Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Red Snapper Minimum Size Limit

NMFS issues this final rule to implement the provisions of a regulatory amendment prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) in accordance with framework procedures for adjusting management measures of the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). The regulatory amendment and this final rule maintain the current minimum size limit for red snapper of 15 inches (38.1 cm), total length (TL). The minimum size limit had been scheduled to increase to 16 inches (40.6 cm), TL, on January 1, 1998. The intended effect of this action is to maximize the economic benefits from the red snapper resource within the constraints of the rebuilding program for this overfished resource.