South Atlantic Council considering bottom fishing closures

South Atlantic Council considering bottom fishing closures © American Sportfishing Association

Despite a record abundance of South Atlantic red snapper, NOAA Fisheries has informed the South Atlantic Council that bottom fishing closures, in which fishing for 55 species of snapper and grouper would be prohibited, are necessary to reduce releases of red snapper.

Large area and/or seasonal closures to all bottom fishing would be devastating to the recreational fishing industry and offshore anglers from North Carolina to Florida. Before this drastic step is taken, the Council should wait for the results of the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count. By incorporating this data into the next stock assessment, the Council will have more information to make a better management decision.

Speak out against this hasty proposal by submitting comments here.