Grouper & Snapper Closure 2009

[fishon]

I'm curious as to how many forum members are avid bottom fisherman and if they are aware of the Amendment 16 closures for Grouper & Snapper that apply to South Atlantic anglers by the SAFMC. As best I can tell this affects areas from NC to the FL Keys.

Bottom line is the SAFMC has already voted and approved the closure of Grouper for commercial and recreational fishers from Jan 1 to April 30 2009. The SAFMC is holding meetings this month and we might very well have the same results or worse for Red Snapper.

Quite a few people from our local fishing boards have put a great deal of time and effort in voicing our opinions to the SAFMC. I'm hoping some of those affected up here will take a couple of minutes to do the same and be heard by the SAFMC. There has been discussion the SAFMC may be targeting other species in the near future including Dolphin and Wahoo.

Based on what we have learned the data used by the SAFMC to determine the need for immediate closure is over a year old and does not take into account fuel prices or the economy.

Here is a link to the Amendment 16 info on the SAFMC site: News Release September 23, 2008

If you would like to spend 2 minutes voicing your opinion to the SAFMC we have created a link that makes it very simple. The SAFMC actually reads this input and it has been discussed at the meetings. The SAFMC is meeting on the Snapper closure as I type (Nov 30 - Dec 5) in Wilmington.

Please take a few minutes and visit this link to provide input!

http://www.Deep-Blue-Sea.org/safmc/flyer.htm

Thanks!!