ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
MOBILE AND BALDWIN COUNTIES
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR A REVIEW OF A FEDERAL AGENCY’S CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION FOR A PROPOSED
FEDERAL ACTION
PUBLIC NOTICE - 591
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) hereby gives notice that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has requested, in accordance with Title 15 C.F.R. 930 Subpart C, review of a proposed federal action pursuant to ADEM Administrative Code division 335-8.
The NMFS is proposing to decrease the stock annual catch limit (ACL) for the Gulf Other Shallow-Water Grouper (SWG) Complex (includes scamp, yellowmouth grouper, black grouper, and yellowfin grouper) from 710,000 pounds gutted weight (lb gw) to 322,000 lb gw, reduce the commercial ACL to 255,636 lb gw, and reduce the commercial annual catch target (or quota) to 245,410 lb gw. In addition, this framework action would set a fixed closed season for recreational harvest of Other SWG from January 1 through June 30 each year (season open from July 1 through December 31). These regulations are based on the most recent stock assessment and recommendations from the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee and are intended to reduce the risk of overfishing of scamp and yellowmouth grouper. The NMFS has determined that the proposed activity is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable policies of the Alabama Coastal Area Management Program (ACAMP).
Any person wishing to make comments or provide additional information relative to the proposed activity’s consistency with the ACAMP must submit such comments or information by letter or by email to ADEM at the address below within fifteen (15) calendar days following the publication date of this notice. Only those comments, which address issues within the Department’s scope of authority, can be considered. All correspondence regarding this proposal should reference application number ACAMP-2025-254.
Autumn Nitz
Mobile Branch Office
Alabama Department of Environmental Management
1615 South Broad Street
Mobile, AL 36605
Coastal@adem.alabama.gov
Copies of all information submitted are available for public inspection at the ADEM office located at the above address Monday – Friday (except legal holidays), 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Arrangements for review and copying should be made in advance. These documents related to this proposed action and documents otherwise related to this facility also may be viewed at the Department’s eFile system located at http://app.adem.alabama.gov/eFile/ by selecting Media Area “Water,” entering “2025-254” in place of the “Permit Number,” and pressing Search.
This Public Notice is available on the internet at http://adem.alabama.gov/public-notices. The ADEM Division 335-8 rules are available on the internet at http://adem.alabama.gov.
After consideration of all written comments and consideration of the requirements of the Alabama Coastal Area Management Act and ADEM Coastal Program rules, the Department will make a final determination. The Department’s determination, associated documents and all comments received during the public comment period will be available for inspection at the ADEM office located at the above address during normal working hours and on the Department’s eFile system. Notice of the final decision will be sent to any person who requests such notice, in writing, during this comment period.
The Department maintains a list of interested individuals who are emailed legal notices regarding proposed permits. If you wish to receive such notices, please sign up here.
Notice is hereby given this 6th day of August, 2025, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
______________________________
Jeffery W. Kitchens
Acting Director
Nondiscrimination Statement: The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in the administration of its programs.