Red snapper Archives - Page 3 of 27

FLORIDA: Red tide leaves beaches vacant: ‘All we can do is say our prayers’

August 13, 2018 — On the fine white sand beaches of Anna Maria Island, the putrid corpses of all sorts of sea life are tangled in the seagrass just ahead of the surf.

As thunder rolled in, Matt Nolan, a rusted green metal wagon full of garbage bags of dead fish behind him, dug another glove covered hand into the sand. Nolan dumped a baby flounder, an eel and a Spanish mackerel into the wagon and inched forward to do it all over again.

The 49-year-old life coach from Chicago has been doing it almost every morning of his two-week vacation since tons of death washed up on these shores. Heading about 100 yards in both directions, he estimates he’s collected about 300 pounds a day.

He isn’t paid and no one asked him to do it. But there’s a lot at stake, Nolan said. He’s been coming to this beach every year since he was 11 years old. But since his father died, he wanted to keep it the pristine paradise he keeps coming back to.

From Anna Maria to Englewood Beach, algae’s noxious effect shows no signs of letting up any time soon

On the fine white sand beaches of Anna Maria Island, the putrid corpses of all sorts of sea life are tangled in the seagrass just ahead of the surf.

Read the full story at The Herald-Tribune

Red snapper: Unusual experiment in Gulf of Mexico may ripple nationwide

August 8, 2018 — An unusual experiment playing out in the Gulf of Mexico is not only helping defuse the nation’s most politically charged fishing dispute but also advancing a new way of managing one of the country’s most popular pastimes.

Federal regulators and the five Gulf states – Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas – are sharing oversight of red snapper, the reef fish prized by private anglers and seafood lovers across the United States.

Congress last year created the two-year pilot program, known as the “experimental fishing permit” program. It grants states the day-to-day authority to manage red snapper seasons for recreational fishing in U.S. waters as far as 200 miles from the shoreline. Normally, state jurisdiction extends to no more than 9 miles off the coast.

The catch: States are in charge but they must follow strict federal fisheries rules and close the season once they’ve reached their quota.

For environmental groups, it means tougher protections apply to the entire red snapper habitat, including state waters. For the federal government, it’s a chance to test ways of counting fish in an attempt to settle once and for all just how many there are swimming around the Gulf. And for recreational anglers, it means more time to fish for red snapper in federal waters that in recent years have had short seasons.

“We definitely have to get away from the federal government telling us how many fish we can catch,” said Justin Lee Fadalla, 31, a private boat angler from Mobile, Ala. who supports the change. “We really need the state (managing) and actually doing these research trips. They know how many snapper are out there. When you go out and catch your limit in 10 minutes, there’s not a shortage of red snapper.”

Read the full story at the Abilene Reporter News

Red Snapper Opening Offers Opportunity for Limited Harvest and Improved Data Collection

August 3, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Recreational fishermen gearing up for the upcoming red snapper mini-season are reminded that the weekend openings provide more than just an opportunity to land a nice red snapper for dinner. The season also provides an important window for data collection crucial to red snapper management and fishermen can help in a number of ways. The recreational fishery will open for two consecutive 3-day weekends: August 10-12, 2018 and August 17-19, 2018 with a 1 fish per person per day bag limit and no minimum size limit. The commercial fishery is currently open with a 75 pound (gutted weight) trip limit, no minimum size limit, and will close when the commercial annual catch limit of 124,815 pounds whole weight (12,854 fish) is met or by December 31, 2018. The recreational annual catch limit is 42,510 fish.

During the opening, state marine resource agencies along with NOAA Fisheries will have personnel stationed along the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and the east coast of Florida to gather information from fishermen as they return from their fishing trips. In addition to cooperating with these efforts, recreational fishermen can also take the initiative to report their fishing activities via a mobile app as they occur offshore and keep a personal log for future reference.

Recreational anglers now have the opportunity to report and log information about their recreational trips and catches through the MyFishCount electronic reporting mobile app. The app is available for free download at the Google Play and App Store, or through the MyFishCount website at www.myfishcount.com. In addition to providing information to fishery scientists and managers, anglers have the ability to access information about their previous trips and catches.

The MyFishCount app is easy to use and instructional videos are available via YouTube. To learn more, visit https://www.myfishcount.com or http://safmc.net/electronic-reporting-projects/myfishcount/.

