Lane Snapper, sometimes known as 'Mexican Snapper' or 'Spot Snapper', is a popular catch for local anglers. NOAA Fisheries has announced the closure of commercial and recreational harvest of lane snapper in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico effective November 26, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. local time. This measure, which will remain in place through the end of the year, aims to prevent overfishing after projections indicated the annual catch limit of 1,088,873 pounds has been met. The harvest of lane snapper will resume on January 1, 2025.

What/When:

• Commercial and recreational harvest of lane snapper in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 26, 2024.
• Commercial and recreational harvest will reopen at 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2025.

Why This Closure is Happening:

• The 2024 lane snapper stock annual catch limit is 1,088,873 pounds whole weight.
• Based on preliminary landings, the 2024 stock annual catch limit is projected to be met.
• In accordance with the regulations at 50 C.F.R. § 622.41(k), if the sum of commercial and recreational landings reaches or is projected to reach the stock annual catch limit, NOAA Fisheries must close the recreational and commercial sectors for the remainder of that fishing year.
• This closure is needed to prevent overfishing of lane snapper (annual catch rate is too high).

During the Closure:

• No recreational or commercial fisherman may fish for or keep lane snapper.
• During the commercial and recreational closure, the bag and possession limits are zero for lane snapper in or from federal waters of the Gulf.
• The prohibition on possession of Gulf lane snapper also applies in Gulf state waters for a vessel issued a valid federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish.
• Sale or purchase of any harvested lane snapper in or from federal waters is prohibited.
• The prohibition on sale or purchase does not apply to lane snapper that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold before 12:01 a.m., (local time) November 26, 2024.