Atlanta
(2007-03-30)
DESTIN, FLA. (AP)
(wrkf) -
The recreational bag limit for red snapper will be cut in half in the Gulf of Mexico for the coming season. The National Marine Fisheries Service agreed to reduce the recreational snapper catch from four fish to two. Regulators also said commercial fisherman can keep snapper that are 13 inches instead of 15 inches, but reduced the allowable catch from nine-point-one-(m)-million pounds to six-and-a-half-(m) million pounds.
Environmental groups have been concerned about dwindling numbers of red snapper, commonly found in grocery stores and restaurants.
Charter captains said the new rules are bad for business.
Recreational snapper season starts April 21st, but the new rules won't take effect until May second.
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