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LDWF: Red snapper pilot program not precursor for recreational IFQ system

A two-year pilot program announced last week by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries that would award 150 randomly-selected offshore anglers unlimited access to 25,000 pounds annually of Gulf red snapper — which has been roundly criticized by fishing-rights advocates — is not an attempt to ultimately impose individual fishing quotas on the statewide recreational angling community.[…]

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NOAA: Red snapper data can’t be shared with states

A letter written late last month by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates  that if red snapper are ultimately removed from federal oversight to be managed by the five Gulf states, much of the data currently collected on the species by NOAA — including stock assessments — would not be shared with the states.[…]