Quote:
Originally Posted by Broadbill-Pro
Before everyone becomes excited about being able to sell your weekend swordfish, consider some of the negatives:
3.Current regulations state that any Fisherman who earns in excess of $5000 per year qualifies for a restricted species permit (kingfish). This proposal would allow hundreds of new commercial vessel to participate in the South Florida reef fishery. As you know, this would include interaction with sailfish, tuna, snapper, grouper and cobia. You must buy permits from someone else for each on top of your RS.
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While 5k does qualify you to get an RS endorsement, if you have an SPL, there is a moratorium on reef fish permits, kingfish permits, and just about all other permits. With just an RS you cant sell kingfish, grouper, or snapper unless you have separate permits for each.
A control date has even been issued for SA charter fishing permits so they are essentially capped too. Reef permits are being reduced by having to buy two to get one. So I dont see a way hundreds of new commercial vessels will be getting into reef fishing.