After hearing public comment and recommendations from its Reef Fish Advisory Panel, the Gulf Council took final action on a Framework Action to increase the lane snapper minimum size limit. The Council chose to modify the commercial and recreational minimum size limit for lane snapper 10 inches total length.
In recent years, landings have regularly exceeded annual catch limits and commercial and recreational lane snapper fishing seasons have closed early. This has occurred despite two recent increases to allowable harvest. The Council decided to increase the size limit to constrain landings to the annual catch limit and reduce likelihood of in-season closures.
This Framework Action will be transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce for consideration and implementation as soon as practicable.
About the Gulf Council
- Manages fishery resources in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico
- Prepares fishery management plans (FMPs) and makes recommendations by balancing competing interests
- Uses scientific advice from NOAA Fisheries and public opinion to inform FMP recommendations
- Aims to achieve the greatest overall benefit to the nation by sustaining and maintaining responsible fisheries management
- Stays consistent with the ten national standards laid out by the Magnuson Stevens Act
- Specifically manages reef fish, shrimp, spiny lobster, coastal migratory pelagics, corals, essential fish habitat, red drum, and aquaculture