On April 10, 2015, NOAA Fisheries approved Amendment 40 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources (Amendment 40) of the Gulf of Mexico submitted by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). A final rule published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2015 (80 FR 22422), with an effective date of May 22, 2015.
Amendment 40 was approved by the Council to help stabilize the federal for-hire component of the recreational sector fishing for red snapper, provide the basis for increased flexibility in future management of recreational fishing for red snapper, and reduce the chance for recreational quota overruns, which could jeopardize the rebuilding of the red snapper stock.
Amendment 40 establishes two components within the recreational sector that fishes for red snapper.
Amendment 40 components:
A federal for-hire component, which is comprised of all for-hire operators with a valid or renewable federal reef fish charter vessel/headboat permit.
A private angling component, which is comprised of private recreational anglers and other for-hire operators who do not have a federal reef fish charter vessel/headboat permit.
The rule also establishes component sub-quotas and annual catch targets using Amendment 40's allocation of 42.3 percent to the federal for-hire component and 57.7 percent to the private angling component.
The component seasons will start on June 1 and end when the individual component's annual catch target is projected to be caught. A 20 percent buffer is applied to the recreational quota to obtain the annual catch target, which is then allocated between components. Season lengths are anticipated to be announced in late April or early May in a final rule setting the 2015-2017 commercial and recreational quotas.
Amendment 40 management measures will end after three years unless the Council takes additional action. The Council is presently evaluating other measures to manage the recreational sector including regional management.
Electronic copies of the amendment and final rule may be obtained from the NOAA Fisheries Web site: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Showing posts with label red snapper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label red snapper. Show all posts
Friday, May 1, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Recreational Accountability Measures
NOAA Fisheries recently announced a final rule that adds two long-term recreational accountability measures for red snapper. Accountability measures reduce the chances the harvest will exceed the quota, and if the quota is exceeded, take corrective action. The final rule will be effective April 20, 2015.
The first accountability measure establishes a recreational annual catch target. The annual catch target is 20 percent less than the recreational quota. Projected recreational seasons will be based on the annual catch target rather than the quota. This measure is expected to reduce the probability of exceeding the quota in any given year from 50 percent to 15 percent.
The second accountability measure is an overage adjustment that is only applied when the red snapper population is considered overfished (the population is too low). In the event the recreational quota is exceeded, the recreational quota will be reduced in the year following the overage by the amount of the overage.
The quota reduction could be modified if the best scientific information available determines that a different amount is necessary. Under this measure, the recreational annual catch target would be set at 20 percent below the adjusted quota.
The final rule has been published in the Federal Register. Copies of the final rule are available by contacting NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Regional Office at 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 or by downloading it off the Southeast Regional Office's Web site for reef fish at:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2014/rs_am_framework/index.html
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
The first accountability measure establishes a recreational annual catch target. The annual catch target is 20 percent less than the recreational quota. Projected recreational seasons will be based on the annual catch target rather than the quota. This measure is expected to reduce the probability of exceeding the quota in any given year from 50 percent to 15 percent.
The second accountability measure is an overage adjustment that is only applied when the red snapper population is considered overfished (the population is too low). In the event the recreational quota is exceeded, the recreational quota will be reduced in the year following the overage by the amount of the overage.
The quota reduction could be modified if the best scientific information available determines that a different amount is necessary. Under this measure, the recreational annual catch target would be set at 20 percent below the adjusted quota.
The final rule has been published in the Federal Register. Copies of the final rule are available by contacting NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Regional Office at 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 or by downloading it off the Southeast Regional Office's Web site for reef fish at:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2014/rs_am_framework/index.html
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Quotas (Recreational)
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) met recently via webinar to review recommendations made by its scientific advisors regarding the red snapper quotas for 2015 and beyond.
If approved by the Department of Commerce, the action will increase the 2015 total quota by 3.3 million pounds (mp), resulting in a commercial quota of 7.26 million pounds, and a recreational quota of 7.04 million pounds. The total recreational annual catch target will be 5.632 million pounds.
Recreational red snapper quotas (by year):
2015 7.04 mp
2016 6.84 mp
2017+ 6.73 mp
The 2017 quota will remain in effect until changed by the Council.
NOAA Fisheries is expected to determine and announce the 2015 Gulf of Mexico red snapper season in the coming weeks.
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
If approved by the Department of Commerce, the action will increase the 2015 total quota by 3.3 million pounds (mp), resulting in a commercial quota of 7.26 million pounds, and a recreational quota of 7.04 million pounds. The total recreational annual catch target will be 5.632 million pounds.
Recreational red snapper quotas (by year):
2015 7.04 mp
2016 6.84 mp
2017+ 6.73 mp
The 2017 quota will remain in effect until changed by the Council.
NOAA Fisheries is expected to determine and announce the 2015 Gulf of Mexico red snapper season in the coming weeks.
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Monday, June 9, 2014
2014 Recreational Red Snapper Fishing Seasons (South Atlantic Federal Waters)
After considerable anticipation from anglers, NOAA Fisheries recently announced the opening of the 2014 recreational red snapper fishing seasons in South Atlantic federal waters.
The recreational 2014 catch limit is set at 22,576 fish.
The 2014 South Atlantic red snapper recreational fishing season will consist of the following days:
July 11, 12, 13 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
July 18, 19, 20 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
July 25, 25 (Friday, Saturday)
During the open recreational season, the bag limit is one fish per person per day and there is no minimum size limit for red snapper.
NOAA Fisheries may change commercial and recreational season dates if tropical storm or hurricane conditions exist, or are projected to exist, in the South Atlantic. If severe weather conditions exist, NOAA Fisheries will announce via NOAA Weather Radio and a Fishery Bulletin any change in the red snapper fishing seasons.
Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register.
For additional information regarding the South Atlantic red snapper annual catch limits and recreational length projection report, visit the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office website at www.safmc.net.
source: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
The recreational 2014 catch limit is set at 22,576 fish.
The 2014 South Atlantic red snapper recreational fishing season will consist of the following days:
July 11, 12, 13 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
July 18, 19, 20 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
July 25, 25 (Friday, Saturday)
During the open recreational season, the bag limit is one fish per person per day and there is no minimum size limit for red snapper.
NOAA Fisheries may change commercial and recreational season dates if tropical storm or hurricane conditions exist, or are projected to exist, in the South Atlantic. If severe weather conditions exist, NOAA Fisheries will announce via NOAA Weather Radio and a Fishery Bulletin any change in the red snapper fishing seasons.
Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register.
For additional information regarding the South Atlantic red snapper annual catch limits and recreational length projection report, visit the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office website at www.safmc.net.
source: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
Monday, February 17, 2014
New Gulf Red Snapper Regulations Considered
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met in Houston, Texas, February 3 - 6, 2014, to discuss a number of fishery issues, including several related to the management of red snapper.
Actions taken by the Council include:
Regional Management of Recreational Red Snapper
The Council continued its discussions regarding Reef Fish Amendment 39 - Regional Management of Recreational Red Snapper. Further work on Amendment 39 - Regional Management is postponed until progress is made on how to allocate the quota among the regions.
Regional management considers dividing the federal recreational red snapper quota among states or regions potentially giving them authority to set their own management measures. States/regions would have more flexibility in choosing season and bag limits, but this would not necessarily result in more fishing days.
Under a regional management system red snapper would remain a federally managed species subject to federal conservation goals, and the Council would continue to oversee management of the stock.
Red Snapper - Slot Limits
In the interest of extending the recreational red snapper fishing season the Council directed staff to develop a framework action for red snapper slot limits in the recreational fishery. The document will consider a range of size limits, as well as options for keeping one trophy fish.
Red Snapper Allocation - Amendment 28
The Council discussed Reef Fish Amendment 28 - Red Snapper Allocation and chose Alternative 5 as its preferred alternative. Alternative 5 maintains the commercial/recreational red snapper allocations at 51%/49% if the red snapper quota is less than or equal to 9.12 million pounds (mp). It the quota is greater than 9.12 mp, then 75% of the amount in excess of 9.12 mp would go to the recreational sector and 25% would go to the commercial sector. Based on the current total quota of 11 mp, this would result in 5.121 mp for the commercial sector and 5.879 mp for the recreational sector.
The Council also added a new alternative, Alternative 7, that would allocate 75% of red snapper quota amounts in excess of 10 mp to the recreational sector and 25% to the commercial sector.
Public hearings on Amendment 28 will be held around the Gulf coast in March. A separate webinar will also be scheduled for those who are unable to participate in person. Dates and locations will be announced. The Council is planning a one-day meeting in May, during which they will hold a final public hearing in the northern Gulf and take final action on Amendment 28.
The purpose of Amendment 28 is to allocate red snapper resources between the commercial and recreational sectors to increase the net benefits from red snapper fishing and improve the stability of the red snapper component of the reef fish fishery, particularly for the recreational sector.
Reef Fish Amendment 40 - Sector Separation
Staff presented a draft options paper for Amendment 40 - Sector Separation, which included an option for voluntary participation. Sector separation refers to the dividing of the recreational red snapper quota into distinct private angling and federal for-hire components. The private angling component would include private anglers and state permitted for-hire operators. The federal for-hire component would include federally permitted for-hire operators. Staff will continue working on the amendment.
For-Hire Electronic Reporting
The Council directed staff to begin developing a framework action to establish electronic reporting methods for charter for-hire vessels with federal reef fish and coastal migratory pelagics permits.
Amendment 30B Permit Conditions
The Council voted to rescind the provision adopted in 2009 under Reef Fish Amendment 30B that requires federally permitted reef fish charter vessels and headboats to comply with the more restrictive federal regulations when fishing in state waters. The framework action will be sent to the Secretary of Commerce for review.
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Actions taken by the Council include:
Regional Management of Recreational Red Snapper
The Council continued its discussions regarding Reef Fish Amendment 39 - Regional Management of Recreational Red Snapper. Further work on Amendment 39 - Regional Management is postponed until progress is made on how to allocate the quota among the regions.
Regional management considers dividing the federal recreational red snapper quota among states or regions potentially giving them authority to set their own management measures. States/regions would have more flexibility in choosing season and bag limits, but this would not necessarily result in more fishing days.
Under a regional management system red snapper would remain a federally managed species subject to federal conservation goals, and the Council would continue to oversee management of the stock.
Red Snapper - Slot Limits
In the interest of extending the recreational red snapper fishing season the Council directed staff to develop a framework action for red snapper slot limits in the recreational fishery. The document will consider a range of size limits, as well as options for keeping one trophy fish.
Red Snapper Allocation - Amendment 28
The Council discussed Reef Fish Amendment 28 - Red Snapper Allocation and chose Alternative 5 as its preferred alternative. Alternative 5 maintains the commercial/recreational red snapper allocations at 51%/49% if the red snapper quota is less than or equal to 9.12 million pounds (mp). It the quota is greater than 9.12 mp, then 75% of the amount in excess of 9.12 mp would go to the recreational sector and 25% would go to the commercial sector. Based on the current total quota of 11 mp, this would result in 5.121 mp for the commercial sector and 5.879 mp for the recreational sector.
