Brignac Comment on FR Doc # 07-05245

Fact #1 There are approximately 4200 oil and gas platforms off the coast of Louisiana. In addition, there are hundreds of assorted underwater rocks/structures scattered throughout the Louisiana offshore waters. The majority of these structures contain red snapper. This is evidenced by the fact that the majority of all red snapper caught in the entire Gulf of Mexico by the commercial fishing industry are from Louisiana offshore waters. Request #1 Separate the Gulf of Mexico EEZ into two areas East/West, with the division at the mouth of the Mississippi River. This would allow regulatory adjustments to each area on an as needed basis. Why penalize Louisiana for problems in Florida? Fact #2 According to NMFS, 70% of the recreational red snapper catch is caught on ?For Hire? Charter boats and Head boats, leaving only 30% of the recreational allotment for licensed recreational fisherman. Those on the Charter boats and Head Boats do not buy individual fishing license. Request #2 Remove charter boats/head boats from the recreational fishery. This group should be in its own group separated from commercial red snapper fishery and the recreational fishery. Fact #3 You are wanting to reduce the number of fishing days. Local Fisherman will not buy rigs for a shortened seeason with a reduced limit. Request #3 Keep the recreational season and limits the same as those for the period 1998-2000, that is a 4 red snapper limit and season open April 21-october 31. With the changes in the EEZ, this will allow our local fisherman that buy rigs for offshore to continue to invest in these rigs for the Louisiana area.