Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region: 2024-2025 Closure of Commercial Run-Around Gillnet Fishery for King Mackerel
Summary
The federal government is closing the commercial fishing season for king mackerel caught using run-around gillnets in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean for 2024-2025. This rule protects king mackerel populations from overfishing by limiting how commercial fishermen can catch these fish, which matters because it helps keep the species healthy for future fishing and the ocean ecosystem.
Key Points
- 1Commercial fishermen cannot use run-around gillnets to catch king mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic regions during 2024-2025
- 2Run-around gillnets are large nets that can catch many fish at once, so closing this method helps prevent overfishing and lets fish populations recover
- 3This rule only affects commercial fishing operations; recreational fishermen can still catch king mackerel using other methods
- 4The closure is temporary and applies only to the 2024-2025 fishing season; the rules may change in future years
- 5Fishermen who normally use this method will need to switch to other approved fishing techniques or catch different fish species
Impact Assessment
If you are a commercial fisherman using run-around gillnets for king mackerel, you cannot fish for this species in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean during 2024-2025, eliminating this revenue source for the season.
Regional
Significant
Key Dates
March 20, 2025
Regulatory Connections
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of America and Atlantic Region: 2025-2026 Commercial Accountability Measure for the King Mackerel Run-Around Gillnet Fishery
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America: Partial Holdback of Commercial Quota for the Other Shallow-Water Grouper Complex
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America: 2026 Red Snapper Private Angling Component Closure in Federal Waters off Texas
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America: Partial Holdback of Commercial Quota for the Deep-Water Grouper Complex
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.