Anybody see this…FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2011
Science Shows Planned Area Closure off Georgia and North Florida Not
Necessary
NOAA seeks public comment on proposed rule to repeal area closure
Updated scientific data on red snapper populations in the South Atlantic
show that the planned area closure for all snapper and grouper species
off southern Georgia and northern Florida is no longer needed. As a
result, NOAAs Fisheries Service is seeking public comment on a proposal
to repeal the previously approved area closure that is set to go into
effect on June 1.
The latest science suggests that the planned area closure is not
necessary for the red snapper population to continue to improve, sparing
South Atlantic fishermen and their families from additional economic
hardship, said Roy Crabtree, southeast regional administrator for
NOAAs Fisheries Service. By using up-to-date science to manage these
valuable fisheries, we will be able to keep this area open to fishing
for other snappers and groupers.
Fisheries managers originally approved the closed area in late 2010,
based on 2008 stock assessment information, as a means to reduce
unintended catch, or bycatch, of red snapper, the catch and possession
of which is forbidden in federal waters of the South Atlantic. The area
closure was purposely delayed until June 1 to allow time for the South
Atlantic Fishery Management Council to consider the results of the
October 2010 red snapper scientific assessment, and determine if changes
to the closure area were warranted. The assessment showed that though
the red snapper population is still too low and fish are still being
removed too quickly, the species is in better condition than the earlier
assessment indicated.
Eliminating the planned area closure would not alter the existing
prohibition on directed commercial and recreational catch and possession
of red snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic. Repealing the
area closure would allow f