Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Gag, Red Grouper, and Black Grouper Management Measures

NMFS issues this final rule to implement a regulatory amendment prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) in accordance with framework procedures for adjusting management measures in the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). This final rule increases the commercial and recreational minimum size limits for gag and black grouper; prohibits the commercial harvest and the sale or purchase of gag, black grouper, and red grouper from February 15 to March 15 each year; and establishes two areas in the eastern Gulf of Mexico that are closed to all fishing, except fishing for highly migratory species. The intended effect of this final rule is to protect the spawning aggregations for these species and to prevent overfishing.