• The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council voted Friday to recommend ending the seasonal closure of vermilion snapper to recreational anglers. A scientific stock assessment showed that the tasty pink snapper found on deep reefs off South Florida and elsewhere are not overfished — allowing for an increase in annual catch limits, and no need for the Nov. 1-March 31 closed recreational season adopted in 2009. The council, meeting in St. Simon’s Island, Ga., voted to forward the recommendation to the Secretary of Commerce for review. If approved, the amendment could take effect in time to avoid the November 2013 closure.
• Everglades National Park is proposing to increase back country camping fees and wants to know what park visitors think. Under the plan, per-trip back country permit fees would rise from $10 to $12, and nightly per-person fees would go up from $2 to $5. Other park fees would remain unchanged. Comments will be accepted through March 15. Email EVER_Ranger_Activities@nps.gov or fax 305-242-7716.
Susan Cocking
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