Florida wants more red snapper fishing days but not everyone agrees

Florida recently asked for a special permit to let more people fish for red snapper off its Atlantic coast this year. Instead of just two days like last time, anglers could fish for 39 days if the plan gets approved. The state says it can run this program well and that more days would help local fishermen. Some national leaders have already said they support the idea. The permission would last until 2028 and could help Florida take over the fishery permanently. The debate is about how red snapper should be managed. Recreational fishermen cheer the plan because it gives them more access, but commercial fishermen worry it will hurt their business. They argue that without strict limits, too many fish could be caught and the stock might not recover. Recent stock assessments show the Atlantic red snapper population is still rebuilding, so some scientists say longer seasons could slow that progress.

On the other side of the state, the Gulf of Mexico already lets Florida manage red snapper fishing. Before 2018, anglers only got a few days a year. Now they fish for months, but commercial fishermen say the fish are smaller and harder to find. They travel farther out and catch fewer big snappers than before. Data from the Gulf shows the average size of red snapper caught by private anglers has dropped since the state took over. Some groups say that proves the current system isn’t sustainable, but others point out that both recreational and commercial fishing contribute to the trend. Even recreational advocates say they’d accept shorter seasons if science shows the fish are struggling. Politics play a big role in who gets what. Recreational anglers have strong support from state leaders, while commercial fishermen feel they don’t have the same influence. One longtime fisherman said no one in state government will stand up for the commercial side when the governor’s office backs longer seasons.

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