Carl Statement on Gulf Council Red Snapper Decision

Carl Statement on Gulf Council Red Snapper Decision

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) issued the following statement regarding the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s decision to delay calibration of red snapper allocation until January 2023 and approve a moderate increase in the 2021 annual catch limit.

I applaud the Gulf Council’s decision to reject the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) misguided attempts to cut Alabama’s red snapper season after recognizing there is three times the amount of red snapper in the Gulf than they previously estimated. I’m grateful the Council listened to the advice of local leaders and anglers who know how to manage their own fisheries, instead of listening to D.C. bureaucrats. Moving forward, I urge NOAA to follow the science and stop encroaching on our fishing season.   

Background:  A few weeks ago, Congressman Carl joined several colleagues on a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, the NOAA Fisheries Acting Regional Administrator, and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to oppose an unnecessary recalibration of the red snapper count.

Congressman Carl’s office can be reached at 202-225-4931.

To find out more about Jerry Carl, visit his website or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @RepJerryCarl.

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