Modification of Catch Limits for Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper
Summary
NMFS is implementing a final rule and Framework Action to the Reef Fish FMP. The purpose of the Framework Action is to increase the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) red snapper acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits (ACL), and annual catch targets (ACT) consistent with the catch advice presented by the Southeast Fishery Science Center based on the Great Red Snapper Count and other analyses, and subsequent Southeast Fisheries Science Center and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Scientific and Statistical Committee recommendations. The rule will:
- increase the red snapper stock ACL from 15,400,000 pounds (lb) whole weight (ww)* to 16,310,000 lb ww,
- increase the commercial ACL from 7,854,000 lb* to 8,318,100 lb ww,
- increase the recreational ACL from 7,546,000 lb* to 7,991,900 lb ww,
- increase the Federal For-Hire ACL from 3,191,958 lb* to 3,380,574 lb and increase the Federal For-Hire ACT from 2,904,682 lb* to 3,076,322 lb,
- increase the Private Angling ACL from 4,354,042 lb* to 4,611,326 lb and increase the Private Angling ACT from 3,483,234 lb* to 3,689,061 lb.
*Starred values are from a framework action and final rule that increase red snapper catch limits effective January 1, 2023. The catch limits in this rule are in addition to those increases.