Individual Fishing Quota Programs for Red Snapper (2004) and Grouper/Tilefish (2010) In the Gulf of Mexico

Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) programs were recently established for the commercial fishing sector of the Gulf of Mexico for red snapper and grouper/tilefish fisheries. Red snapper stocks were determined to be depleted and were being fished unsustainably since the late 1980’s. Overcapitalization of the grouper/tilefish fishery had caused “derby-like” fishing conditions that led to excessive regulation and a lack of profitability for fishermen. In 2004, an IFQ program for red snapper was established after a majority of eligible fishermen voted to support a commercial catch share program. The result is that ex-vessel prices for red snapper have steadily increased and bycatch of undersized red snapper has been reduced. Concurrent with the establishment of the IFQ program has been a reduction in the number of participants in the commercial red snapper fishery. A five-year review being conducted indicates that commercial participants, with shares in the program, are enthusiastic about the program. Non-participants, especially those from the recreational sector, are not enthusiastic about the program. The grouper/tilefish IFQ program was established more recently, in January 2010, through a referendum of the majority of permit holders. Of the 273 eligible fishermen who voted, 81% were initially in favor of the program. Shares were distributed based on average annual landings from log books associated with reef fish permits. The purpose of this second IFQ program was to rationalize effort and to reduce overcapacity to achieve and maintain optimum yield in this multi-species fishery. Provisions of the program allow permit consolidation (also known as “permit stacking”). This allows owners of multiple commercial vessel permits to consolidate their permits into one permit. This provision should reduce the number of permits and facilitate permit renewals. Data are just now becoming available to be able to assess the effectiveness of both programs.