April 17, 2014 — Gov. Rick Scott weighed in Friday on federal fisheries management by backing the state wildlife commission's approval of a longer red snapper fishing season than is allowed in federal waters.
Scott sent a letter Thursday to U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker saying that federal fisheries management lacks needed flexibility and that law changes are needed.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Thursday approved a 52-day season, which is longer than the proposed 11-day season in federal waters.
The red snapper season in Florida waters had been 200 days from 2000 through 2008. The season length was reduced from 2009 through 2012 to match a shorter federal season.
Scott sent a letter Thursday to U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker saying that federal fisheries management lacks needed flexibility and that law changes are needed.
Although the proposed season in state waters will decrease from 65 to 52 days, Scott pointed out that the summer season from June 1 to July 14 will be an increase of eight days that will provide economic opportunties for Florida businesses.
"I am proud of the commission’s action and their willingness to balance the economic needs of Florida’s coastal communities with the need to rebuild the red snapper fishery," Scott wrote.
Last week, U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Panama City, likewise called for changes in the federal Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Conservation Act.
“Limiting our fishermen to only 11 days of work has serious consequences," Southerland said.
Read the full story at The Florida Current