Examining the Management of Red Snapper Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico

PURPOSE:

• To examine the distribution of red snapper allotments between commercial and recreational anglers, and state versus federal regulation of snapper fishing.

BACKGROUND:

• The federal government imposes catch ratios on red snapper populations in the Gulf of Mexico; Snapper controls have brought conflict between commercial and recreational anglers, as well as disagreement over federal vs. state management.
• Commercial anglers argue that recreational fishermen exceed their catch limits, while recreational interests argue that federal controls disfavor sport-fishermen.
• Gulf States contend that they are better able to manage snapper fishing, arguing that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration makes flawed estimates and fails to properly coordinate.