Saying that the Amendment would cause massive fisheries closure from North Carolina to Florida and result in significant economic harm, U.S. Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3), Senator Richard Burr and Congressman Mike McIntyre (NC-7) asked U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to direct the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to reconsider its recent decision on Amendment 17B to the Snapper-Grouper Management Plan. The text of the lawmakers' release follows: WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week unless changed, Amendment 17B would close U.S. waters from 240 foot depth to 200 miles offshore, from Florida to North Carolina, in an attempt to protect two fish species – speckled hind and warsaw grouper – for which there are no valid stock assessments. The closure would have a significant negative impact on fishermen and fishing communities. Jones, McIntyre and Burr joined the five members of the South Atlantic Council who voted against Amendment 17B in arguing that the Council acted on unacceptably limited data and ignored reasonable alternatives. In a letter to Secretary Locke sent on June 1st, Jones, McIntyre and Burr ask the Secretary to direct the South Atlantic Council to reconsider Amendment 17B at its next meet meeting and to direct the Council to consider less restrictive alternatives that will both protect the species and allow fishermen reasonable access. The text of the letter follows: Dear Secretary Locke: We are writing to express our extreme disappointment with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s decision to close the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from 240’ depth seaward to the end of the EEZ at 200 miles offshore to protect two species of fish – speckled hind and warsaw grouper – for which there are no valid stock assessments. The Council’s action was based on unacceptably limited data and ignored reasonable alternatives that would have far less impact on fishing families already reeling from the economic downturn. The five members of the Council who voted against Amendment 17B to the Snapper-Grouper Management Plan filed a minority opinion which reveals the systemic flaws with the Council’s proposal. We are writing to request that you review this opinion – a copy of which is attached – and take immediate action to instruct the South Atlantic Council to reconsider Amendment 17B at its June meeting. As the minority opinion makes clear, the impacts of the closure mandated by this proposal “will have devastating economic effect on the states, primarily on those who participate in commercial fisheries in North Carolina and Florida, and the industries that support recreational fishing primarily in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. We believe the negative economic impact is way out of proportion given the lack of quality stock assessments based on very little data available.” In fact, the last stock assessment on speckled hind was completed years ago, and over years ago for warsaw grouper! We believe strongly that imposing such a massive closure on the basis of such limited science is unacceptable. Furthermore, we are troubled that the Council did not fully consider other alternatives that may be just as likely to protect the species, while not putting large numbers of fishing families out of business. Among other things, we are particularly concerned that options were not considered to allow participation in the blueline tilefish fishery in North Carolina, where there is little to no contact with speckled hind and warsaw grouper. Therefore, we again ask you to direct the Council to reconsider Amendment 17B at its June meeting, while ensuring that all Council members and senior Council staff are fully aware of the minority opinion. We also ask that you direct the Council to consider less restrictive alternatives that will both protect the species and allow fisherman reasonable access, particularly to the blueline tilefish fishery in North Carolina. If the Council is not able to reconsider its decision, then we request that you take action to ensure an appropriate outcome. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your response.
