Oyster Radio: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Postpones Discussions on Reef Fish Amendment 33

May 16, 2012

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Postpones Discussions on Reef Fish Amendment 33 - Limited Access Privilege Program

During its April meeting, the Gulf Council postponed discussions on Reef Fish Amendment 33 - LAPP Program until its June meeting in Tampa, Florida. Those discussions are now postponed until the Council's August meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

"We have stakeholders who want to participate in these discussions, but they also want to make the most of the 40-day red snapper season," said Bob Gill, Gulf Council Chairman.

The June Council meeting is June 18 - 21, 2012. The 2012 recreational red snapper season opens June 1, with a proposed closure of July 10.

"Postponing the discussions not only gives people more time to comment on the issue, but also provides more opportunity to participe," said Steve Bortone, Executive Director of the Gulf Council.

About Reef Fish Amendment 33

In August 2011, the Council initiated a plan amendment to establish a reef fish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program for red porgy, vermilion snapper, greater amberjack, gray triggerfish, lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish. This action was based on a recommendation from the Council's Commercial Reef Fish IFQ Advisory Panel.

The amendment will now be discussed during the Council's August meeting. But before moving forward, the Council is requesting additional comments on the merits or adverse effects of a potential IFQ program for these species.

Comments regarding the merits of a reef fish catch share program for the species noted above, can be submitted at the following link:

gulfcouncil.org/council_meetings/comment_forms/RF%20Amendment%2033%20-%20LAPP.php.

About 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.