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| Photo: Scott Toliver |
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council has approved
an increase in the red snapper quota from 8,460,000 pounds to 11,000,000 pounds
for 2013. Fifty one percent of the
increase will go to the commercial fishery, which is managed with an individual
fishing quota (IFQ) program. The remaining 49% of the increase is allocated to the
recreational fishing sector. An extra fall recreational fishing season is
scheduled to open October 1 and will remain open until the quota is
harvested.
NOAA Fisheries will determine the length of the fall season after
reviewing and finalizing the recreational landings data from this year’s summer
season
The Gulf Council plans to discuss the fall season length and
review recommendations from it’s scientific advisors (the Scientific and
Statistical Committee) regarding the red snapper quotas for 2014 and 2015 at
the next meeting in San Antonio, Texas on August 26 -30.
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| Photo: Mark Miller |
