Final Rule Establishes Red Snapper IFQ Program

November 28, 2006

Release from:
NOAA

NOAA Fisheries has published a final rule to implement Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish of the Gulf of Mexico. Amendment 26 establishes an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the commercial red snapper sector of the reef fish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico . Initial participants in the IFQ program will receive percentage shares of the commercial quota of red snapper based on specified historical landings criteria. The percentage shares of the commercial quota will equate to annual IFQ allocations. Both shares and IFQ allocations will be transfera ble. The intended effect of this rule is to manage the commercial red snapper sector of the reef fish fishery to preserve its long-term economic viability and to achieve optimum yield from the fishery.

A special fishery bulletin, along with answers to frequently asked questions, will be posted shortly on the Southeast Region's website.

For more information, contact Phil.Steele@noaa.gov.