Bill > S111

This bill prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from implementing any area or bottom closures in the South Atlantic for snapper-grouper fisheries until a specific research study is completed and its data is incorporated into a stock assessment. The bill highlights the economic importance of fishing in the South Atlantic, noting that in Florida alone, recreational anglers generate $14 billion in economic output and support 119,000 jobs. Specifically, the bill requires that the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study must be fully completed, and its data must be integrated into the first Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) stock assessment after the bill's enactment. The legislation is motivated by findings that red snapper stocks have significantly recovered, with record high abundance and strong recruitment, and concerns about the potential economic impact of broad fishing area closures. The bill also notes that $8.7 million has been invested in independent survey data, including $3.3 million specifically for the red snapper count study, and emphasizes the need to use the most up-to-date scientific information when making fishery management decisions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/111/all-info