Fisherman meeting

A two-fish bag limit on red snapper was the first big hit local fishermen took back in February.
But earlier this week, they were dealt an even bigger blow: a reduction in the red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico’s federal waters from four months to just two months.
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A large group of local fishermen, calling themselves the Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen, gathered Thursday at Gulf Coast Community College to discuss how they can fight these latest restrictions.
They say they have a right to fish and to support their families and the community.
They're hoping strength in numbers will convince the feds.
Executive Director of the CCGF, Bob Zales II said, "We got to work together as a complete group of people, because that's the only way we're gonna’ make it happen; we've got too many people against us."
The fishermen are asking the public to get involved and let their legislators know how they feel.
"Lady Kelley" Captain Mark Kelley said, "We need you to get on board. They're fixing to take your fishing privileges totally away from you."
If they don't get public support, the fishermen, they fear the life they currently lead, will slowly dwindle away.
"Fishing Fool" Captain Mike Eller said, "It's a gradual process. It's gonna’ be 10-15% less charters this year, plus, fuel is going up higher, and it's gonna’ be maybe another 10 or 15%. Then you're gonna’ see some of your corporate people instead of booking 10 and 12 hours, they're gonna’ start booking 6 and 8 hours because hey, we can only catch this much, so why do I need to go 10 hours. It's gonna’ shrink and it's gonna’ shrink."
If you would like to get involved with the Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen, email action@conservationfishermen.com or call 774-5822.