"The Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils have submitted the subject amendment for review and implementation by the Secretary of Commerce. This amendment will: (1) Remove four species from the FMP; (2) revise the framework procedure; (3) establish two migratory groups for cobia; and (4) establish annual catch limits, annual catch targets, and accountability measures for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia. Amendment 18 also contains non-regulatory actions to establish allowable biological catch control rules, set allocations for Atlantic group cobia, and revise definitions of management thresholds for Atlantic migratory group king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia"--Cover letter.

"The EA analyzed the effects of a range of alternatives identified in Amendment 20B to the FMP. These actions (1) adjust king mackerel trip limits and fishing seasons in the eastern Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), (2) allow transit of king mackerel through closed areas, (3) create regional quotas for Atlantic migratory group king and Spanish mackerel, (4) make administrative changes to the FMP, and (5) create new management areas and catch limits for Gulf cobia. None of these actions are expected to alter the manner in which the fishery is prosecuted; therefore the effects of the actions are not expected to be significant"--Cover letter summary.

"The EA analyzed the effects of a range of alternatives identified in Amendment 20A to the FMP that modify the coastal migratory pelagics permit requirements and restrictions. This included modification of the sales provisions and income requirements"--Cover letter summary.