(ORANGE BEACH, Ala.) Nov. 7 -- Dozens of local fisherman hit the water Saturday to protest the proposed federal restrictions on catching fish. The new guidelines would shorten the red snapper season from 75 days to just 30 and limit catches from two to one per day. Local anglers say it would hurt their bottom line.
Orange Beach waters were filled with mostly slogan draped boats Saturday venting over proposed red snapper regulations.
"It's not only to protect the fish," Capt. Ben Fairey. "Let's let our fisherman be able to make a living."
Fairey has been fishing for more than 30 years. He says proposed limitations threaten to kill the local fishing industry. Officials say the regulations are aimed at preventing overfishing in the Gulf, based on government studies that show it is a threat.
Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon says it's about keeping everyone afloat. He says fishermen are concerned about the environment, too.
"We cultivated a crop of fish and now the federal government or powers that be don't allow us to harvest our own crop," Kennon said.
