DESTIN, FL - Tomorrow, charter captains across the Gulf Coast will stage symbolic blockades in a protest against federal fishing regulations.

This year, red snapper season was shortened from six months to 75 days.

The amberjack season was unexpectedly closed on October 24th.

Channel Three's Laura Hussey has more on their protest plans.

Mike Eller "Well the frustration level is through the roof, that's why this flotilla and rally was organized"

Mike Eller "We've had three boats throw their hands up in the air and get out of business"

Charter captains like Mike Eller know part of their problem is the economy.

but they say federal decisions to shorten the snapper and amberjack seasons have sank their bottom lines.

Mike Eller "Somebody that has the power to make changes has to step up and be a champion and say this is enough is enough."

Eller says change can only come from congressional action.

To drive home the message, local charter captains will stage a symbolic blockade just outside Destin Harbor Saturday morning.

The flotilla will comprise anywhere from thirty to a hundred boats.

Patti Mosca "Well hey, you know, they gotta get heard."

Patti Mosca fishes too.

She wants to be sure healthy populations of fish are maintained.

Patti "I can understand some of the regulations, but I understand the charter boats that's their business."

Julian Ferrari "The Lord provides the fish, not the government. The Lord provides the fish, and so we're allowed to fish it"

Recreational fisherman Julian Ferrari likes the idea of a symbolic blockade.

He says the government should be fixing the economy, not putting fishermen out of business.

Julian "Let's stop worrying about what they're fishing in the water. Let's worry about the big fish that are on the land us. That's what they gotta worry about."

The blockade will run from ten until noon tomorrow.

At the same time, blockades will be held in Orange Beach in Panama City and in Venice, La. Local Fishing Captains Plan Protest Against Harsh Fishing Restrictions