Southerland introduces plan to extend state waters

Congressman Steve Southerland along with Representative Jo Bonner of Alabama has introduced legislation to extend state water boundaries for Florida and other states on the Gulf of Mexico.

The “Gulf Fisheries Fairness Act” would reset state water boundaries for reef fish management in the Gulf to a depth of 120 feet which could reach offshore as many as 60 miles. 

Florida’s current boundary is set at nine miles.

In a press release issued Friday, Congressman Southerland the bill would provide exclusive management of reef fish to Gulf States struggling with shrinking access to an already restricted fishery.

Southerland said “With a two-fish-per-day limit and a red snapper season set at 27 days and shrinking, Florida’s fishermen face unacceptably severe challenges that are forcing them off the water,”

He called the legislation a life preserver to fishermen and coastal economies struggling to stay afloat amid crippling federal regulations.

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