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Gulf States Come Together On Red Snapper
Dr. Bob Shipp
For the first time, the five Gulf states have banded together to present a united front for sane red snapper management.
With the 2015 red snapper season looming, and projections of a federal season of just a couple of days, the frustration level of coastal anglers continues to rise. Despite what appears to be a quota increase of a couple of million pounds, there is absolutely no consensus on how this yearâs season will be structured. The uncertainty comes from a variety of sources. How long will the states keep their season open? How will the disparity between federal and state tally of landings be addressed? (In Alabama, state landings numbers were less than half of what the federal numbers were.) And how will the sector separation issue impact the quota distribution?
Here we have one of the healthiest fisheries in the Southeast, for which recreational anglers have sacrificed more than a decade to rebuild the stock. And the well-intentioned federal law has prevented the benefits that are there to be realized. There is no doubt the management system has failed, and I add quickly itâs no oneâs fault. The law, The Magnuson-Stevens Act, has unintended consequences. For example, it requires that in most cases, the stocks be managed as a single unit. For a fish like red snapper, this is incredibly poor management because the stocks are so varied in different regions of the Gulf. The act and the accompanying guidelines donât allow alternative management measures such as area closures, but rather directs management by quotas.
Whenever there is a quota in a recreational fishery, it will likely eventually result in a derby fishery. Derby fisheries result in frantic harvest and fishing in whatever weather is at hand. The safety risks of that are pretty obvious.
But what have the states done? The chief fishery managers from every Gulf state met, and as one manager put it, they locked themselves in a room until they has hammered out a plan. The plan would transfer total management of red snapper to the individual states, through the formation of the Gulf States Red Snapper Management Authority (GSRSMA). The authority would be comprised of the chief fishery management officer from each state.
Under the GSRSMA, the states would be required to provide stock assessments, accountability, and have statutory authority that takes precedence over the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councilâs plan.
It is the first time all five states have come together on all aspects of red snapper management. Previously, attempts by one state or another have failed to gather the support and momentum to push through needed changes. This plan would extend state authority to 200 miles, not just 3 or 9 miles as is the present case. It would remove much of the rancor and distrust which currently exists among various sectors of the fishery.
But most importantly, it would allow each state to manage its unique fishery in the most beneficial manner, while guaranteeing the red snapper stocks remain healthy.
The managers have put this plan in a detailed letter that will be provided to the congressional delegations from each state. It requires Congressional action. If the five Gulf states band together, it is possible Congress could act. It is a great opportunity for bipartisan action that benefits everyone. There may be some who say, âWeâve rebuilt the stocks and this plan threatens to deplete them.â Nonsense! More than a decade ago, with a 180-day season the stocks were increasing rapidly. As one who has studied snapper for more than 30 years, I can offer that we could return to those days and it wouldnât put a dent in the population. I invite the reader to go to my web site: bobshipp.com and view the videos.
Dr. Bob Shipp served on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council for 18 years, was elected its chair three times, and chaired the Reef Fish Committee three times. He is author of âDr. Bob Shippâs Guide to Fishes of the Gulf of Mexicoâ available at bobshipp.com.