Gulf of Mexico Recreational Grouper Season to Close February 1

Press Release January 26, 2012 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.      The annual closure, which includes gag, black, red, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind, is designed to protect gag, which are often found and caught with the other grouper species. The two-month spawning season closure helps reduce overfishing of gag and rebuild its populations so that larger annual harvests may be possible in the future.  Gag grouper, which is also part of the shallow-water grouper complex, has been closed since November 16, 2011.The proposed 2012 recreational gag season is July 1 through October 31.

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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