Modifications to Catch Limits, Sector Allocation, and Recreational Fishing Seasons for Gulf of Mexico Gag

This action would modify the status determination criteria, optimum yield, catch limits, accountability measures, sector allocations, the recreational fishing season, and establish a rebuilding timeline for Gulf gag. The most recent stock assessment for Gulf gag indicated that the Gulf stock was overfished, and overfishing was occurring as of 2019.
The need for this action is to use the best scientific information available to end overfishing of Gulf gag and rebuild the stock to a level commensurate with MSY, consistent with the authority under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

This action is not expected to have any significant impacts, although the drastic reduction in catch limits contained in this action are expected to reduce economic and social benefits for the fishing community, especially off the west coast of Florida where most Gulf gag are captured. Due to this reduction, this action is expected to be controversial.