Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to consider changes to gag grouper season

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering a plan that could create a split recreational gag grouper season in 2013.

The council agreed in August to hold public hearings on the issue after some fishermen asked for a split season to allow for two or three fishing seasons during the year.

Changing the season could reduce the total number of fishing days but would allow for fishing at more desirable times of the year. 

The Council will also do an analysis of reducing the gag bag limit from 2 to 1 fish per person, which could extend the recreational season.

The proposal also includes alternatives to modify or eliminate the annual February-March recreational shallow-water grouper closure which was put in place primarily to protect gag-grouper populations.

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