H 4497 Concurrent Resolution, By Viers

Similar(S 1095)
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE ANY FISHING AREA CLOSURES OFF THE COAST OF
 SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL'S
 PROPOSED AMENDMENT 17A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER GROUPER
 FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION.

   02/02/10  House  Introduced HJ-82
   02/02/10  House  Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural
                     Resources and Environmental Affairs HJ-83

TO OPPOSE ANY FISHING AREA CLOSURES OFF THE COAST OF SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL'S PROPOSED AMENDMENT 17A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION.

Whereas, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is considering Amendment 17A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region to end possible overfishing of red snapper; and

Whereas, an alternative tentatively supported by the SAFMC in Amendment 17A is a nine thousand six hundred seventy-eight square mile area in the South Atlantic closed to fishing, of which about three thousand five hundred square miles are off the coast of South Carolina, stretching north from the border with Georgia to near McClellanville; and

Whereas, red snapper landings in South Carolina account for only eleven percent of the total red snapper landings in the South Atlantic region; and

Whereas, the National Marine Fisheries Service has already imposed a total closure of the red snapper fishery; and

Whereas, recreational and commercial saltwater fishing is vital to the coastal economy of South Carolina and employs thousands of state residents directly and indirectly; and

Whereas, according to a 2008 University of South Carolina study, coastal tourism in South Carolina had a total economic impact of over seven billion dollars, employed nearly eighty-one thousand South Carolinians, and generated over two billion dollars in salary and wages; and

Whereas, according to a 2006 American Sportfishing Association study, saltwater fishing in South Carolina had a total economic impact of over one billion dollars, employed nearly twelve thousand South Carolinians, and generated over three hundred thirty-three million dollars in salary and wages; and

Whereas, according to a 2008 University of South Carolina study, commercial fishing in South Carolina had a total economic impact of nearly thirty-four million dollars, employed nearly seven hundred South Carolinians, and generated nearly thirteen million dollars in salary and wages; and

Whereas, any area closed to fishing off the coast of South Carolina proposed by the SAFMC in Amendment 17A is unjustifiable and would cause severe economic hardship to the State and its coastal counties, including significant loss of jobs for South Carolinians at a time when job creation is badly needed and is a priority for the State; and

Whereas, any area closed to fishing off the coast of South Carolina will result in excessive fishing pressure displaced upon the remaining open areas, causing localized depletion of fish species, further seriously impacting fishermen, employment, and the local economy; and

Whereas, the State of South Carolina, through its Department of Natural Resources controls a vote on the SAFMC; and

Whereas, South Carolina has two additional representatives that are voting members of the SAFMC. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the General Assembly of South Carolina, by this resolution, declares its opposition to the closing of any areas to fishing off the coast of South Carolina associated with the SAFMC's proposed Amendment 17A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The General Assembly of South Carolina urges the SAFMC not to adopt any version of Amendment 17A that includes any areas closed to any type of fishing off the coast of South Carolina and request and urges the SAFMC vote controlled by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources be cast accordingly. The two other representatives of South Carolina on the SAFMC are strongly urged by the General Assembly also to cast votes in opposition to any version of Amendment 17A that includes any areas closed to any fishing off this state's coast.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to

the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, all South Carolina representatives on the SAFMC, the SAFMC, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.