Temporary Rule To Establish Management Measures for Red Grouper in the Gulf of Mexico

NMFS issues an emergency rule as requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) to address concerns that the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) red grouper stock may be in decline. This emergency rule reduces the commercial and recreational annual catch limits (ACLs) and annual catch targets (ACTs). This emergency rule is effective for 180 days, although NMFS may extend this emergency rule's effectiveness for a maximum of an additional 186 days. The intended effect of this emergency rule is to provide a temporary reduction in Gulf red grouper harvest levels to protect the stock from overharvest while the Council develops a framework action to reduce the red grouper catch limits on a more long-term basis.