Presenter: Robin Riechers

Commission Agenda Item No. 14
Briefing
Federal and State Management of
Red Snapper
August 2006

I. Executive Summary: A recent stock assessment of the red snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico indicates that the stock continues to be in an overfished condition. Current fishing mortality needs to be reduced further to meet the rebuilding goals established for the fishery. This means that both red snapper caught as bycatch in the shrimp trawl fishery and the current 9.12 million pound total allowable catch will need to be reduced to meet the rebuilding targets. A summary of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) draft amendment to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan, including alternatives to accomplish the goal, will be presented and the timetable for further action presented.