June 4, 2014 — NOAA Fisheries announces the opening of the 2014 commercial and recreational red snapper fishing seasons in South Atlantic federal waters. NOAA Fisheries may change the commercial and recreational season dates if tropical storm or hurricane conditions exist, or are projected to exist, in the South Atlantic. If severe weather conditions exist, NOAA Fisheries will announce via NOAA Weather Radio and a Fishery Bulletin any change in the red snapper fishing seasons.
The commercial 2014 catch limit is set at 50,994 pounds gutted weight. The commercial red snapper season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 14, 2014. During the open commercial season, the daily trip limit is 75 pounds gutted weight and there is no minimum size limit for red snapper. The commercial season will end when the annual catch limit is projected to be met. Commercial landings are updated on the Southeast Regional Office Web site. Another Federal Register notice and Fishery Bulletin will be published if and when the commercial annual catch limit for red snapper is projected to be met.
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