It might not seem like it to everyone, but like it or not, the new limits being discussed on commercial and recreational red snapper fishing are good medicine.
Those limits, should they go into effect in January, would limit recreational fishermen to only two red snappers, down from the current limit of four. Charter boat operators and crew would not be allowed to take any red snapper while operating. And commercial operators would see the minimum size requirement reduced to 13 inches from 15.
Although the decrease in limit size would to indicate an increase in the commercial catch, in reality it's a better strategy for species conservation because fish mortality is high once caught. Fewer fish thrown back means fewer undersized fish needlessly killed by commercial operators.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has a legal mandate to rebuild the Gulf of Mexico's red snapper population; and that's most likely going to mean a two fish limit for recreational anglers. If these new regulations go into effect that means a cut in the daily limit by 50%.
The public has until the end of next month, the 26th, to comment. After those comments are considered and factored into the decision, some form of the new regulation proposed earlier this week will go into effect.
For additional background and history on the story read:
Red Snapper regulations under review and
Area fishermen and shrimpers discuss new proposed regulations
If you're planning to be on Dauphin Island the weekend of December 9th and 10th, you will want to stop by the 22nd installment of Christmas at the Fort, at Fort Gaines Historic Site on Dauphin Island.
Christmas at the Fort is a traditional celebration patterned after a letter written home by James M. Williams with the 21st Alabama Infantry Volunteers stationed at Fort Gaines in 1861. Organizers of this living history weekend have built Christmas at the Fort as a non-commercial celebration for the whole family. The kids can make Christmas ornaments from seashells and visit with father noel. The whole family will enjoy cooking demonstrations, candle dipping, blacksmithing and much more. Christmas at the Fort runs December 9th and 10th.
NOAA ANNOUNCES NEW COOPERATIVE INSTITUTE SERVING NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO
Climate And Coastal Hazards Among Research Themes
NOAA illustration.Nov. 13, 2006 — NOAA, along with a consortium of universities and institutions, announced the creation of a new cooperative institute. The new Northern Gulf Institute will collaborate with NOAA scientists to study regional issues associated with coastal hazards, climate change, water quality, ecosystem management, coastal wetlands and pollution. (Click NOAA illustration for larger view. Click here for high resolution version. Please credit “NOAA.”)
These are the highlights of the monthly POA Board Meeting which was held on November 11, 2006.
New Medical Facility
Joyce Allen, Building Inspector and Project Director of the Town of Dauphin Island presented details of a new medical facility to be coming soon to Dauphin Island. Dr. David Jenkins, who specializes in internal medicine and cardiology, is a resident of the island. Dr. Jenkins attended the meeting and spoke about the new facility, which he will head.
The building will be located behind Dauphin Island Town Hall. The facility will be open during regular business hours but doctors will be on call 24/7 for medical emergency services. The facility will offer full medical services, including radiology and lab capabilities.