FWC News Release - Blue Crab Trap Closed Seasons[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com]
[url "http://myfwc.com/commission/2008/Dec08/Docs/2008_Dec_DRBlueCrabClosuresPresentation.pdf"]FWC Background Report - BC Trap Closed Seasons[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com/commission]
Issue: MARINE LIFE (Aquarium Trade)
Action: Proposed Rules
Information: At the December 2008 FWC meeting, a series of draft rule amendments were proposed for the marine life (aquarium species) fishery. Final action on these rules is scheduled for the February 2009 FWC meeting. The FWC is proposing to add several species to the marine life rule, which means that commercial harvesters of these species would need a marine life endorsement to collect them. These species also would be included in the marine life recreational bag limit. In addition, the FWC is proposing to adjust size and bag limits of several species already in rule. For specific details on the rule changes, review the top two links below.
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_MarineLife.htm"]FWC News Release - Marine Life[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com]
[url "http://myfwc.com/commission/2008/Dec08/Docs/2008_Dec_DRMarineLifePresentationUpdate2.pdf"]FWC Background Report - Marine Life Draft Rules[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com/commission]
[url "https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=68B-42"]68B-42, F.A.C. - Marine Life Rule[/url] [https://www.flrules.org]
Issue: SNOOK
Action: Seasonal Closures
Information: There are two snook harvest seasons closing in December. The first snook closure starts on Dec. 1 in all of Florida's Gulf of Mexico, Everglades National Park and Monroe County coastal and inland waters. The harvest season for snook will remain closed until March 1 in these areas.
All other Florida waters will close to the harvest of snook beginning on Dec. 15. This includes all Atlantic coastal and inland waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River. The harvest season for snook will remain closed until Feb. 1 in these areas.
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_SnookClose2.htm"]FWC News Release - Snook Seasons[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com]
[url "https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=68B-21"]68B-21, F.A.C. - Snook Rule[/url] [https://www.flrules.org]
Issue: SPOTTED SEATROUT
Action: Recreational Season in South Florida Will Re-open January 1
Information: Recreational harvest of Spotted Seatrout in southern Florida closed on November 1, 2008 and will re-open January 1, 2009. The closed area includes all waters south of the Flagler-Volusia counties line in the Atlantic and south of a line running due west from the westernmost point of Fred Howard Park Causeway, which is about 1.17 miles south of the Pinellas/Pasco counties line in the Gulf.
Links for more information:
[url "http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/News_08_X_SnapperClose.htm"]FWC News Release - Snapper and Seatrout Closed[/url] [http://www.myfwc.com]
[url "https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=68B-37"]68B-37, F.A.C. - Spotted Seatrout Rule[/url] [https://www.flrules.org]
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