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WASHINGTON-Today, Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC) introduced the Transparency in Job Loss from Fishery Closures Act of 2010, H.R 4634. The bill calls for an evaluation of the economic impact of the recent fishing ban on red snapper and shallow-water grouper and aims to prevent future closings of fisheries across the South Atlantic.
“As the representative of 75% of the coastline of South Carolina, I am acutely aware of the negative impact that the recent fishing bans have had on jobs and the economy in coastal communities that rely on the fishing industry,” said Brown. “I introduced the Transparency in Job Loss from Fishery Closure Act of 2010 to push for the evaluation of current fishing bans and the prevention of future bans that not only threaten the jobs of fishermen but also those who work for small businesses, hotels, restaurants and local shops.”
The bill, which has bipartisan support from representatives of coastal districts in South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida, instructs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct a review of all recent fishery closures and provide sufficient, updated research showing that a closure is the only option to maintain the fishery. The review, which will be submitted to Congress, must report the impact of each closure on small businesses and jobs throughout the community and evaluate additional options for maintaining fisheries without implementing a closure.
The bill also places stricter policies for enacting future fishing bans stating that NOAA may not implement further fishery closures that would have a direct or indirect affect of at least $50,000 on at least 25 small businesses related to a particular fishery unless sufficient, updated research proves that a closure is the only option available to maintain the fishery.
Note: Tomorrow, Congressman Brown will join fishermen from South Carolina and thousands of fishermen from along the East Coast for the United We Fish Rally on Capitol Hill. The rally will protest against the recent and future fishing bans and urge lawmakers to vote for the Job Loss from Fishery Closures Act of 2010.
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