[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 243 (Monday, December 20, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71056-71060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-32874]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 991210334-9334-01; I.D. 112399A]
RIN 0648-AN41


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Red Snapper Management 
Measures

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Interim rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This interim rule implements changes to the management 
measures for the red snapper fishery in the exclusive economic zone 
(EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico as requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council (Council) to reduce overfishing. This rule modifies 
the recreational and commercial fishing seasons, increases the 
recreational minimum size limit, and reinstates a 4-fish bag limit for 
the captain and crew of for-hire vessels (i.e., charter vessels and 
headboats). The intended effect is to reduce overfishing of red snapper 
in the Gulf of Mexico.

DATES: This rule is effective January 19, 2000 through June 19, 2000, 
except that Sec. 622.34(n) is effective January 1, 2000, through June 
19, 2000. Comments must be received at the appropriate address or fax 
number (See ADDRESSES) no later than 5:00 p.m., eastern standard time, 
on January 19, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on this interim rule must be mailed to Dr. 
Roy Crabtree, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 9721 Executive Center 
Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Comments also may be sent via fax 
to 727-570-5583. Comments will not be accepted if submitted via e-mail 
or Internet.
    Requests for copies of the documents supporting this rule, which 
include an analysis of the economic consequences of the rule and an 
environmental assessment, may be obtained from the Southeast Regional 
Office, NMFS, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Roy Crabtree, telephone: 727-570-
5305, fax: 727-570-5583, e-mail: Roy.C[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The reef fish fishery of the Gulf of Mexico 
is managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). The FMP was prepared by the 
Council and is implemented under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by 
regulations at 50 CFR part 622.

Background

    The Council has requested an interim rule to adjust management 
measures for the recreational and commercial red snapper fisheries for 
the 2000 fishing year, with certain provisions effective January 1, 
2000. The requested adjustments are: (1) An increase in the 
recreational minimum size limit to 16 inches (40.6 cm); (2) 
establishment of a recreational season of April 21 to October 31, 2000; 
(3) reinstatement of the 4-fish bag limit for captain and crew of for-
hire vessels; and (4) a change in the openings of the spring red 
snapper commercial season from the first 15 days of each month to the 
first 10 days of each month, beginning February 1.
    The Council adopted these adjustments, as well as others, for a 
proposed regulatory amendment to establish red snapper management 
specifications for 2000. The Council is preparing the regulatory 
amendment for submission to NMFS for review, approval, and 
implementation under the FMP's framework procedure. NMFS will implement 
any approved regulatory amendment measures through the framework's 
proposed and final rulemaking procedure; the final rule would replace 
the interim rule.
    At this time, NMFS is not implementing any measures to reduce 
overfishing beyond those requested by the Council. The Council 
recommended no change to the status quo TAC of 9.12 million pounds; 
thus, this interim rule does not address or alter the current TAC. The 
Magnuson-Stevens Act as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA) 
mandates that overfished stocks be rebuilt to a biomass level capable 
of producing maximum sustainable yield (MSY). On November 17, 1999, 
NMFS disapproved the Council's rebuilding schedule proposed for red 
snapper in its Generic SFA Amendment to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council Fishery Management Plans because it specified a 
fishing-mortality-based rebuilding target rather than a biomass-based 
target and because it did not estimate the time to rebuild in the 
absence of fishing mortality consistent with the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and the national standard guidelines. The Council must 
submit a new rebuilding plan as soon as possible.
    The recent stock assessment included a wide range of estimates of 
MSY and the stock biomass associated with MSY for red 
snapper. NMFS recognizes that there is considerable uncertainty 
associated with these estimates, and the Council has latitude to 
consider this uncertainty when developing a new rebuilding plan. 
Conditions approaching those estimated to exist near MSY for red 
snapper have not been seen in decades, and thus the assessment models 
require assumptions regarding the productivity of the stock to predict 
MSY. The SFA requires greater reductions in the red snapper harvest and 
in shrimp trawl bycatch mortality of juvenile red snapper than previous 
management targets. Depending on the reduction of red snapper bycatch 
mortality achieved in the shrimp fishery and appropriate rebuilding 
parameters, the 1999 Reef Fish Stock Assessment Panel (RFSAP) estimates 
of acceptable biological catch (ABC) for TAC range from 0 to 9.12 
million pounds. The best available scientific information indicates 
that the 9.12 million pound TAC for 2000 may slow the rate of recovery 
in the early years of any rebuilding program but would not jeopardize 
recovery of the stock consistent with the rebuilding requirements of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act, particularly if greater reductions in bycatch 
mortality are achieved as expected. However, an immediate and 
significant reduction in TAC would have devastating effects upon 
participants in the fishery.
    NMFS will continue to provide the Council with the best available 
scientific information regarding the status of the red snapper stock, 
the effectiveness of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs), and the 
effectiveness of the FMP's management measures in rebuilding the 
overfished red snapper resource. NMFS is working with the commercial 
fishing industry to develop new BRDs that will further reduce finfish 
bycatch while minimizing shrimp loss. Also, NMFS will continue to work 
with the Council in implementing the FMP's current red snapper stock 
rebuilding plan and in modifying this plan as necessary to restore the 
stock to a biomass level capable of producing maximum sustainable 
yield. Management options include adjustments to the fishing season, 
bag limit changes, quota reductions, fishing effort reduction,

