Reef Fish

Final Rule to Increase the Annual Catch Target for the Red Snapper For-hire Component

Thu Bui holding caught red snapper

KEY MESSAGE: NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule to maintain a reduced buffer between the recreational for hire component annual catch limit (ACL) and recreational annual catch target (ACT) for Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) red snapper.  The reduced buffer would result in an increased ACT, which determines the length of…

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Fishing For Lane Snapper In Louisiana and Federal Waters To Close Dec. 13

fishing rods on a boat

The recreational and commercial seasons for lane snapper in Louisiana waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on December 13, 2019, and will remain closed until January 1, 2019. The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet, following notification by NOAA Fisheries that the Federal…

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Reminder Regarding the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Programs

red snapper

KEY MESSAGE: NOAA Fisheries is sending an end-of-year reminder to ensure IFQ participants are informed about end of year restrictions as well as subsequent start of year information. We are also providing additional information on the IFQ system functions and requirements to ensure participants clearly understand how to participate in…

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Gulf Council Asks for Information on Vermilion Snapper

Fresh vermilion snapper on ice

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of vermilion snapper (a.k.a. beeliner) in the Gulf of Mexico. It is seeking information from anglers and divers about trends or “strange things” that scientists and managers may need to know. A scientific stock assessment of…

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Gulf Council Recommends Modifying For-Hire Multi-Day Trip Possession Limit

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on a framework action that considers modifying federal for-hire multi-day trip possession limits. The Council recommends allowing anglers on federal for-hire fishing trips that last longer than 30 hours to possess two daily bag or vessel limits at any time…

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LDWF Artificial Reef Program’s Master Plan Addresses Loss of Shallow-water Platforms Along LA Coast

tarpon swimming around submerged pipes

Gov. John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Jack Montoucet have announced the LDWF’s Artificial Reef Program will help Louisiana anglers by preserving offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico where oil and gas platforms in less than 100 feet of water are being removed….

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Continuation of Reductions in Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper Catch Levels

fishing rods on a boat

KEY MESSAGE: NOAA Fisheries has published a final rule that continues reductions in the Gulf of Mexico red grouper commercial and recreational annual catch limits and associated annual catch targets put in place through an emergency action requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. The emergency action reduced…

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August 2019 Council Update

reef fish swimming

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met in New Orleans, Louisiana, August 12-15, 2019.  The Council re-elected Dr. Tom Frazer as its Chair and Dale Diaz as its Vice Chair.  The following is a brief summary of the Council’s actions:   Recreational For-Hire Red Snapper Annual Catch Target Buffer…

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Recommended Reduced Annual Catch Target Buffer for Federal For-Hire Red Snapper

fishing rods on a boat

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action to reduce the buffer between the annual catch limit and the annual catch target for federal for-hire red snapper to 9%. The buffer is in place to account for management uncertainty. Seasons are set based on the annual catch target…

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LA Red Snapper Landing Estimates through July 21

Thu Bui holding caught red snapper

The latest catch statistics recorded by LA Creel, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ (LDWF) near real-time data collection program, is 530,940 pounds, or 65 percent of Louisiana’s allocation. This estimate covers the period through July 21. The season will remain open until recreational landings approach or reach Louisiana’s…

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