July 29, 2016 — NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on changes to the red grouper allowable harvest in the Gulf of Mexico.
Proposed Changes:
Increase the Gulf of Mexico red grouper annual catch limit and quota (annual catch target) for the commercial sector from 6.03 and 5.72 million pounds gutted weight, to 8.19 and 7.78 million pounds gutted weight, respectively.
Increase the Gulf of Mexico red grouper annual catch limit and annual catch target for the recreational sector from 1.9 and 1.73 million pounds gutted weight, to 2.58 and 2.37 million pounds gutted weight, respectively.
Need for Action:
This increase in allowable harvest is anticipated to allow the recreational fishing season the opportunity to remain open yearlong instead of closing late in the season. In addition, the increase in quota will provide the commercial fisherman an increase in their Individual Fishing Quota allocation.