May 2017

Texas lawmakers send strong message for course change on chaotic fishery

In a resounding display of frustration with the federal government’s handling of the red snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico, the Texas Legislature recently passed House Concurrent Resolution 105 (HCR 105), encouraging the U.S. Congress to pass legislation or adopt policies allowing the State of Texas to manage the fishery out to 200 nautical miles. Led by Reps. Dennis Bonnen (R-District 25) and Dade Phelan (R-District 21), the resolution breezed through the legislative process this session. Continue Reading

Recreational fisheries generate far more economic activity with less impact on marine resources. So why are we still treated as an after-thought by NOAA Fisheries?

POSTED ON MAY 18, 2017 BY BRAD GENTNER, PRESIDENT, GENTNER CONSULTING GROUP LLC Continue Reading

Increased reefing of offshore energy platforms critical to Gulf habitat

WASHINGTON DC – The House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold an oversight hearing on May 17 entitled “Reviewing Recent State Successes with the Rigs to Reefs Program” that will examine how well such programs are working to allow energy companies to transform outdated structures into valuable marine habitat. Invited to present on various aspects of the program are Dr. Greg Stunz, Endowed Chair, Fisheries and Ocean Health, Director, Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation, and Professor of Marine Biology Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies and Dale Shively, Artificial Reef Program Leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

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CCA testifies before Congress on red snapper fiasco
Three-day season in 2017 marks new low in federal management of popular fishery

Washington, D.C. – May 2, 2017 — On the same day that NOAA Fisheries announced the shortest recreational red snapper season in history, Mark Ray, chairman of CCA Texas, was testifying before a Congressional hearing on dismal federal management of the fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. Ray told the House Subcommittee on Interior, Energy and the Environment, chaired by Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas), that red snapper is a man-made fishery management disaster.

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