May 21, 2018 — Red snapper was removed last week from the federal government’s “overfished” list, but whether that will lead to lessened catch restrictions for anglers remains uncertain.
The species, one of the most popular for Gulf of Mexico anglers, has been the subject of intense debate among regulators, environmentalists and sport fishermen.
Anglers complain that federal authorities have set overly restrictive catch limits and unnecessarily short seasons despite a rebound in the species’ numbers. Environmental and conservation groups counter that the shortened seasons are necessary to help the species meet federal targets for rebounding after years of severe overfishing.
Red snapper is among 35 fish stocks NOAA Fisheries said last week have rebounded sufficiently for removal from the “overfished” designation.
“Ending overfishing and rebuilding stocks provides two key benefits for the American people,” Chris Oliver, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries, said in a news release. “First, it strengthens the value of U.S. fisheries’ contribution to the economy, which in 2015 exceeded $208 billion. Second, it supports the communities and marine ecosystems that depend on healthy fisheries.”
The next step would be to declare the stock “rebuilt.” That would take more fish counts, or stock assessments, whose accuracy has also been debated.
Nonetheless, as the species rebounds, federal regulators, including the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, have more options that could lead to increased catch limits or longer seasons.
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