Some Louisiana anglers could fish more waters for more days than normally allowed for red snapper if the state wins approval of a test program this spring.
The state Wildlife and Fisheries Department plans to submit a draft application Thursday to NOAA Fisheries. If federal authorities approve, the Exempted Fishing Permit, or EFP, would allow anglers who volunteer to participate in a data-collection program the chance to catch red snapper in waters up to 200 miles offshore both this year and next.
Agency officials say better data collection is necessary if the state is to gain more authority over red snapper fishing off its waters.
Recreational fishermen have for years complained that federal authorities have set overly restrictive catch limits and unnecessarily short seasons for red snapper despite a rebound in the species’ numbers. Environmental and conservation groups counter that the shortened seasons are necessary to help the species meet federal targets for rebounding after years of severe overfishing.
"LDWF’s proposed EFP study would test a state-based management approach that would allow recreational harvest of red snapper in both state and federal waters off Louisiana during seasons set by the state," the state agency says in a news release.
The department would monitor landings through its existing LA Creel program and track fishing at oil and gas platforms, artificial reefs and natural bottom habitat.
"Participants would also have the option to test new, voluntary electronic reporting methods," the agency says. "Seasons would be closed when landings approach or reach Louisiana’s recreational quota."
The test program would be open to charter captains and recreational fishermen.
"Anglers and for-hire captains who would rather not participate in the EFP study would only be able fish for red snapper in state waters during the open state waters season or in federal waters under regulations set by NOAA Fisheries," the Wildlife and Fisheries Department says. "However, it should be noted that the 2018 season could be extremely limited, especially in light of NOAA Fisheries' request for these EFP applications as well as the extended 2017 recreational red snapper season exceeding the quota."
In its draft, the agency proposes opening the state and federal red snapper seasons May 25, the Friday before Memorial Day. It would remain open seven days a week until state figures show the federally approved quotas of 743,000 pounds for anglers and 317,000 for charter fishermen have been met.
You can read the draft application and answers to frequently asked questions online at wlf.la.gov. You can also provide feeback through Tuesday using a form on the site or by emailing redsnapper@wlf.la.gov.
The department will present its final application to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council during a public meeting scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 31 at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter, 800 Iberville St., New Orleans. You can comment to the Gulf Council at its website, gulfcouncil.org. NOAA Fisheries will make a decision after a 30-day comment period. If approved, state officials would issue guidance on how fishermen can apply to participate in the test program.
-- You'll find links to all of the documents and websites in this story at houmatoday.com and dailycomet.com.