NOAA Announces Temporary Fishing Rule to Protect South Atlantic Red Snapper Effective January 4, 2010

NOAA’s Fisheries Service has announced an interim rule that will prohibit commercial and recreational fishing for red snapper in federal waters off North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and the Atlantic coast of Florida.

The six-month rule becomes effective on January 4. It can be extended an additional six months if necessary.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council requested the fisheries service implement this interim rule while the council explores long-term measures to address the critical condition of red snapper.

The most recent scientific assessment shows too many red snapper are being removed from the population too quickly, which indicates a need for protection under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Most of the remaining population consists of smaller, younger fish, who produce fewer eggs than older fish.

“The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires us to manage fish populations so they grow to a size that can sustain the largest average catch possible for the long term,” said Roy Crabtree, southeast regional administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “Unfortunately, the red snapper population has not been able to reach that size; therefore, closing the fishery is the first step toward protecting this species, rebuilding the stock and ensuring fishing for generations to come.”

The council is expected to recommend long-term measures to the fisheries service sometime in mid-2010. NOAA’s Fisheries Service will provide additional public comment periods before implementing final long-term management measures.

For more information on South Atlantic red snapper, visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov or http://www.safmc.net/.

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages out coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov.

ABOUT TIME... BOATING COURSES MANDATORY... FOR SOME...

October 9, 2009

New laws aimed at boating safety and protecting natural resources are in effect. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other law enforcement agencies throughout state are out to alert Floridians to new laws and enhancements to existing laws that deal with boating under the influence, boating safety education, waterway markers, possession of gasoline on a vessel and destruction of coral.

The enhanced penalty for BUI is the same as it is for driving under the influence. The blood-alcohol level or breath-alcohol level of 0.20 that was a violation in the past has changed to 0.15.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, any boater born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 will be required to take an approved boating safety course and possess an FWC-issued boating safety identification card. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 and purchases a boat will have 90 days from the purchase date to obtain a boating safety identification card.

NEW GROUPER REGULATION EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2010.

Some changes already came into effect as of July 2009. See Fish List under Competitions page.

Please visit: www.myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/Saltwater_Regulations_Grouper.htm#Atlantic

2009-2010 SPONSOR OF THE YEAR PAGE

We added a new page for our top 2009-2010 Sponsor. Each the officers will identify the top sponsor and will dedicate a full page to this sponsor. The content of the page is designed by the webmaster but the content is at the discretion of the winner.

This year's winner is ScubaWorld, who showered us with raffle prizes, especially at our July banquet.

On behalf of our members and non-members who have been enjoying your generosity, THANK YOU!!!!!!!