October 23, 2014 — The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted Thursday to approve Reef fish Amendment 40. The move's purpose is to improve Recreational Red Snapper Fishing.
The Amendment will distinguish the number of fish caught by commercial and recreational fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico, a move not supported by many. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the allocation to the Recreational Sector will be divided 49 percent between these two divisions.
"I have grave concerns that the failure of leadership from NOAA's representative in the Gulf has reached a breaking point, and that they're siding with the special interests groups based in New York, instead of what's best for the public," Louisiana Senator David Vitter said.
Chris Dorsett, Vice President for Programs and Policy at Ocean Conservancy Chris Dorsett gives his reasons for supporting the amendment.
"Ocean Conservancy, fishermen, scientists, managers and everyone who has a stake in a healthy Gulf of Mexico have reason to be heartened by the council's decision," Dorsett said in a statement. "Amendment 40 separates the quantities of red snapper caught by private recreational fishermen and charter for hire captains who provide access to fishing to the non-boat owning public. This decision enables a much more tailored approach to ensuring that red snapper populations in the Gulf are healthy for generations to come.
Read the full story at the Biloxi-Gulfport Sun Herald