The Magnuson‐Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) requires NOAA Fisheries Service to close recreational red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico when the quota is reached. The quota in 2009 was set at 2.45 million pounds whole weight (mp ww). Projections prior to the fishing season indicated the quota would be met on August 15, 2009, allowing for a 75‐day fishing season. However, due to higher than expected catches and an increase in the average size of red snapper caught, landings exceeded the quota by more than 2.1 mp ww.

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