The Council received a presentation by NOAA Fisheries during this week’s meeting showing that the estimated number of red snapper removed (landings plus dead discards) exceeded the acceptable biological catch in 2016, a situation that has kept the fishery closed for the past two years under the current management plan. The removals are primarily associated with the recreational fishery where red snapper are captured and released while fishermen target other co-occurring species. Approximately 28% of the fish released by recreational anglers are estimated to die primarily due to barotrauma, the physical damage to body tissues caused by differences in pressure as the fish is being retrieved.
Meanwhile, Council members, with representatives from both commercial and recreational fisheries, focused on how to allow limited harvest of red snapper beginning in 2018. “Council members and members of the public have repeatedly expressed their frustration at the increasing numbers of red snapper that are being released as this stock recovers,” said Council Chair Dr. Michelle Duval. “While we explore measures to allow limited harvest we must also be cautionary in our approach to not allow overfishing to occur should the fishery reopen next year.”
After lengthy discussion, the Council approved modifying draft Amendment 43 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan to include a single action to revise annual catch limits for red snapper. The draft amendment would remove the current process and equation used to specify the annual catch limit and includes alternatives for establishing an annual catch limit for 2018 ranging from approximately 23,600 to 76,000 fish. The intent is to expedite the amendment by holding public hearings via webinar in August, in-person hearings at the Council’s September meeting, and approving the amendment for Secretarial review at that time. The new measures could be in place in time to allow limited harvest beginning in Jul
What about making it a permit-only fishery, where permit holders are required to purchase or prove ownership of a venting tool, and go through an online training course on proper use of it prior to obtaining the permit.
What about making it a permit-only fishery, where permit holders are required to purchase or prove ownership of a venting tool, and go through an online training course on proper use of it prior to obtaining the permit.
Wadmalaw native
16’ Bentz-Craft Flats Boat
That’s an interesting concept!!!..like purchasing deer tags…
“Endeavor to Persevere.
Give,Give… Never Take.”
EC
Realfin- If you click on this link: http://safmc.net/briefing-books/2017-june-council-meeting-briefing-book/. and then scroll down the “Briefing Book” to the “06 Workshop Folder”, all the presentations on the different release devices/techniques are in there. Just click on the folder or the little “+” to the left of it and the presentations should drop down.
People, quit begging for tags and permits or you will be sorely unhappy when they go to a lottery system and you get your 1 red snapper permit every 5 years in a raffle. If the word “tag” or “permit” pops into your head, face the mirror and slap yourself in the head. Then, remind yourself that what we want is a SEASON… Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should we ever agree to a permit\tag system. This is a case of “good cop, bad cop”. It’s a false dilemma where they want you to think that “tag system” is the answer. They want YOU to pick the poison and they are just manipulating you to believe this. The correct answer is for the feds to get their head out of their asses and give us a season.
Bobo, I’m no scientist , and I’m certainly not a statistition, but I think you would have a hard time proving to a layman that the information in these reports has anything to do with the health of South Carolina’s fisheries. You just do not have enough accurate information to be of value. How can anyone have even a reasonable prediction of the mortality rate of any fish in the ocean?
People, quit begging for tags and permits or you will be sorely unhappy when they go to a lottery system and you get your 1 red snapper permit every 5 years in a raffle. If the word “tag” or “permit” pops into your head, face the mirror and slap yourself in the head. Then, remind yourself that what we want is a SEASON… Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should we ever agree to a permit\tag system. This is a case of “good cop, bad cop”. It’s a false dilemma where they want you to think that “tag system” is the answer. They want YOU to pick the poison and they are just manipulating you to believe this. The correct answer is for the feds to get their head out of their asses and give us a season.
Realfin: I am def not a scientist nor a statistician- I barely consider myself a fisherman…hell I don’t even use white braid. I was just copying and pasting a blast email I got from the SAFMC in an effort to contribute a public service announcement as a CF newbie/ knob/ greenhorn/ whatever you want to call me.
Bobo, I dont believe he was referring to you, but the SAFMC debacle that has been going on a looooong time!
Thanks for the info.
NN
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A self fulfilling, Corrupt government office that does nothing to help the fisherman, they only care about going to resorts in keeping their little bit of power. The entire council should be disbanded in the authority turn back over to the states. Bunch of worthless jerk offs
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PROUD YANKEE
Oyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
I wish there was a like feature on here for Sells post because that about sums it up. Even with the economy going strong now, I think effort is way down…Yeah…I see more people on the water but they seem to be booze cruising, etc. The early 90’s was insane. These bastards are screwing the rec crowd giving it to the commercial crowd. This is why I believe in aquaculture soo much. Turn the commercial fisherman into a specialty group. That will rub many the wrong way, but so be it.