Fishermen say federal regulations affect local economy

(WJHG)
Published: Mar. 22, 2017 at 6:03 PM CDT
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Local fishermen, like Captain Mike Sullivan and Captain Bob Zales, are fed up with what they call unnecessary federal fishing regulations.

They said the current restrictions are too limiting, especially when it comes to red snapper.

"Ten years ago we had a six month season, four fish per person and essentially the quota allows more pounds of fish today than we were allowed ten years ago, but somehow we went from six months to four fish to 46 days to two fish," Captain Sullivan said.

Fishing season start and stop dates are another issue, especially when they're not communicated in a timely manner.

"They sent the email, I believe I got it Monday morning that the amberjack's closing Thursday night or Friday morning at midnight. It's extremely hard to run a business. We have trips booked all the way through May, which we were supposed to have amberjack open. A lot of people travel from all over the southeast who come down here to catch the amberjack," Sullivan said.

Some local charter captains said the regulations and lack of communication put them at a disadvantage and it affects more than just boat captains.

"Whenever you do as the fishery service has done, and historically has always done, given four, five, six days notices on closures of a fishery, that's when everybody's already planned to make trips, so everybody has to change, have to cancel reservations in hotels, they're not going to be eating in restaurants, they're not going to be doing all the other things that are here in Bay County that are enjoyable for people and families. So, it's a serious impact," Captain Zales said.

Bay County Commissioners are hoping to change those regulations by writing a letter to the governor. They hope the governor then passes it along to the federal level.