In a controversial decision, NOAA has decided to ban all fishing for Red Snapper from North Carolina to Key West, effective January 4, 2010. The emergency order was enacted on December 4 and will be effective for 6 months after which time it is likely to be extended for another 6 months.
Red Snapper
Debate has been raging over the last year as recreational anglers have argued that stocks of Snapper are not in fact depleted and they have taken issue with scientific studies and papers which purportedly prove out this fact. They have also argued that this decision would do irreparable damage to the recreational fishing industry which employs thousands of people in the Southeast. Now that’s an argument that rings true.
Many believe that this is a debate that will not go away until it is resolved in a court of law.
Please read NOAA’s report here.
