Seeking comment on rule through Aug. 29, season to open Oct. 1
NOAA Fisheries is proposing a potential 21-day supplemental recreational red snapper fishing season beginning on Oct. 1 and is seeking public input on the proposed rule that would increase the commercial and recreation quotas in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a news release.
The rule would increase the total allowable catch for harvest of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico from 8.46 million pounds (mp) to 11.0 mp. The commercial quota would be 5.61 mp and the recreational quota would be 5.39 mp. The quotas can be increased because a recent stock assessment for red snapper showed the stock can support higher catches.
The actual length of the supplemental season will be dependent upon snapper landings in relation to the previous quota during the June season. Final projections will be received in mid-August, the release states.
The proposed rule will publish in the Federal Register on Aug. 14., and NOAA Fisheries must receive comments no later than Aug. 29, 2013.
Electronic copies of the proposed rule can be obtained here.
After Aug. 14, comments may be submitted electronically here. You may also mail written comments to Susan Gerhart, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
