THE PROBLEM
Shortened fishing seasons hurt fishing-related businesses
Recreational fishing produces billions of dollars in revenues annually for Gulf of Mexico states. Additionally,
for-hire fishermen take many tourists and local fishermen without their own boats out fishing, which accounts for
about half of all recreational fish caught.
The 2008 federal red snapper season was the shortest on record due to the National Marine Fisheries Services' legal mandate
to end overfishing. Additionally, new government rules will require that if a sector fishes more than their annual
allotment, it could result in a shorter season for that sector in the future.
The continued and potential further loss of fishing time means a loss of business revenue and stability for for-hire
business owners who have families to support.
It also means reduced access to the resource for anglers, many who are tourists that support coastal communities through
hotels, restaurants and other spending, which may decide to fish else where.
For-hire fishing businesses are vital to our culture and economy and current recreational sector regulations have created
a situation in which we could lose the very industry which they are trying to protect.
One thing is clear: the current one-size-fits all management rules and regulations are not working and must be improved.