Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SCR95

Introduced
4/26/18  
Refer
4/30/18  
Report Pass
5/7/18  
Passed
5/8/18  
Passed
5/8/18  
Engrossed
5/8/18  

Caption

Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to develop a proposal seeking Open Ocean TIG and RW TIG funds to monitor red snapper and other reef fish impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes that red snapper and other reef fish are critical to the marine ecosystem and to the livelihoods of fishermen in the region. It acknowledges the decline in allowable recreational fishing days for red snapper due to concerns over fish populations, underscoring the necessity for better monitoring and evaluation. By obtaining additional funding and conducting extensive research on the health of these fish populations, Louisiana aims to improve fisheries management and restoration efforts, ensuring the sustainability of this vital resource and benefiting the fishing industry overall.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 95 (SCR95) urges the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to develop a proposal seeking funds from the Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group (TIG) and Region-wide (RW) TIG. The purpose of this funding is to monitor red snapper and other reef fish that have been impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. SCR95 highlights the ecological and economic importance of these fish species to the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in supporting both recreational and commercial fishing.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SCR95 appears to be supportive, as it calls for actions aimed at environmental restoration and fish population recovery. Stakeholders in the fishing sector likely view this resolution as a positive step toward addressing the impacts of the oil spill on fishing resources. Nonetheless, concerns remain about the adequacy of funding and the need for comprehensive data to drive effective management decisions. The resolution reflects a shared commitment between state authorities and the fishing community to restore and maintain healthy fish populations.

Contention

While SCR95 supports the monitoring and conservation of fish impacted by the Deepwater Horizon disaster, one point of contention could arise around funding limitations and whether the proposed efforts will adequately address the needs of all species affected. There is also a necessity to balance ecological restoration with economic interests, as additional regulations and monitoring may affect the fishing practices of local communities. The resolution does solicit state funds to supplement federal resources, but the effectiveness of these combined efforts will depend on collaborative and transparent processes among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SCR18

Requests the office of coastal protection and restoration and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to jointly study shoreline protection, effects on marine species diversity and habitat quality, and economic and other ecosystem service values of the Sabine Reef.

LA SCR90

Requests the U. S. President to issue an emergency declaration to use any and all U.S. resources, including military forces and martial law, to stop the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and to ban the use of certain chemical dispersants in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response operation.

LA SCR96

Requests the Governor's Office of Coastal Activities and the office of coastal protection and restoration to support the establishment of a state seashore and the restoration of the habitat of Elmer's Island, Fourchon Beach, and Caminada Headland, as recompense for damages to natural resources caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and requests that such recompense be taken under consideration by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in developing the programmatic environment impact statement for the national resources damage assessment.

LA HR24

Urges and requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to work with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to develop integrated coastal protection projects aimed at preserving and maintaining healthy estuarine and essential fish habitat in and around Lake Pontchartrain

LA HCR113

Urges and requests the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries to not move forward with implementation of their announced red snapper management pilot program

LA HCR252

Requests that the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission consider allowing for the use of cast nets at night with no creel limits for the commercial taking of shrimp during this time of fishing disaster resultant from the BP Deepwater Horizon catastrophe

LA HCR49

Urges and requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to create a body of coastal parishes to aid in compliance with the RESTORE Act

LA SR181

Requests all relevant state and federal agencies to devote all available resources to stop the flow of oil at the former site of the Deepwater Horizon rig.

LA HB94

(Constitutional Amendment) Dedicates to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund the Deepwater Horizon oil spill penalty monies received by the state under the RESTORE Act (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

LA SCR74

Commends the first responders of Louisiana for their swift action to combat the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.