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Hearing Hearing Date: May 2, 2017 2:00 pm 2154 Rayburn HOB

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

Subject
Examining the Management of Red Snapper Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Date
May 2, 2017
Time
2:00 pm
Place
2154 Rayburn HOB

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.

Witnesses and testimonies: Mr. Earl Comstock

Director
Office of Policy and Strategic Planning U.S. Department of Commerce

Document

Mr. Jamie M. Miller

Executive Director
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources State of Mississippi

Document

Mr. Christopher Brown

President
Seafood Harvesters of America

Document

Mr. Mark Ray

Vice Chairman
Coastal Conservation Association

Document