RFA Texas and Red Snapper

**jim smarr** · #1 12-01-2005, 03:47 PM

RFA Texas will support first Five or what ever the number Biologist agree will sustain the fishery caught on a Recreational trip as long as the number is over Five. We conducted mortality studies during the 18" rule and found 70 to 80 percent mortality in Texas. This is not a catch and release fishery with the above mentioned mortality rates. NMFS has long been aware of these studies.
Why they have chosen to ignore the regulatory discards is beyond belief. The Magnuson Act plainly states that Reglatory Discards should be reduced as much as possible. This is a good chance for them to act according to their
own law. RFA Texas would also support a separate zone for Texas since our fish are caught at depth.

Regulatory discards would be eliminated allowing a 12 month fishery in the Recreational Sector. The regulatory discard savings would be off the chart.

RFA Texas has asked RFA National to petition NMFS to allow the Recreational Anglers to continue fishing due to the Hurricane down time as the Commercials have asked for. We should have a response soon.

RFA Texas would also like to see Texas Parks and Wildlife jump on the Artificial Reef Program as the East Gulf of Mexico has done. Alabama has done a great job on artificial reefs. Texas could benefit from an Artificial Reef Program in State waters.

Jim Smarr

RFATexasState Chairman

361-463-1558

jimsmarr@austin.rr.com

**CHARLIE** · #2 12-01-2005, 03:52 PM

Jim

I like that.

Charlie

**Captain Blood** · #3 12-01-2005, 04:00 PM

There obviously is alot of interest in this topic locally...that is on the upper Texas coast. I wonder what impact it would have if we could get a local chapter of RFA going? Anyone else interested????

**Marlintini** · #4 12-01-2005, 04:03 PM

good idea!

jim, keep us informed on what the little man can do to help save the snapper from becoming extinct. maybe we can collect some monies & donate them to RFA. could you lead us in the right direction?

**jim smarr** · #5 12-01-2005, 04:45 PM

If we could get a group to attend the Gulf Coast Council Meeting in Corpus Christi asking for first 5 or so fish and a 12 month fishery it would help. Texas needs to fill the room and be heard on this issue. The rest of the Gulf certainly will show up. Unfortunately Texans don't seem to get involved. When we allow others to speak for us we end up with the short end of the stick.

A strong letter writing effort would also help. If 2cooler's sent in 5k plus letters it would have an impact. The Council meeting starts Dec. 12 in Corpus. The letters should be sent to the GulfCoast Council asap in Tampa regarding this issue in order to be there in time to be on the record before the council meeting.

Jim Smarr
Texas RFA
361-463-1558
rfatexas.org

**manintheboat** · #6 12-01-2005, 04:53 PM

Can you please post the proper addresses to send these letters. With all of the people who post on this site, we should be able to get enough letters out. I really like the first 5 idea by the way.

**jim smarr** · #7 12-01-2005, 05:57 PM

I have listed the address below. I will have a letter out Monday approved by RFA National to send for those that would like to use it. A form letter is not the best approach. Please
put them on your letterhead and ad a personal comment.

We all need to be on the same page in what we ask for. NMFS/GCC love divide and conquer in meetings when they have a choice to make. We need to make the choice for them on the front end as LBJ would say"Let's hold the meeting before the meeting". It is difficult to achieve anything without agreement beforehand. A unified group is hard to talk down. Texas needs to stand pat on our hold cards.

We should ask for first five fish period and a 12 month season. We should mention this would be in line with reducing regulatory discards. With a 70% mortality in the fishery this would be a true Conservation move for the Council and National Marine Fisheries in the Recreational Sector.

Jim Smarr

Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Council

2203 North Lois Avenue

Suite 1100

Tampa, Florida33607

Tel: 813-348-1630 (toll-free 888-833-1844)
Fax: 813-348-1711

**jim smarr** · #8 12-01-2005, 06:05 PM

Immediate short term plan should demand equal treatment and an extension of the Recreational Season due to the hurricanes. I will also have a letter Monday on this topic. These should be faxed to expedite delivery.

jim smarr

**Rsnap** · #9 12-01-2005, 06:39 PM

Thanks Jim. I like it. Rik

**BigGulp** · #10 12-02-2005, 12:31 AM

Thanks for the info, Jim. Unfortunatley, I'll be in FL on the 12th so I can't make the meeting in Corpus. I will fax a letter in to Tampa before next Monday.

I saw someone mentioned the idea of a local RFA chapter in the Houston area. Are there other local chapters elsewhere in TX?

The recommendation about getting TX involved in a reef program for state waters is a great suggestion. I keep wondering how the existing TPWD reef program really benefits the Texas angler. Most of these reef sites are far enough offshore to make them impractical for the average boater to utilize.