Gulf Council Adjusts 2013 Red Snapper Quota and Sets Fall Recreational Red Snapper Season

For Immediate Release July 17, 2013   Gulf Council Adjusts 2013 Red Snapper Quota  and Sets Fall Recreational Red Snapper Season      In a special meeting of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council today in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Council voted to increase the 2013 red snapper total quota from 8.46 million pounds (mp) to 11 mp. This means a 2013 commercial quota of 5.610 mp and a recreational quota of 5.390 mp.  The 11 mp quota is the highest catch level the Council could set without having to possibly decrease the quota in subsequent years. The Council also agreed that, if NMFS determines that unused recreational quota is available, a supplemental season will open October 1 and run continuously until the quota is met. Preliminary estimates indicate that the supplemental season will be approximately 21 days long.  However, this estimate will be reevaluated when the June recreational landings data become available in mid-August.  Commercial fishermen who are IFQ shareholders will get the additional allocation upon implementation of the increase. The Framework Action will be submitted to the Secretary of Commerce and, if approved, will be implemented in time for the fall season. About the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.         The Gulf Council has an APP for that - Download it for free!           iPhone         Droid Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Charlene Ponce Public Information Officer 888-833-1844 ext. 229

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