Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Extension of the 2016 Gulf of Mexico Private Angling Recreational Red Snapper Season

NMFS extends the recreational fishing season for the private angling component for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) through this temporary rule. NMFS previously determined the private angling component would reach its annual catch target (ACT) for Gulf red snapper by 12:01 a.m., local time, June 10, 2016. However, due to recent severe weather conditions in the eastern Gulf, fishing opportunities were restricted during the recreational fishing season for the private angling component. NMFS has projected the private angling component will not reach its ACT by the current closure date. Therefore, NMFS is extending the recreational red snapper fishing season for the private angling component for 2 days to allow the ACT to be harvested. The intent of this action is to provide the recreational private angling component the opportunity to harvest its red snapper ACT, and the opportunity to achieve the optimum yield for the fishery, thus enhancing social and economic benefits to the fishery.