Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Gulf Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota Program

Résumé

In accordance with the regulations implementing the individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the commercial red snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico, the Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS (RA) has determined that catastrophic conditions exist in those parts of Texas and Louisiana from the mouth of the Mississippi River west to Freeport, Texas as a result of recent hurricanes. Consistent with those regulations, the RA has authorized IFQ participants within this affected area to use paper-based forms, if necessary, for basic required IFQ administrative functions, e.g., landing transactions, until October 24, 2008. This determination of catastrophic conditions and allowance of alternative methods for completing required IFQ administrative functions is intended to facilitate continuation of IFQ operations during the period of catastrophic conditions.