Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Recreational Data Calibration and Recreational Catch Limits

In this action, the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Fishery Management Council (Council) would modify the Gulf state-specific red snapper annual catch limits (ACL) with the intent that the combined private angling component ACLs would not exceed the total private angling component quota ACL established by NMFS and the Council. Preferred Alternative 2 would modify the state-specific red snapper private angling component ACLs using the conversion ratios developed by NOAA Office of Science and Technology and the Gulf states, and recommended by the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). These ACL modifications would not take effect until January 1, 2023.

Because the Preferred Alternative would not take effect until 2023, current measures, which have allowed the ACL (and preliminarily the overfishing limit) to be exceeded in 2019 and 2020, would remain in place. Thus, the proposed rule may allow the fishery to exceed the ACL and OFL prior to implementation.

Upon implementation, this proposed rule would have variable effects on the Gulf states, with three states expecting have similar or slightly increased ACLs, while two states are expecting to have substantially reduced ACLs. The reduced ACLs in these states are expected to result in greatly reduced fishing opportunities and catch in these states, and will likely result in reduced economic benefits to these states and affected fishing communities.