[[Page 71057]]

vessel buy-back programs, and additional measures to reduce shrimp 
trawl bycatch mortality.
    The adjustments implemented by this interim rule are needed to 
reduce overfishing while allowing the total allowable catch (TAC) to be 
harvested by fair, equitable, and effective means. These changes will 
reduce overfishing by: (1) Increasing the likelihood of compatible 
closures of state waters during Federal closures, thereby improving 
enforcement of closures of the EEZ recreational red snapper fishery and 
reducing the harvest from state waters during Federal closures; (2) 
improving compliance with Federal regulations by opening the 
recreational fishery during the time of greatest demand and reducing 
confusion among anglers by achieving compatible state and Federal 
regulations; and (3) reducing the rate of harvest in the commercial 
fishery, thus reducing the probability of the commercial fishery 
exceeding its quota. These 2000 red snapper measures are based, in 
part, on the recommendations to the Council from a stakeholder 
conference held in New Orleans, LA, on September 27, 1999. 
Stakeholders' recommendations for the 2000 recreational red snapper 
fishery included a 4-fish bag limit for the captain and crew of for-
hire vessels, a size limit not to exceed 16 inches (40.6 cm), and a 
March 1 to October 31 recreational season. To reduce overfishing, these 
changes must be in effect before the fishing seasons begin.
    Section 407(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS to close 
the Gulf of Mexico recreational red snapper fishery after the 
recreational quota (currently 4.47 million lb (2.03 million kg)) is 
caught. The recreational fishery was closed based on projections that 
the quota would be reached on November 27 in 1997, on September 29 in 
1998, and on August 29 in 1999. Under the current 4-fish bag limit and 
15-inch (38.1 cm) minimum size limit, NMFS projects that with a January 
1 opening date for the recreational fishery, the 2000 quota (4.7 
million lb (2.03 million kg)) would be caught on July 29, 2000; 
consequently, the fishery would be closed at 12:01 am on July 30, 2000.
    The recreational fishery has exceeded its quota each year since 
1997. This interim rule is intended to address this problem and to 
reduce the excess fishing mortality. Compatible state closures are 
essential for Federal closures to be effective. During 1999, the 
recreational red snapper fishery in most Gulf states' waters remained 
open for at least 3 months after the Federal closure. Under current 
regulations, the recreational fishery in the EEZ would be open from 
January 1 to July 30, 2000. NMFS expects that the Gulf states would 
also open their fisheries on January 1, but they would not implement 
compatible closures and would not close state waters until at least 
October 31, as occurred during 1999. Thus, the harvest of red snapper 
in state waters would continue after the Federal closure. Furthermore, 
the lack of compatible regulations impedes enforcement of Federal 
regulations, results in reduced compliance, and increases overfishing. 
NMFS expects that four of the five Gulf states will implement rules 
compatible with this interim rule in 2000. By allowing the recreational 
fishery to be open during the time of greatest demand, compliance with 
regulations will be improved, thus, reducing overfishing. The change in 
the commercial season should reduce the rate of harvest and the 
probability of exceeding the commercial quota.

