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Amendment 9: Coral Habitat Areas Considered for Management in the Gulf of Mexico

Overview

coral-lophelia-deep-sea-image-crab.jpg
Description
For More Information Contact Lauren.Waters@noaa.gov, 727-524-5305
Fishing Type
Commercial, Recreational
Action Status
Final Rule
Published
10/16/2020
Point of Contact
Lauren Waters, Lauren.Waters@noaa.gov; 727-824-5305

Summary

In 2013, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) hosted a workshop to discuss how corals may be affected by fisheries. One of the recommendations from that workshop was to reevaluate coral areas in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) that might warrant special protections. Methods of protecting coral and coral habitats from activities unrelated to direct harvest include designating particular sites within existing coral essential fish habitat (EFH) as habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs). The Council is considering actions to modify the boundary of the existing Pulley Ridge HAPC; establishing new HAPCs in the Gulf, and improving fishing regulation consistency by prohibiting dredge fishing in all existing HAPCs.

Learn more about Amendment 9: Coral Habitat Areas Considered for Habitat Area of Particular Concern Designation in the Gulf of Mexico (PDF, 320 pages)

Bulletins

Request for Comments: Proposed Designation of Habitat Areas of Particular Concern and Associated Fishing Regulations in Gulf of Mexico Federal Waters

FB19-072 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Bulletin; For more information contact Lauren Waters. 727-524-5305, lauren.waters@noaa.gov
November 15, 2019 -

Request for Comments: Proposed Designation of Habitat Areas of Particular Concern and Associated Fishing Regulations in Gulf of Mexico Federal Waters

FB19-054 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Bulletin; For more information contact Lauren Waters. (727) 524-5305, lauren.waters@noaa.gov
September 26, 2019 -

Public Comment Period Extended for Draft Environmental Impact Statement to Establish Habitat Areas of Particular Concern in the Gulf of Mexico Comment Period Ends July 20, 2018

FB18-046 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Bulletin: For More Information, Contact, Lauren.Waters@noaa.gov, 727-524-5305
June 25, 2018 -

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Public Comment on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Establishing Habitat Areas of Particular Concern in the Gulf of Mexico

FB18-034 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Bulletin; For More Information, Contact: Lauren Waters, (727) 824-5305, Lauren.Waters@noaa.gov
May 21, 2018 -

Request for Comments: Intent to Develop a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Coral Habitat Areas Considered for Management in the Gulf of Mexico

FB17-077 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Bulletin; For More Information, Contact: Lauren Waters, 727-824-5305, Lauren.Waters@noaa.gov
December 18, 2017 -

Last updated by Southeast Regional Office on 10/16/2020