Based on landings data, NOAA Fisheries determined that less than 75 percent (or 911,421 pounds) of the 1,215,228-pound quota will be harvested for this subzone before February 1, 2013. The 75-fish daily trip limit will remain in effect until March 31, 2013, unless the subzone's quota is reached and the fishery is closed before the end of the fishing year.
From November 1 through March 31 annually, the Florida east coast subzone for Gulf group king mackerel is the area north of a line directly east from the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, Florida, boundary (25 20.4' N. lat.), and south of a line directly east from the Volusia/Flagler County, Florida, boundary (29 25' N. lat.).
There is no provision authorizing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to similarly increase the trip limit in state waters. Therefore, the daily trip limit for king mackerel harvested in state waters off the east coast of Florida will remain at 50 fish.
King Mackerel Trip Limit Increases in Florida East Coast Subzone
US - The daily vessel trip limit increases from 50 to 75 fish beginning 12:01 a.m., February 1, 2013, for commercial hook-and-line vessels fishing for king mackerel in federal waters of the Florida east coast subzone.
by Banrie
