NMFS Turning Blind Eye on Best Available Science and the Recreational Red Snapper Fishery

August 22, 2006

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met in Baton Rouge this week. On the agenda, and of importance to recreational anglers, was discussion to approve the 2007 total allowable catch (TAC) for red snapper by the Reef Fish Management Committee.  The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) has taken a strong stance against any TAC reduction and has insists the Council must maintain the current recreational red snapper TAC until a thorough evaluation of the fishery can be completed.  RFA’s rationale cites significant changes to the fishery in the wake of the 2005 hurricane season, in addition to the reported chronic illegal red snapper fishery that has yet to be reigned in.  These uncertainties lower the confidence of the red snapper assessment and must be addressed before TAC reductions are implemented.

“NMFS is greatly underestimating the abundance of red snapper in the Gulf” states Jim Smarr, RFA Texas Chapter Chairman.  “All indications point to a stock in much better shape, and able to support a much larger TAC, than they are currently estimating. Simply put, they are applying outdated data that does not take into account the devastating impacts caused to the commercial and recreational infrastructure by the past two hurricane seasons, particularly 2005, or the massive illegal red snapper fishery that removes millions of pounds annual but is not recorded.”

The Reef Fish Management Board approved a motion (10 in favor, 3 opposed) to delay implementing a TAC until the January meeting at which time the management board would have better information to make their decision.  The Board supported this motion based on new shrimp effort information, 2 more waves of SEDAR data and the report of the Shrimp Advisory Panel meeting all of which would come online by the January Council meeting. Gulf fishermen have testified for over 16 years that logic and common sense are absent in fisheries management, particularly the recreational red snapper fishery.

Dr. Roy Crabtree, Southeast Regional Director for NMFS, indicated that the decision of the Council to delay approving the 2007 red snapper TAC until a time certain would be over-ruled by NMFS.  Even in light of the better information on reductions in effort and recreational/commercial catch, Dr. Crabtree indicated that a TAC set at 7 million pounds needed to be approved immediately. 

“It is obvious that NMFS applies the definition of using best available science to suit its own needs” continues Jim Smarr.  “No one would deny that in 4 months we will have better information on red snapper and would be able to make a more informed decision on the 2007 red snapper TAC.”

The Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson) is the nation’s primary law that governs how fish under federal jurisdiction are managed.  Section 301(a)(2) of Magnuson states ‘Conservation and Management measures shall be base upon the best scientific information available.’  NMFS is notorious for applying this standard for discounting anecdotal information from anglers when it is counter to their findings.  In this situation, NMFS seems to be overlooking this provision and forcing the implementation of a TAC knowing well that several components of current uncertainty will be answered in 4 months.  It is expected that a 7 million pound TAC will be devastating to the recreational red snapper fishery.  Despite being in a highly regulated and diminished state, due to rebuilding measures, this fishery continues to spur a thriving tourism industry fueled by bait/tackle sales, fuel sales, marina fees, and charter/party boat ridership.  It is unlikely that these businesses will be able to rebound from a further TAC reduction.

John DePersenaire
Fisheries Researcher
Recreational Fishing Alliance
176 B South New York Rd
Galloway, NJ  08205
1 888 JOINRFA