Recreational Season

    The Council, in its proposed regulatory amendment for 1999 red 
snapper measures, recommended a delay in the opening of the 
recreational fishery from January 1 until March 1. The Council 
recommended this delay to extend the fishing season into the fall. 
However, analyses indicated that with a March 1 start, the fishery 
would close on July 30. Instead of extending the season into the fall, 
there would be a net loss of fishing days for the year. NMFS 
disapproved this measure because it would violate Magnuson-Stevens Act 
national standard 4, which requires that allocation of fishing 
privileges be fair and equitable. Public comments on the proposed rule 
for the 1999 regulatory amendment opposed the delay in the season 
opening; however, public testimony presented to the Council indicated 
substantial support for the delay if the season could be extended into 
the fall. NMFS recognizes that there will be considerable opposition to 
any closure of the red snapper recreational fishery regardless of the 
season closed.
    Following disapproval of this measure, the stakeholders at the 
September 27, 1999, conference recommended a red snapper recreational 
season from March 1 to October 31. The Council attempted, to the extent 
possible, to implement the stakeholders' recommendations; however, 
based on the best available scientific information, the harvest from a 
March 1 to October 31 season would exceed the current recreational 
quota. The stakeholders' recommendations and testimony presented to the 
Council indicate that a season from April 21 to October 31 offers the 
greatest benefits to Gulf anglers and, based upon the best available 
scientific information, is compatible with the recreational quota. A 
group of south Texas anglers, who participated in the stakeholders 
conference, submitted a minority opinion requesting a year-round 
fishery with a 4-fish bag limit and a 13-inch (33.0-cm) minimum size 
limit. However, the harvest from a year-round fishery, if implemented, 
would greatly exceed the quota and jeopardize the recovery of the 
stock. Therefore, the Council recommended a shorter season as close to 
the stakeholders' recommendation as possible.
    The stakeholders discussed the request for a winter fishery from 
some south Texas anglers, but neither the stakeholders nor the south 
Texas minority report recommended a winter fishery. At the November 
Council meeting, the Council considered adding a January-February 
opening with a reduced bag limit to allow a winter fishery in response 
to requests from Texas representatives. The Council concluded that 
there was no way to do so without substantially shortening the prime 
April to October season and, thus, increasing the likelihood that 
illegal fishing during the closed season would occur, resulting in 
overfishing of the recreational quota. Furthermore, it is unlikely that 
other Gulf states, including Texas, would enact the compatible closures 
required to accommodate a winter fishery; consequently, the EEZ would 
be closed without compatible state closures thereby resulting in 
overfishing.
    The interim rule provides Texas anglers, as well as anglers in 
other states, the opportunity to fish during the months of greatest 
historical demand. During 1996, the last year that the red snapper 
fishery was open year round, Texas monthly landings during May-October 
exceeded those of any other months. Analyses based on recent years 
(1995-1998) show that during January-March, monthly landings in Texas 
average 96,000 pounds (43,545 kg), substantially less than during 
August-October when monthly landings average 137,000 pounds (62,142 
kg). Furthermore, the interim rule will provide economic benefits to 
the Texas for-hire industry by allowing the industry to operate during 
the months of greatest demand. Texas headboat trips during January-
March average 5,000 trips per month as opposed to 8,000 trips per month 
during August-October. Texas charter boat trips show a similar trend, 
with an average of 1,200 trips per month during January-March and 2,000 
trips per month during August-October. The March 1 opening previously

[[Page 71058]]

disapproved by NMFS would not have provided these benefits since the 
season would have closed on July 30 and would not have been extended 
into the fall.

