Grouper regs

[reelcatch]

With all of the changes going on I wanted to see if anyone had info on what the new regulations are for Grouper in the Gulf. When will it open back up? What is legal to catch after April 1st. Any info will help.

Thanks

[Jumptrout51]

http://myfwc.com/media/628389/2011_jan_sw-chart.pdf

Here it is.
Send a copy to your lawyer for interpretation.

[wevans]

Interim Rule for Gag Grouper in Federal Waters

The latest stock assessment indicates that gag grouper in the Gulf of Mexico are overfished and undergoing overfishing. NOAA Fisheries Service recently announced an interim rule that prohibits recreational harvest of gag grouper in Gulf of Mexico federal waters until long-term management measures for gag grouper can be developed.

As of Jan. 1, 2011, this interim rule is in effect for 180 days and could be extended for another 186 days. However, it was the intent of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC), when requesting this temporary rule, that there should be a recreational harvest of gag in 2011. At its February meeting, the GMFMC discussed an interim rule that would continue the current interim gag grouper closures, but also allow for a recreational open season for gag grouper in Gulf federal waters from Sept. 16 through Nov. 15. This federal open season would be dependent on Florida adopting a consistent closed season for state waters beginning June 1.

The FWC will discuss federal consistency action at the April Commission meeting.

This closure also prohibits anyone on board a vessel for which a federal commercial or charter/headboat permit for the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish fishery has been issued from harvesting or possessing gag grouper in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The interim closure does not apply to other recreational harvesters fishing for gag grouper in state waters

For mor info
http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/regu ... upegulf-r/