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Restrictions Aim To Improve Red Snapper Population

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 7, 2008

Red snappers and Gulf reef fish are being protected by new rules implemented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission today.

To improve the red snapper population in the Gulf waters, starting April 1 the commission is reducing the minimum size for commercially harvested red snapper from 15 to 13 inches total length.

It's reducing the daily recreational bag limit for red snapper from four fish to two fish per person. The new rules establish a zero daily bag limit for captains and crew for hire vessels in all Gulf waters off Florida.

The commission also approved new rules that require commercial and recreational anglers to use circle hooks, dehooking devices and venting tools when fishing for any Gulf reef fish. This rule is in effect June 1.

No change will be made to the April 15 through Oct. 31 Gulf recreational red snapper harvest season in state waters. However, new federal rules establish a June 1 through Sept. 30 recreational harvest season in Gulf federal waters adjacent to Florida waters.

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