Small Entity Compliance Guide

A new rule effective August 22, 2016, will extend the existing commercial shrimp permit moratorium for an additional 10 years, until October 26, 2026.

NOAA Fisheries, with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, developed Amendment 17A to the management plan for Gulf shrimp containing these management measures. The final rule implementing the regulations published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2016.

This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

Electronic copies of the amendment, final rule, and supporting materials may be obtained from the NOAA Fisheries Web site
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/shrimp/2016/am17a/index.html

NOAA Fisheries would also like to remind permit holders of reporting requirements to renew Gulf shrimp permits. All permit holders must complete the annual landings and gear survey forms before renewing their permits. In addition, permit holders must complete the annual economic survey form and participate in the electronic logbook, observer, and trip interview programs, if selected. For more information about these surveys and programs:

• Permit renewals: NOAA Fisheries Southeast Permits Office, 1-877-376-4877
  
• Annual landings survey, annual gear survey, and electronic logbook program: Rebecca Smith, 409-766-3783
  
• Annual economic survey: Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 305-365-4109
  
• Observer program: Elizabeth Scott-Denton, 409-766-3571

This bulletin provides only a summary of the information regarding the existing regulations. Any discrepancies between this bulletin and the regulations as published in the Federal Register will be resolved in favor of the Federal Register.

NOAA Fisheries Southeast is pleased to announce the introduction of our Text Message Alert Program. The program will allow you to sign up to receive important fishery related alerts via text message. Text alerts you may receive include immediate fishery openings and closures, and any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly.

How to opt-in
Sign up for related alerts for one or more of the following groups. Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time.

• Gulf of Mexico Recreational Fisheries: Text GULFrecFISH to 888777
  
• Gulf of Mexico Commercial Fisheries: Text GULFcommFISH to 888777
  
• South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries: Text SATLrecFISH to 888777
  
• South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries: Text SATLcommFISH to 888777
  
• Caribbean Fisheries: Text CARIBFISH to 888777

About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.

Contact:
Susan Gerhart
727-824-5305