Category Archives: Gulf of Mexico

Advocacy Groups May Sue over Queen Conch ESA Decision

Posted on 3 February 2016 by Ret Talbot

Two advocacy groups notified the National Marine Fisheries Service today that they intended to litigate the agency’s decision to not list the queen conch (Strombus gigas) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Calling the agency’s review of the species, “a … Continue reading →

Posted in Endangered Species Act (ESA), Forida, Gulf of Mexico, Litigation, Southeast Fisheries | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Feds Recommend Increase in Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Quota

Posted on 3 March 2015 by Ret Talbot

This afternoon, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council moved to set the controversial total red snapper quota equal to the acceptable biological catch (ABC)* of 14.30 million pounds (mp) for 2015. This quota would represent an increase of 3.3 mp … Continue reading →

Posted in Forida, Gulf of Mexico, Overfishing, Southeast Fisheries | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

BANNED! [Excerpt from CORAL Magazine]

Posted on 26 July 2014 by Ret Talbot

For your weekend reading enjoyment, CORAL Magazine has made one of my articles from the July/August 2014 print issue on Florida’s new lionfish import ban available for free online. After many months of fact-finding and testimony, the seven Florida Fish and … Continue reading →

Posted in Forida, Gulf of Mexico, Invasive Species, Ornamental Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eat Thine Enemy – Chefs Put Lionfish on the Menu

Posted on 3 July 2014 by Ret Talbot

Chefs can play a leading role in creating markets and economic incentive for fisheries that need greater attention. While I’ve covered this dynamic frequently in articles and blog entires, I’m usually looking at situations where chefs are introducing diners to abundant and … Continue reading →

Posted in Chef's Collaborative, Forida, Gulf of Mexico, Invasive Species, Overfishing, Southeast Fisheries | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Federal Red Snapper Season Shortened to Nine Days in Gulf

Posted on 14 May 2014 by Ret Talbot

NOAA Fisheries announced today a revised 2014 red snapper recreational season in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, reducing the season from the previously announced 11 days to only nine days. The news comes after both Louisiana and Florida elected … Continue reading →

Posted in Forida, Gulf of Mexico, Southeast Fisheries | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Have We Lost Almost Everything in the Name of Science?

Posted on 25 April 2014 by Ret Talbot

“We have lost almost everything in the name of science. And so look at the big picture. Give us the freedom to fish.” -Captain Matt McLeod In my work as a freelance science writer focused on fisheries, I spend a … Continue reading →

Posted in Forida, Gulf of Mexico, Southeast Fisheries | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

FWC Lionfish Draft Rule Shooting Itself in the Foot?

Posted on 16 April 2014 by Ret Talbot

“[P]rohibiting the importation of live lionfish from anywhere–we may be shooting ourselves in the foot a little bit.” – Lad Akins A shooting simile may be appropriate when discussing lionfish control efforts in Florida, given that one of the most … Continue reading →

Posted in Forida, Gulf of Mexico, Invasive Species, Ornamental Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Florida Will Have a 52-Day Non-Compliant Red Snapper Season

Posted on 16 April 2014 by Ret Talbot

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Forida, Gulf of Mexico, Southeast Fisheries | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to Discuss Draft Lionfish Rules

Posted on 15 April 2014 by Ret Talbot

Tomorrow at the April Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting in Havana, Florida, three draft rules pertaining to lionfish will be proposed. The draft rules are: Modifying FWC’s diving rule (68B-4.012, Florida Administrative Code [FAC]) and lionfish rule (68B-5.006, … Continue reading →

Posted in Forida, Gulf of Mexico, Invasive Species, Legislation, Ornamental Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The End of the Fishing Industry – Execution by Electrocution?

Posted on 29 March 2014 by Ret Talbot

There aren’t many states where you can be executed by electrocution any more, but if you’re on Death Row in the Deep South–say in Alabama, Florida or South Carolina–you can still choose execution by electrocution if you’re so inclined. If you’re a … Continue reading →

Posted in Endangered Species Act (ESA), Forida, Gulf of Mexico, Southeast Fisheries | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment