It is mentioned that closure of the recreational red snapper fishery in federal waters complies with regulations implemented under the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. This closure reminded the fishermen that a person aboard a vessel for which a federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, must also abide by these closure provisions in state waters for the extent of the closure.
The closure comes under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. NOAA Fisheries Service said that this action is necessary to prevent overfishing and to keep the recreational fishery from exceeding its quota during the 2009 fishing year. It is told that during the development of these regulations, reductions in landings assumed that Gulf States would adopt state regulations that were consistent with the newly proposed federal regulations.
Despite the early closure the 2008 quota was increased by 1.2mp due to incompatible state regulations, as well as larger, heavier red snapper being handed in 2008 compared to previous years. Base don the methods of the closure the recreational Gulf of Mexico red snapper quota was projected to be met August 14, 2009, if Florida establishes a state season consistent with the federal season.
