A PROPOSED RULE for 1 Gag, 3 aggregate grouper bag

For Immediate Release

ONE GAG ?? WHY???

A National Marine fisheries Service (NMFS) stock assessment shows that a 45% reduction in Gulf gag landings is required to stop over fishing.  It should be noted that this assessment was declared UNRELIABLE by government-hired INDEPENDENT SCIENTISTS after a week of review.

A PROPOSED RULE for 1 Gag, 3 aggregate grouper bag & 3 month closure is being CONSIDERED.  This is NOT FINAL!

-        NMFS says – We are using the “best available science”.
-        NMFS ignores 35% DROP in offshore effort!
-        NMFS ignores that Florida will needlessly suffer an annual BILLION DOLLAR economic loss!!!!

FRA says THERE IS BETTER AVAILABLE SCIENCE!

The FRA is joining with other groups to hire a PHD Fisheries Biologist to review the Gag Assessment.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1.      Join the FRA

2.      Help fund the FRA

3.      Do FRA Action Items

4.      Attend the grouper forum

5.      Attend public hearings

6.      Write to your legislators

7.      Write to the Gulf Council

8.     

Visit www.joinfra.org