![]() ![]() When talks of total area closures began, fishermen and congressmen alike responded with frustration. Many fishermen in public comment have disputed this, saying they often find themselves catching numerous red snapper when they are out on the water. Red snapper was overfished for decades, and while assessments have shown improvement in its numbers, the council’s data shows that discard mortality keeps red snapper overfished. “However, rebuilding success has not translated into successful management that provides reasonable harvest access, and serious questions have been raised about the latest assessment.” “South Atlantic red snapper has rebounded so much that the stock is at record abundance,” Guyas told members of the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. The American Sportfishing Association recently echoed the sentiments of many of its members when Martha Guyas, the association’s Southeast Fisheries Policy director, shared her testimony with Congress March 8. If not released with proper care, red snapper caught as bycatch can suffer fatal injuries back in the water. Though commentators from several interested parties have expressed their disapproval of the amendment, the council is obligated by law to take action as long as red snapper remains overfished, even if the majority of overfishing happens during the offseason as a result of release mortality. The amendment also limits recreational fishermen to using one hook per line when fishing for snapper grouper species. No dates have been announced for the 2023 red snapper fishing season, though the council assured dates would be released before any opening in July. Talks have been ongoing for months now as officials, fishing advocates and members of the public have weighed in on the issue of red snapper release mortality rates in the South Atlantic region. Limits are expected to go into effect later this year. 19.The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved an amendment to reduce the red snapper annual catch limit.Īssuming the Secretary of Commerce approves the amendment, Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 35 will bring the annual catch limit down from 42,510 fish to 28,000 fish, an approximately 34% decrease. The Gulf federal season for for-hire operations with federal reef fish permits begins June 1 and will close at 12:01 a.m. Learn more at or follow Fish Rules at /FishRulesApp or /FishRulesApp. ![]() Looking to keep up to date on Florida’s saltwater fishing regulations? Find them on Fish Rules App. To learn more about the recreational red snapper season in Gulf state and federal waters, including season size and bag limits, visit /Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Snappers,” which is under the “Regulations by Species – Reef Fish” tab. When releasing fish with barotrauma, use a descending device or venting tool to help them survive and return to depth. When catching red snapper and other deep-water fish, look out for symptoms of barotrauma (injuries caused by a change in pressure), such as the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes. If you receive a survey in the mail, please respond whether you fished this season or not. These surveys were developed specifically to provide more robust recreational data for management of red snapper and other important reef fish and have allowed the FWC the unprecedented opportunity to manage Gulf red snapper in state and federal waters. ![]() State Reef Fish Anglers might receive a questionnaire in the mail regarding their reef fish trips as part of Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey. If you plan to fish for red snapper in any state or federal waters off Florida from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required). The 57-day Gulf red snapper season is the longest since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission began managing the season in state and federal waters.įor-hire operations that do not have a federal reef fish permit may also participate in the season but are limited to fishing for red snapper in Gulf state waters only. Florida - Monday, June 13, 2022: The recreational red snapper season will start June 17 in Gulf state and federal waters off Florida and remain open through July 31 with 12 days in the fall. ![]()
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