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| Press Release |
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| For Immediate Release: |
Contact: Ted Forsgren |
| May 14, 2007 |
1-850-224-3474 |
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MISSISSIPPI MAKES GRAB FOR FLORIDA SEAT ON FEDERAL FISHERY COUNCIL
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CCA Florida has obtained written confirmation that the State of Mississippi has submitted recommendations for a seat on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) that is currently allocated to the State of Florida. Mississippi wants Florida representation on Gulf Federal Fishery Council reduced to three so that they can have four representatives.
“Mississippi was the only Gulf state to do it,” said CCA Florida Executive Director, Ted Forsgren. “The request is being pushed hard and promoted by commercial fishing industry interests in Mississippi.”
Every year the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) does new appointments or reappointments for the federal fishery management councils. This year, the Gulf Council has an obligatory seat for Texas and Mississippi and an at-large seat for Florida up for consideration.
A review of the state sizes, shorelines and fisheries values clearly indicates that the at-large seat should logically stay in Florida.
- The U.S. portion of the Gulf of Mexico has 1,631 miles of coastline. Florida has 770 miles on the Gulf side and Mississippi has 44, giving Florida 47.2 percent of the total coastline and Mississippi 2.7 percent.
- Florida has a $6 BILLION saltwater recreational fishery and a $576 million commercial fishery. Florida’s recreational fishery is the largest in the U.S. and is twice as large as the number two state. In 2001, the economic value of Mississippi’s recreational fishery was only $98 million.
- In 2005, the commercial dockside value of Florida’s west coast landings was $132 million. Mississippi had $23 million in commercial landings.
- In addition, 80 percent of the Mississippi commercial landings are menhaden, a forage fish species that is taken in industrial quantities for animal feed and fertilizers. Gulf menhaden are not regulated by the federal council; thus, 80 percent of the Mississippi commercial fishery is not even regulated by the Council where it is trying to expand representation.
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Even with the at-large seat Florida has just four seats on the Gulf Council out of a total of 17. The current grab by Mississippi only serves to highlight an under-representation problem that Florida already had with the federal fishery management system when issues of major importance to Florida are addressed.
For example, for red, gag and black grouper, 96 percent of the total Gulf fishery is caught and landed on Florida’s west coast. However, even with the at-large seat Florida has only four votes on the issue. Mississippi, Texas, Alabama and Louisiana have three votes each.
“Based on facts it is hard to even believe that the federal agency would actually transfer a seat currently held by Florida,” said Forsgren. “However, the Mississippi commercial fishing interests have strong ties to Mississippi’s congressional leaders and this issue must be taken seriously.”
The National Marine Fisheries Service will make its recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce by the end of May. The Commerce Secretary will then make the final decision by June 15. Visit the www.ccaflorida.org for information.
CCA Florida is contacting the Florida congressional delegation and others to urge them to oppose any transfer. The opposition e-mails and letters should be sent to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Carlos M. Gutierrez.
“Action is needed now, send your letters and e-mails,” said Forsgren.
Send letters and opposition e-mails to:
The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez
Secretary of Commerce
U.S. Department of Commerce
Herbert Clark Hoover Building
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 5858
Washington, D.C. 20230
(202) 482-2112
Email The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez |
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