Gulf States Agree On Red Snapper Management Proposal
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Gulf of Mexico states want Congress to let them manage red snapper outside the federal government. Tight federal catch limits have been a subject of intense disagreement between state and federal authorities.
Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida want each state responsible for managing red snapper in state and federal waters off its coast. A letter made public Friday evening says state fisheries managers would comprise a supervisory agency.
U.S. Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana has submitted a bill to give the gulf states authority to manage red snapper once they agreed on a plan.
Spokeswomen for NOAA Fisheries and the Gulf Fisheries Management Council, which manages red snapper, did not immediately answer a request for comment.
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Online:
Joint state letter: http://1.usa.gov/1b8zE8M
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