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This framework action considers updates to the recreational for-hire (charter and headboat) red snapper fishery component in the Gulf. The Gulf Council is developing this framework action to consider changing the season opening date from June 1 to a date earlier in May, with the intent of allowing harvest at a time when fishermen are fishing but have few species to target (mid-to-late May) instead of a time fishing effort and harvest are low. The need for this framework action is to allow the federal for-hire component more opportunity to harvest red snapper at a level consistent with achieving optimum yield for the recreational sector in the long-term while preventing overfishing on an annual basis, and while rebuilding the red snapper stock. The specification of designated fishing seasons is consistent with the authority in section 303(b)(3)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). The National Marine Fisheries Service would issue this proposed rule consistent with the authority in Magnuson-Stevens Act section 304(b).