Special season was opened when quota wasn’t met; season closes Sunday, Nov. 21
This weekend is the last chance for recreational anglers to enjoy a special red snapper season, which opened in state and federal waters on Oct. 1, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said in a news release.
The special season was declared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the LDWF when it was determined the recreational quota for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico had not been met.
This weekend, Friday through Sunday, marks the last chance anglers have to keep red snapper until the 2011 season opens on June 1.
The recreational quota for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico wasn’t met this summer due to extended closures of Gulf waters, both state and federal, necessitated by the BP oil spill. When the season was reopened, NOAA estimated that approximately 2.3 million pounds of the 3.4 million pound quota remained.
Recreational saltwater fishing in Louisiana accounts for $472.1 million in retail sales in Louisiana annually and more than 7,700 jobs. The total economic impact is approximately $757.1 million each year. However, the BP oil spill kept many recreational anglers dockside throughout the summer. This special season was a chance for sportsmen from across the Gulf coast to enjoy almost an extra two months of angling for red snapper.
All regulations established for recreational harvest of red snapper were in effect for this special season.