The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council this week voted to raise the red snapper quota for this year and the next two years after reviewing its scientific advisors’ recommendations. Final quotas await Department of Commerce approval.
For 2015, the total quota would be 14.3 million pounds, up 3.3 million pounds from last year, with 7.29 million pounds going to the commercial sector and 7.1 million pounds for the recreational sector.
In 2016 and 2017 those numbers would go down but would still be higher than 2014 fishing limits. For 2016, 7.12 million pounds will go to the commercial sector and 6.84 million pounds going to recreational fishermen. The 2017 quota, which will remain in effect unless changed by the council, will be 7.01 million pounds and 6.73 million pounds, respectively.
The total recreational annual catch target will be 5.606 million pounds. The length of the recreational season has yet to be determined. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service will determine and announce the 2015 season in the coming weeks.
