Gulf of Mexico ARS poundage increased!

[harbison]

Is it true, or is it still more political propaganda? Last year, 2011, our American red snapper poundage was increased. To make up for it, we had the shortest ARS season in history. If indeed history repeats itself, this year will be even shorter!
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council February 2012 Update


Red Snapper Regulatory Amendment to Adjust Annual Catch Limit

The Council approved and took final action on a regulatory amendment that increases the red snapper stock Annual Catch Limit for 2012 and 2013 to 8.080 million pounds and 8.690 million pounds respectively

We who actually fish, on the water, not from behind the desk, know, better than anyone, the state of our, I repeat our fishery. We know that red snapper are very abundant. In fact Texas, Texas who told the Feds what they could do with their restrictions, has, in State waters, NO closed season & a possession limit of four ARS. From the Florida Panhandle, and the four remaining Gulf States, red snapper are readily available in State waters.

Often it becomes almost impossible to catch any other reef fish because of the pure numbers of the very aggressive American red snapper. A 48 day season, and possession limit of two, given the state of our economy and abundance the of an extremely healthy species, is completely unrealistic. Unrealistic unless the goal is to stuff shares/separation down the throats of the American peoples.

Is it true, or is it more political propaganda?

This is what is out there. Let us catch them!

Bob Harbison Native Florida life long recreational fisherman

[harbison]

"Last year the scientists reassessed the red snapper population and were able to increase the Annual Catch Limit. The Council decided to award all of the additional pounds to the recreational fishery"  Florida Gulf Council
And, to make up for it, cut the recreational season to 48 days, 48 days...the shortest ARS season in history. If the scientist, "Reassess" the red snapper population again this year, will the season be even shorter than 48 days?
We are ALL in this together!
"If it's not in your backyard now, it will be tomorrow!" Let our voices be heard!
Lubchenco was appointed by Obama. That should be remembered come November. However, the problems we all having are much more widespread than just the policies of Doctor Jane Lubchenco, head of NOAA.
The problems we the salt water recreational fishermen are having are even more wide spread than one may imagine. Per Mister Louis Stout, Senior Writer BASS Master Magazine, "We've all seen public access whittled away by powerful special interest groups that simply don't want us on "their" water." Mister Stout continues,"Look no further than President Barack Obama's Ocean Policy Task Force's Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning." Per Mister Stout, "While that may sound like a mouth full of saltwater, it affects Great lakes, and there are hints of expansion into inland lakes as well. There's clear and present danger We must pay attention to access issues and let our voices be heard."
Per Mister Chris Horton, BASS Master Conservation Director, "The landscape is changing, and we have to get active and do our part. If it's not in your backyard now, it will be tomorrow.
Recreational, Commercial, salt water & fresh water, we are all in this together. It is in our, "backyard" now! The "access" to OUR fishery issues is an issue because we, through apathy, have allowed it to become an issue. Until we unite and, ":Let our voices be heard!" the situation will continue to be an issue, an issue for ALL of us!
Bob Harbison Native Florida Native Recreational Fisherman & member Florida Outdoor Writers Association (FOWA).

[Hunter 2]

Thanks for the info Bob.

[harbison]

  Thank you sir. The more we all know the better we can fight. Looks like all fishing, North, South, East, West, salt & fresh water, is under attack. Together, educated & united, we not only can, but must WIN!    Bob H.
Crabtree at work: