The Council took final action to modify Spanish mackerel catch limits and accountability measures. The Council decided to reduce catch limits based on results of the most recent stock assessment and resulting advice from the Scientific and Statistical Committee. The newly recommended stock annual catch limit will be 9,630,000 pounds landed weight though 2028. The Council also chose to modify the accountability measure by only allowing the Regional Administrator closure authority for commercial and recreational fishing if the stock annual catch limit was exceeded in the previous fishing year. This Framework Action will be transmitted to the secretary of Commerce for consideration and implementation as soon as practicable.

About The Gulf Council

The Gulf Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of America.