During the debate over proposed new seatrout rules for Florida's spotted seatrout last year, many voices came forward to suggest that seatrout be designated a game fish. The result of such a determination would be to give spotted seatrout a no-sale status and make recreational harvest the only legal way to take them.
Recreational Seatrout fishing is already recognized as one of the most popular fisheries in Florida. That popularity comes both from Florida residents and the many tourists that travel to Florida to in search of this popular fish.
In making a case against the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's proposed spotted seatrout changes in 2011, CCA Florida revealed an economic study indicating how economically important recreational seatrout fishing is compared to commercial harvest.
The study they cited used MRFSS, NMFS, and FWC data to calculate economic values. According to the study the value of the recreational directed fishery in Florida is just over $81 million compared to the value of the commercial fishery which registered a value less than $300 thousand.
CCA Florida went on to explain that the numbers of jobs and economic value associated with recreational seatrout fishing in Florida – from guides, to bait and tackle shops, to hotels, restaurants and gas stations – clearly indicate that promoting more recreational angling for seatrout, and not more commercial take of seatrout, is the economically prudent course.
Some states have already recognized the economic importance of the fish. South Carolina, Alabama, and Texas have all given game fish status to spotted seatrout, and CCA Florida has indicated they have a long term goal to see seatrout granted that same status in this state as well.
The most recent move in this direction comes from North Carolina where House Bill 353 is aimed at giving game fish status to North Carolina seatrout. The bill would also include giving game fish status to redfish and striped bass.
The primary reason for support of the bill is economic. "We feel like these fish are much more valuable to the citizens of the state from an economic standpoint, especially as game fish only," said. N.C. Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) state president Jim Hardin. "And they represent a small percentage of the total commercial fisheries' sales dollars."
Given the growing support among recreational anglers and various fishing groups, 2012 is likely to see much more discussion on giving Florida's spotted seatrout a game fish designation.
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