How the 2024 hurricane season impacted recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
by NOAA Fisheries 21 Dec 2024 05:06 AEDT
On Oct. 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. EDT, NOAA's GOES East satellite captured image of Hurricane Milton approaching Gulf Coast of Florida. At its most powerful, Milton's maximum sustained winds reached 180mph making the storm a dangerous Category 5 hurricane © NOAA Fisheries
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ended on November 30, showcased above-average activity. It had a profound impact on recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, causing recreational fishers to face challenges and interim closures.
Hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton caused devastating effects in many Gulf Coast fishing communities—many of which are still working to recover.
The aftermath of this hurricane season is still being felt by many key industries that contribute to the coastal economy— including the recreational fishing community. NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Recreational Fishing Coordinator, Sean Meehan has spoken with key members in the industry to learn the full scale of this hurricane season's impacts.
"Hurricanes can upset coastal marine ecosystems, but they also have the ability to negatively impact the economy in the Gulf," Sean Meehan says, "Many business owners rely on tourism to keep their tackle shops and charter operations running smoothly. I've met with several members of the recreational fishing community here in Florida who have shared the challenges they're facing in the wake of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Rebuilding efforts are under way and it's only up from here."
How the fishing industry is recovering
Hubbard's Marina has been operating in the Tampa Bay area since 1928. They offer deep sea fishing trips, dolphin-watching excursions, sunset cruises, island visits, and private fishing charters to both visitors and locals alike. After four generations of family ownership and operations on the Gulf Coast, one could say the Hubbard family is experienced in Atlantic hurricane seasons.
"This hurricane season has had a horrendous impact," says Captain Dylan Hubbard, owner of Hubbard's Marina, "But while we got knocked down, it's all about how we get back up. We were back running strong just days after the storm but admit that we need help from our inland neighbors to come out and shop local, shop small to help our coastal communities and fishing communities to rebound more quickly."
Hubbard's is just one of many fishing businesses in the Southeast that were impacted by these storms. While others are on their way to recovery like Hubbard's, many others are still struggling.
Another opportunity for red snapper fishing
A unique circumstance for the Gulf this fall and winter is the reopening of the 2024 Federal Gulf of Mexico red snapper recreational for-hire season. The season reopened on November 18, 2024 and will close at 12:01 a.m., local time on January 1, 2025. Based on updated landings data, NOAA Fisheries determined that the red snapper recreational federal for-hire annual catch target was not reached during the open season. With this information, we decided to reopen the season to provide Gulf of Mexico federally permitted for-hire fishermen the opportunity to catch the remaining allocation. The season reopening will hopefully provide a late-year economic boost to the Gulf states.
Key impacts on recreational fishing in the Gulf
Safety concerns and storm damage
Part of the widespread damage is moderate to severe damage to popular marinas, piers, and docks. Recreational fishermen use these to access waterways in the Gulf. Periods of intense weather also raise safety concerns with rough seas, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, making it dangerous for anglers and those with smaller vessels.
Shore-based anglers are finding that many key water access points have been damaged or temporarily closed. Many private recreational fishermen who don't have access to boats/vessels rely on these access points to fish. Hurricanes can destroy or damage shoreline structures, docks, and piers commonly used by this group of anglers.
Environmental damage
Hurricanes can disturb marine ecosystems and agitate longstanding habits held by certain fish populations and species. For example, increased sand, sediment, and nutrient runoff into the Gulf can impact the health of crucial habitats for spawning and feeding fish.
In severe cases, entire waterways can become closed off, causing some species to temporarily move away from damaged areas. Often they return once waterways are able to stabilize again, but this has impacts on the frequency and amount of fish caught in certain areas.
Economic impacts
Some recreational fishing charter companies have had to suspend operations or temporarily close due to storm damage. Tackle shops, boat rental companies, and bait suppliers can suffer financially due to a reduced amount of tourism to hurricane impacted areas. Many local economies in the Gulf rely on out-of-town visitors to stay open year round.
Although the 2024 hurricane season has presented many challenges, there have also been notable moments where communities have united to support each other and assist in recovery efforts. The best way to help recovering businesses and communities is by continuing to fish.