Gulf Recreational Anglers Morale Hits All Time Low As Feds Set 3-Day Federal Waters Red Snapper Seas

Ever wake up and feel like you were stuck in the movie "Groundhog Day"? Since moving to the Alabama Gulf Coast 4 years ago, each spring when the Gulf Red Snapper season is announced, it's like deja vu, but only worse. Yesterday, NOAA announced that the federal Gulf Red Snapper season would be 3-days...let me repeat 3-days! Inevitably, 1-3 of those days will be too rough for most anglers to venture out in the federal waters. The federal Gulf Red Snapper season has diminished drastically the past few years as surrounding Gulf States (Florida, Louisiana and Texas) made the decision to extend Red Snapper seasons in state waters anywhere from 60 days to year round. Last year, Alabama joined other states recently in extending our state waters season. The biggest hurdle for Alabamians, is that the 9-mile extension of state waters has not been made permanent yet. It is, however; wrapped in with the government funding bill that will hopefully be approved prior to May 26, 2017. To get to this 3-day number, NOAA estimates that 81% of the recreational allotment will be caught in state waters.

The moment the announcement was made, I was disheartened, disappointed and disgusted. I was disheartened because, first and foremost, I am a recreational angler. I have spent countless dollars on boats, gas, fishing gear and accessories because it provides an opportunity for my family and I to spend time together on the water plus put food on the table. I am disappointed because our elected officials have seen this go on for years but have not successfully resolved issues related to our fisheries management. I am disgusted, because I know we deserve better.

In a matter of minutes, my Facebook news feed went from positive morning vibes to undeniable angry posts. Situations like this create an opportunity to channel anger into collecting voices, take action and be heard. Voices at a local level alone are not going to lead to a resolution, it is going to take vocal and financial support from manufacturers and major and local retailers that sell boats and gear and a plan of action. What impact would a boycott have on the industry? In 2013, an economic impact study on the fisheries was published using 2011 statistics. In that report it was determined recreational anglers accounted for roughly $90 billion dollars in impact to the economy. That’s billions with a B. Unfortunately, there is no breakdown on those who specifically offshore fish. Resolving this issue is going to require the recreational sector developing a viable plan for management of our allocation of fish, getting government approval, then following through with whatever is approved.

Everyone is frustrated about the seasons, but I am disappointed with those who chose not to follow the law and report their Red Snapper catches over the past couple years through Snapper Check in Alabama. We always say the catch numbers reported must be wrong based on the fact that when trying to catch a variety of fish, the majority of fish we catch are Red Snapper, Red Snapper, Red Snapper with a close 4th being Triggerfish, but when given the opportunity to prove those assessments wrong, at least in Alabama, only 25% of the people reported their catch.

Those who don't live on the Gulf Coast, don't realize the iconic nature of the Red Snapper to Commercial and Recreational fishermen. Outsiders typically go to the supermarket or a fine dining restaurant for access to this tasty fish. For commercial fishermen, it’s a means to provide necessities for their family. For recreational anglers, it’s not about the essentials, it’s about utilizing the tools they acquired to access a public resource, produce fun-filled family experiences on the water and put food on the table. Anyone who hunts or fishes knows it would be cheaper to buy fish or meat at the supermarket for their household, than

it would be to buy the boat, the guns, the gear and the fuel. Not to mention that but many of us plan our vacation time around having the opportunity to embrace our passion.

It’s way past time to band together, develop our plan and take actions that will provide us with the access we deserve and still sustain our fisheries. What's next?