Red Snapper 2013 Quota Increase and Supplemental Recreational Season

The rule sets the total allowable catch for harvest of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico at 11.0 million pounds (mp) whole weight (ww).  The commercial and recreational sector quotas, based on the current 51 percent commercial and 49 percent recreational allocation, are 5.61 mp for commercial and 5.39 mp for recreational.  The red snapper commercial sector is managed with an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program.  The increase of 1.295 mp to the commercial quota will be distributed to IFQ shareholders on or shortly after the effective date of the final rule.  The 1.245 mp increase to the recreational quota allows a supplemental red snapper recreational fishing season opening at 12:01 a.m., local time, October 1, 2013, and closing at 12:01 a.m., local time, October 15, 2013. 

To reach Sustainable Fisheries staff, please call 727-824-5305.

Point of Contact:

Susan Gerhart

Susan.Gerhart@noaa.gov