By Alabama Public Radio
Undated – The federal government is planning to tighten restrictions on grouper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Grouper is considered an over-fished species, and the government hopes its population will increase. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is proposing a three-month closure on fishing for all types of grouper. If that passes, the restrictions would take effect from October through December. Before any restriction is put in place, though, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is holding a series of public hearings. The council is also creating an advisory panel to consider the issue.