NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on changes to the red grouper allowable harvest in the Gulf of Mexico.
Proposed Changes:
• Increase the Gulf of Mexico red grouper annual catch limit and quota (annual catch target) for the commercial sector from 6.03 and 5.72 million pounds gutted weight, to 8.19 and 7.78 million pounds gutted weight, respectively.
• Increase the Gulf of Mexico red grouper annual catch limit and annual catch target for the recreational sector from 1.9 and 1.73 million pounds gutted weight, to 2.58 and 2.37 million pounds gutted weight, respectively.
Need for Action:
This increase in allowable harvest is anticipated to allow the recreational fishing season the opportunity to remain open yearlong instead of closing late in the season. In addition, the increase in quota will provide the commercial fisherman an increase in their Individual Fishing Quota allocation.
How to Submit Comments:
NOAA Fisheries must receive comments on this proposed rulemaking no later than August 25, 2016. You may submit comments on the amendment or the proposed rule, identified by "NOAA-NMFS-2016-0077", by one of the following methods:
Electronic Submission: Go to the federal e-Rulemaking Portal at
https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2016-0077, click the "Comment Now!" icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. NOAA Fisheries will accept anonymous comments.
Mail: NOAA Fisheries
Southeast Regional Office
Sustainable Fisheries Division
c/o Rich Malinowski
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505
All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on the regulations.gov website without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible.
Source: NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
