Fisheries
As a member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs, Congressman Pallone fights in Congress for New Jersey’s recreational and commercial fishermen.
Fishing supports local businesses, recreational enjoyment and New Jersey’s seafood industry, providing enumerable benefits for residents. Congressman Pallone believes that a strong fishing industry is vital to achieving a strong economy in the Sixth District.
Recovering from Sandy
Congressman Pallone introduced the Sandy Disaster Fisheries Relief Act of 2013 to assist the fishing industry and coastal communities badly impacted by the storm. Pallone’s legislation is the first Superstorm Sandy supplemental emergency aid bill and provides $193 million to fully fund the estimated cost to recover storm affected fisheries.
The funding would support both commercial and recreational fishing industries. Recreational fishing infrastructure such as marinas, tackle and bait stores and public access points for fishing that were impacted by Sandy will be eligible for funds under the bill.
Flexibility for Fisheries
Congressman Pallone introduced the Flexibility and Access in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2011 in order to create flexibility in the timeline of rebuilding fisheries and to open access to healthy fish stocks. The legislation will lead to larger annual fish quotas, improve our scientific understanding of fisheries and prevent onerous regulations from hurting recreational and commercial fishermen.
Costal Jobs
Congressman Pallone introduced the Coastal Jobs Creation Act of 2011, which builds on successful programs to fund projects that are specifically targeted at aiding coastal communities and creating jobs. Coastal communities and local fishing industries are facing difficult challenges and Congressman Pallone believes coastal resources and the jobs that rely on them must be protected.