While red snapper is under a closure in the South Atlantic, the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is going up in the Gulf after the institution of an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ).
NOAA Fisheries Service is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would increase the commercial and recreational quotas of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. A recent red snapper assessment update projected overfishing ended in 2009, and therefore, the total allowable catch (TAC) can be increased. As evaluated in a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico, this increase would be from the existing 5.0 million pounds (MP) to 6.945 MP.
The proposed rule would adjust the commercial and recreational quotas to 3.542 and 3.403 MP, respectively, consistent with the 51:49 ratio for the commercial and recreational allocation of red snapper. The proposed rule publishes in the Federal Register on March 30, 2010, with the comment period ending April 14, 2010. The proposed rule also includes a projection for the length of recreational season, which opens June 1, 2010.
Read the complete story at Sport Fishing.