Red Snapper is arguably one of the most important recreational fisheries in the country; one that not only has considerable economic value but significant social importance as well. The responsible management of this fishery is extremely important to the recreational fishing sector in the Gulf region. Based on failed information, NMFS is posed to implement severe reductions in the recreational red snapper fishery.

There have been many changes in the fishery since the dramatic overfishing of the stock due to shrimp bycatch. The 2005 hurricane season, combined with foreign competition has reduced red snapper bycatch in the domestic shrimp industry to a minimum that was occurring in the 1990’s. The reduction in mortality from the shrimp fishery has been replaced, if not exceeded, by an out of control illegal and unreported commercial red snapper fishery. Millions of pounds of red snapper are harvested in this illegal fishery that supplies the year-round demand for fresh fish yet the current stock assessment does not account for these drastic changes in the fishery, and, as a result, influences the assessment by greatly underestimating the stock size. In August, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council decided to delay setting the 2007 red snapper specifications until the stock assessment is updated in early 2007.

The NMFS has posted notice that it will over-ride the Council and immediately take action to address overfishing in the red snapper fishery. This hasty action will result in a reduced 6 million pound TAC, 15 inch minimum size limit, a 4 month season, and a 2 fish bag limit for anglers. Without a doubt this level of reduction will produce catastrophic impacts felt Gulf wide. Recreational anglers will be losing two and one half months of our six month season and have our bag limit cut in half. Frankly, this is unacceptable.

Enclosed are two form letters that should be mailed, faxed or both to Carol Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce, and Dr. Roy Crabtree, NMFS Southeast Regional Director before, January 26, 2007. RFA believes that the Council has taken the right course of action by delaying setting the 2007 red snapper specifications until the new assessment is released. NMFS should respect the decision of the Council and stand down their attempt to supersede their best judgment. Anglers need to support the Gulf Council on this issue and tell NMFS to leave management of the red snapper in the hands of the Council.

Click here to dowload, print, sign and mail this letter to Carol Gutierrez

Click here to download, print, sign and mail this letter to Peter Hood Sincerely,

Jim Donofrio

Executive Director