A Testament To The Impact Of Fishing On Coastal Communities

Statement

Last week, I joined close to 200 fishermen from South Carolina and thousands of fishermen from all over the East Coast for the United We Fish Rally on Capitol Hill. We gathered to protest red snapper and shallow-water grouper fishing bans that are harming coastal communities. These bans were hastily implemented based on out-of-date research without considering alternative solutions. However, closing fisheries in coastal cities that rely on both the commercial and recreational fishing industry kills jobs throughout the community. In a state like South Carolina where unemployment is 12.6 percent, the economic impact of these bans must be considered and should not be taken lightly.

I was among many Members who spoke at the rally about what Congress can do to help reverse these harmful bans and prevent future closures. I specifically spoke about the legislation I introduced on Tuesday, the Transparency in Job Loss from Fishery Closures Act of 2010, which instructs NOAA to report the economic impact of fishery closures, review alternatives to prevent overfishing without closing fisheries, and places restrictions on implementing future closures. The fishing industry amounts to $600 million-per-year business for the state of South Carolina, so it is crucial that the regulators re-evaluate updated research before making additional decisions that could harm South Carolina's economy and unemployment rates.

Our state is among the top five in the nation for unemployment, and these fishing bans have lead to even more job losses in an already suffering job market. It is important that regulators understand that the fishing industry is not the only facet of the economy that is harmed by the restrictions. If fishermen can't come to South Carolina because of fishing bans, then restaurants, hotels and other small businesses will also miss out on valuable customers.

With people chanting "I Fish, I Vote" and holding colorful signs reading "Fishing Feeds Families" and "Fishing=Jobs" the rally certainly got people's attention. The turnout itself is a testament to the fishermen's dedication, both to their industry and to their livelihoods.

I was encouraged that so many from South Carolina made the trek to Washington to remind Congress of the importance of fishing to coastal industries and I'm glad Congress can help by passing the Transparency in Job Loss from Fishery Closures Act of 2010. I will continue to stand by South Carolina fishermen in protecting their careers and the careers of all those who earn their living on the water and along the coast.

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