According to the press communiqué of NOAA Fisheries Service final rule has been published for implementing increases in the commercial and recreational quotas of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. The press release also states that the a recent red snapper assessment update projected overfishing ended in 2009, and therefore, the total allowable catch (TAC) can be increased.
As per 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 rule adjusts 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 final rule also sets the length of 2010 recreational season, which opens 12:01 a.m., June 1, and closes at 12:01 a.m. on July 24. In determining the season length supported by the 2010 quota, factors such as the increases in the average red snapper size, abundance, and catch rates were taken into account.
