Saving Seafood

Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama could gain more control over their coastal waters under new bill

April 29, 2026 — A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation that would extend offshore boundaries for Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to match those of Texas and Florida.

Rep. Troy Carter Sr. (D-LA) introduced the Offshore Parity Act alongside Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS), Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Shomari Figures (D-LA).

According to the lawmakers, the current law gives Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama jurisdiction over just three nautical miles offshore. Texas and Florida have nine nautical miles, and the new bill would bring all three Gulf states up to that same limit.

Read the full article at WBRZ

Natural Resources hearing to consider water, fisheries bills

November 18, 2025 — A House Natural Resources subcommittee will review Western water and fisheries legislation during a hearing this week, including a proposal to create a new coordinating commission for the Mississippi River Basin.

H.R. 1514, from Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) and Troy Carter (D-La.), would provide roughly $245 million for a panel to oversee fisheries management and economic development in the nation’s largest river basin.

That responsibility is currently shared by 31 states and multiple federal agencies, according to Ezell, vice chair of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries, which will host the hearing. Carter called the bill a “critical step in securing the future of this iconic waterway.”

Read the full article at E&E News

US House introduces twin version of aquaculture legislation

October 21, 2025 — United States legislators have introduced the Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act in the House of Representatives, a bill meant to enable and govern offshore aquaculture in the U.S. that has been backed by the domestic aquaculture sector.

“The MARA Act ensures that as we grow our offshore aquaculture sector, we do it the right way with science, transparency, and public engagement at the center,” U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) said in a release. “This bill puts the U.S. on a path to food security, environmental stewardship, and coastal economic development. Offshore aquaculture, when done responsibly, holds enormous potential to feed more people, create jobs, and protect wild fisheries. The MARA Act gives us the tools to lead the world in sustainable seafood production.”

Read the full article at SeafoodSource