The final rule was published in the Federal Register on August 6, 2013 [78 FR 47574].
Based on recent population assessment updates for vermilion snapper and red porgy, the final rule will do the following:
Vermilion Snapper
Increase the vermilion snapper annual catch limit from 1,066,000 pounds whole weight to 1,372,000 pounds whole weight.
- The commercial annual catch limit will be 932,960 pounds whole weight.
- The recreational annual catch limit will be 439,040 pounds whole weight.
Reduce the commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper from 1,500 pounds gutted weight to 1,000 pounds gutted weight, and when 75% of the commercial annual catch limit has been met or is projected to be met, the commercial trip limit would be reduced to 500 pounds gutted weight.
Remove the November 1 - March 31 recreational closed season for vermilion snapper (the bag limit and size limit will remain unchanged).
Red Porgy
Reduce the annual catch limit for red porgy from 395,304 pounds whole weight to 306,000 pounds whole weight.
- The commercial annual catch limit will be 153,000 pounds whole weight.
- The recreational annual catch limit will be 153,000 pounds whole weight.
