State-Run Gulf Snapper Management Plan is More Efficient, Equitable than Feds' (Opinion)
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [al.com] Opinion by Bob Ship - May 18, 2015
Dr. Shipp is professor emeritus of marine sciences at the University of South Alabama
In all likelihood there have never been as many Gulf Red Snapper in recorded history. In spite of these soaring populations, a broken system of federal management is precluding what would otherwise be a robust and sustainable economic driver to a regional economy in desperate need of a break.
Last year the recreational season was limited to 9 days in federal waters and this year's season is 10 days. Just 10 days – with only a single weekend -- for anglers in their own boats to catch perhaps the most popular offshore fish in the Gulf.
Conversely, the commercial sector can fish year-round and, under a similar plan approved by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council this year, the charter/for-hire sector will have a 44-day season in 2015.
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