A bill to provide that the Secretary of Commerce shall not issue an interim or final rule or Secretarial Amendment that includes an area or bottom closure in the South Atlantic for species managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region until the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is complete and the data related to that study is integrated into the stock assessment.

1/17/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 111

Bill 119 s 111 is a proposed legislation that aims to prevent the Secretary of Commerce from implementing any new rules or amendments that would result in the closure of fishing areas in the South Atlantic for species managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery. This restriction would remain in place until the completion of the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study and the integration of its data into the stock assessment.

The purpose of this bill is to ensure that any decisions regarding fishing closures in the South Atlantic are based on accurate and up-to-date information provided by the Great Red Snapper Count study. By delaying the implementation of new rules until this study is complete, the bill seeks to prevent any premature or unnecessary closures that could negatively impact the fishing industry in the region.

Overall, Bill 119 s 111 emphasizes the importance of using scientific data to inform fisheries management decisions and highlights the need for thorough research before implementing any significant changes to fishing regulations in the South Atlantic.

Congressional Summary of S 111

Red Snapper Act of 2025

This bill prohibits the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from restricting certain fishing activities in the South Atlantic until data from the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is integrated into the next South Atlantic red snapper Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) stock assessment.

The bill provides that NOAA may not issue an interim rule, final rule, or Secretarial Amendment establishing an area closure or a bottom fishing closure for specified species until (1) the study is complete; and (2) the study data is integrated into the first South Atlantic red snapper SEDAR stock assessment that is carried out after the bill's enactment. The limitation applies to fishing for species managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, including red snapper, grouper, and porgy.

(Closures generally restrict recreational and commercial fishing to prevent overfishing and for other conservation purposes.)

Current Status of Bill S 111

Bill S 111 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 16, 2025. Bill S 111 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 16, 2025. Bill S 111's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of January 16, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 111

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 111

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 111

A bill to provide that the Secretary of Commerce shall not issue an interim or final rule or Secretarial Amendment that includes an area or bottom closure in the South Atlantic for species managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region until the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is complete and the data related to that study is integrated into the stock assessment.