April 18, 2013 — Texas is picking another fight with the Federal government. And this time it has help.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Texas Governor Rick Perry, Florida Governor Rick Scott and Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant are calling on Congress to allow the states to take control over management of the red snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico.
In a letter to Congressional leadership, the governors declared federal fisheries management "irretrievably" and seek passage of legislation that would reverse a situation that is negatively impacting the coastal economies and citizens of the Gulf Coast.
"After three decades under ineffective federal management, our citizens are left with a 9-day season for this iconic fish, and that is just an unacceptable outcome. Our own Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has worked constructively with user groups like the Coastal Conservation Association and shown how proper management can foster our wildlife resources to be vibrant economic engines for Louisiana," Governor Jindal said. "We should not have to settle for over-arching, sub-par management of these resources by the federal government. The Gulf states have all proven they can do a far better job not only creating healthy fisheries, but providing greater access to them for our citizens. We are calling on Congress to give us the opportunity to do so."
Governor Scott said, "As one of the top fishing destinations in the world, no one understands Florida fisheries better than state and local communities. The current unilateral, regulatory framework administered by the federal government for Red Snapper lacks flexibility and has undermined the expertise of our state fishery officials and local fishing communities. State officials, working in partnership with local communities are far better suited for protecting Red Snapper, while providing local economies with reasonable standards that allow families to pursue jobs in Florida's bountiful waters."
Read the full story at Lone Star Outdoor News