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Snook may need micro-management
By MIKE SCARANTINO
© St. Petersburg Times, Snook may be Florida's most sought-after yet elusive fish. It's becoming a controversial species with the proposal of guidelines to tighten anglers' belts. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Management Commission (FWC) had a series of public hearings along the west coast to address the concerns of veteran guides and anglers, particularly those in the Charlotte Harbor area. They're disturbed by the declining numbers of large fish -- over 34 inches. The FWC's stock assessment showed west coast snook populations were below the commission's targeted 40 percent spawning potential ratio. The fish have reached a 28 percent SPR. The definition of spawning potential ratio is the number of fish in the water under current exploitation (fishing), compared to the number of fish that would have been in the water if there was no fishing. If it seems like an obscure ratio, it is. Never has there been a time since the adoption of this conservation measurement in 1993-94 that we've seen a snook SPR of 40 percent. It is a theoretical measurement. In response to the concerns, and considering last year's stock assessment, the FWC has proposed these rule changes for west coast anglers: A reduction in bag limit from two fish per angler per day to one fish. Adding May to the summer closed season. All other size and bag limits will remain the same. While conservation of snook is vital to recreational anglers, is the commission moving too fast in altering rules? Changes to the size slot limit were put into effect in January, 2000. They were enacted to provide for needed increases to the SPR. Are these concerns representative of a large enough number of snook anglers throughout the fish's west coast range to be considered valid? The workings of conservation and wildlife management are reminiscent of a grist mill. Improvements and/or degradation to the fishery happen slowly. When stocks are declining, it's like an insidious cancer. Once the problem is noticed, many times it is late in the manifestation and radical therapies may be needed. Equally difficult to recognize -- management methods being slightly less than perfect -- are the positive effects. In our hurry-up-I-want-it-now world, are we searching for instant gratification in a long-term process? It takes a juvenile snook five years to reach the current 26-inch lower slot limit. Another two or so years goes by for the same fish to arrive at the upper limits of the slot. Stock enhancement takes a long time given that many factors other than simple age and sexual maturity play into the equation. "Besides imperfections in the way studies are conducted, factors such as water quality and habitat destruction have not been taken into account," said Ron Taylor of the Florida Marine Research Institute. "It may take an entire generation (20 years) to actually see quantifiable improvements to changes made now." Not since the snook carcass drop-off program of 1997 has any study been done above Clearwater Beach, nor will one occur. Funds are not available to provide for scientific research from Egmont Key northwards. Approximately 55 anglers attended the FWC's hearings. Far fewer in the group spoke to the issues. Of those attending a session in Naples, most sentiments were that the numbers and size of the fish were good. The same opinion was heard at a meeting in Tampa. Anglers thought the problems with the fishery were minimal. Only the group in Charlotte Harbor says a serious problem may exist. There may be a problem in that area, but should all west coast snook anglers shoulder the burden? On the Nature Coast, which is sorely lacking in scientific study, anecdotal evidence suggests that populations are on the rise. Large fish are taken from many of the area's river and delta systems. A 20-pound snook was caught far up the Homosassa River in the area of MaCraes Fish Camp. Many mature fish reside in the river's main spring. The Chassowitzka River has a reputation for holding good fish. Many recruitment-sized or young of the year snook reportedly have been caught. If the anecdotal evidence exists, why not micro-manage the area in trouble for an extended period. Perhaps marine biologists could use Charlotte Harbor as a study in itself. If so, the majority of anglers would be left with their fishery intact and the guides and snook would garner the attention they need. -- If you have a question or comment, call Capt. Mike Scarantino at (352) 683-4868.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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