APPENDIX III APPENDIX ITl 
Fishermen, some of whom are part time, move in and out 
of the fishery as economic conditions change in other fisher- 
ies in which they work or within the snapper-grouper fishery. 
In the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, shrimp fishermen, 
at times, fish for snapper by hook and line during slack 
shrimping periods. 
New vessels entering the fleet may be increasing the 
overall industry harvesting capability, even though the 
number of vessels is decreasing because of the size of the 
new vessels, but this kind of comparative data is not 
available. Future harvesting capability is not known. 
Product development and processing 
At the present time there appears to be no need for 
developing new forms of snapper-grouper products since all 
the commercial catch is readily marketed. 
The processing method now is a rather simple, unsophis- 
ticated process--a combination of conveyor belt and manual 
handling. This processing method does not appear to be a 
drawback to meeting market demands. 
Research efforts to improve processing methods are not 
being: programed. 
Marketing potential 
There is a ready market for snapper and grouper. Low 
production is the limiting factor. The volume of imports 
indicates that increased production could be marketed if 
prices were competitive. 
OBSTACLES INHIBITING GROWTH AND 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE FISHERY 
Resource availability 
The decline in commercial catch in recent years indi- 
cates resource problems related to increased fishing pres- 
sure by commercial, recreational, and foreign-flag fisher- 
men. Furthermore, grounds historically fished by U.S. 
fishermen are diminishing as the Bahamas, Mexico, and the 
Caribbean nations extend fisheries jurisdictions. 
Industry operators think that overfishing is causing 
decreasing harvest levels. In 1974 the harvest was bad, 
particularly because of rugged weather in the summer and fall. 
The average size of fish caught is now only 3 to 3% pounds 
compared to 6% pounds 10 years ago--an indication, fisher- 
men think, of overexploitation. 
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