Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Red Snapper Data Calibrations and Harvest Levels

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) supports the proposed action to modify the state-specific red snapper private angling component ACLs using the calibration ratios adopted by the Gulf Council, effective January 1, 2023. EDF has engaged in Gulf of Mexico fisheries issues for over 20 years, helping to drive solutions that foster conservation while benefitting the people who rely on fishery resources. Throughout the drafting of Amendments 50A-F (State Management Program for Private Recreational Red Snapper) to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), EDF has been supportive of a solution that provides private anglers access to the resource while ensuring that each sector adheres to their respective red snapper annual catch limits (ACLs), a necessary component of ensuring the stock is rebuilt by 2032. The for-hire, private angler and commercial fishing sectors in the Gulf have made great sacrifices over the last 30 years that have produced real progress towards rebuilding the red snapper population, allowing for improved access to the fishery. The Gulf red snapper stock however, is exhibiting recent signs of declining health. Failure or delayed action to implement the proposed action threatens to undermine the sacrifices made, resulting in reduced access for all involved in the fishery, an outcome with no ecological, economic, or social benefits. EDF offers the attached comment letter in support of the agency's proposed action.