![]() However, when NMFS ignores the Great Red Snapper Count and uses outdated and inaccurate data in their decision-making process, it does not seem committed to finding an effective solution to the issue at hand," Senator Shelby said. This state-management initiative is no small undertaking, and our Gulf States have gone above and beyond to ensure the best, most sustainable outcome. "I am deeply concerned by the NMFS's recent proposed rule regarding calibration and its apparent disregard for the Magnuson-Stevens Act. It's clear that these new efforts by NMFS do not rely on the high-quality data we know that our states are providing. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act requires that the best available data be used for decision-making and the Modern Fish Act requires NMFS to coordinate with states to get the best available data. While the federal overfishing limit was increased based on the Great Red Snapper Count (a robust, independent study Congress required to provide higher-quality fisheries data) NMFS has decreased the percentage of fish that anglers can catch compared to the sustainable limit.īureaucrats are taking the state data and watering it down through flawed methods – an inferior system called the Marine Recreational Information Program. Previously, the states' annual fishing limit was set just below the total overfishing limit to ensure a sustainable fishery. Throughout the season, each Gulf Coast state estimates how many red snapper their anglers are catching. ![]() ![]() The full list of members joining Graves and Wicker is below. I hope the Department of Commerce will reject this rule and agree to have a more thoughtful conversation with the Gulf states on this important issue," Wicker said. For Mississippi, this rule would cut recreational red snapper quotas by 60 percent. NOAA's insistence on keeping a flawed approach needlessly erodes the trust of many anglers throughout the Gulf region. "NOAA's proposed rule continues to rely on inaccurate federal data. Instead of providing common-sense proposals, they keep tying State and Federal management in a regulatory knot tighter than a Boy Scout could," Graves said. If NMFS's deckhands would leave their cubicles and see the repercussions of their decisions, we wouldn't need to keep having this discussion. And, those pesky federal laws actually require the use of the best science. States have the best available science and can make the best decisions for the species right off our coast – not someone in Washington, D.C. The states have done a great job sustainably managing this important resource. "Red snapper is one of the most popular catches for Gulf anglers. This "calibration" would result in distorted federal management recommendations and completely ignore the most advanced assessment of red snapper ever done, the "Great Red Snapper Count" - that showed triple the fish assumed by federal assessments.Ĭongressman Garret Graves and Senator Roger Wicker spearheaded the letter in Congress. Even the National Academies identified deficiencies in this federal system. Specifically, the NMFS proposal would require all state fisheries data to be converted into a single federal system that is less accurate than the current state management data. Further, the federal agency's efforts would result in fewer fishing days for anglers in the Gulf States and adverse economic impacts. The letter expresses strong concerns from dozens of Members of Congress that NMFS is attempting to use flawed science and a one-size-fits-all approach that would undermine the successful state management of fisheries negotiated seven years ago. Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Gina Raimondo to direct the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to allow better science and improved access to red snapper fishing opportunities. WASHINGTON, DC – Nearly 40 Members of Congress from across the southeastern United States have asked U.S.
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