Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico

Résumé

NMFS issues this proposed rule to implement Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). Amendment 9 would extend the current reef fish permit moratorium from its scheduled expiration on May 8, 1995, through as late as December 31, 1995. For the red snapper segment of the reef fish fishery, Amendment 9 would authorize the collection of commercial landings data for the years 1990 through 1992 and the collection of information to identify certain participants. It would also extend the red snapper endorsement system and its associated trip and landing limits from their scheduled expiration on December 31, 1994, through as late as December 31, 1995. The intended effects of this rule are to collect information needed to evaluate red snapper effort management alternatives, to identify individuals who may qualify for initial participation in a red snapper effort management regime, and to continue interim management measures until the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has an opportunity to implement longer- term measures.