Gulf Council Requests Emergency Rule Resulting in 11-day Recreational Red Snapper Season for 2014

For Immediate Release April 10, 2014   Council Requests Emergency Rule Resulting in 11-day Recreational Red Snapper Season for 2014 After receiving a briefing on a recent court decision in response to a legal challenge on management of the recreational component of the red snapper fishery, the Council took actions to prevent the recreational sector from exceeding its quota in 2014 and beyond. For the short-term, the Council asked the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to implement an emergency rule that establishes a 20% buffer on the 5.39 million pound recreational quota - a buffer with only a 15% probability that the quota will be exceeded. The 20% buffer, which provides a low probability that the quota will be exceeded, results in a recreational annual catch target (ACT) of 4.312 million pounds, and an 11-day red snapper recreational season for 2014. The bag limit will remain 2-fish per person. The 11-day season takes into consideration the incompatible state seasons and bag limits adopted by Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.  The Council also voted to withdraw a framework action submitted in February that would rescind the Amendment 30B permit provision, which requires vessels with federal charter vessel/headboat permits to abide by federal regulations if more restrictive when fishing in state waters. To address the issue long-term, the Council has asked staff to include accountability measure alternatives for the recreational allocation, such as buffers and overage adjustments, in the Allocation Amendment (Reef Fish Amendment 28). Staff will also begin developing a scoping document that explores a possible IFQ-type program for the for-hire component of the red snapper fishery. 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.   Submit comments and stay updated on fishery issues: Check it out! Go to www.gulfcouncil.org and click on the thermometer in the middle of the page. From there you can read up on all the pending actions, watch the video presentations, read comments, and submit your own. All comments submitted through the online form are automatically posted on our web site for Council review. Other comments are manually posted every couple of days.  There is also a thermometer for each issue that lets you know where the Council is in the process for that particular amendment, whether it's the scoping phase, final action, or implementation.    You can also find information on our Facebook page, blog, and YouTube channel.         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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