The MyFishCount project was developed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council in conjunction with Angler Action (Snook and Gamefish Foundation) and Elemental Methods with funding from NOAA Fisheries. The project is designed to help provide information not previously captured in current monitoring programs. Once a personal MyFishCount account is established, fishermen may report information about their fishing activities, including species kept and released, the length and number of fish released, catch location, depth fished, gear used, release treatment, reason for release and more. Anglers can also report trips that had to be abandoned due to poor weather conditions, which was an important data point collected in the 2017 red snapper mini-season that contributed to the decision to allow for additional fishing days.

MyFishCount participants are able to record their fishing trips throughout the year, regardless of the species targeted or location fished, and will have access to their stored information. The 2018 red snapper mini-season offers an excellent opportunity for recreational fishermen to open an account and participate in the new pilot project.

Fishermen heading back to boat ramps and marinas during the red snapper mini-season are encouraged to assist state marine resource agency staff and NOAA Fisheries personnel with expanded efforts to collect information, even if the MyFishCount app has been used offshore. Pausing to provide answers to a few questions or allowing staff to quickly take biological samples such as otoliths (ear bones) from red snapper catches will provide valuable data that may be used in future stock assessments and management decisions. Carcass collection sites with freezers and catch cards for recording information about the fish will also be established by some states.

In addition, law enforcement personnel will have a higher presence on the water. Safety will be a primary focus for enforcement officers as fishermen head offshore, along with ensuring regulations are being followed.

It may seem simple, but good angler ethics and best practices will go a long way in making a good fishing trip a great one. Know the rules. For example, the use of non-stainless steel circle hooks is required when targeting snapper grouper species (including red snapper) when fishing with natural baits in waters North of 28 degrees latitude (a line just south of Melbourne, Florida). Dehooking devices are also required onboard.

Plan ahead and have the equipment needed to properly release a fish. Know how to properly handle a fish and if snapping a photo of your catch, be ready with your camera before the fish comes onboard. Catch and release is okay, but move off of an area to avoid releasing too many fish. To help you plan ahead and prepare for a successful trip, check out the list of Best Fishing Practices and other information now available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/2018-red-snapper-season/. The website also includes additional details on data collection efforts by state marine resources agencies during the 2018 red snapper season, including carcass collection sites.

The Council is currently considering options for requiring best fishing practices to reduce the number of released fish and release mortality for species in the snapper grouper management complex. Public scoping webinars are scheduled for August 7th and 8th, and written public comment is being accepted until August 17, 2018. Learn more at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.

Gulf Council Asks Anglers and Divers to Provide Information on Red Grouper

August 2, 2018 –The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is seeking information from anglers and divers about trends or “strange things” that scientists and managers may need to know about red grouper.

The council would like to gain a better understanding of the fish in the Gulf of Mexico and a scientific stock assessment of the species is scheduled to begin this September. The council wants to know if fishermen have noticed anything out of the ordinary about the fishing for red grouper or about the fish.

The information provided will help inform scientists and managers as they formulate a current understanding of the red grouper stock.

Read the full story at Houma Today

SAFMC Seeks Applicants for Federal Fishery Advisory Panels and Workgroup

August 2, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is currently soliciting applicants for open advisory panel seats as well as fishing representatives to serve on the System Management Plan Workgroup. The Workgroup will address future needs of managed areas in federal waters in the South Atlantic. The Council’s advisory panel members provide information and guidance in the development and implementation of federal fishery management plans.

The Council has 13 advisory panels composed of individuals who are engaged in the harvest of managed species, or are knowledgeable and interested in the conservation and management of the fishery or managed species. Members include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, scientists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as environmental groups, fishing organizations, etc., and concerned citizens.

Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council and serve for a three-year period, based on the frequency of meetings. As those appointments expire, members currently serving on an AP may reapply for their positions. These seats are also open to new applicants. Members may serve three consecutive terms before reaching their multi-term limit. The Council’s advisory panels generally meet no more than once or twice each year and are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for all meetings.

Read the full release here

NOAA to (briefly) reopen recreational red snapper fishing next month

July 27, 2018 –Recreational and commercial fishers will be able to catch red snapper off the South Carolina coast in limited amounts next month.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will allow South Atlantic anglers to keep their catch during the second and third weekends of August. The agency’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published the new regulation in the Federal Register on Thursday. Commercial fishing will be allowed starting Thursday.

Harvesting red snapper from the South Atlantic was prohibited in 2010 as NOAA worked to restore a population it said was depleted by overfishing. The agency allowed limited catches from 2012-2014, but halted the harvest as the resulting catch exceeded what it considered “acceptable.”