Recreational Size Limit

    The increase in the recreational minimum size limit from 15 inches 
(38.1 cm) to 16 inches (40.6 cm) is an essential component of the 
modified recreational fishing season. It will reduce the harvest rate 
and, in combination with the bag limit and closed seasons, will help 
ensure that the recreational quota is not exceeded and reduce 
overfishing. NMFS projections indicate that the reduction in catch 
rates from the increased size limit would allow the season to be 
extended by approximately 3 weeks without a significant increase in 
harvest. Increasing the minimum size limit constrains harvest rates by 
increasing the proportion of anglers who are unable to catch their bag 
limit. The NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center has determined that 
the measures contained in this interim rule, including any additional 
release mortality associated with the increase in the minimum size 
limit, will not jeopardize the long-term recovery of the stock. The 
extension of the fishing season will provide economic benefits to the 
recreational fishery and the Gulf tourism industry. The stakeholders 
recommended 16 inches (40.6 cm) as the largest minimum size acceptable 
to the recreational fishery.
    The Council did not propose a corresponding increase in the 
existing commercial size limit of 15 inches (38.1 cm). The Council 
justified the discrepancy between the two size limits based on the 
different release mortality rates in the two fisheries and the need to 
extend the recreational season by increasing the minimum size limit. 
Commercial fishers fish in deeper water than recreational fishers and 
use electric reels, which bring fish to the surface more quickly than 
recreational fishers; consequently, the mortality rate of fish released 
in the commercial fishery (33 percent) is greater than that in the 
recreational fishery (20 percent). The best available scientific 
information suggests that few conservation benefits are provided by 
increases in the minimum size limit at release mortality rates of 33 
percent or greater.

Recreational Bag Limit

    Reinstating the 4-fish bag limit for captain and crew of for-hire 
vessels relieves a restriction on that sector of the fishery. The final 
rule for the 1999 red snapper regulatory amendment (64 FR 47711, 
September 1, 1999) implemented the existing 0-fish bag limit for 
captain and crew. The for-hire industry has vigorously opposed this 
measure. NMFS expects that none of the Gulf states will enact a 
compatible 0-fish bag limit measure, and, thus, enforcement of the 
measure would be difficult. If compliance with the measure is minimal, 
the harvest rate upon which the corresponding extension of the season 
is based will not be reduced and overfishing will occur. Restoring the 
captain-and-crew bag limit will encourage cooperation and voluntary 
compliance by the for-hire sector, which accounts for the greatest 
portion of the recreational harvest. By restoring the captain-and-crew 
bag limit, the projected fishery closure date will be based on an 
assumed catch rate reduction that will, in fact, be realized because of 
compatible state regulations. In addition, the measure will encourage 
cooperation and voluntary compliance by the for-hire sector, which 
accounts for the greatest portion of the recreational harvest, and, 
thereby, reduce overfishing.
    NMFS approved the 0-fish bag limit for captain-and-crew last season 
because it extended the recreational season without a corresponding 
increase in harvest. Subsequent public comment and the recommendations 
of the stakeholders indicate that participants in the fishery are 
willing to sacrifice fishing days to reinstate the bag limit for 
captain and crew. Thus, NMFS has reinstated the 4-fish bag limit for 
the for-hire sector and delayed the starting date of the recreational 
season from April 15 (as requested by the Council) to April 21 to 
prevent a corresponding increase in harvest.

