Recreational anglers scored another big victory last week -- and so did the economy of the entire Gulf of Mexico -- as the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved an amendment by Louisiana Senator David Vitter to permanently expand state control of reef fish, including the prized Gulf red snapper, from 3 to 9 miles offshore for the three northern Gulf states. Texas and Florida already enjoy state waters out to 9 miles. This amendment would bring parity to the whole Gulf region ensuring all five states can manage reef fish fisheries out to the same distance.
Late last year, Alabama's Senator Richard Shelby secured this expansion of state waters in the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill that was signed by President Obama, but as an Appropriations bill, that measure was only temporary. Once passed, the Vitter amendment would permanently expand the ability of state fisheries managers to manage snapper and other reef species.
Despite overwhelming evidence that snapper populations have rebounded in the Gulf, federal bureaucrats in each of the last two years gave recreational anglers just 10 days to enjoy red snapper fishing in federal waters. The restrictions dealt a severe blow to millions of anglers – and had a serious impact on the thousands of Gulf businesses that depend on them.
By expanding state waters from 3 miles to 9, the amendment recognizes the superb record of state fisheries managers in helping rebuild a robust and sustainable fishery and hopefully will help ensure reasonable access to ALL sectors of the fishing community: commercial, charter and recreational anglers alike.
It's about time. Recreational anglers played the central role in rebuilding red snapper. They deserve more than 10 days a year to enjoy it.
Jeff Angers, Center for Coastal Conservation
Late last year, Alabama's Senator Richard Shelby secured this expansion of state waters in the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill that was signed by President Obama, but as an Appropriations bill, that measure was only temporary. Once passed, the Vitter amendment would permanently expand the ability of state fisheries managers to manage snapper and other reef species.
Despite overwhelming evidence that snapper populations have rebounded in the Gulf, federal bureaucrats in each of the last two years gave recreational anglers just 10 days to enjoy red snapper fishing in federal waters. The restrictions dealt a severe blow to millions of anglers – and had a serious impact on the thousands of Gulf businesses that depend on them.
By expanding state waters from 3 miles to 9, the amendment recognizes the superb record of state fisheries managers in helping rebuild a robust and sustainable fishery and hopefully will help ensure reasonable access to ALL sectors of the fishing community: commercial, charter and recreational anglers alike.
It's about time. Recreational anglers played the central role in rebuilding red snapper. They deserve more than 10 days a year to enjoy it.
Jeff Angers, Center for Coastal Conservation
Advertising