I learned a tremendous amount of information about the difficulties of properly managing our federal fisheries while sitting on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (SAFMC) Snapper/Grouper Advisory Panel. The one thing that stood out to me was the imbalance between participation of commercial and recreational fishing advocates. At the SAFMC, commercial interests far outreach the recreational angler’s voice. Of course, this seems like a natural consequence, seeing the SAFMC falls under the Commerce Department.

But what is strange is how the leadership of the recreational fishing industry seems to block any recreational anglers input on fisheries management if it varies from the industry’s stance. For instance, some recreational fishing industry leaders believe Gulf of Mexico red snapper (Federal species) management should be moved from the Feds to the States. Some of us believe because of political reasons these leaders are blocking the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council from convening a recreational advisory panel comprised of sport fishing anglers. Unfortunately, blocking the creation of this panel continues to shorten red snapper seasons, denying access for recreational anglers. This type of politicking is unacceptable. Why wouldn’t any rational organization support a strategy that worked and helped all anglers to get what we want and need: more red snapper, and more days to fish?

Brian Hartz has started a petition to get 1200 signatures from recreational anglers to support convening a recreational advisory panel comprised of recreational anglers. Sign the petition to help grow the recreational anglers’ voice.

https://www.change.org/p/gulf-of-mexico-fishery-management-council-fwc-aldnr-tpwd-ldwf-mdwfp-ask-the-gulf-fishery-management-council-to-convene-a-private-recreational-ap