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 new limits could potentially be hard on charter operators on Dauphin Island. It's likely, however, the average charter tour time will decrease because anglers will fill their limits more quickly. In turn this means they have an opportunity to increase the number of trips made.
It all hinges on demand. With local tourism on the upswing, and fingers crossed, another decade of good weather like the year we just had, that demand is sure to materialize.
Dauphin Island needs a healthy and flourishing Gulf of Mexico to continue to grow and do well. That includes the red snapper population. Near term course corrections, while uncomfortable, are the best medicine for assuring long term viability of that which makes Dauphin Island so special.