Fishermen have until Monday to comment on proposed changed to gag grouper fishery

Fishermen have until April the 4^th to submit comments on proposed changes to the gag and black grouper recreational fishery in The Gulf of Mexico.

NOAA Fisheries is proposing changes that include increasing the minimum size limit for gag and black grouper from 22 inches total length to 24 inches total length.

The size limit increase would bring federal rules in line with rules already in effect in Florida waters.

The changes would also lengthen the gag recreational fishing season by almost 2 months, extending it from July to December to June to January.

The season could close earlier if the gag grouper recreational annual catch limit is projected to be met before December 31st.

To see the full text of the rule changes or to comment, follow the link we’ve set up on this story at oysterradio.com or on the Oyster Radio facebook page.

http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishery_bulletins/documents/pdfs/2016/fb16-014_gag_mgmt_measures.pdf

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