Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Extension of the 2012 Gulf of Mexico Recreational Red Snapper Season

NMFS extends the recreational fishing season for the red snapper component of the reef fish fishery in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). NMFS previously determined the recreational red snapper quota would be reached by 12:01 a.m., local time, July 11, 2012. However, due to severe weather conditions in the central and northeastern Gulf during the first 26 days in June, fishing opportunities were restricted during the beginning of the recreational fishing season. NMFS has projected the quota will not be reached by the current closure date. Therefore, NMFS is extending the recreational red snapper fishing season for 6 days to allow the remainder of the quota to be harvested. The intent of this action is to provide fishermen the opportunity to harvest the recreational red snapper quota, and the opportunity to achieve the optimum yield for the fishery, thus enhancing social and economic benefits to the fishery.