U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-St. Petersburg, has introduced a proposal to have fisherman collect data on the health of the Gulf Red Snapper fishery that could lead to more days on the water for anglers. The Gulf Red Snapper Data Improvement Act would secure $10 million in the upcoming budget to contract recreational, for-hire and commercial fisherman to collect the data. If that data shows the fishery to be healthier than what federal research indicates, it could mean looser restrictions on the harvest of Red Snapper.
Congressman Jolly says it would improve the quality of life for Gulf Fisherman. Opponents of the measure worry it could upset snapper recovery gains through a plan already in place under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. We’ll take a closer look at the bill and its progress on Capitol Hill.
Plus, the U.S. Senate passed the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Enforcement Act on Oct. 22. That measure, which has already been approved by the House and supported by the White House, would expand the federal government’s enforcement powers when it comes to cracking down on the activities of illegal foreign fishing vessels. Proponents point out that foreign illegal fishing poses risks to the economy, national security and the sustainability of the commercial fishing industry. It’s even been linked to drug smuggling and human trafficking.
Guests:
U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-St. Petersburg
William Ward, CEO of Captain’s Finest Seafood, Master Captain, member of the Gulf Fishermen’s Association Board of Directors and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission
