May 10, 2012 – TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Recreational fishermen could soon have an easier time throwing the rod into the waters.
An amendment to the 2013 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act was approved with bipartisan support Tuesday in a 220-191 vote, aims to ban any new catch share programs.
Introduced by Congressman Steve Southerland (R) of Florida's Second Congressional District, and Representative Michael Grimm (R-NY), the amendment received support from those across the aisle including Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY0, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ).
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's Department of Fisheries explains that catch share programs, which include Limited Access Privilege Programs (LAPP), place quotas on the amount and species of fish that can be caught.
The amendment with the catch share provision needs approval still from the Senate before moving on to the President's desk.
The amendment would not eliminate in catch share limits already in place, but would prohibit the implementation of any new catch share programs in four areas of the country; New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico.
Southerland explains there are three main sectors that will be impacted; commercial fishermen, charter boats, and recreational fishermen.