Andy Strelcheck | NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Regional Administrator | Ep. 1019

Andy Strelcheck is the Regional Administrator for NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Regional Office, working with federal fisheries throughout the Gulf, South Atlantic, and U.S. Caribbean. I brought Andy back on the podcast to get a direct explanation of what happened when the proposed South Atlantic red snapper season was stopped less than a day before Florida’s opening date. We break down exempted fishing permits, recreational catch surveys, discard mortality, descending devices, fish tagging, red snapper stock assessments, and the frustrating situation where fishermen can see more fish while receiving less access. Andy also explains why anglers should participate in fishing surveys, how missing information increases uncertainty, and why there is encouraging news for several grouper and snapper fisheries. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend, rate the show, and stay tuned for more unfiltered conversations.