Gulf Currents Digest

Regulations Rationale Have you ever wondered why regulations like size limits, seasons, and possession limits are set the way they are? Or why different sectors are managed with different regulations? The following three Regulations Rationale articles explain why regulations vary so much by species and sector and explore the factors that are considered when the Council makes management decisions.  Regulations Rationale: Minimum Size Limits Minimum size limits are set for nearly all commercially and recreationally important species we manage. When we set a minimum size limit, we try to allow a fish to spawn at least once before it grows large enough to be harvested. This is typically measured with an estimate of the percentage of female fish that reach sexual maturity at a certain length. Read More Photo submtted by Alex Bender Regulations Rationale: Fishing Seasons Photo submitted by Gavin Redinger Fishing seasons are arguably one of the most important fishery management decisions made by the Council. Simultaneously, they are some of the most complex. Decisions about when to open a fishing season and/or how long to keep a fishing season open directly impacts fishing behavior and can even impact the fish themselves.  Read More Regulations Rationale: Differences Between Commercial and Recreational Management Photo submitted by Allison Bender One of the most common questions we hear from fishermen is something along the lines of ‘’why can the other guy do this but I can’t?’’ While the answer is simple, it also requires perspective. In short, a ‘one size fits all’ approach to fisheries management does not work. Not all fishermen are alike so different regulations are used for different types of fishermen. Read More Emily Muehlstein, Public Information Officer | 888-833-1844 ext.2380 | Contact Us

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