WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. released the following statement regarding the 2015 federal red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico:
“The red snapper fishery is healthier than ever, providing no rationale for a shortened season. This impacts fishermen and families enjoying the Gulf. Another reason why we must keep pushing for more state and local control over our waters.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries issued a Final Rule allotting 10 days for private anglers and 44 days for charter fishermen in 2015. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council lowered the overall red snapper quota for 2016 and 2017.
Dr. Cassidy is a co-sponsor of the Red Snapper Management Improvement Act, legislation that would grant the Gulf States regional management authority of the red snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico upon their joint agreement on a management plan. He also previously introduced the Offshore Fairness Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, legislation that would extend the Bayou State’s jurisdiction in the Gulf of Me