Gulf of Mexico Lane Snapper Catch Limits Abbreviated Framework
Summary
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 final rule 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 final rule 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.
In addition, for fishermen with a valid Federal commercial permit to harvest Gulf reef fish, NMFS is revising the process for requesting a power-down exemption to the VMS requirement. NMFS is also removing the requirement that the vessel owner or operator certify compliance with the proper installation and activation of a VMS unit. NMFS expects both of these changes to reduce the burden on individual fishermen and NMFS, and to increase enforceability.