Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted in support of H.R. 200, the Strengthening Fishing Communities & Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act, which passed the House today. The bill reauthorizes the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation & Management Act and includes popular reforms for recreational fishermen.
Modern data collection standards and new technology will improve management of Gulf fisheries, and Louisiana’s offshore jurisdiction for recreational management of red snapper will be extended from three miles to nine miles.
Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:
“Reauthorization of Magnuson-Stevens is a win for both commercial and recreational anglers. The data collection methods used by federal regulators are long overdue for an update. The reforms in this bill allow regional and state agencies to play a larger role in the management of Gulf fisheries, including red snapper. This bill delivers more accurate tracking, protects commercial fisheries, and provides recreational anglers with expanded access to waters in the Gulf of Mexico.”
