Although there may not be significant genetic variation between red snapper in the northern Gulf of Mexico and the southern Gulf of Mexico, it is thought they are unlikely to be part of the same population (Gold and Richardson L. 1998)(SEDAR 2013). In the northern region of the Gulf of Mexico, species are assessed as two separate units: east and west of the Mississippi river, based on genetic, otolith and oceanographic results that suggest the existence of a metapopulation (SEDAR 2018). However, management measures including reference points, quotas, and indications of stock health, are for both sub-units combined. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) has been strongly considering regional management of the species. The profile may be split into separate units when the new benchmark assessment is completed. Until that occurs, this profile represents the Northern Gulf of Mexico Management assessment unit.