Gulf Council To Meet In New Orleans

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will meet at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana from January 29 – February 1, 2024. During this meeting, the Council plans to take final action on an Abbreviated Framework Action that considers increasing lane snapper catch limits.

Among other things, the Council plans to review and finalize the makeup of the Steering Committee for the Recreational Initiative and discuss reorganization of the Scientific and Statistical Committees prior to the June 2024 appointment process.  The Council will hear a summary of its Ad Hoc Charter For-hire Data Collection Advisory Panel meeting and consider next steps for for-hire electronic reporting.  The Council will continue discussing an action plan for addressing management issues that are reliant upon the Marine Recreational Information Programs Fishing Effort Survey (MRIP-FES) and discuss allocations and the allocation review policy.  The Council will discuss Permit Requirements for Participation in Individual Fishing Quota Programs. Additionally, the Council will continue work on modifications to the mid-water snapper complex and gag grouper management.

The Council Committees will convene at 8:30 AM, CST. Full Council will convene at 10:45 AM, CST and public comment will be held beginning at 1:30 PM, CST.

Register for the webinar here.