Nelson shows support for Florida’s Fisheries

Tallahassee, FL - On April 15, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (DEM) joined a bipartisan group of Senators in a letter supporting a $47 million investment above the President’s budget request for science that supports the nation’s fisheries. The National Marine Fisheries Service spearheads the collection of data that is used to manage fisheries. It is critical that this science is recent and accurate to ensure common-sense management measures that allow fisheries to rebuild while also providing access to the resource.

On April 14, Senator Nelson wrote NOAA Administrator Lubchenco in support of the fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico. An update to the management plan for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico included an estimated season of only 54 days. This would be the shortest red snapper season to date in the Gulf of Mexico and would have negative implications for not only fishermen but also coastal communities and businesses. Nelson expressed his concern for the people of Florida if the season were shortened so drastically and warned the administrator of his intent to take action if necessary to protect the fishing community from undue regulation.

For more information on Senator Bill Nelson’s support for Florida’s Fisheries, contact Lynn Bannister Nelson’s Director of Outreach/Regional Director at (850) 942-8415.