You'll be allowed to take home Atlantic red snapper and grouper on New Year's Day after all.

The federal government backed down, at least for now, on its highly controversial plan to ban all red snapper/grouper fishing for four months. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council was under heavy fire from individual anglers when it considered the closures early this month in Wilmington, N.C.

Government scientists continue to claim the fish are badly overfished but most fishermen say the stocks are abundant and better than in a quarter century. The scientists base their claims on estimates of fish populations in the '70s and earlier, when there were no substantial records of catches or abundance data.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, which normally directs Council recommendations, said the issues will be addressed again, probably at a March meeting. Previously, the Council was split 8 to 5 in favor of the closures and tighter restrictions.

Anglers are urged to continue their protests against the added recreational restrictions, contacting congressmen and officials on all levels.