Thursday, July 18, 2013

2013 Red Snapper Quota Increase and Fall Recreational Season


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.
Photo: Mark Miller