Environmental Assessment for Modifications to the Size Limit for Gulf Lane Snapper under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf

This framework action would increase the Gulf lane snapper size limit from 8 inches total length (TL) to 10 inches TL in an effort to slow harvest, which is expected to extend the length of the fishing season and reduce the likelihood of exceeding the stock annual catch limit and the overfishing limit. The Gulf Fishery Management Council developed this proposed action to address early closures of the fishing season and overages of the stock catch limits. The specification of size limits is consistent with the authority in section 303(b)(3)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act; allowing for the specification of limits on catch of fish, including size). The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is issuing this proposed rule consistent with the authority in section 304(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.