Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota Program 5-year Review

This review evaluates the progress of the Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota (RS-IFQ) program towards achieving the stated goals of reducing overcapacity and eliminating the problems associated with derby fishing. According to the Magnuson-Stevens Act, a formal and detailed review is required 5 years after the implementation of the program and thereafter no less than once every 7 years. To analyze the program’s progress data was obtained from a variety of sources, particularly the RS-IFQ database and annual report, the Southeast Fisheries Science Center’s coastal logbook, accumulated landings system, and reef fish observer programs, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, various economic surveys, and surveys of RS-IFQ participants. Analysis of the program was split into six main outcomes or impacts: socioeconomic outcomes, biological outcomes, social impacts, community impacts, safety at sea, and program enforcement. In addition, this review highlights administrative changes to the program, future research needs, and recommended changes to the program. Recommended changes originated from multiple sources, including but not limited to, the Ad Hoc Red Snapper IFQ 5-year Review Advisory Panel, Socioeconomic Science and Statistical Committee, IFQ administrative staff, and industry representatives. The performance of the program, with regards to each component analyzed, can be found in the Review Summary and Conclusions section. In general, the program has been moderately to highly successful in achieving its stated goals, although there is still room for further achievement, particularly with respect the overcapacity, discard mortality, price reporting, and social and community impacts. 2013 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) SEFSC (Southeast Fisheries Science Center) Submitted Public Domain 1862