Healthy Fisheries:

In the Gulf of Mexico, about two thirds of the federally managed fish stocks have inadequate information to determine whether populations are healthy or not. Of those with enough information, approximately 29 percent or 2 out of 7 federally managed stocks are depleted (i.e., overfished) and 22 percent or 4 out of 18 are over exploited (experiencing overfishing). Many of these fish are regionally popular, such as red snapper and gag grouper, and are part of the Gulf’s seafood culture. Years of overfishing have led to substantial declines putting the coastal economy and the favorite pastime of millions at risk.

The healthy fisheries intern will assist the GRN in our efforts to:

·         End the overexploitation of Gulf fisheries

·         Research and develop information on the Gulf menhaden or pogie fishery, and its bycatch impacts

·         Reach out to recreational and commercial fishing interests and groups go build alliances to advocate for healthy fisheries