The Council also added a new alternative, Alternative 7, that would allocate 75% of red snapper quota amounts in excess of 10 mp to the recreational sector and 25% to the commercial sector.
Public hearings on Amendment 28 will be held around the Gulf coast in March. A separate webinar will also be scheduled for those who are unable to participate in person. Dates and locations will be announced. The Council is planning a one-day meeting in May, during which they will hold a final public hearing in the northern Gulf and take final action on Amendment 28.
The purpose of Amendment 28 is to allocate red snapper resources between the commercial and recreational sectors to increase the net benefits from red snapper fishing and improve the stability of the red snapper component of the reef fish fishery, particularly for the recreational sector.
Reef Fish Amendment 40 - Sector Separation
Staff presented a draft options paper for Amendment 40 - Sector Separation, which included an option for voluntary participation. Sector separation refers to the dividing of the recreational red snapper quota into distinct private angling and federal for-hire components. The private angling component would include private anglers and state permitted for-hire operators. The federal for-hire component would include federally permitted for-hire operators. Staff will continue working on the amendment.
For-Hire Electronic Reporting
The Council directed staff to begin developing a framework action to establish electronic reporting methods for charter for-hire vessels with federal reef fish and coastal migratory pelagics permits.
Amendment 30B Permit Conditions
The Council voted to rescind the provision adopted in 2009 under Reef Fish Amendment 30B that requires federally permitted reef fish charter vessels and headboats to comply with the more restrictive federal regulations when fishing in state waters. The framework action will be sent to the Secretary of Commerce for review.
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Reef Fish Amendment 40 - Sector Separation
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) is seeking comments on Amendment 40 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico.
According to GMFMC,Amendment 40 considers alternatives to define private and for-hire components of the recreational red snapper fishery and allocate red snapper resources between these components.
A guide to the amendment can be found at: gulfcouncil.org/docs/SectorSeparationGuide.pdf.
GMFMC will accept comments throughout the amendment process and can be submitted via online comment form:
http://www.gulfcouncil.org/council_meetings/comment_forms/RF%20Amendment%2040%20-%20Sector%20Separation.php.
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
2014 Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Season (Recreational)
NOAA Fisheries recently released details of the 2014 Gulf of Mexico red snapper recreational season.
The 2014 Gulf of Mexico red snapper recreational season will be 40 days, opening at 12:01 a.m., June 1, 2014, and closing at 12:01 a.m., July 11, 2014.
For information about how the season was projected, please see the NOAA Fisheries 2014 Red Snapper Recreational Season Length Report.
NOAA Fisheries reminds all federally permitted for-hire vessels that after the federal water closure, they may not harvest and retain recreationally caught red snapper if state waters remain open.
A list of frequently asked questions about the red snapper recreational season can be found at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site.
source: NOAA Fisheries
The 2014 Gulf of Mexico red snapper recreational season will be 40 days, opening at 12:01 a.m., June 1, 2014, and closing at 12:01 a.m., July 11, 2014.
For information about how the season was projected, please see the NOAA Fisheries 2014 Red Snapper Recreational Season Length Report.
NOAA Fisheries reminds all federally permitted for-hire vessels that after the federal water closure, they may not harvest and retain recreationally caught red snapper if state waters remain open.
A list of frequently asked questions about the red snapper recreational season can be found at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site.
source: NOAA Fisheries
Saturday, September 21, 2013
2013 Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Supplemental Season
Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishermen will benefit from a 14-day supplemental recreational season beginning October 1, 2013.
Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will open for red snapper recreational fishing beginning on October 1, 2013, at 12:01 a.m. (one minute after midnight), local time. The season will close on October 15, 2013, at 12:01 a.m., local time.
Commercial fishermen will also get increased quotas, with individual fishing quota shareholders set to receive quotas on or shortly after October 1.
The increases are the result of a NOAA rule which increases the allowable catch for red snapper from 8.46 million pounds (mp) to 11 mp. The recreational quota will increase from 4.145 mp to 5.39 mp and the commercial quota will increase from 4.315 mp to 5.61 mp.
source: NOAA Fisheries
Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will open for red snapper recreational fishing beginning on October 1, 2013, at 12:01 a.m. (one minute after midnight), local time. The season will close on October 15, 2013, at 12:01 a.m., local time.
Commercial fishermen will also get increased quotas, with individual fishing quota shareholders set to receive quotas on or shortly after October 1.
The increases are the result of a NOAA rule which increases the allowable catch for red snapper from 8.46 million pounds (mp) to 11 mp. The recreational quota will increase from 4.145 mp to 5.39 mp and the commercial quota will increase from 4.315 mp to 5.61 mp.
source: NOAA Fisheries
Monday, August 5, 2013
2013 South Atlantic Recreational Red Snapper Season
In July, NOAA Fisheries released details of the 2013 recreational red snapper fishing season in South Atlantic federal waters.
The recreational fishing season will open for one weekend made up of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The recreational red snapper season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 23, 2013, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 26, 2013. During the open recreational season, the bag limit is one fish per person per day and there is no minimum size limit for red snapper.
NOAA Fisheries may change the commercial and recreational season dates if severe weather conditions exist. If severe weather conditions exist, NOAA Fisheries will announce via NOAA Weather Radio and a Fishery Bulletin any change in the red snapper fishing seasons.
After the conclusion of the recreational fishing season, red snapper may not be harvested or possessed under the bag limit in federal waters of the South Atlantic. Harvest and possession prohibitions also apply to state waters for vessels holding federal snapper-grouper permits.
