Anglers and fishery management officials continue to discuss the status of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico with intent of managing the species. One of those discussions will be in the form of a teleconference open to the public. Red snapper are reportedly recovering quickly in the Gulf of Mexico, but the recreational fishing season keeps getting shorter and the 2013 federal season is the shortest on record. These seemingly inconsistent facts have many fishermen frustrated with the increasingly restrictive management regime and the apparent lack of cooperation between state and federal governments.
NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Administrator, Roy Crabtree is hosting the teleconference on Thursday, July 11 to discuss various topics relating to Gulf of Mexico red snapper.
A recent press release stated that the teleconference discussion will focus on the recent population assessment, future catch levels, regional management and how interested parties can get involved in the process prior to or during the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council meeting set to take place July 17 in New Orleans, LA.
The statement went on to say, “We (NOAA) want to have an informal conversation, answer your questions about management options and hear your thoughts about ways to better stabilize the recreational fishery in the future.”
Specifically, the teleconference will take place on Thursday, July 11 from 12pm – 2pm EST. Anyone can join in by dialing 1-800-857-5151 and use the password: RED SNAPPER.