Comment from Bob Jones

Southeastern Fisheries Association recommends the following regulations: Tilefish season opens Jan 1, each year. Fishing commences at 12:01 AM the first of each month and boat must be unloaded by 11:59 PM on the 15th of each month. Harvest is allowed the first fifteen days of each month until 70% of the quota is filled. When quota hits 70%, landings must be called in to NMFS within 24 hours after unloading to ensure the quota is not overfished. There will be a 4,000 pound trip limit. This will be the same each month until quota is met. If 75% of the hook and line quota is not met by Sept 1st of the year boats with longline endorsements may participate in the 500 pound trip hook and line fishery using bandit reels. This will ensure the hook and line quota will be met. NOTE: SFA previously sent comments in that were only a draft for discussion purposes within the association. Please disregard them if that cannot be deleted. rpj