The recreational annual catch limit for 2013 is 9,585 fish. The sector annual catch limits are based upon allocations previously decided by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
More information concerning the 2013 red snapper fishing seasons can be found online at:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/SASnapperGrouperHomepage.htm
source: SAFMC
The recreational fishing season will open for one weekend made up of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The recreational red snapper season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 23, 2013, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 26, 2013. During the open recreational season, the bag limit is one fish per person per day and there is no minimum size limit for red snapper.
NOAA Fisheries may change the commercial and recreational season dates if severe weather conditions exist. If severe weather conditions exist, NOAA Fisheries will announce via NOAA Weather Radio and a Fishery Bulletin any change in the red snapper fishing seasons.
After the conclusion of the recreational fishing season, red snapper may not be harvested or possessed under the bag limit in federal waters of the South Atlantic. Harvest and possession prohibitions also apply to state waters for vessels holding federal snapper-grouper permits.
The recreational annual catch limit for 2013 is 9,585 fish. The sector annual catch limits are based upon allocations previously decided by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
More information concerning the 2013 red snapper fishing seasons can be found online at:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/SASnapperGrouperHomepage.htm
source: SAFMC
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Gulf of Mexico Fall Red Snapper Season (Recreational)
In July the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted to increase the 2013 red snapper recreational quota to 5.390 million pounds (mp).
The Council also agreed that, if NMFS determines that unused recreational quota is available, a supplemental season will open October 1 and run continuously until the quota is met.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the supplemental season will be approximately 21 days long. The estimate will be reevaluated when the June recreational landings data become available in mid-August.
The Framework Action will be submitted to the Secretary of Commerce and, if approved, will be implemented in time for the fall season.
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
The Council also agreed that, if NMFS determines that unused recreational quota is available, a supplemental season will open October 1 and run continuously until the quota is met.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the supplemental season will be approximately 21 days long. The estimate will be reevaluated when the June recreational landings data become available in mid-August.
The Framework Action will be submitted to the Secretary of Commerce and, if approved, will be implemented in time for the fall season.
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
2013 South Atlantic Red Snapper Season
According to NOAA Fisheries, the final rule to determine red snapper fishing seasons and harvest amounts for 2013 and subsequent years (Amendment 28) is currently under review.
Due to the review process, commercial and recreational fishing seasons for red snapper will not open in July 2013.
When complete, Amendment 28 will establish:
(1) a process to determine if a fishing season will occur each year, which would include specification of the allowable harvest and season length for the commercial and recreational sectors
(2) an equation to determine the annual catch limit amount for each sector
(3) management measures if fishing is allowed.
According to NOAA, the intent of Amendment 28 is to provide fishermen the opportunity to harvest the red snapper annual catch limit and enhance the social and economic benefits to the fishery.
More information can be found online at:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/SASnapperGrouperHomepage.htm
source: SAFMC
Due to the review process, commercial and recreational fishing seasons for red snapper will not open in July 2013.
When complete, Amendment 28 will establish:
(1) a process to determine if a fishing season will occur each year, which would include specification of the allowable harvest and season length for the commercial and recreational sectors
(2) an equation to determine the annual catch limit amount for each sector
(3) management measures if fishing is allowed.
According to NOAA, the intent of Amendment 28 is to provide fishermen the opportunity to harvest the red snapper annual catch limit and enhance the social and economic benefits to the fishery.
More information can be found online at:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/SASnapperGrouperHomepage.htm
source: SAFMC
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Texas - Louisiana Red Snapper Joint Lawsuit
On April 22, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and its commission joined together to file a lawsuit in United States District Court in Brownsville, Texas.
The lawsuit challenges an emergency regulation enacted by the federal National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that would allow the NMFS regional administrator to significantly reduce the recreational red snapper season in federal waters off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission chairman T. Dan Friedkin commented on the action, saying: “We have heard loudly and clearly from our anglers and other stakeholders that they expect nothing less from us.”
“The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, on behalf of recreational fishermen and those whose livelihood depends on reasonable access to red snapper stocks, has taken this action to send the message to NMFS that a nine-day season for Louisiana landings is totally unreasonable and unacceptable,” said Ronald “Ronny” Graham, LWFC chairman.
On Feb. 8, over the strong objections of state agency representatives from Louisiana, Texas, and Florida, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) voted to implement an emergency rule that could shorten the recreational red snapper fishing season in federal waters off the Texas coast to as few as 12 days and to nine days off the Louisiana coast, down from a projected 22-day season.
In 2012, the snapper season in federal waters throughout the Gulf was 46 days. In contrast, because snapper stocks are doing well and growing in the Gulf, snapper fishing is allowed 365 days a year in Texas state waters and 88 days in Louisiana state waters.
Just weeks later, on April 18, the Gulf council voted 8 to 7 to overturn the emergency rule, in effect reversing the Feb. 8 vote. Texas and Louisiana representatives said the lawsuit was an added measure of enforceability should NMFS not act on the latest council motion prior to the start of red snapper season June 1. The federal court has been asked to expedite its consideration of the case so that a decision is reached before June 1.
As published in the federal register on March 25, the emergency rule would empower the NMFS southeast regional administrator to reduce the red snapper season in federal waters off Texas and Louisiana. In Texas, federal waters begin nine nautical miles from the state’s coast and extend 200 nautical miles. The rule affects Florida as well, since all three states have refused to shorten snapper seasons in state waters to mirror seasons set by NMFS for federal waters.
The joint lawsuit alleges that there is no emergency to justify such a rule. The two states also allege that the emergency rule violates the federal policy of cooperative federalism by improperly attempting to regulate the red snapper season in state waters.
Although TPWD and LDWF are continuing to work with NMFS and the other Gulf states on a solution, the short deadline for challenging the emergency regulation required filing the lawsuit to preserve the states’ ability to address the issue in a timely and effective manner.
TPWD has received close to 2,400 online public comments and more than 230 emails about the emergency rule that could shorten the snapper season, with 97 percent of those commenting opposed to the rule. TPWD also received letters from various Texas-based organizations opposed to the measure, including the Saltwater Fisheries Enhancement Association, Recreational Fishing Alliance, and the Charter Fisherman’s Association.
The Texas and Louisiana agencies maintain that while a proposed shortened season will have no apparent conservation benefit, it would definitely have an economic impact. TPWD estimates that the originally projected 27-day season would generate at least $28 million from recreational fishermen in Texas, while a 12-day season would cut that figure by at least $16 million in lost retail sales in Texas.
For Louisiana, reducing a 45-day season to a nine-day season could result in an estimated decline in economic value of approximately $8 million to recreational anglers in that state.
source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
The lawsuit challenges an emergency regulation enacted by the federal National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that would allow the NMFS regional administrator to significantly reduce the recreational red snapper season in federal waters off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission chairman T. Dan Friedkin commented on the action, saying: “We have heard loudly and clearly from our anglers and other stakeholders that they expect nothing less from us.”
“The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, on behalf of recreational fishermen and those whose livelihood depends on reasonable access to red snapper stocks, has taken this action to send the message to NMFS that a nine-day season for Louisiana landings is totally unreasonable and unacceptable,” said Ronald “Ronny” Graham, LWFC chairman.
On Feb. 8, over the strong objections of state agency representatives from Louisiana, Texas, and Florida, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) voted to implement an emergency rule that could shorten the recreational red snapper fishing season in federal waters off the Texas coast to as few as 12 days and to nine days off the Louisiana coast, down from a projected 22-day season.
In 2012, the snapper season in federal waters throughout the Gulf was 46 days. In contrast, because snapper stocks are doing well and growing in the Gulf, snapper fishing is allowed 365 days a year in Texas state waters and 88 days in Louisiana state waters.
Just weeks later, on April 18, the Gulf council voted 8 to 7 to overturn the emergency rule, in effect reversing the Feb. 8 vote. Texas and Louisiana representatives said the lawsuit was an added measure of enforceability should NMFS not act on the latest council motion prior to the start of red snapper season June 1. The federal court has been asked to expedite its consideration of the case so that a decision is reached before June 1.
As published in the federal register on March 25, the emergency rule would empower the NMFS southeast regional administrator to reduce the red snapper season in federal waters off Texas and Louisiana. In Texas, federal waters begin nine nautical miles from the state’s coast and extend 200 nautical miles. The rule affects Florida as well, since all three states have refused to shorten snapper seasons in state waters to mirror seasons set by NMFS for federal waters.
The joint lawsuit alleges that there is no emergency to justify such a rule. The two states also allege that the emergency rule violates the federal policy of cooperative federalism by improperly attempting to regulate the red snapper season in state waters.
Although TPWD and LDWF are continuing to work with NMFS and the other Gulf states on a solution, the short deadline for challenging the emergency regulation required filing the lawsuit to preserve the states’ ability to address the issue in a timely and effective manner.
TPWD has received close to 2,400 online public comments and more than 230 emails about the emergency rule that could shorten the snapper season, with 97 percent of those commenting opposed to the rule. TPWD also received letters from various Texas-based organizations opposed to the measure, including the Saltwater Fisheries Enhancement Association, Recreational Fishing Alliance, and the Charter Fisherman’s Association.
The Texas and Louisiana agencies maintain that while a proposed shortened season will have no apparent conservation benefit, it would definitely have an economic impact. TPWD estimates that the originally projected 27-day season would generate at least $28 million from recreational fishermen in Texas, while a 12-day season would cut that figure by at least $16 million in lost retail sales in Texas.
For Louisiana, reducing a 45-day season to a nine-day season could result in an estimated decline in economic value of approximately $8 million to recreational anglers in that state.
source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
2013 Gulf of Mexico Recreational Red Snapper Season
A new temporary emergency rule gives NOAA Fisheries the authority to set separate closure dates for the recreational red snapper season in federal waters off individual Gulf of Mexico states.
Closure dates will depend on whether state regulations are consistent with federal regulations for the recreational red snapper season length or bag limit.
The rule was requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council at their February meeting to provide a fairer and more equitable distribution of recreational red snapper fishing opportunities among anglers in all the Gulf of Mexico states.
The federal recreational season for Gulf of Mexico red snapper begins June 1 each year with a 2-fish bag limit. The length of the season is determined by the amount of the quota, the average weight of fish landed, and the estimated catch rates over time.
NOAA Fisheries is responsible for ensuring the entire recreational harvest, including harvest in state waters, does not exceed the recreational quota.
Therefore, if states establish a longer season or a larger bag limit for state waters than the federal regulations allow in federal waters, the federal season must be adjusted to account for the additional harvest expected in state waters.
If all states were to implement consistent regulations, the 2013 recreational season would be 28 days, assuming the recreational quota is increased to 4.145 million pounds through separate rule-making. However, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida have indicated they will implement inconsistent red snapper regulations for their state waters.
The new emergency rule is intended to address the issue; otherwise the 2013 federal season would be reduced to 22 days to compensate for that additional expected harvest.
The emergency rule allows NOAA Fisheries to calculate the recreational red snapper fishing season separately in the EEZ off each state to account for any inconsistency of regulations in state waters.
Based on the expected regulations for Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, the preliminary season lengths would be as follows: Texas, 12 days; Louisiana, 9 days; Mississippi and Alabama, 28 days; and Florida, 21 days.
