A letter sent by Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, and signed by every Panhandle lawmaker, asks area Congressmen to review the impact a major fisheries management law has on the area economy.
“In imposing federal regulations and restrictions that require compliance at the state level, the National Marine Fisheries Service has created an environment of economic hardship for every sector of our communities,” the letter reads.
Specifically, the letter asks Reps. Jeff Miller, a Republican, and Allen Boyd, a Democrat, to review the impact that changes to the Magnuson Stevens Act have on the local economy. That law led to the early closure of the Amberjack and Red Snapper fishing seasons.
“That review should include an extensive look at the peripheral impact on fishing regulations, including lost income for sports fishing boat captains and crew,” the letter reads.