The state of Florida will have a 52-day non-compliant red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) season in state waters this year. The commissioners unanimously supported Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff recommendation for the 52-day season at the FWC Commission meeting today in Havana, Florida.
“This is a bad situation,” said FWC Commissioner Adrien Bo Rivard after the public comment period on proposed 52-day season closed. “We’re in a position to try to help.”
Federal fisheries managers had previously reduced the red snapper season in federal waters to 11 days. The federal red snapper season will likely now be further reduced based on the fact both Louisiana and Florida have now announced non-compliant 2014 seasons. Louisiana announced a year-round season. Texas continues to have a year-round, non-compliant season.
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