NOAA Fisheries is expected to announce the closure dates through a Southeast Fishery Bulletin.
According to NOAA, all other federal regulations for recreational red snapper are still in effect.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and other information concerning the emergency rule is available here:
sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2013/rs_er/index.html
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Closure dates will depend on whether state regulations are consistent with federal regulations for the recreational red snapper season length or bag limit.
The rule was requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council at their February meeting to provide a fairer and more equitable distribution of recreational red snapper fishing opportunities among anglers in all the Gulf of Mexico states.
The federal recreational season for Gulf of Mexico red snapper begins June 1 each year with a 2-fish bag limit. The length of the season is determined by the amount of the quota, the average weight of fish landed, and the estimated catch rates over time.
NOAA Fisheries is responsible for ensuring the entire recreational harvest, including harvest in state waters, does not exceed the recreational quota.
Therefore, if states establish a longer season or a larger bag limit for state waters than the federal regulations allow in federal waters, the federal season must be adjusted to account for the additional harvest expected in state waters.
If all states were to implement consistent regulations, the 2013 recreational season would be 28 days, assuming the recreational quota is increased to 4.145 million pounds through separate rule-making. However, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida have indicated they will implement inconsistent red snapper regulations for their state waters.
The new emergency rule is intended to address the issue; otherwise the 2013 federal season would be reduced to 22 days to compensate for that additional expected harvest.
The emergency rule allows NOAA Fisheries to calculate the recreational red snapper fishing season separately in the EEZ off each state to account for any inconsistency of regulations in state waters.
Based on the expected regulations for Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, the preliminary season lengths would be as follows: Texas, 12 days; Louisiana, 9 days; Mississippi and Alabama, 28 days; and Florida, 21 days.
NOAA Fisheries is expected to announce the closure dates through a Southeast Fishery Bulletin.
According to NOAA, all other federal regulations for recreational red snapper are still in effect.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and other information concerning the emergency rule is available here:
sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2013/rs_er/index.html
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Saturday, September 8, 2012
South Atlantic Red Snapper September 2012 Open Season
In September, recreational anglers will be get 6 fishing days for red snapper in South Atlantic federal waters. Based on a recommendation by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council), The recreational fishing season will open for two consecutive weekends made up of Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The recreational red snapper season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 14, 2012, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 17, 2012; the season then reopens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 21, 2012, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 24, 2012.
During the open recreational season, the bag limit is one fish per person per day and there is no minimum size limit for red snapper. The red snapper recreational annual catch limit for 2012 is 9,399 fish.
NOAA Fisheries may change the commercial and recreational season dates if severe weather conditions exist. If severe weather conditions exist, NOAA Fisheries will announce via NOAA Weather Radio and a Fishery Bulletin any change in the red snapper fishing seasons.
After the conclusion of the recreational September 14-17, 2012, and September 21-24, 2012 fishing seasons, red snapper may not be harvested or possessed in federal waters of the South Atlantic.
Harvest and possession prohibitions also apply to state waters for vessels holding federal snapper-grouper permits.
More information, including Frequently Asked Questions for the 2012 red snapper fishing seasons can be found online at:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/SASnapperGrouperHomepage.htm
source: SAFMC
The recreational red snapper season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 14, 2012, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 17, 2012; the season then reopens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 21, 2012, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 24, 2012.
During the open recreational season, the bag limit is one fish per person per day and there is no minimum size limit for red snapper. The red snapper recreational annual catch limit for 2012 is 9,399 fish.
NOAA Fisheries may change the commercial and recreational season dates if severe weather conditions exist. If severe weather conditions exist, NOAA Fisheries will announce via NOAA Weather Radio and a Fishery Bulletin any change in the red snapper fishing seasons.
After the conclusion of the recreational September 14-17, 2012, and September 21-24, 2012 fishing seasons, red snapper may not be harvested or possessed in federal waters of the South Atlantic.
Harvest and possession prohibitions also apply to state waters for vessels holding federal snapper-grouper permits.
More information, including Frequently Asked Questions for the 2012 red snapper fishing seasons can be found online at:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/SASnapperGrouperHomepage.htm
source: SAFMC
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Season Extension Requested by Congressmen
Seventeen members of the House of Representatives recently signed off on a letter to Dr. Roy Crabtree, the Southeast regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries in Saint Petersburg, FL, asking that the 40-day red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico be extended due to the recent weather emergencies.
The members of Congress representing Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, and Arkansas call the 40-day red snapper season "a window that is too short to make a living and being made shorter by the devastating summer weather."
"We have heard from charter boat operators and private anglers in our districts who are concerned that the extensive damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby, along with the summer storms that could occur in the days ahead, will leave them with far too few days to fish," the letter states. "With this crippling blow to our local economies, however, comes a timely opportunity for the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council to build good will with our fishermen."
"For these reasons, we strongly request that you consider extending this year's 40-day red snapper season until the end of July, which coincides with the peak of our tourism season," the Representatives wrote. "We believe that this decisive action is reasonable and will go a long way toward relieving the crippling economic burden facing our fishermen and the ancillary businesses that rely on the season for increased tourism and revenue."
The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) praised the 17 bipartisan members of Congress who signed on to the letter to NOAA Fisheries, calling the request an emergency action well worth considering. "NOAA's fisheries service will often shut down recreational fishing in an emergency when their marine recreational
fishing statistical surveys show some drastic uptick in participation, is it too much to ask for an emergency opening considering what the NOAA weather service must admit has been a devastating week in the Gulf," asked RFA executive director Jim Donofrio.
