2010 Recreational Red Snapper Quota Closure Analysis – Fall Reopening

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) requires NOAA Fisheries Service to close the recreational red snapper sector in the Gulf of Mexico when the quota is reached. NOAA Fisheries Service may reopen the fishery if data indicate the quota has not been reached (50 CFR 622.43(c)). In 2010, the recreational quota for red snapper was increased from 2.45 million pounds whole weight (mp ww) to 3.40 mp ww. Projections completed prior to the fishing season (SERO 2010) indicated the quota would be met on or before July 23, 2010, allowing for a 53-day fishing season. However, due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, a large area of the central Gulf of Mexico had to be closed (Figure 1) and many areas continue to remain closed to fishing, resulting in lower than expected landings for red snapper. NOAA Fisheries Service currently has authority to reopen the recreational red snapper sector until September 30, 2010. However, at the June 2010 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) meeting, the Council requested NOAA Fisheries Service conduct emergency rulemaking to allow reopening of the recreational red snapper sector after September 30, 2010. The following analysis evaluates the potential length of a fall recreational red snapper season. 2010 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) SER (Southeast Region) DWH (Deepwater Horizon) Submitted Public Domain 2177