Final Rule to Modify Gulf of Mexico Mutton Snapper and Gag Management Measures

The following notice from NOAA Fisheries is provided as a courtesy to our subscribers. FB18-044 FISHERY BULLETIN ISSUE DATE: June 22, 2018 CONTACT: Rich Malinowski, 727-824-5305, Rich.Malinowski@noaa.gov     Final Rule to Modify Gulf of Mexico Mutton Snapper and Gag Management Measures   KEY MESSAGE: NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule modifying commercial and recreational mutton snapper and commercial gag management measures in the Gulf of Mexico. The rule will: Modify the annual catch limit for mutton snapper Remove the annual catch target Decrease the mutton snapper recreational bag limit Increase the mutton snapper commercial and recreational minimum size limits Increase the gag commercial minimum size limit.   WHEN THIS RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT: Regulations will be effective: July 23, 2018. WHAT THIS MEANS: The annual catch limits for mutton snapper during 2018-2020 will be decreased from 203,000 pounds whole weight to: 134,424 pounds whole weight in 2018, 139,292 pounds whole weight in 2019, and 143,694 pounds whole weight in 2020 and subsequent years. The annual catch target will be removed. The mutton snapper recreational bag limit will be decreased from 10 mutton snapper per angler per day within the 10-snapper aggregate bag limit to 5 mutton snapper per angler per day within the 10-snapper aggregate bag limit. The mutton snapper commercial and recreational minimum size limits will be increased from 16 inches total length (TL) to 18 inches TL. The gag commercial minimum size limit will be increased from 22 inches TL to 24 inches TL. FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER:NOAA-NMFS-2017-0082, published June 22, 2018.     FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)   Why are these changes needed? In 2015, a population assessment indicated mutton snapper are not experiencing overfishing (rate of removal is not too high), and are not overfished (stock abundance is too low), but the adult population is smaller than previously estimated. Therefore, a reduction in mutton snapper harvest limits is necessary to ensure that overfishing does not occur. While only a quota reduction was needed at this time, additional mutton snapper recreational and commercial management measures were approved to aid in reduced harvest. Changes in commercial gag management measures allow for consistency between commercial and recreational fisheries within federal and state waters and across regions. Where can I find more information on the amendment and environmental assessment? Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office By Mail: Rich Malinowski NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office Sustainable Fisheries Division 263 13th Avenue South St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505 By FAX: (727) 824-5308 By Phone: (727) 824-5305  The Mutton Snapper and Gag Management Measures Framework may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at:  http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2017/mutton_gag/mutton_gag_index.html 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.      Emily Muehlstein Public Information Officer 888-833-1844 ext. 238

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