FWC to hold red snapper workshop in Carrabelle next week

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has scheduled a series of Gulf of Mexico red snapper workshops beginning in late July so recreational fishermen can discuss state and federal management of recreational red snapper.

Red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida are managed by the FWC in state waters and by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council in federal waters.

Because of management constraints, the federal season has consistently been shortened for several years in a row even though the recreational quota has increased and the red snapper population has improved.

This year’s federal season was the shortest yet, at nine days; Florida’s state season was 52 days.

The FWC is seeking input from recreational anglers about how to better manage recreational harvest of red snapper at the state and federal level while continuing to rebuild the fishery.

Several management options that are being considered for federal waters will be discussed, including sector separation and an individual fishing quota program for federally permitted charter and head boats.

One of the meetings will be held at the Carrabelle Municipal Complex on July 31^st at 6 PM.

Other meetings will be held in Panama City, Destin, and Pensacola.

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