June 1, 2013 — Given the countless criticisms we have heard of NOAA's current method of assessing fish stocks, this [newly introduced bill] gives states the opportunity to manage this industry in a manner that is more beneficial to their individual needs.
This bill will also grant states exclusive fishery management rights over reef fisheries, including red snapper, for up to 200 miles off their coastlines.
Given the countless criticisms we have heard of NOAA's current method of assessing fish stocks, this gives states the opportunity to manage this industry in a manner that is more beneficial to their individual needs.
This authority remains in place until the governor of each respective states claims, in writing, that he or she is confident that NOAA's stock assessments are accurate and based on sound science.
Those Louisianans involved in the red snapper industry know that the stocks are ample to support a full fishing season, which should last from the beginning of June through the end of September.
Everyone from recreational anglers to charter boat captains believes that the federal government is wrong in its claims that the fish stocks are simply not plentiful enough to support a full season.
States along the Gulf Coast and the south Atlantic take pride in their waters and their rich fishing culture. They are natural stewards of these waters and are already successful at managing fisheries under their control. It makes sense that we should allow these states to manage fisheries that are such an integral part of their economies.
U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, represents parts of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.
Read the full opinion piece at the Thibodaux Daily Comet