Golden Tilefish Interim Measures to Reduce Overfishing

An update assessment was conducted in 2016 with data through 2014 (SEDAR 25 Update 2016). The update indicated the Golden Tilefish stock is undergoing overfishing but is not overfished. The Council intends, through the request for interim action, to reduce overfishing of golden tilefish while permanent management measures and regulations are being developed. In the 2016 Snapper Grouper Biological Opinion, NMFS concluded that the snapper grouper fishery’s continued authorization is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the North Atlantic right whale, loggerhead sea turtle Northwest Atlantic DPS, leatherback sea turtle, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, green sea turtle North Atlantic DPS, green sea turtle South Atlantic DPS, hawksbill sea turtle, Atlantic sturgeon,smalltooth sawfish U.S. DPS, or Nassau grouper.

The interim measures must be in place by 1/1/2018; permanent measures to end overfishing will be required within one year of this interim rule

This is under an accelerated timeline. The interim measure will include an EA, to be completed by August 2017, and a proposed and final rule, with an effective date of 1/1/2018