Sen. Landrieu Introduces Bill to Transfer Red Snapper Fishery Management to Gulf States

Press Release

U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today introduced bipartisan legislation that will transfer management authority of the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery from the federal government to the Gulf Coast states. The Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Conservation Act of 2013 (S.1161) addresses an erratic rule-making process that was recently rejected by a Federal court in Texas for impermissibly discriminating against citizens of different states. The bill is also consistent with the efforts of the Gulf Coast Governors to promote responsible regional management.

"Federal management of the recreational Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery is ineffective and unpredictable," Sen. Landrieu said. "This year, Louisiana anglers were given only nine days, the shortest ever seen in the Gulf of Mexico. This legislation will allow the Gulf Coast states to develop a fair, sustainable and predictable red snapper season that will ensure all Louisiana fishermen have reasonable access to this treasured natural resource. Our fishermen deserve a more transparent process."

"Red snapper management in the Gulf of Mexico has hit rock bottom," said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Coastal Conservation. "Sen. Landrieu's leadership brought together the stakeholders and crafted a balanced solution to an otherwise intractable situation."

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has already issued three separate red snapper seasons for Gulf Coast States in 2013, wreaking havoc on the recreational fishing industry that contributes billions to the regional economy. NOAA NMFS arbitrarily shortened the recreational red snapper seasons for anglers in Texas to twelve days, Louisiana to nine days and Florida to 22 because of a disagreement with the state management plan in state waters.

To ensure there are no immediate, unintended, adverse impacts on the commercial sector and the restaurants that rely on this supply, there is a three-year prohibition on any reduction in quotas in effect at the time of enactment of this act and ongoing monitoring and implementation of enforcement efforts to ensure they protect and promote the long-term sustainability of Gulf of Mexico red snapper.

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