Study finds Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper populations are getting healthier

A recent scientific update on Gulf of Mexico red snapper shows that fishermen may be able to catch more fish next year.

The scientific update was completed by a panel of experts selected by the Gulf Council and comprised of academic, state, and federal scientists. The panel presented their results to the Gulf Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee in early December. The update showed harvest levels were still a bit too high in 2008; however, scientific projections are promising for 2009, indicating that the stock may improve enough to support higher harvest levels.

The Gulf Council will likely review this information at their next meeting in February in Mobile, Ala., and make a recommendation to NOAA’s Fisheries Service to increase the current red snapper catch levels.

The update suggests the current catch level can be increased from five million pounds to slightly more than 6.9 million pounds.

Though fishermen might be able to catch more red snapper next year its doubtful they will have more time to do it. NOAA's Fisheries Service will determine the length of the recreational season early next year; however, the season will still begin on June 1st.


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