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NOAA Proposes 3-Month Bottom Fishing Closure off Florida Coast
In a move that has the recreational fishing community shaking their heads in disbelief, NOAA Fisheries is pushing forward with what many consider their most heavy-handed restriction yet. Just when fishermen are reporting more red snapper than they’ve seen in years, and even NOAA’s data shows the fishery is rebounding, the federal agency is proposing to shut down bottom fishing for not just snapper but 54 other species along Florida’s Atlantic coast
This week, NOAA Fisheries released Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Ocean. The proposed amendment looks to implement seasonal restrictions on bottom fishing for 55 species along the Florida Atlantic coast from the Florida/Georgia border to Cape Canaveral.
Under the proposal, recreational hook-and-line fishing, including trolling, would be prohibited in federal waters from December through February. The restriction would affect multiple species, including snapper, hogfish, jacks, sea bass, porgies, tilefish, grunts, and triggerfish.
The amendment originated as part of a legal agreement requiring NOAA to address red snapper fishing in the South Atlantic.
For those looking for the silver lining, according to NOAA Fisheries’ data, the proposed restrictions could extend the recreational red snapper harvest season to 5-9 days annually, an increase from one day in 2024 and two days in 2023.
Alongside the proposal, NOAA released a reanalysis of Atlantic red snapper status, which indicates the species is no longer classified as overfished. The amendment also includes recommendations for modifying how overfishing is measured for red snapper, accounting for fishery growth and recent above-average recruitment.
The American Sportfishing Association has been on the front lines against the proposed restrictions, stating they are unnecessary given the improved status of red snapper stocks.
Martha Guyas, ASA’s Southeast Fisheries Policy Director, expressed concern about potential economic impacts on coastal communities and fishing-related businesses: “A three-month bottom fishing closure for 55 species of reef fish in exchange for 5-9 days of red snapper season is not a good trade,” added Guyas. “Given NOAA Fisheries’ recognition that red snapper is no longer overfished or undergoing overfishing, an increase in the recreational season is warranted. However, it is absurd to propose drastic closures simultaneously.”
ASA plans to work with Congress and the administration to prevent the implementation of these restrictions.
Public comments on the proposed amendment will be accepted until March 17th.
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