The GOMFMC councils proposed GROUPER regulations.

[THEFERMANATOR]

We need to speak up on these issues while we can. I already know how MJ feels about this one.

I don't know how many of you along the GUL OF MEXICO have been paying attention to the recent regulations that the GOMFMC are trying to implement. They have just ruled to begin the process of reducing the GAG grouper limit from 5 fish per person per day and no closed season down to 1 fish per person per day and up to a 6 month closed season on. As well as reducing the aggregate limit from 5 down to 3(1 GAG and 1 RED and 1 of any other). These are the same bunch who just 3 years ago said that RED GROUPER were in a state of overfishing and tried to reduce the aggregate grouper limit down to 1 per person per day, but the courts threw this out and reduced it to 1 RED GROUPER per person per day and kept the 5 aggregate limit. So now they are trying to accomplish what they origanally set out to do. Although now they have realized that the RED GROUPER numbers were way off in there first assesment, and there never was a state of overfishing present. Yet they still refuse to raise the limit since they say RED'S and GAG'S are caught together, so they feel that to many GAG'S will be harmed while anglers are targeting RED'S.

Another sneeky thing they are trying to do is close LARGE areas of the GULF OF MEXICO from ANY fishing, not just the MIDDLE GROUDS. They are using the guise of a state park to pass this through without any public hearings.

They also just passed regulations say that you can no longer use J hooks for reef fish, only circle hooks can be used now. They will be holding another meeting on this matter in St. Petersburg on 2-26-08. You MUST register by 2-23-08 if you want to attend. Registration forms are here http://www.gulfcouncil.org/ . I just recently found out about this issue, seems as though the GULF FISHERY MANAGEMENT has been trying to fly this one in under the radar. There has been alot of debate over on the FLORIDA SPORTSMAN forum regarding this issue, and for good reason http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zeromain?id=1 .

Here's a copy and paste of some of the press releases regarding this issue.

Gag grouper fishing to face quota
ST. PETERSBURG - Fishing regulators voted today to restrict off-shore gag grouper fishing despite objections from commercial and recreational anglers.

The tentative ruling will not be confirmed until the next quarterly meeting in April to allow time for public hearings and written comments. The rules would then be posted in the Federal Register for further comment. The earliest they would go into effect is late 2008, said Roy Crabtree, administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service's Southeast region.
The restrictions would close down recreational grouper fishing for three months in the winter, just when tourists arrive. Anglers would be limited to one gag per trip, and three grouper total. Commercial fisherman would face a quota on gag for the first time, with limits tight enough to shut down the entire grouper fleet every year by October or so -- forcing restaurants and consumers to rely on imports.
The restrictions are designed to reduce gag fish in the Gulf of Mexico by 45 percent. They apply to federal waters, which begin nine miles from shore, but the State of Florida typically matches such rules for inshore fishing as well.
Today's vote by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council comes one day after several hundred anglers, charter boat captains and marine supply store objected to the new restrictions.
Go here for more on the proposed restrictions and here for more on grouper, the Gulf of Mexico fish that is a something of an icon at Tampa Bay area restaurants. -- Steve Nohlgren, Times staff writer


As well as some other handy places to read on this subject.

http://www.thefra.org/FISSUES.htm