Gulf of Mexico Lane Snapper Catch Limits Abbreviated Framework

Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) lane snapper is managed as a stock, with a combined annual catch limit (ACL) for the recreational and commercial component of this fishery sector. In 2021, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implemented a framework action to the Reef Fish FMP that increased catch limits for Gulf lane snapper (Framework Action; 86 FR 72854, December 23, 2021).

This Abbreviated Framework and proposed rule would further increase the lane snapper overfishing limit (OFL), acceptable biological catch (ABC), and annual catch limit (ACL) set in the 2021 Framework Action in response to the 2023 interim analysis (IA) for Gulf lane snapper. The Abbreviated Framework and proposed rule would increase the OFL from 1,053,834 to 1,116,331 pounds , and the ABC and ACL from 1,029,973 to 1,088,873 pounds.