|
FLORIDA: In the Gulf, fight still brews over overfishing rules |
|
WASHINGTON — A long-simmering debate over federal fishing quotas and
their economic impact on Florida and other coastal states could reach a
boiling point this year as Congress considers changes to a landmark
marine conservation law.
The fishing industry is pressuring Congress to ease annual catch limits for summer flounder, red snapper and other species, saying quotas are squeezing commercial and recreational fishing businesses and depriving coastal communities of billions in revenue. The issue is particularly emotional along the Gulf Coast of Florida, where catch limits on grouper and red snapper and other federally managed fish, have ravaged industry-dependent businesses, including restaurants, hotels and charter boat operations. Critics like Pensacola fisherman and charter boat Capt. Ronnie Hogue say the government is using outdated science to set the catch limits under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Read the complete story from The Pensacola News Journal
|
|||
|
|
||
HASTINGS: Time to improve the Endangered Species Act
May 18, 2012 - When the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law in 1973 by President Nixon, he spoke about the importance of preserving “the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed.” I believe that goal is as important today as it was back then. However, after nearly 40 years, it’s time to take a fresh, honest look at the law and consider whether there are ways it could be improved to do a better job of protecting and recovering species.