National Marine Fisheries Service

09/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/18/2024 08:20

Final Rule to Increase Lane Snapper Catch Limits in the Gulf of Mexico

Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule that modifies lane snapper catch limits in the Gulf of Mexico by increasing the lane snapper overfishing limit from 1,053,834 pounds whole weight (lb ww) to 1,116,331 lb ww and increasing the lane snapper acceptable biological catch and stock annual catch limit from 1,028,973 lb ww to 1,088,873 lb ww. This final rule also revises reporting and compliance requirements for Gulf of Mexico reef fish commercial fishermen using vessel monitoring systems (VMS).

When the Rule Will Take Effect:

  • The final rule becomes effective October 18, 2024.

What This Means:

  • The final rule will increase the lane snapper catch limits in the Gulf of Mexico for both recreational and commercial fishers.
  • The final rule streamlines the process for obtaining a power-down exemption from the VMS requirement for Gulf of Mexico reef fish harvesters.

  • The final rule eliminates the need for vessel owners or operators to certify the installation and activation of a VMS unit.

Formal Federal Register Name/Number: 89 FR 76438, published September 18, 2024.

What is NOAA Fisheries announcing today?

  • NOAA Fisheries is announcing the publication of a final rule to increase the catch limits for Gulf of Mexico lane snapper and revise reporting and compliance requirements for Gulf of Mexico reef fish commercial fishermen using VMS.

Are there separate catch limits for the recreational and commercial lane snapper sectors?

  • No, Gulf of Mexico lane snapper is managed under a stock annual catch limit. The stock annual catch limit is not divided between the recreational and commercial sectors.

Why are lane snapper catch limits increasing?

  • A 2023 interim analysis found that an increase in catch limits was appropriate for Gulf of Mexico lane snapper.
  • The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee determined the 2023 interim analysis suitable for providing catch advice and recommended an increase to catch levels.

Why are VMS reporting and compliance requirements being revised?

  • Power-down exemption
    • When NOAA Fisheries revised the VMS regulations in 2007, the process for requesting a power-down exemption was added to the federal regulations. However, in practice, the process has never been done exactly as specified in the regulations.
    • In addition, technology now allows for use of an online form and immediate authorization by NOAA Fisheries.
  • VMS installation requirement
    • The intent of the form, "Vessel Monitoring System Installation and Activation Certification for the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico," was to provide NOAA Fisheries with additional assurance that a vessel owner or operator is compliant with the requirements to install and activate an approved VMS unit.
    • NOAA Fisheries has determined that it is not necessary for a vessel owner or operator to submit a form attesting to their compliance.
    • The existing requirement for a qualified marine technician to install the VMS unit will remain in § 622.28(f).

Where can I find more information on the Lane Snapper Catch Limits Framework?

  • Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office.

By Mail: Daniel Luers

NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

Sustainable Fisheries Division

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By FAX: (727) 824-5308

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

Sign Up for Text Message Alerts - Find Out About Immediate Openings and Closures

NOAA's Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery-related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt out at any time.

Text alerts you may receive include:

  • Immediate fishery openings and closures
  • Any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly

Sign up for one or more of the following groups:

  • Gulf of Mexico Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
    • Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
  • Gulf of Mexico Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
    • Text GULFCOMMFISH to 888777
  • South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
    • Text SATLRECFISH to 888777
  • South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
    • Text SATLCOMMFISH to 888777
  • Caribbean Fisheries Related Alerts

Quick Glance Contact Listfor the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office

Permits Mailbox: The Permits Office in St. Petersburg, Florida, now has a Permits mailbox in the front lobby (263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701). You can now drop off original permits for permit transfers. Envelopes with information labels will be provided so that your documents can be attached to the correct application. The mailbox will be checked daily. For more information contact the Permits Office at 877-376-4877.

Other contacts:

Media: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750

Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan, 727-385-5202