H.R.470 - Red Snapper Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.470, the Red Snapper Act of 2025, aims to prevent the Secretary of Commerce from implementing area or bottom closures in the South Atlantic for snapper-grouper fisheries. This is pending the completion of the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study. The bill emphasizes the economic importance of fishing in the South Atlantic, particularly in Florida, and highlights the ongoing efforts to rebuild the red snapper stock.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would delay any new fishing restrictions in the South Atlantic until the red snapper study is complete and its data is integrated into stock assessments. This could lead to continued fishing practices in the short term. It may also provide more accurate data for future management decisions.
Potential Benefits
- Economic Benefits: Protects fishing-related jobs and revenue in the South Atlantic region.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Ensures fishery management decisions are based on the most current and accurate data.
- Supports Recreational Fishing: Preserves access to red snapper fishing for recreational anglers.
- Addresses Concerns: Aims to address concerns of the State of Florida regarding economic implications of area closures.
- Promotes Sustainable Fishing: By using updated data, the bill aims to promote long-term sustainability of the red snapper fishery.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Overfishing: Delaying closures could lead to overfishing if the current stock assessment is inaccurate.
- Environmental Impact: Continued fishing without updated data could harm the red snapper population and the broader ecosystem.
- Uncertainty: The study's outcome and its impact on future regulations are uncertain.
- Delayed Conservation: Necessary conservation measures might be delayed, potentially impacting the long-term health of the fishery.
- Stakeholder Conflict: Could create conflict between different stakeholders (e.g., commercial vs. recreational fishermen, conservation groups).
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce, including fisheries. It also aligns with the general welfare clause, as it aims to balance economic interests with resource management. However, the specific details of the regulations and their enforcement would need to be carefully examined to ensure they do not infringe upon any other constitutional rights or provisions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).