Ahoy, We’re gearing up for another Council meeting that’s taking place next week (October 29 – November 1) at the Marriott Courtyard in Gulfport, Mississippi. If you’re interested in what we plan to discuss you can find the schedule here, and all the briefing materials can be found here. As always, Dr. Roy Crabtree,…
DetailsPhoto: Troy Frady We’ve been working on developing some different grouper management options and we’d like you to let us know which of the possible options suit you best, and why. First, we’re reconsidering the recreational 2013 gag season and bag limit. We are not reducing the amount of gag that can be harvested,…
DetailsWhat is Sector Allocation? Photo: Doug Gregory Sector allocation considers setting allocations for gag, red grouper, black grouper, and red snapper. While allocation has traditionally been set between commercial and recreational sectors, this document considers sub-dividing the recreational allocation into private, for-hire, and possibly headboat sectors. How far along is the Council in making decisions?…
DetailsIt’s that time again… The Gulf Council is gearing up to meet next week – August 20th– 23rd – in New Orleans, Louisiana to work on a number of different fishery management issues. Check out the committee schedule and the full Council schedule to see when Council plans to discuss issues that are important…
DetailsThis week, the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils are hosting public hearings on an amendment that considers making changes to the current seafood dealer reporting requirements. The Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils want to improve the accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of data that is reported by seafood dealers…
DetailsPhoto: Capt. Hickman The Council is working on an amendment that considers changing: 1. The accountability measure that shortens the entire shallow-water grouper season if the gag or red grouper Annual Catch Limit is exceeded. 2. The range of accountability measures that can be implemented within the Reef Fish Fishery Management…
DetailsA ‘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…
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