The Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices Act of 2020 (DESCEND Act) was signed on January 12, 2021.  Effective January 13, 2022, it added a new section 321 to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), which requires commercial and recreational fishermen to possess a venting tool or descending device that is rigged and ready for use when fishing for reef fish in federal waters of the Gulf of America (Gulf).  This requirement from the Act expires on January 13, 2026. If approved, the action would replace the expired statutory mandate under the DESCEND Act with a regulatory requirement under the Magnuson-Stevens Act for possession of venting tools or descending devices. The Gulf Council is developing this proposed action in response to substantial public input that the device requirements are beneficial to the reef fish stocks.  The Council document will be available for its November meeting.  The specification of gear requirements is consistent with the authority in section 303(b)(4) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act; requiring the use of specified types of fishing gear or equipment.  The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will implement the rulemaking consistent with the authority in section 304(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.