Framework 11: Management of Gulf King Mackerel

CMP Framework 11 and the final rule adjust the Gulf king mackerel overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limits consistent with the most recent Southeast Data Assessment and Review 38 update stock assessment and recommendations from the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s Science and Statistical Committee. In doing so, the rule modifies the units used to monitor Gulf king mackerel landings from the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Coastal Household Telephone Survey to the MRIP Fishing Effort Survey.

The need for the rule is to ensure catch limits are based on the best scientific information available, to prevent overfishing while achieving optimum yield, and to increase social and economic benefits for the king mackerel component of the CMP fishery through sustainable harvest in accordance with provisions set forth in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.