GULF OF MEXICO
Findings from Shell Game: How the Federal
Government is Hiding the Mismanagement of Our
Nation’s Fisheries
FIVE YEAR REVIEW OF THE GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL
No Progress Made in the Number of Known Healthy Stocks
 The Gulf Council had no known healthy stocks in 2001 or in 2004.
 The council has made little progress in reducing overfishing or rebuilding stocks. One
exception is king mackerel, which is no longer subject to overfishing and is continuing to
rebuild.
Overfishing on Overfished Stocks
 Three species, red snapper, vermilion snapper, and greater amberjack, are currently listed
as overfished and are still experiencing overfishing.
 Continued overfishing on overfished stocks increases the time required to rebuild them
and makes these stocks less likely to rebuild.
Failing to Follow Scientific Recommendations
 The Council set the total allowable catch of red snapper 50 percent higher than the
recommendations of the reef fish science advisory panel.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Number of Stocks
60
57
55
50
Total
40
Healthy
30
20
10
0
0
0
2001
2004
Year
Figure 1. Total includes the total number of stocks under federal management. Healthy includes
the number of stocks that are known to be neither overfished nor experiencing overfishing.
GULF OF MEXICO
Findings from Shell Game: How the Federal
Government is Hiding the Mismanagement of Our
Nation’s Fisheries
FAST OCEAN FACTS FROM THE GULF REGION
Economic Contribution of Recreational Salt Water Fishing
 Alabama: $463,519,587
 Florida: $5,432,151,596
 Louisiana: $745,689,901
 Texas: $1,328,150,852
 Mississippi: $98,274,976
Top Five Ports by Landings
1. Empire-Venice, LA: $60,200,000
2. Key West, FL: $43,200,000
3. Dulac-Chauvin, LA: $42,800,000
4. Brownsville-Port Isabel, TX: $40,300,000
5. Port Arthur, TX: $38,900,000
Total Value of Commercial Landings
 Alabama: $463,519,587
 Florida: $5,432,151,596
 Louisiana: $745,689,901
 Texas: $1,328,150,852
 Mississippi: $98,274,976
Sources:
 American Sportfishing Association Fishing Statistics
http://asafishing.org/asa/statistics/economic_impact/state_reports_saltwater.html
 NOAA Fisheries, Annual Commercial Landing Statistics 2004
http://www.st.nmfs.gov/st1/commercial/landings/annual_landings.html
 NOAA Fisheries, Fisheries of the United States 2004:
http://www.st.nmfs.gov/st1/fus/fus04/index.html
The Marine Fish Conservation Network is a national coalition of more than 175 commercial and recreational fishing associations,
environmental organizations, aquariums, and marine scientists dedicated to promoting the long-term sustainability of marine fish.
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