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

This emergency interim rule reduces the daily bag limit for red snapper possessed in or from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico from five fish to four fish. The intended effects are to avoid angler confusion and excessive fishing mortality, slow the rate of harvest, extend the recreational fishing season, and help ensure that more of the recreational quota is available during a later period for recreational fishing. This will provide for better management, minimize the potential for significant economic losses that would occur with an earlier closure of the recreational fishery, and increase social and economic benefits derived from the available recreational quota.