Framework Action to Reduce Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Annual Catch Targets (ACTs) to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has approved a framework action to reduce the red grouper commercial and recreational ACLs and associated ACTs for 2020 and beyond. In October 2018, the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee reviewed the results of an interim analysis performed by the Southeast Fisheries Science Center and recommended that the Council reduce the red grouper commercial and recreational ACLs and ACTs. In addition, there have been recent deceases in red grouper landings and public testimony at the October Council meeting expressed concern about the status of the red grouper stock. Therefore, the Council developed this framework action to reduce the ACLs and ACTs. At the Council’s request and associated with this action, NMFS is in the process of implementing an emergency rule to establish lower red grouper ACLs and ACTs for 2019.