PANAMA CITY — Recreational anglers could see an increase in the amount of red snapper they can harvest in the coming years if the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approves a proposed amendment.
The council will host its sole public hearing in Florida on Wednesday to solicit comment on the amendment, which would revise how red snapper harvest is split between the commercial and recreational sectors in the Gulf of Mexico. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Select, located at 2001 N. Cove Blvd. in Panama City.
Pam Anderson, operations manager at Capt. Anderson’s Marina in Panama City Beach, said Monday the allocations are in need of updating. The total allowable red snapper harvest currently is divided as 51 percent to the commercial sector and 49 percent for recreational anglers.
“That was decided many years ago and it was decided based on what was best economically for the nation and for the Gulf states,” Anderson said. “Economically speaking, the trends have changed and the needs have changed.”
Read the full story at News Herald>>
