11/07/09 - 09:03 PM
A group of area fishermen are concerned with tightening restrictions on their trade.
Members of the fishing community gathered at the Hathaway Bridge Saturday to protest stricter regulations.
The government is forcing the closure of specific fisheries by 2010, designed to help conserve particular populations like the Red Snapper, and prevent over fishing.
Fishermen say they want an extension of that deadline.
Fishermen say Amberjack was the most recent fishery to be closed with a five-day notice and that the Red Snapper season for 2010 has yet to be decided. They say the National Marine Fisheries Services’ Gulf Council is looking at a possible 30-day season and a one Red Snapper bag limit.
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