Spring Commercial Season

    Reducing the openings of the spring commercial fishery from 15 days 
per month to 10 days per month will slow the harvest rate and reduce 
the probability of exceeding the commercial quota and overfishing. The 
shorter season will allow additional time between 10-day fishing 
periods to evaluate landings and, thus, reduce the probability of 
exceeding the commercial quota. This measure also will reduce confusion 
among fishers by providing consistent spring and fall fishing periods 
and, thus, increase compliance. Projections by the Council's 
Socioeconomic Panel and the experience of the 10-day openings (9 
fishing days) during the 1999 fall season suggest that the reduced 
harvest rate also will help maintain price stability. This action 
should allow commercial red snapper fishermen to generate more revenue 
with the same amount of catch, which should help reduce the incentive 
to pursue a derby fishery that would likely result in a quota overrun.
    The NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center (Center) has determined 
that this interim rule is based on the best available scientific 
information and will not jeopardize the long-term recovery of the 
stock. The Center concluded that the interim measures would address 
overfishing of red snapper and are consistent with the FMP and the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act. The Center also emphasized the uncertainty 
associated with projections of catch rates in the recreational fishery 
and certified that the recreational quota is within the margin of error 
of the harvest projected under the measures contained in this interim 
rule.
    NMFS finds that this interim rule is necessary to reduce 
overfishing of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. NMFS issues this 
interim rule, effective for not more than 180 days, as authorized by 
section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This interim rule may be 
extended for an additional 180 days, provided that the public has had 
an opportunity to comment on the interim rule and provided that the 
Council is actively preparing proposed regulations to address this 
overfishing on a permanent basis. Public comments on this interim rule 
are invited and will be considered in determining whether to maintain 
or extend this rule to address overfishing of red snapper. The Council 
is preparing a regulatory amendment under the FMP framework procedure 
to address, on a permanent basis, red snapper overfishing issues that 
are the subject of this rule.

Classification

    The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), has 
determined that this interim rule is necessary to reduce overfishing of 
red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico and is consistent with the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and other applicable laws.
    This interim rule has been determined to be significant for 
purposes of E.O. 12866.
    This rule was submitted to the states of Florida, Alabama, 
Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas for review under section 307(c) of 
the Coastal Zone Management Act, with a request for an alternative 
notification schedule and expedited review (15 CFR 930.34(b)). All of 
the reviewing states agreed to the expedited schedule, and all states 
except Texas either concurred with NMFS' determination of consistency 
with their approved coastal management programs (CMPs) or found

[[Page 71059]]

