NOAA fisheries seeks public input on red snapper rule changes

NOAA Fisheries is asking for public comment on a proposed rule to help protect the red snapper population in the Gulf of Mexico.

Regulators are considering new rules to establish distinct private angling and federal for-hire sub-quotas for red snapper.

Currently the total recreational quota for red snapper is 5.4 million pounds

Under the proposal, the quota would be split allowing for hire vessels to catch 42.3 percent of the total quota and private fishermen to catch 57.7 percent.

That would leave the private fishing quota at just over 3.1 million pounds.

For both components, each season would start June 1 and continue until the individual component's annual catch target is projected to be caught.

The management measures will end after three years unless the Council takes additional action.

The Council is currently evaluating other measures to manage the recreational sector including red snapper regional management.

The public comment period on the proposed rule is March 9^th. 

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