Lane Snapper
The Gulf Council took final action at this meeting on modification to Lane Snapper management measures. There was consideration about changes in size limits and bag limits. Over the last three years the Lane Snapper has experienced overfishing the ACL, and in season closures. A tell-tell sign that the stock is either maintaining and/or growing.
After consideration the Gulf Council elected to leave bag limits where they are and adjust the minimum size limit from 8” TL to 10” TL. Analysis shows that would equate to right under a 25% reduction in harvest. Since the overfishing was happening and the closures were happening towards the very tail end of the season the staff concluded this action would be enough to keep from experiencing both negatives that have been occurring over the last three years.
Now that they have passed the modification it will go through the rulemaking process. Because for the last three years there has been overages, even with increases of allocation, they will implement it as soon as possible. That could be the next fishing season or mid season this year. It just depends how fast it makes it through the rule process in the current environment in DC.
(Written: April 2025)
