Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Referendum Procedures for a Potential Gulf of Mexico Grouper and Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program

NMFS issues this final rule to provide information concerning the procedures, schedule, and eligibility requirements NMFS will use in conducting a referendum for an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) commercial grouper and tilefish fisheries. If the IFQ program, as developed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council), is approved through the referendum process, the Council may choose to submit the IFQ program to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) for review, approval, and implementation. The intended effect of this rule is to implement the referendum consistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).