Updated: January 3, 2011
The latest stock assessment indicates that gag grouper in the Gulf of Mexico are overfished and undergoing overfishing. NOAA Fisheries Service recently announced an interim rule that will prohibit recreational harvest of gag grouper in Gulf of Mexico federal waters until long-term management measures for gag grouper can be developed.
Effective January 1, 2011, recreational harvest of gag grouper in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico is prohibited.
This interim rule will be in effect for 180 days and could be extended for another 186 days. However, it was the intent of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, when requesting this temporary rule, that there should be a recreational harvest of gag in 2011. If supported by science, this season will be developed by the Council as part of long-term management measures to end overfishing and rebuild the Gulf gag grouper stock.
This closure also prohibits anyone on board a vessel for which a federal commercial or charter/headboat permit for the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish fishery has been issued from harvesting or possessing gag grouper in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The interim closure does not apply to other recreational harvesters fishing for gag grouper in state waters. However, the FWC may address potential rule changes for gag grouper in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico following final action.
So I have 2 questions......
1st. If I'm fishing the Marathon Fl area which Regs apply to me?
2nd. When calculating my aggregate/Limit for the boat do I include or exclude my children under the age 16 from the equation. Kids 8 and 14 if it matters.:facepalm:
Asking everyone.
http://www.thehulltruth.com/dockside-chat/330569-i-need-help-understanding-2011-grouper-regs.html
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=458785&p=3099216#post3099216
http://tnfreebird.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=serious&action=display&thread=18202&page=1
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