Reminder - Gulf of Mexico Recreational Grouper Season to Close February 1

Press Release January 29, 2013 Reminder - Gulf of Mexico Recreational Grouper Season to Close February 1  The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council reminds anglers that the recreational shallow-water grouper fishery will close from February 1 through March 31.      This past November, the Council voted to eliminate the current February 1 through March 31 shallow-water grouper closed season shoreward of the 20 fathom break. The new rule has not yet been implemented and is awaiting approval by the Secretary of Commerce.  If approved, recreational harvest of red grouper, black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, and yellowmouth grouper will be permitted all year unless you are fishing beyond 20 fathoms. Beyond 20 fathoms, the February 1 through March 31 recreational closed season remains in effect.   Gag grouper, which is also part of the shallow-water grouper complex, will remain closed until July 1, and will close when the annual catch target is met.    About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.        The Gulf Council has an APP for that - Download it for free!           iPhone         Droid Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Charlene Ponce Public Information Officer 888-833-1844 ext. 229

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