Amendment No. 16A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico.

This Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council introduces measures that provide: (1) that the possession of reef fish exhibiting the condition of trap rash on board any vessel with a reef fish permit that is fishing spiny lobster or stone crab traps is prima facie evidence of illegal trap use and is prohibited except for vessels possessing a valid fish trap endorsement; (2) that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries establish a system design, implementation schedule, and protocol to require implementation of a vessel monitoring system (VMS) for vessels engaged in the fish trap fishery; and (3) that fish trap vessels submit trip initiation and trip termination reports. Prior to implementing this additional reporting requirement, there will be a one-month fish trap inspection/compliance/education period, at a time determined by the NOAA Fisheries Regional Administrator. During this window of opportunity, fish trap fishermen will be required to have an appointment with NMFS enforcement for the purpose of having their trap gear, permits, and vessels available for inspection.