Now try and figure this one out. Our own Gulf Council, in all their wisdom, announced just two days ago that, due to the 'fact' that red snapper were over fished this year, we can expect no Fall season. And, get this, " an even shorter season next year." Truth is, this year we only had a 48 day season; as such, the season cannot be shortened too much and still call it a season. Way to go Gulf Council; NOAA will be very proud.
And now the paradox!
AUSTIN TEXAS:
This week the Gulf Council met in Austin Texas. The Council, after saying that, due to over fishing, there will be NO American red snapper season this Fall, agreed to increase the daily bag limit on red snapper from two to four next year. (Can't help but wonder if they will reduce the season to 2 or 4 days?)
The Council also agreed to conduct stock assessments in 2012 & 2013. With that, if NOAA does not force the assessments to be carried out over barren sand, just maybe, it will finally be realized what is actually out there, what we, the fishermen, have been stating all along. Hopefully, real assessments, derived from REAL data, real data from REAL biologist, FWC biologist, will result in a REAL American red snapper season, with a REALISTIC daily possession limit.
Per Captain Bob Zales, President of the Panama City Boatman's Association and a very well known, respected, charter boat Captain:
"a more in-depth “benchmark” assessment in 2013 could help scientists understand something boat captains already are experiencing: There are more fish out there than some believe."
"Now try and figure this one out." How can we when we are getting so many different signals, different messages, different paradoxes? Bob H.