Anglers have already lost nearly a third of its allowable season to unfishable conditions, and RFA is hopeful that the Commerce Department will act swiftly on behalf of coastal fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Congressional letter formally requests that the red snapper season be extended through the end of July, a period which coincides with the peak of the regional tourism season in the Gulf of Mexico. "We believe that this decisive action is reasonable and will go a long way toward relieving the crippling economic burden facing our fishermen and the ancillary businesses that rely on the season for increased tourism and revenue," the Representatives noted.
To read the full letter in support of a red snapper extension in the Gulf of Mexico, go to www.joinrfa.org/Press/RedSnapperExtensionRequest.pdf
The members of Congress representing Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, and Arkansas call the 40-day red snapper season "a window that is too short to make a living and being made shorter by the devastating summer weather."
"We have heard from charter boat operators and private anglers in our districts who are concerned that the extensive damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby, along with the summer storms that could occur in the days ahead, will leave them with far too few days to fish," the letter states. "With this crippling blow to our local economies, however, comes a timely opportunity for the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council to build good will with our fishermen."
"For these reasons, we strongly request that you consider extending this year's 40-day red snapper season until the end of July, which coincides with the peak of our tourism season," the Representatives wrote. "We believe that this decisive action is reasonable and will go a long way toward relieving the crippling economic burden facing our fishermen and the ancillary businesses that rely on the season for increased tourism and revenue."
The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) praised the 17 bipartisan members of Congress who signed on to the letter to NOAA Fisheries, calling the request an emergency action well worth considering. "NOAA's fisheries service will often shut down recreational fishing in an emergency when their marine recreational
fishing statistical surveys show some drastic uptick in participation, is it too much to ask for an emergency opening considering what the NOAA weather service must admit has been a devastating week in the Gulf," asked RFA executive director Jim Donofrio.
Anglers have already lost nearly a third of its allowable season to unfishable conditions, and RFA is hopeful that the Commerce Department will act swiftly on behalf of coastal fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Congressional letter formally requests that the red snapper season be extended through the end of July, a period which coincides with the peak of the regional tourism season in the Gulf of Mexico. "We believe that this decisive action is reasonable and will go a long way toward relieving the crippling economic burden facing our fishermen and the ancillary businesses that rely on the season for increased tourism and revenue," the Representatives noted.
To read the full letter in support of a red snapper extension in the Gulf of Mexico, go to www.joinrfa.org/Press/RedSnapperExtensionRequest.pdf
Monday, June 18, 2012
2012 Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Regulations
Following an updated population assessment that shows overfishing of Gulf of Mexico red snapper has ended and the population is rebounding, NOAA is increasing the 2012 commercial and recreational fishing catch limits for the species from 7.53 million pounds to 8.08 million pounds. The new rule takes effect June 1.
However, as the population of red snapper grows and the fish get bigger, recreational fishermen catch their quota faster, resulting in a shorter season. The 2012 recreational season will last 40 days, from June 1 through July 10.
In 2007, strict commercial and recreational management measures were used to end overfishing of red snapper and rebuild this depleted population. According to NOAA, Fishermen are now seeing the benefits of these measures, and these actions are leading to increased catches.
NOAA begins work on a new population assessment for red snapper in August. The assessment involves three workshops to gather data, assess the fish population and review the results. The workshops include fishermen as well as state, federal and academic scientists. After the review, scientists will present the results to fishery managers on the Gulf Council.
source: NOAA FishNews
However, as the population of red snapper grows and the fish get bigger, recreational fishermen catch their quota faster, resulting in a shorter season. The 2012 recreational season will last 40 days, from June 1 through July 10.
In 2007, strict commercial and recreational management measures were used to end overfishing of red snapper and rebuild this depleted population. According to NOAA, Fishermen are now seeing the benefits of these measures, and these actions are leading to increased catches.
NOAA begins work on a new population assessment for red snapper in August. The assessment involves three workshops to gather data, assess the fish population and review the results. The workshops include fishermen as well as state, federal and academic scientists. After the review, scientists will present the results to fishery managers on the Gulf Council.
source: NOAA FishNews
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
2011Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Regulations - Update
NOAA Fisheries Service recently published a final rule implementing increases in the commercial and recreational red snapper quotas in the Gulf of Mexico from 3.542 and 3.403 million pounds (MP) to 3.66 and 3.525 MP in 2011, respectively.
The recreational red snapper season opens June 1, 2011. NOAA Fisheries Service has projected the red snapper recreational quota will be harvested by July 18, 2011.
For more information on how the red snapper season length was calculated, refer to a document titled “2011 Recreational Red Snapper Quota Closure Analysis” located on the Southeast Regional Office’s Web Page (see below).
Copies of the final rule are available by contacting NOAA Fisheries Service’s Southeast Regional Office at 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.
The final rule can be obtained in electronic form from the Federal Register Web site: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html (use advanced search for final rules using “BA54” as a keyword).
source: NOAA press release
The recreational red snapper season opens June 1, 2011. NOAA Fisheries Service has projected the red snapper recreational quota will be harvested by July 18, 2011.
For more information on how the red snapper season length was calculated, refer to a document titled “2011 Recreational Red Snapper Quota Closure Analysis” located on the Southeast Regional Office’s Web Page (see below).
Copies of the final rule are available by contacting NOAA Fisheries Service’s Southeast Regional Office at 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.
The final rule can be obtained in electronic form from the Federal Register Web site: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html (use advanced search for final rules using “BA54” as a keyword).
source: NOAA press release
Thursday, May 5, 2011
2011 Gulf of Mexico Recreational Red Snapper Regulations
According to NOAA Fisheries Service, the Gulf of Mexico recreational red snapper season opens June 1, 2011. Regulators are predicting the red snapper recreational quota will be harvested by July 18, 2011. The fishing season will close at 12:01 a.m. July 19, 2011.
