U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to protect the jobs of Gulf Coast fishermen and enhance the economic benefits the local fishing industry brings to Gulf Coast communities. Boyd’s legislation, the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Fishery Protection Act, would require the federal government to submit a detailed analysis on the number of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico prior to proposing any reductions in the number of days red snapper are able to be fished.
“Our local fishing industry serves as an economic engine for countless Gulf Coast communities, and it is unconscionable to think that these communities are being adversely affected by decisions based on faulty assessments or inaccurate data,” said Congressman Boyd. “This legislation will ensure that our fishermen’s jobs are protected from any unjust future closures and that the economies of our local coastal communities are never again put in jeopardy because of outdated or incomplete information.”
“Our commercial and recreational fishermen depend on the ability to fish, and closing fisheries using inaccurate information is a direct affront to our livelihood,” said Bob Jones, executive director of the Southeastern Fisheries Association. “Congressman Boyd has been an unwavering advocate for our community, and this bill is just the latest example of his commitment to protecting the rights of fishermen in our district. I’m proud to have him fighting on our behalf in Washington and told him he has the full support of our members.”