NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Proposed Modifications to Red Grouper Recreational Management in the Gulf of Mexico

The following Southeast Fishery Bulletin from NOAA Fisheries is being sent to our readers as a courtesy.  SOUTHEAST FISHERY BULLETIN  (Gulf of Mexico)   FB15-009 Rich Malinowski 727-824-5305       January 27, 2015         NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on  Proposed Modifications to Red Grouper Recreational Management in the Gulf of Mexico NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on an action to modify management of red grouper recreational fishing. Proposed Modifications: (1)   Establish a two-fish red grouper recreational bag limit. This is a reduction from the current four-fish bag limit, and (2) Remove an accountability measure that reduced the red grouper recreational bag limit when the previous year's annual catch limit has been exceeded. With the proposed reduction of the bag limit to 2 fish, this action is no longer necessary. Need for Action: In 2013, the red grouper recreational annual catch limit was exceeded by 25% resulting in the 2014 4-fish bag limit being reduced to 3 fish and a recreational season closure on October 3, 2014. The bag limit reduction to 2 fish is intended to improve recreational fishing opportunities by extending the number of days in the fishing season. The removal of the post-season accountability measure action is intended to provide consistency in the recreational sector. How to Submit Comments: NOAA Fisheries must receive comments on this proposed rulemaking no later than February 26, 2015. You may submit comments on the amendment or the proposed rule, identified by "NOAA-NMFS-2014-0513", by one of the following methods: Electronic Submission: Go to the federal e-Rulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014-0153  click the "Comment Now!" icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.NOAA Fisheries will   accept anonymous comments. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only. Commentsreceived through means not specified in this bulletin may not be considered. Mail:   NOAA Fisheries            Southeast Regional Office            Sustainable Fisheries Division            c/o Rich Malinowski            263 13th Avenue South            St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505 All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on the regulations.gov website without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. 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.

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