Possible snapper quota changes

[Ray]

Citing new data that shows overfishing ended in 2009, the NOAA Fisheries Service is seeking public comment on a proposal to increase the commercial and recreational quotas of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. The increase would be from the existing 5.0 million pounds (MP) to 6.945 MP. The proposed rule would adjust the commercial and recreational quotas to 3.542 MP and 3.403 MP, respectively, consistent with the 51:49 ratio for the commercial and recreational allocation of red snapper. The proposed rule also includes a projected recreational season opening June 1. The closure date is tentatively defined as July 24 based on the preliminary data and may be adjusted in the final rule.

[Dink]

Im guessing it is staying at 2per person then...........sucks........

[drewmar74]

Originally Posted by Dink

Im guessing it is staying at 2per person then...........sucks........

Hardly worth going out for unless you plan to fish other species.....

[meaux fishing]

Originally Posted by drewmar74

Hardly worth going out for unless you plan to fish other species.....

when i went with captain Peace last week he said one day last summer he had a four man limit in 8 minutes

[cmdrost]

yep, upping the quota, but decreasing the season. All they are really doing by upping the quota is taking into account the larger size snapper being caught. We before, most people's 2 fish limit were around 16 inches. Now most are much bigger.

Unfortunately we have a long way to go to convince NMFS other-wise. They are terrible as managers!