The 48-day season is the shortest season to date since the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council chose to begin the season on June 1, and is, in part, the result of the increasing size of the fish being landed.
For more information on how the red snapper season length was calculated, refer to a document titled “2011 Recreational Red Snapper Quota Closure Analysis” located on the Southeast Regional Office’s Web Page.
The final red snapper rule published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2011 and can be obtained in electronic form from the Federal Register Web site: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html (use advanced search for final rules using “BA54” as a keyword).
The final red snapper rule published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2011 and can be obtained in electronic form from the Federal Register Web site: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html (use advanced search for final rules using “BA54” as a keyword).
Saturday, March 5, 2011
South Carolina to Require Circle Hooks for Saltwater Fishing
Circle hooks, designed to improve the survival rate of released fish, will be required in both state and federal water beginning March 3, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The requirement for non-stainless steel circle hooks will apply to all marine species in the snapper-grouper Circle hook complex, a grouping of bottom fish species defined by the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC).
Species caught in state waters most affected by this new regulation include sheepshead, spadefish and black sea bass. Circle hooks come in a full range of sizes and are readily available at tackle shops.
Circle hooks have the point turned inward, back towards the shank to form a circle or oval. They hook fish in the corner of the mouth causing only superficial injury and are less likely to gut hook a fish, which can be fatal.
South Carolina DNR recommended the use of circle hooks in saltwater because of their proven ability to increase survival of released fish of many species.
The SAFMC will this year consider recommending removal of 35 species from the complex, which would transfer management to the states lifting the federal requirement for the use of circle hooks.
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The requirement for non-stainless steel circle hooks will apply to all marine species in the snapper-grouper Circle hook complex, a grouping of bottom fish species defined by the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC).
Species caught in state waters most affected by this new regulation include sheepshead, spadefish and black sea bass. Circle hooks come in a full range of sizes and are readily available at tackle shops.
Circle hooks have the point turned inward, back towards the shank to form a circle or oval. They hook fish in the corner of the mouth causing only superficial injury and are less likely to gut hook a fish, which can be fatal.
South Carolina DNR recommended the use of circle hooks in saltwater because of their proven ability to increase survival of released fish of many species.
The SAFMC will this year consider recommending removal of 35 species from the complex, which would transfer management to the states lifting the federal requirement for the use of circle hooks.
+
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
NOAA Seeks Comments on Plan to Repeal Georgia-Florida Snapper Closure Area
NOAA’s Fisheries Service is seeking public comment on a proposal to repeal a planned area closure for all snapper and grouper species off southern Georgia and northern Florida that is set to go into effect on June 1.
Updated scientific data on red snapper populations in the South Atlantic show that the closure is no longer needed.
Fisheries managers originally approved the closed area in late 2010, based on 2008 stock assessment information, as a means to reduce unintended catch, or bycatch, of red snapper, the catch and possession of which is forbidden in federal waters of the South Atlantic. The area closure was purposely delayed until June 1 to allow time for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to consider the results of the October 2010 red snapper scientific assessment, and determine if changes to the closure area were warranted.
The 2010 assessment showed that though the red snapper population is still too low and fish are still being removed too quickly, the species is in better condition than the earlier assessment indicated.
Eliminating the planned area closure would not alter the existing prohibition on directed commercial and recreational catch and possession of red snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic. Repealing the area closure would allow for the continued harvest of 72 species of fish other than red snapper in this area, in accordance with existing regulations.
If not reversed through regulatory action, the 4,827-square mile area closure would take effect June 1 and prohibit commercial and recreational fishing for snappers and groupers between the depths of 98 and 240 feet, from southern Georgia to Cape Canaveral, Fla. Use of black sea bass pots and spearfishing gear would be allowed within the closed area when fishing for species other than red snapper.
Public comment on the proposed rule to eliminate the planned closure will be accepted until March 21.
Interested parties may submit comments on the proposed rule 0648-BA51 by any of the following methods:
Submit electronic comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov.
Submit by mail to:
Rick DeVictor
NMFS Southeast Regional Office
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
source: NOAA Fish News
Updated scientific data on red snapper populations in the South Atlantic show that the closure is no longer needed.
Fisheries managers originally approved the closed area in late 2010, based on 2008 stock assessment information, as a means to reduce unintended catch, or bycatch, of red snapper, the catch and possession of which is forbidden in federal waters of the South Atlantic. The area closure was purposely delayed until June 1 to allow time for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to consider the results of the October 2010 red snapper scientific assessment, and determine if changes to the closure area were warranted.
The 2010 assessment showed that though the red snapper population is still too low and fish are still being removed too quickly, the species is in better condition than the earlier assessment indicated.
Eliminating the planned area closure would not alter the existing prohibition on directed commercial and recreational catch and possession of red snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic. Repealing the area closure would allow for the continued harvest of 72 species of fish other than red snapper in this area, in accordance with existing regulations.
If not reversed through regulatory action, the 4,827-square mile area closure would take effect June 1 and prohibit commercial and recreational fishing for snappers and groupers between the depths of 98 and 240 feet, from southern Georgia to Cape Canaveral, Fla. Use of black sea bass pots and spearfishing gear would be allowed within the closed area when fishing for species other than red snapper.
Public comment on the proposed rule to eliminate the planned closure will be accepted until March 21.
Interested parties may submit comments on the proposed rule 0648-BA51 by any of the following methods:
Submit electronic comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov.
Submit by mail to:
Rick DeVictor
NMFS Southeast Regional Office
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
source: NOAA Fish News
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