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Red Snapper population dangerously low - Stop irresponsible over-fishing now

Poor and irresponsible management of the Gulf of Mexico has drastically reduced the number of red snapper to 3% of their natural levels! For almost two decades, fishery managers have allowed catch numbers well above the safe levels recommended by scientists, and this over fishing is destroying a fragile ecosystem.

The ecosystem is losing a top predator and its natural balance is being thrown off-kilter. Remaining red snapper are smaller and less productive. With fewer and smaller fish to catch, fishermen lose out on a better living. Bottom line: the decline of red snapper harms the ecosystem, Gulf fishermen, and consumers.

Fortunately, with proper management, we can end this decline, rebuild red snapper to healthy levels, and ensure that our Gulf ecosystem remains healthy for future generations.

Fishery regulators are currently debating these issues and making important decisions. Speak up and tell decision-makers you care about the future of Gulf fishing and don’t want to see it harmed by irresponsible management!

read petition letter ▾
Dear Dr. Leard,

I am deeply concerned about the health of the Gulf of Mexico marine ecosystem. I am writing to urge the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to develop a strong plan to rebuild the severely depleted red snapper population in the Gulf.

As the Council considers what management measures to include in amendments to fishery management plans for shrimp and reef fish it must consider the strongest and most effective measures possible to end overfishing of red snapper.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) estimates that the red snapper population is at only three percent of its historical abundance. Even more alarming, NMFS also estimates that up to 80 percent of juvenile red snapper are caught and killed as "bycatch" in shrimp trawl nets.

Therefore in this scoping process I urge the Council to consider measures that will do the following:

-establish science-based fishing limits for red snapper to end overfishing;
-enforce these limits and not allow them to be exceeded, as they have been in the past;
-end the unacceptable waste of red snapper in the shrimp fishery, and;
-ensure that red snapper are rebuilt quickly.

Thank you for considering my views on the need to end overfishing of red snapper.

Sincerely,

[your name here]
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