the matter not subject to consistency review. The Texas Coastal 
Coordination Council (TCCC) determined the interim rule to be 
inconsistent with Texas' CMP based on its belief that the rule 
conflicts with the goals of 31 TAC 501.12(2) and (8). Paragraphs (2) 
and (8) of 31 TAC 501.12 are similar to National Standards for Fishery 
Conservation and Management Two and Eight of the Magnuson-Stevens Act 
(16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(2) and (8)). The TCCC also believed the rule to be 
inconsistent with Magnuson-Stevens Act National Standards Two, Four, 
Six, Eight, and Ten. The TCCC urged special regulations for the red 
snapper fishery off Texas, without suggesting any specifics.
    NMFS disagrees with the TCCC, and responded by letter dated 
December 14, 1999, that, to the maximum extent practicable with the 
requirements of Magnuson-Stevens Act National Standards One, Two, 
Three, Four, Six, Eight, and Ten (16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(1), (2), (3), (4), 
(6), (8), and (10)), the interim rule is consistent with Texas' CMP. 
While the Council plans to examine the issue of separate management 
measures for the waters off the coast of Texas, the present 
administrative record does not support the existence of a separate red 
snapper fishery there.
    National Standard Two (16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(2)) requires that 
management measures be based on the best scientific information 
available. National Standard Three (16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(3)) requires that 
a stock of fish be managed as a unit throughout its range. The stock of 
Gulf of Mexico red snapper ranges throughout the Gulf of Mexico, with 
no separate stock as yet scientifically identified off the Texas coast. 
National Standard Four (16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(4)) prohibits discrimination 
between residents of different states and requires, inter alia, that 
the allocation of fishing privileges among United States fishermen be 
fair and equitable. The measures in this interim rule, particularly the 
recreational fishing season, are consistent with longstanding 
historical fishing practices of all participants in the Gulf of Mexico 
red snapper fishery, including Texas fishermen.
    With respect to National Standard Eight (16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(8)), the 
interim rule preserves recreational fishing opportunities for Texas 
fishing communities during the months of greatest historical demand. In 
addition, opening the recreational fishery during winter months is not 
practicable since it would result in an earlier fishery closure and 
decrease the likelihood of compatible regulations among most Gulf 
coastal States, which, in turn, would increase the likelihood of 
recreational quota overruns and overfishing, which is prohibited by 
National Standard One (16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(1)). Similarly, the rule 
preserves commercial fishing opportunities as well. With respect to 
National Standard Ten (16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(10)), the interim rule is not 
likely to affect safety at sea adversely since the commercial 10-day 
monthly seasons will actually reduce the incentive for a derby fishery.
    National Standard Six (16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(6)) requires consideration 
of, and allowance for, variations and contingencies in fisheries, 
fishery resources and catches. TCCC believes that there is a higher 
release mortality rate for red snapper in the deeper waters of the 
western Gulf of Mexico and that NMFS has not taken this into 
consideration. NMFS used a release mortality rate of 20 percent for the 
recreational fishery based upon the best scientific information 
available, as required by National Standard Two. The administrative 
record does not contain sufficient documentation of, or scientific 
bases for, using higher release mortality rates.
    Because prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not 
required to be provided for this rule by 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, 
the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 
601 et seq., are inapplicable.
    NMFS prepared an economic analysis of the expected regulatory 
impacts of the interim rule. NMFS analyzed commercial fishing derbies 
during the last decade to determine the probable economic consequences 
of commercial spring and fall seasons consisting of a series of 10-day 
mini-derbies during the year 2000. NMFS concluded that a series of 10-
day commercial derbies conducted under a 9.12 million-lb (4.14 million-
kg) TAC could measurably increase the average total and net revenues 
for the year compared to 15-day openings. Shorter mini-seasons during 
1998-99 reduced landings per month, supported higher ex-vessel prices, 
and extended domestic supplies. The expected economic consequences for 
the recreational sectors are less definite because of uncertainties 
regarding the recreational catch that may be realized versus 
recreational catches that can be forecast with available data.
    If the changes in the recreational fishery regulations, which 
include an April 21 to October 31 season and an increase in the size 
limit to 16 inches (40.6 cm), result in catches that are no greater 
than the recreational quota, then NMFS expects an increase in net 
benefits for all portions of the recreational fishery in aggregate. 
However, if the realized catches exceed the quota, then longer-term 
benefits will be reduced because stock recovery will be slowed by an 
indeterminate amount. In theory, if the management measures in this 
interim rule are very different from the management measures preferred 
by the Gulf states, it is unlikely that the Gulf states will adopt 
compatible regulations. Under incompatible Federal and state 
regulations, harvests will probably continue in state waters after 
Federal closures. These harvests will impede stock rebuilding efforts. 
Under the existing management scheme, for example, harvests during the 
Federal closures could exceed 600,000 lb (272,155 kg) during a fishing 
year. The Gulf states are more likely to adopt any scenario 
approximating the Council's requested season of April 15-October 31, 
thus reducing the negative effects of incompatible Federal and state 
rules.
    Copies of the economic analysis are available upon request (see 
ADDRESSES).
    This interim rule addresses overfishing. In the past, the lack of 
compatible management of the red snapper fishery by most Gulf states 
resulted in continued fishing in state waters after Federal waters were 
closed. This contributed to quota overruns and overfishing. NMFS 
anticipates that four of the five Gulf states will adopt measures 
compatible with the measures of this interim rule. This will enhance 
the effectiveness of the closed seasons and will significantly reduce 
the probability of overfishing. The increase in the recreational 
minimum size limit will reduce the harvest rate and, in combination 
with the bag limit and closed seasons, will help ensure that the 
recreational quota is not exceeded and that overfishing does not occur. 
Reducing the openings of the commercial fishery from 15 days per month 
to 10 days per month will slow the harvest rate and reduce the 
probability of exceeding the commercial quota and overfishing. 
Reinstating the 4-fish bag limit for captain and crew of for-hire 
vessels relieves a restriction on that sector of the fishery. The 
Council provided public notification in the Federal Register on October 
25, 1999, of the red snapper issues that would be considered at its 
November 8-12, 1999, Council meeting and afforded the public the 
opportunity at that meeting to comment on the measures contained in 
this interim rule. Delaying action to reduce overfishing in the red 
snapper fishery of the Gulf of Mexico to provide further notice and an 
opportunity for

