National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration February 19, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Dr. John R. Gold (Texas A&M University). If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant to use the captain and crew of a charter vessel to collect a total of 125-150 adult red snapper, south of the Florida Keys and near the Dry Tortugas, FL. Samples would be collected over multiple trips using conventional hook- and-line gear from deep water. Small pieces of fin tissue and otoliths would be collected from the fish for genetic analysis, and age and growth studies. Additional information on the geographic origin, degree of connectivity, and life history of red snapper would provide the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS data that may be used for future management of red snapper stocks in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). Collections would occur from April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014.

The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its Executive and Budget Standing Committee and 156th Council to take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.