Framework Action: Modification to the Recreational Red Snapper Annual Catch Target Buffers
Overview
Fishery Management
Fishing Type
Recreational
Affected Species
Action Status
Final Rule
Effective
04/04/2019
Point of Contact
Peter Hood: peter.hood@noaa.gov; 727-824-5305
Summary
The purpose of this framework is to reduce the federal for-hire component's red snapper annual catch target (ACT) buffer to a level that would allow a greater harvest in 2019 while continuing to constrain landings to the for-hire component and total recreational annual catch limit (ACL).
The current red snapper total ACL is divided the commercial (51%) and recreational (49%) sectors. The recreational sector is divided into two components each with their own portion of the total recreational ACL; the private angling (57.5%) and the for-hire (42.3%) components. In order to prevent the recreational sector from exceeding their ACL, an ACT has been set for both components at 20% below the ACL, as a buffer. Because the for-hire component has not exceeded it's ACT, this action will reduce the buffer between the ACT and ACL to 9%, in order to constrain landings but allow for a greater harvest.
| Red Snapper Sector | 2018 annual catch limit | 2019+ annual catch limit | 2018 annual catch target | 2019 and 2020+ annual catch target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 7.007 | 7.701 | n/a | n/a |
| Total Recreational | 6.733 | 7.399 | 5.386 | 6.263 (2019)
5.919 (2020+) |
| Recreational Private |
3.885 | 4.269 | 3.108 | 3.415 |
| Recreational Federal For-Hire | 2.848 | 3.130 | 2.278 | 2.848 (2019)
2.504 (2020+) |
A separate framework action will be implemented with this action that will simultaneously modify the ACL for red snapper. More information on that action can be found here, Framework Action: Modification of Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper and West Florida Hogfish Annual Catch Limits. The actions in these two framework amendments will be combined during the rule making process, allowing the public to see the resulting ACLs and provide comment.
Amendment
Framework Action: Modification to the Recreational Red Snapper Annual Catch Target Buffers