June 10, 2017 — Rancor, the word in all its definitions, properly describes the sentiment pervading the issue of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico among Louisiana’s recreational offshore fishermen.
Despite what’s turned out to be a 200-day season in state waters out to nine miles for this species, this year’s three-day June 1-3 season in federal waters out to 200 miles into the Gulf stirred enough resentment toward federal fisheries managers and fierce opponents to recreational access that congressional delegations from the five Gulf states jumped into the fray.
While Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., declined specific comment on his part, he said there were many others stirring this stew for more recreational access. The result is a package of three options the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will elicit public comment on during a special meeting set for 1:30 p.m. Monday at the state Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters on Quail Drive in Baton Rouge.
Here’s what the U.S. Department of Commerce, through its National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and National Marine Fisheries Section, agreed to offer, after the hard push from the five Gulf states’ congressmen and senators.