Attend the upcoming Gulf Fishery Management Council meeting
Jan 22nd, 2016 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jan 22nd, 2016 at 12:00 AM
If you’re as frustrated as I am with the decreasing fishing opportunities for red snapper, now is the time to make your voice heard. Next week, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, which develops federal management plans for red snapper, will be discussing two important topics that could have a major impact on recreational red snapper fishing’s future.
* What: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Meeting
* When: Public comment will be held on Wednesday, January 27 from 1:30pm – 5pm CT
* Where: Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach, AL
The Gulf Council will discuss taking action on Amendment 39, also known as regional management. This amendment was originally intended to provide the states flexibility to set regulations off their coast, but unfortunately much of that flexibility has been lost as the plan has been developed.
In addition, a recreational ad hoc advisory panel will be brought up. Given the uncertainty of how the panel will be populated and what its purposes will be, this action needs to be delayed until more information is developed.
Talking points on these two issues can be found here.
Unless anglers like you get involved in meetings where fishing opportunities are determined, we will continue to lose fishing access to our public resources. Please join me in attending the upcoming Gulf Council meeting and make your voice heard!
Florida Fishing Policy Director