Feds Slam Shut King Mackerel Nets in Gulf Waters Now
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting in 2024, commercial fishers using run-around gillnets in the southern Gulf of Mexico must stop catching king mackerel because the yearly limit was reached. This temporary closure helps protect king mackerel so they stay healthy for the future. If you fish commercially with this gear in that area, you’ll need to find other ways to fish until the next season.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Southern Gulf King Mackerel Closure
Starting in 2024, commercial fishers using run-around gillnet gear in the southern zone of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone (EEZ) must stop harvesting king mackerel because the annual catch limit (ACL) was reached. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implemented an accountability measure (AM) to close that area to commercial run-around gillnet king mackerel fishing until the next season.
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Key Dates
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