AUSTIN- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be seeking input during upcoming public meetings regarding the possibility of extending the federal recreational red snapper season. The federally permitted for-hire charter boat and commercial sectors will not be impacted.

After a disappointing three-day federal fishing season for private recreational anglers, recent discussions have developed between the five Gulf states and the United States Department of Commerce to extend the federal recreational angler red snapper season this summer. TPWD is seeking the public’s input on the different options being proposed to extend the federal red snapper season.

The options being considered would allow recreational anglers to fish for red snapper in federal and state waters on weekends only beginning the third weekend in June through Labor Day. However, with increased fishing days this summer in federal waters each Gulf state would be required to have closures in state waters during the weekdays this summer and possibly into the fall. Currently, Texas allows recreational anglers to fish for red snapper year around in state water.

To learn more about Texas’ options and give feedback, there will be three public meetings and an online webinar next week. Please see the details below for more information. All public meetings will be held on Monday, June 12, 2017.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Date

Times

Location

June 12, 2017

7: 00 p.m.

Galveston County Extension Services Office

Main Meeting Room

4102-B Main Street (FM519)

La Marque, TX 77568

June 12, 2017

7:00 p.m.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Drive

Corpus Christi, Texas 78412

Carlos F. Truan Natural Resources Center, Room 1003

June 12, 2017

7:00 p.m.

Port Isabel Event and Cultural Center

309 Railroad Ave.

Port Isabel, TX 78578

TPWD will hold a live webinar on Tuesday, June 13, at 12 p.m. CST. Webinar registration is now open at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2838623846272164097. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Participants will be able to provide public comment via live chat and send written questions that will be answered during the webinar.

For more information and to provide public comment online, visit the TPWD public comment portal. An FAQ regarding this issue is also available online.