Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Lane Snapper Catch Limits

NMFS issues regulations to implement management measures described in an abbreviated framework action under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule modifies the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) lane snapper catch limits. The purpose of this final rule is to modify the Gulf lane snapper catch limits based on the best scientific information available. This final rule also revises reporting and compliance requirements for Gulf reef fish commercial permit holders using vessel monitoring systems (VMS).