Gulf of Mexico would soon get increased red snapper quotas as the federal authorities are seeking public comments on its proposed rule. 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.
Press release of NOAA states that 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. In determining the season length supported by the proposed 2010 quota, the increases in the average red snapper size and abundance that led to the overage of the recreational harvest in 2009 (preliminary estimate of more than 1.7 MP during the 2009 75-day season) must be taken into account.
