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A tug-of-war between Louisiana and federal wildlife authorities over red snapper has escalated, with the state declaring a year-round season for its recreational fishery, contrary to expected federal plans for a season lasting less than two weeks.
And the boundary line between state and federal waters is contentious as well.
Federal authorities recognize state waters in the Gulf of Mexico as extending 3 miles from land; Louisiana is holding to its claim that for recreational fishing purposes the state waters extend nine nautical miles from the coast.
That means anglers landing red snapper in Louisiana could be subject to federal penalties for violating federal rules even if they believe they are complying with state laws.
The federal season for red snapper, recently ended, lasted only 11 days for the recreational fishery. Louisiana officials say science is on their side, that red snapper are not as endangered as federal officials say they are, and that they are holding firm.
Adding more confusion, anglers say red snapper – a deepwater fish – don’t generally occur closer than 20 miles from shore.
“After reviewing what our biologists expect Louisiana’s recreational red snapper landings to be this year, and the recent action taken by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to have a very short federal season, I have decided to support our anglers and the associated fishing industry by opening state waters 365 days until further notice,” said Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham. “The Gulf Council’s action is clear evidence that their process is broken and they give no consideration to the needs of individual states. For two years, I have been trying to persuade the Gulf Council to move forward with regional management, allowing the states flexibility in management by empowering our anglers and fishing industry to decide how they want red snapper managed. That hasn’t happened.”
The Louisiana season for snapper was limited to weekends. Barham announced his decision for the changes April 10.
The bag and possession limit for the state season is two fish per person at a 16-inch minimum total length.
Barham was given the authority to modify red snapper recreational seasons and daily harvest limits in 2013 by the state’s Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.
In June 2012, the commission took action to extend Louisiana state waters from 3 miles offshore to three marine leagues, or approximately 9 nautical miles.
A statement from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cautions anglers “to use caution and their own personal judgment when fishing beyond the three-mile boundary that is currently recognized as federal waters, as federal agents will most likely continue to enforce federal law.”
“Until the U.S. Congress confirms Louisiana’s action, the battle will continue over Louisiana’s state water boundary,” the statement says.
Recreational fishermen require a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit in order to possess certain species, including red snapper. The permit, which is free, may be obtained from the Department of Widlife and Fisheries in Baton Rouge or online at rolp.wlf.la.gov.
A red snapper awaits grilling. Robert Barham, secretary of the state Wildlife and Fisheries, says research supports keeping the species’ recreational fishing days open year-round.
