State Intervenes
to Defend Extension of Federal Fishing Season
BATON ROUGE, LA – Recreational fishermen in the Gulf of
Mexico received significant support this week, as Louisiana Attorney General
Jeff Landry filed a motion to intervene on behalf of the State in the challenge
of the National Martine Fisheries Service (NMFS) extending red snapper season
from three days to 42 days.
“Louisiana has a constitutional duty to protect and
conserve its natural resources – including red snapper – for the health,
safety, and welfare of its residents,” argued Landry. “Prohibiting NMFS from
extending the duration of federal fishing seasons will significantly impair
Louisiana’s interests in its red snapper, tourism, economy, and tax revenues.”
In the United States District Court for the District of
Columbia, the Ocean Conservancy and Environmental Defense Fund are suing U.S.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Jr., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, and the NMFS.
“These radical special interest organizations intent on
destroying our recreational fishing are asking a federal court to essentially
engage in continuing oversight of several federal and multiple state executive
branch agencies,” continued Landry. “Fishery management should be reserved to
the federal and state agencies statutorily responsible for, and knowledgeable
regarding, such management and the fish and fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico.”
“I will continue to use my authority as the State’s
chief legal officer to fight for Louisiana’s best interests,” concluded Landry.
“From defending our First Amendment rights to protecting our fisheries, I will
do all that I legally can to protect our way of life.”
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