A ‘one size fits all’ approach to fisheries management does not work. Not all fishermen are alike so different regulations are used for different types of fishermen. Although most fishermen share the same ultimate goals (more fish and more flexibility to fish) there are major differences between how and why commercial and recreational fishermen catch…
DetailsThe Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will meet in Tampa, Florida on June 18th -21st. The meeting is open to the public, so check out the committee agenda and the full Council agenda to see what might interest you. We also encourage you to take advantage of a couple of opportunities for public participation…
DetailsPhoto: Mike Miglini Rig Removal – Essential Fish Habitat Artificial reefs and their link to the Gulf fisheries has been a hot topic for the past few years. Scientists debate whether artificial reefs increase fish populations by expanding habitat opportunity or simply attract fish from other, less desirable habitat. It’s been difficult to determine…
DetailsGrouper Photo: Tim Sheerman If you fish for grouper recreationally or commercially, you might want to pay attention to a couple of things the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering. The Gulf Council is gearing up to discuss the 2013 recreational gag fishing season. This year, the federal gag season is open…
DetailsGray Triggerfish How to measure the 14″ fork length minimum size limit The latest gray triggerfish stock assessment concluded that the stock is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. The Gulf Council has just asked that an interim rule be put into place to temporarily reduce overfishing until long-term management measures can be developed. The interim…
DetailsGreater Amberjack The Council took final action on Amendment 35 to the Reef Fish Management Plan. This amendment, if approved and implemented by NOAA Fisheries, will: Photo: Walter Stone • Set the Annual Catch Limit at 1,780,000 pounds and the Annual Catch Target at 1,539,000 pounds. • Retain the recreational 30’’ minimum size limit…
DetailsAhoy, Next week’s Council meeting in Corpus Christi, Texas will cover a number of topics that might be of interest. This diagram should help you figure out in what stage of the process each issue is. And, check out this video for a full explanation of the process. I will be posting live updates on…
DetailsPrior to 1997 the recreational red snapper season was open year round. Catch levels were Photo: Scott Hickman controlled through minimum size limits and bag limits. The Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996 required the establishment of quotas for recreational red snapper fishing and commercial fishing that, when reached prohibits the retention of fish for the…
DetailsAhoy, The Council met last week in Mobile, Alabama. The following is a brief description of what came out of that meeting. Just a reminder; any final action taken by the Council must be approved by NOAA Fisheries before it is implemented. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly at:…
DetailsAhoy, The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is scheduled to meet at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, Alabama from January 30th – February 3rd. If you can make it to the meeting I strongly suggest you come on Tuesday night attend the informal question and answer session hosted by Dr. Roy…
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