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NOAA Fisheries announced a final rule for Abbreviated Framework Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The final rule increases the annual catch limits for South Atlantic blueline tilefish in response to the results of the latest population assessment.

The annual catch limits are based on acceptable biological catch recommendations from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee.

The rule will be effective on Aug. 17, 2020.

The final rule will increase the total and sector annual catch limits for blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic, as follows (in pounds whole weight).

Current rule:

Total South Atlantic annual catch limit: 174,798

Commercial limit: 87,521

Recreational limit: 87,277

2020 until modified:

Total South Atlantic annual catch limit: 233,968

Commercial limit: 117,148

Recreational limit: 116,820

The rule change was published in the Federal Register, July 16, 2020 at 85 FR 43145.

For additional information, contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office,

By Mail to Mary Vara, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505; by fax: 727-824-5308; or by phone: 727-824-5305.

The amendment is also online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office website and at regulations.gov.

READ MORE IN OUR ON THE WATER SECTION HERE.

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