Louisiana House Bill HB281

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10

Caption

Requires vessel owner information to be included on the commercial receipt form (trip ticket)

Impact

The amendment brought forward by HB 281 is primarily intended to improve oversight within the commercial fishing sector, making it a more accountable and transparent process. By including the vessel owner's details, the state aims to facilitate better tracking of fishing activities and enforce regulations more effectively. This could potentially aid in the conservation of fishery resources and contribute to sustainable fishing practices. The bill fosters a comprehensive approach to managing commercial fisheries, which is critical for maintaining resource health and ensuring legal compliance.

Summary

House Bill 281 seeks to amend existing regulations regarding the commercial fishing industry by requiring additional information to be included on the commercial receipt form, commonly referred to as a trip ticket. Specifically, the bill mandates that the vessel owner's name and vessel license number must be documented on the form whenever a commercial fisherman sells or transfers possession of their catch to a wholesale or retail seafood dealer. This change aims to enhance the management of fishery resources by making it easier to trace the origin of the catch and ensure compliance with fishing regulations.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 281 appears to be positive among stakeholders who support increased accountability in the commercial fishing industry. Proponents argue that the additional requirements will help ensure compliance with regulations aimed at protecting fishery resources. However, there might be some concern among fishermen regarding the increased bureaucratic burden that new documentation requirements could impose, leading to mixed sentiments within the fishing community about the practicality of implementation.

Contention

While there are benefits associated with enforcing more stringent documentation practices, some stakeholders may view this as an overreach that complicates the selling process for commercial fishermen. The bill may invoke discussions regarding the balance between regulatory oversight and the operational autonomy of fishermen, particularly those operating small businesses. The requirement could lead to debates over how such regulations might impact the economic viability for smaller fishing operations versus larger companies equipped to handle more extensive paperwork.