Red snapper season – A triumph for conservation and access | U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn
Florida’s panhandle leads in making our state the Fishing Capital of the World. Our coastal communities are buzzing with excitement and activity following the start of recreational and commercial red snapper season in early June. From bustling docks to eager anglers, this season is boosting our local economy and paving the way for future generations of fishing enthusiasts.
Each morning of snapper season begins with families and friends rising before the sun in anticipation of the adventure and bounty of the fishing trip ahead. It’s not just about the thrill of the catch; the profound economic impact of fishing is also felt throughout our communities.
Fishing for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico is a daily revenue generator for our towns, counties, and the state of Florida. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency Fisheries Economics of the United States report, Florida’s commercial fisheries generate $3.2 billion in income and support 76,700 jobs. As for saltwater recreational fishing, the American Sportfishing Association and Southwick Associates estimate its economic impact in Florida to be a whopping $9.2 billion.
This year, recreational anglers will have 70 days to fish for our popular red snappers. Our red snapper season was a mere three days just seven years ago. However, a series of game-changing developments transformed this situation.
First, in 2018, the five Gulf states boldly proposed taking over the management of recreational red snapper management from the federal government. This shift to state leadership allowed for more efficient and tailored management strategies.
Second, Congress funded the Great Red Snapper Count, a comprehensive study by independent researchers. This groundbreaking study, completed in 2021, estimated that a staggering 110 million red snapper fish call the Gulf of Mexico home -- more than three times the previous estimate provided by the federal government.
Lastly, with approval from the federal government, the five Gulf states created their own angler reporting system. This system provides real-time and precise data on harvested fish, enabling responsible management based on sound science and accurate information.
Despite these accomplishments, our work isn’t done. Currently, the stock of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico is being undercounted and, as a result, underfished. We must continue pushing technological boundaries to improve and develop more accurate counting methods.
Recreational snapper landings are tracked using multiple data collection programs in the Gulf. These programs include the federal Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), the State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS), and countless other state survey techniques. This creates a problem with the accuracy of red snapper counts because annual quotas are set based on MRIP data, but landings are tracked using the state surveys. To have a more accurate count, we need a conversion of recreational snapper data from state surveys and the federal MRIP. Accurate data means more fishing in the waters off the panhandle.
I recently sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Raimondo with my colleague Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), encouraging her to approve the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s rule that would appropriately increase the quota for Gulf of Mexico anglers and stimulate the economy.
While we celebrate the undeniable benefits of these accomplishments, we must continue this balance of conservation and access. The future of fishing and its economic impact on Florida depends on our commitment to responsible management and continued support for scientific research.
So, let’s cast our lines and ensure this incredible tradition endures for generations to come.
Dr. Neal Dunn represents Florida's Second Congressional District.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Send letters to the editor (up to 200 words) or Your Turn columns (about 500 words) to letters@tallahassee.com. Please include your address for verification purposes only, and if you send a Your Turn, also include a photo and 1-2 line bio of yourself. You can also submit anonymous Zing!s at Tallahassee.com/Zing. Submissions are published on a space-available basis. All submissions may be edited for content, clarity and length, and may also be published by any part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Red snapper season – A triumph for conservation and access | U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn
