Dear Mr. Holmes:
Thank you for contacting me regarding recent restrictions on fishing and the Magnuson-Stevens Act. There have been a lot of concerns lately about fishery closures affecting Florida, whether in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. Because fishing is so important to our State, it is vital that we find a way to preserve public access to our fisheries, so that our kids and grandkids can enjoy the same fishing trips and fresh Florida seafood that we have enjoyed.
As you know, the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that regional fishery management councils end overfishing. I support curbs to end overfishing, but I am concerned that too often these decisions are being made on limited and sporadic data. I believe we really have to look again at the science and make sure we’re not putting Florida’s fishing industry in serious jeopardy. That is why I filed the Fishery Conservation Transition Act during the 111th Congress. This bill would provide time for the science to catch up, giving resource managers an opportunity to develop creative measures to conserve the resource, require accountability, and still also allow access.
I also called on the Senate Commerce Committee to hold an oversight hearing on the recent closures affecting Florida and how the Magnuson-Stevens Act is being implemented. Following that hearing, I sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration urging them to reconsider recent closures, and insisting that complete, updated stock assessments are necessary.
I will continue to work to protect Florida’s fishing heritage, and I will insist that when making decisions that affect coastal communities we are using robust, independent, and accurate data. I appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again.
Sincerely,
Senator Bill Nelson
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