The professional guides have appealed the Georgia Legislature to give redfish more protection by changing its status to a gamefish. It is said that this popular coastal species enjoys the distinction of being the “official state saltwater fish,” but the absence of a formal “gamefish” designation makes it vulnerable to exploitation through commercial sales and overharvesting, according to the group.
The leading biologists of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have acknowledged a need to better protect this important recreational fishery. Spud Woodward, Georgia’s assistant director for marine fisheries, informed that they are officially neutral but are concerned about the possible consequences of not designating them as gamefish.
It is found that in Georgia, all freshwater fish species targeted by recreational anglers are legally gamefish, which means native fish cannot be sold commercially and can only be taken with hook and line. The petition drive is aimed at winning gamefish status for Georgia’s redfish, which would limit commercial harvesting and sales. Woodward told that over time recreational fishing has grown in importance, and commercial fishing has somewhat diminished.
There were serious hunting accidents reported in this season which not only hamper redfish stocks but also demean the commercial fishing industry.
