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COMMITTEE REPORT
February 10, 2010
S. 1095
S. Printed 2/10/10--S.
Read the first time January 26, 2010.
To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (S. 1095) 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, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 3 by striking lines 1 - 11 and inserting:
/ Be it further resolved that the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina urges the SAFMC to not adopt any amendment that includes any areas being closed to any type of fishing off the coast of South Carolina. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
RONNIE W. CROMER for Committee.
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, in an effort to address potential overfishing of red snapper, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is considering an amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region; and
Whereas, the SAFMC is considering closing to fishing a nine thousand six hundred seventy-eight square mile area in the South Atlantic, 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 under consideration by the SAFMC is unjustifiable and would cause severe economic hardship to the State and its coastal counties, including significant job loss 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 on 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 the Department of Natural Resources, has 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 Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina opposes any areas closed to fishing off the coast of South Carolina associated with the SAFMC's proposed amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region.
Be it further resolved that the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina urges the SAFMC to not adopt any amendment that includes any areas be closed to any type of fishing off the coast of South Carolina and directs that the Department of Natural Resources vote be cast accordingly.
Be it further resolved that the two other representatives of South Carolina on the SAFMC are strongly urged by the General Assembly to also cast votes in opposition to any amendment that will result in any area of the state's coast being closed to fishing of any kind.
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.
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