Amendment 59 proposes establishing a discard reduction season in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper recreational sector to decrease red snapper dead discards by at least 24%.
What's Proposed:
From December through February, recreational and for-hire fishermen would be prohibited from fishing for, harvesting, or possessing snapper-grouper species in the South Atlantic EEZ (bounded by the Florida/Georgia border and Cape Canaveral) using hook-and-line gear, including trolling. Vessels in transit with appropriately stowed gear are allowed to pass through the closed area without stopping. The closure would apply to 55 species in the snapper-grouper Fishery Management Unit, including black sea bass, red grouper, gag, and vermilion snapper. Possible expected benefits include: Increased red snapper recreational annual catch limits (ACL), potentially extending the fishing season from 1–2 days to 5–9 days, improving ecosystem health and future fishing opportunities.
Amendment 59 introduces a controversial discard reduction season in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper recreational sector, aiming to reduce red snapper dead discards by 24%. However, this approach raises concerns about its impact on fishermen and local economies:
1. Overemphasis on Recreational Sector: The amendment places disproportionate blame on recreational anglers, who are responsible for red snapper discards largely due to strict federal regulations that require them to release the fish. This unfairly penalizes fishermen for rules beyond their control.
2. Seasonal Closure: Prohibiting fishing from December through February in critical waters (Florida/Georgia border to Cape Canaveral) disrupts recreational and charter fishing activities during a peak winter season, reducing income for guides, tackle shops, and related businesses.
3. Broad Scope: Applying restrictions to 55 species, many of which co-occur with red snapper, unnecessarily impacts fishermen targeting other species, limiting their ability to enjoy and utilize public resources.
4. Questionable Benefits: While reducing discards may help red snapper populations, closing large areas for extended periods may not significantly improve stock health. Instead, it could shift fishing pressure to other areas or seasons, creating unintended ecological and economic consequences.
5. Economic Harm: Recreational charter operators and headboat businesses, already facing narrow profit margins, would likely suffer under these closures. The potential benefits of a slightly longer red snapper season (5–9 days versus 1–2 days) may not outweigh the economic losses during the three-month closure.
6. Limited Flexibility: While transit exemptions exist, the requirement for stowing gear adds complexity and inconvenience, discouraging recreational activity in the region.
By focusing on closures and restrictions, this amendment risks alienating the fishing community and undermining public trust in fisheries management. Alternatives, such as improved gear technology or targeted education to reduce discards, may achieve conservation goals without imposing harsh economic impacts or access restrictions.
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