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 an emergency interim rule to increase the minimum size limit for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico from 15 inches (38.1 cm) to 18 inches (45.7 cm) for persons subject to the bag limit, as requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). In addition, NMFS closes the recreational red snapper fishery in the EEZ of the Gulf of Mexico effective 12:01 a.m., local time, August 29, 1999. The intended effect of the increase in the minimum size limit is to reduce the rate of harvest, and, thereby, extend the season for the recreational red snapper fishery. NMFS believes that an extended season will increase social and economic benefits from the red snapper fishery.