S.111 - Red Snapper Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Red Snapper Act of 2025 (S.111) aims to prevent the Secretary of Commerce from implementing area or bottom closures in the South Atlantic for snapper-grouper fisheries until the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is completed and its data is integrated into stock assessments. This bill prioritizes the economic impact of fishing in the South Atlantic, particularly in Florida, and emphasizes the importance of accurate data for fishery management decisions. The Act seeks to balance environmental concerns with economic interests by ensuring that any regulations are based on the most up-to-date scientific information.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect would be a delay in any new area or bottom closures for snapper-grouper fishing in the South Atlantic. This delay would allow for the completion of the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study and the incorporation of its findings into future stock assessments. Ultimately, this could lead to more informed and potentially less restrictive fishery management regulations, benefiting both recreational and commercial fishermen.
Potential Benefits
- Economic Stability: Prevents potentially damaging area closures based on incomplete data, supporting the fishing industry.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Ensures fishery management decisions are based on the most accurate and up-to-date scientific information.
- Recreational Fishing Access: Maintains access to red snapper fishing for recreational anglers, contributing to tourism and local economies.
- Commercial Fishing Viability: Supports the livelihoods of commercial fishermen by avoiding premature restrictions.
- Improved Stock Assessment: Promotes better understanding of red snapper populations, leading to more effective long-term management strategies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Overfishing: Delaying closures could lead to overfishing if the current stock assessment is inaccurate.
- Environmental Concerns: Postponing conservation measures may negatively impact the broader marine ecosystem.
- Delayed Recovery: If the red snapper population is not as robust as believed, the delay could hinder stock recovery.
- Uncertainty: The time it takes to complete the study and integrate the data could create uncertainty for fishery managers.
- Limited Scope: The Act focuses solely on red snapper and may not address other ecological concerns within the South Atlantic fishery.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. Fisheries management falls under interstate commerce. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. However, the balance between economic interests and environmental protection could raise questions about the government's responsibility to promote the general welfare.
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).