The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a webinar Public Hearing to discuss and take public comment on the actions and alternatives contained in a Red Grouper Framework Action.
The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2014, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and concluding at the end of public testimony, but no later than 9:00 p.m.
Because the 2013 recreational red grouper annual catch limit was exceeded, accountability measures were triggered and the bag limit was reduced from four fish to three fish, and a recreational season closure was established from October 4, 2014, through December 31, 2014.
The framework action considers changes to the recreational red grouper bag limits, bag limit reductions, and closed seasons to improve recreational fishing opportunities by extending the number of days in the fishing season and to achieve optimal yield.
The Council is expected to take final action during its October meeting.
The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2014, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and concluding at the end of public testimony, but no later than 9:00 p.m.
To download a copy of the Framework Guide, visit http://gulfcouncil.org/fishery_management_plans/scoping-thru-implementation.php.
To view the presentation video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENgxqn-klC0&feature=youtu.be.
This meeting will be streamed live over the internet via webinar. Registration links will be posted on the Council website soon. To register, please visit http://www.gulfcouncil.org/council_meetings/Webinars.php.
About the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.
Submit comments and stay updated on fishery issues:
Check it out! Go to www.gulfcouncil.org and click on the thermometer in the middle of the page. From there you can read up on all the pending actions, watch the video presentations, read comments, and submit your own. All comments submitted through the online form are automatically posted on our web site for Council review. Other comments are manually posted every couple of days.
There is also a thermometer for each issue that lets you know where the Council is in the process for that particular amendment, whether it's the scoping phase, final action, or implementation.