“It’s obvious from looking out in the field, that the stock is rebuilding,” South Carolina Office of Fisheries Management director Mel Bell said. “The stock’s rebuilding, but it’s just taking time.”

Read the full story at the South Carolina Radio Network

Final Rule Revises Annual Catch Limits for South Atlantic Red Grouper

July 27, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for red grouper in the South Atlantic. This rule will reduce the annual catch limits (ACLs) for South Atlantic red grouper in response to the results of the latest population assessment. The assessment determined that red grouper in the South Atlantic is undergoing overfishing and is overfished.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

The rule will take effect on August 27, 2018.

WHAT THIS MEANS:

The final rule will reduce the total and sector annual catch limits for red grouper.
New annual catch limits (in pounds whole weight) are as follows:

	Total ACL	Commercial ACL	Recreational ACL
2018	139,000	61,160	77,840
2019	150,000	66,000	84,000
2020 until modified	162,000	71,280	90,720

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 83 FR 35435, published July 26, 2018

Florida researchers team to map entire Florida coast, wildlife habitats

July 24, 2018 — The USF College of Marine Science is teaming up with the Florida Institute of Oceanography to map the entire Florida coast, as well as gather data on fish spawning areas in the state’s coastal waters.

Researchers developing maps of essential sealife habitats
Florida Coastal Mapping Program capturing high resolution maps of coast
Less than 20 percent of Florida’s coastal waters have been mapped

Researchers from the two schools are pushing forward a number of projects while working onboard the Weatherbird II research vessel in the Gulf of Mexico.

One of those projects involved gathering HD video of the sea bottom to count the number of Red Snapper in the gulf utilizing an instrument called a “C-BASS.” The Weatherbird tows the C-BASS about six feet off the bottom of the ocean floor and utilizes lights and cameras to capture all the action.

It’s all part of the C-SCAMP project, which is also developing high-resolution multibeam maps to identify essential habitats on the West Florida shelf.

“It’s really important not only for just finding out what’s there, but also for the management of our natural resources,” said USF Professor Steve Murawski. “So, we’re trying to close this huge gap in terms of our understanding of what’s on the sea floor and how valuable it is.”

Read the full story at Spectrum News 13

Looking for local red snapper? South Carolina limited fishing season will open soon

July 24, 2018 — A limited season for red snapper will open July 26 for recreational and commercial fishing in the South Atlantic Region, which includes South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council announced Monday in a release that scientific research showed an increase in the red snapper population since 2010. It states NOAA Fisheries determined limited harvest beginning in 2018 is not expected to result in overfishing, nor prevent a continued rebuilding of the population.

Recreational fishing will open for harvest on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It will run from July 26 to August 20.

Read the full story at The Island Packet

NOAA Fisheries Announces Limited Opening of Recreational and Commercial Red Snapper Seasons in South Atlantic Federal Waters

July 24, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for Amendment 43 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 43). This rule specifies recreational and commercial annual catch limits for red snapper beginning in 2018.

Red snapper recreational and commercial seasons will open in South Atlantic federal waters for limited harvest beginning in 2018.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved Amendment 43 after recent scientific information indicated an increase in the red snapper population since 2010.
NOAA Fisheries determined limited harvest beginning in 2018 is neither expected to result in overfishing, nor prevent continued rebuilding of the population.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

The rule will take effect on July 26, 2018.
The recreational sector will open for harvest on weekends only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) on the following days:
August 10, 11, and 12, 2018 – The recreational season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 10, 2018, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 13, 2018.
August 17, 18, and 19, 2018 – The recreational season opens again at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 17, 2018, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 20, 2018.
The commercial sector will open for harvest upon publication of the final rule at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 26, 2018, and will close at 11:59 p.m., local time, on December 31, 2018, unless the commercial annual catch limit is met or projected to be met before this date.
- NOAA Fisheries will announce if the commercial sector needs to close before December 31, 2018.

WHAT THIS MEANS:

The total annual catch limit will be 42,510 fish.
The recreational annual catch limit will be 29,656 fish.
- The recreational bag limit will be one red snapper per person per day. This applies to private and charterboat/headboat vessels (the captain and crew on for-hire vessels may retain the recreational bag limit).
The commercial annual catch limit will be 124,815 pounds whole weight (12,854 fish).
- The commercial trip limit will be 75 pounds gutted weight.
There will be no minimum or maximum size limit for the recreational or commercial sectors.
NOAA Fisheries expects that beginning in 2019, commercial and recreational harvest will begin in July, as per Amendment 43 and the final rule.