U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) made the following statement regarding the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's (FMC) meeting today to debate and modify their allocations for red snapper quota. The allocation between commercial and recreational fishing sectors has not been updated since 1990.

"For the livelihoods of Gulf Coast anglers and businesses that rely on the fishery, updating the outdated recreational allocation quotas is a huge priority," said Vitter. "However, we must acknowledge that the Gulf Council's push for delays and a shortened recreational season is inexcusable. We also need to make sure that Louisiana's representation on the Council is all working together for our best interests."

Today, the Council selected to continue moving forward with Amendment 28 with a final vote slated for August 2014. The Council will also be including accountability measures to balance the recreational and commercial percentages. The Council shortened the recreational season from 40 days to 11 days for the 2014 season.

Vitter originally requested Amendment 28 be considered during the nomination process for Dr. Kathryn Sullivan to be the Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, and Administrator of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here to read more.

In 2013, Vitter introduced the Offshore Fairness Act, which would extend the offshore jurisdiction for fishery management for states from Louisiana to Virginia. Vitter's bill would put the states in charge of red snapper management until each state's governor certifies that NOAA's stock assessments are complete and based on sound science. Click here to read more.

 

-30-