February 6, 2014 — The following was released by Share the Gulf:
Today a federal council that manages Gulf fisheries (Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council) voted in favor of an action that would take red snapper away from commercial fishermen, seafood providers and consumers. This move – (which will now go through a public hearing process before final action.) – will take 488,800 pounds of red snapper currently available to consumers off the market and limit future increase to the consumer supply of this popular Gulf fish. A reduction of this size will impact supplies of red snapper to restaurants and grocery stores and has the potential to impact many parts of the seafood industry.
The action called “Amendment 28” has been under consideration by the Council and has drawn the attention of more than 250 chefs, fishermen, restaurant owners, seafood providers and conservationists who have joined together in a group called Share the Gulf.
Here are few key points on Amendment 28:
– Government analysis shows that even this significant shift of fish will only add a few days to the red snapper recreational seasons.
– Without major changes to the management of the recreational fishery those few days will disappear over a few years and the season will continue to shrink as it has over the last 5 years.
– Seafood buyers and fishermen are reporting a need for increases in the supply of red snapper, a reduction in commercial quota will negatively impact the seafood industry.
– This reallocation coupled with a continuation of the failed recreational management system will endanger the rebuilding and long-term sustainability of the snapper population.
Many notable chefs from across the Gulf as well as fishermen and other industry leaders (including the Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida restaurant associations) are opposed to this Amendment.
You can read recent op-eds published across the Gulf from Share the Gulf members here.
You can see a full list of our supporters from across the Gulf here.