U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany Jr. (R-LA) supports a recently introduced amendment that would transfer management of red snapper fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico from the federal government to a coalition made up of the five Gulf Coast states.
The amendment was introduced by U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA).
“Congressman Graves and I know it is rare for all five Gulf States to agree when it comes to ocean management and conservation policy,” Boustany said. “So it’s remarkable when these five states come together on a proposal to transfer red snapper management in the Gulf of Mexico away from the federally managed program that continues to fail recreational anglers.”
Boustany’s statement was made on Monday, the opening day of federal red snapper season. This year, the season lasts only 10 days, one more day than in 2014. Boustany, as well as many other members of Congress, have long insisted that such short-lived fishing seasons are based on inaccurate scientific data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), which has stated at Congressional hearings that it has not sampled reefs when making stock and population findings, even though it is known that red snapper’s natural habitat is among reefs.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced in March that all five states that have borders on the Gulf Coast – Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida – had reached a “historic and unprecedented” agreement to form a coalition and transfer authority away from the federal government on the red snapper issue.
“A 10-day federal season for private anglers is exactly why some states are non-compliant with NOAA’s red snapper regulations,” LDWF Assistant Secretary for Fisheries Randy Pausina said in a press release on the agency’s website.
The amendment presented by Graves supports this agreement and makes it law, officially transferring authority away from NOAA’s Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and placing it with the state-based panel.
“I believe as Rep. Graves does when states come together to present a working proposal to Congress, we as their Representatives should listen,” Boustany added. “I urge my colleagues to support states’ rights and support this amendment.”