![]() Visit to learn more and join our e-alert network. Reducing accidental catch is an important component of ensuring sustainable fisheries in the Southeast, and additional research is needed to identify tools and techniques to address this issue. A higher percentage of gag die after being caught and released in deeper waters, making it difficult for gag to survive the rapid change in water pressure. ![]() ![]() Too many gag grouper die after being thrown back when they are not legal to keep or are caught accidentally by fishermen targeting other species. About 1 in 5 gag died after that event, adding to the deaths that normally occur from fishing and natural causes-a dramatic impact on the population and reproduction. In a major 2005 red tide, an algal bloom that released a potent neurotoxin swept through areas where gag and many other fish species live. Aggressive males eagerly feed on bait and are readily caught. Commercial fishermen target these deeper spots and spawning areas. While females move between shallower and deeper waters, the bigger males reside at limerock outcroppings on the deep seafloor year-round. Some smaller fish remain close to shore or live near artificial reefs and rocky bottoms. Gag are a popular target in part because they are easily found. Heavy fishing at spawning areas also further depletes males. Overfishing has snared many females that might potentially turn into males and has thrown the natural process out of balance. Gag are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning all start as female and some develop into males at 11 years old or about 43 inches. Male gags have dropped from as high as 17 percent of the population in the 1970s to as low as 2 percent since the 1990s, leaving fewer breeders. In the past, only a small portion of spawning habitat was protected and a lack of scientifically sound fishing limits contributed to the species' decline. The fish have been caught at more than 2.5 times the sustainable rate. The fish have been caught at more than 2.5 percent of a minimum healthy level. The gag grouper population has been sliced nearly in half since 2004 and is at about 40 percent of a minimum healthy level. Maintains 22-inch recreational minimum size limit keeps daily limit of two gag and four total grouper.Commercial size limit reduced from 24 to 22 inches.Annual changes in quotas and other rule adjustments, such as length of the fishing season, may be necessary to maintain catch at prescribed levels.Increases in catch limits contingent upon staying with prescribed quotas.Annual targeted recreational catch for 2012, 1.031 million pounds 2013, 1.287 million pounds 2014, 1.519 million pounds 2015, 1.708 million pounds.Recreational fishing open July 1 through Oct.* Enacted pending approval of long-term plan Recreational target of 620,000 pounds.Commercial quota at 430,000 pounds to allow for accidental catch.Quota program limits the number of commercial fishermen and caps the amount each can keep.All grouper species limited to four fish per person per fishing trip.Recreational fishing season closed February and March.Size limit: 24 inches, commercial 22 inches, recreational.Two gag per person per recreational fishing trip.Annual catch allowed: commercial, 1.49 million pounds recreational, 2.14 million pounds.In further decline after 1 in 5 gag died in 2005 in the wake of a major red tide.Frequently caught and killed by accident when fishermen target other species.Easily caught and found in well-known spawning grounds.Predominantly female they outnumber males 30 to 1, leaving fewer breeders.Fished at more than 2.5 times the sustainable rate.At about 40 percent of a minimum healthy population level.But those rules could be relaxed as gag grouper show signs of recovery. It calls for a shorter recreational fishing season, reduced commercial catch, and other protections. A recovery plan can help this species rebound. But since 2004, the population has been sliced nearly in half. If you think of a mouthwatering fish sandwich, it may be gag grouper.
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