From an email from a Gulf Council Representative:
Quote:
It's official. Roy Crabtree just called me and they have sent the interim rule to the Federal Register for publication today. The NEW red snapper season in federal waters will be June 1-August 5 for this year. Next years (2009) season is still set at June 1-September 30, however that could change depending on what happens with effort and landings this year. Roy will be emailing me the analysis to support this season some time today and I will forward to all of you when I receive it.
Bobbi
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Well, there ya have it. The federal government via the National Marine Fisheries Service, or more precisely, Mr. Roy Crabtree's personal agenda, has just given the stock of Gulf of Mexico red snapper to the commercial sector.
The commercials have the whole year to fish anytime they care to. They can catch any amount of fish they care to up to their "quota".
Something reeks of inequality here. The recreational sector gets June 1st to August 5th to catch their "quota". Now, excuse me, but, does the all knowing Mr. Roy Crabtree know something about the weather that I do not? Has he just created a hurricane free summer with fair seas and good weather to ensure we are able to fish those alloted days? Has he seen to it that the bookings will be filled during those days as well for the charter boats?
It is far past time for congressional action here.