I usually don’t like words like “limit”. Makes me feel like less of a man. But, in this case I am on board. It seems that the regulations put in place to help sustain the Texas Gulf fish populations are doing their job. The Houston Chronicle reports that Red Snapper, and others, are showing signs of improvement. In 2007, no-charge fishing shares were distributed to local fishermen. They are based on their 10 best consecutive annual catches from 1990 to 2004.
Overfishing is a vicious cycle. More is caught, to make up for old money lost. More fish is put on the market, which drives down prices. More is caught to make up for money lost. Fish populations dwindle. That’s no good for anyone. Do whatever it takes to keep some Snapper on my plate. Mmmm. The ‘filet mignon of the Gulf’ indeed. The next report comes out in October, stay tuned.