[[Page 71060]]

public comment would increase the likelihood of a loss of long-term 
productivity from the fishery and increase the probable need for more 
severe restrictions in the future. Accordingly, under authority set 
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the AA finds, for good cause, namely the 
reasons set forth above, that providing prior notice and the 
opportunity for prior public comment would be contrary to the public 
interest.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the AA finds for good cause that a 30-day 
delay in the effective date of Sec. 622.34(n) would be contrary to the 
public interest. Section 622.34(n) delays the opening of the 
recreational fishing season from January 1 until April 21 to allow the 
limited quota to be harvested during the peak recreational fishing 
season. If Sec. 622.34(n) is not effective on January 1, 2000, the 
recreational fishery would begin on January 1, and NMFS would have to 
compensate for any landings between January 1 and the effective date of 
Sec. 622.34(n) by shortening the proposed April 21-October 31 season 
preferred by a majority of the recreational sector. Accordingly, 
Sec. 622.34(n) is being made effective January 1, 2000, thereby 
providing the maximum delayed effectiveness, 12 days, consistent with 
achieving the objectives of this rule.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622

    Fisheries, Fishing, Puerto Rico, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Virgin Islands.

    Dated: December 15, 1999.
Penelope D. Dalton,
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is amended 
as follows:

PART 622--FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC

    1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    2. In Sec. 622.34, paragraph (l) is suspended, and paragraphs (m) 
and (n) are added to read as follows:




Sec. 622.34  Gulf EEZ seasonal and/or area closures.

* * * * *
    (m) Closures of the commercial fishery for red snapper. The 
commercial fishery for red snapper in or from the Gulf EEZ is closed 
from January 1 to noon on February 1 and thereafter from noon on the 
10th of each month to noon on the first of each succeeding month until 
the quota specified in Sec. 622.42(a)(1)(i)(A) is reached or until noon 
on September 1, whichever occurs first. From September 1 to December 1, 
the commercial fishery for red snapper in or from the Gulf EEZ is 
closed from noon on the 10th of each month to noon on the first of each 
succeeding month until the quota specified in Sec. 622.42(a)(1)(i)(B) 
is reached or until the end of the fishing year, whichever occurs 
first. All times are local times. During these closed periods, the 
possession of red snapper in or from the Gulf EEZ and in the Gulf on 
board a vessel for which a commercial permit for Gulf reef fish has 
been issued, as required under Sec. 622.4(a)(2)(v), without regard to 
where such red snapper were harvested, is limited to the bag and 
possession limits, as specified in Sec. 622.39(b)(1)(viii) and (b)(2), 
respectively, and such red snapper are subject to the prohibition on 
sale or purchase of red snapper possessed under the bag limit, as 
specified in Sec. 622.45(c)(1). However, when the recreational quota 
for red snapper has been reached and the bag and possession limits have 
been reduced to zero, such possession is limited to zero during a 
closed period.
    (n) Closures of the recreational fishery for red snapper. The 
recreational fishery for red snapper in or from the Gulf EEZ is closed 
from January 1, 2000, to April 21, 2000, and from November 1, 2000, 
through December 31, 2000. During a closure, the bag and possession 
limit for red snapper in or from the Gulf EEZ is zero.
    3. In Sec. 622.37, paragraph (d)(1)(iv) is suspended and paragraph 
(d)(1)(vi) is added to read as follows:


Sec. 622.37  Size limits.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (vi) Red snapper-16 inches (40.6 cm), TL, for a fish taken by a 
person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.39(b)(1)(viii) 
and 15 inches (38.1 cm), TL, for a fish taken by a person not subject 
to the bag limit.
* * * * *
    4. In Sec. 622.39, paragraphs (b)(1)(iii) and (b)(1)(v) are 
suspended and paragraphs (b)(1)(viii) and (b)(1)(ix) are added to read 
as follows:


Sec. 622.39  Bag and possession limits.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (viii) Red snapper-4.
    (ix) Gulf reef fish, combined, excluding those specified in 
paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (b)(1)(ii), and (b)(1)(iv) and in (b)(1)(vi) 
through (b)(1)(viii) of this section and excluding dwarf sand perch and 
sand perch--20.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 99-32874 Filed 12-15-99; 4:01 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F