Maryland Senate Bill SJ3

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

Commercial Fishery Disaster Declaration Due to Invasive Species

Impact

The resolution seeks to authorize and encourage measures that would allow Maryland to qualify for federal disaster assistance under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This assistance aims to help protect and rehabilitate the state's fisheries that are now hindered by the increased presence of invasive species. The support for such efforts underscores the critical nature of addressing the ecological impacts legislative bodies can influence beyond their local jurisdiction. It emphasizes the need for both state and federal cooperation to mitigate the risks emerging from environmental changes.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 3 (SJ3) is a legislative measure intended to address the impact of invasive species on Maryland's commercial fisheries. The resolution supports a request made by Governor Wes Moore for a federal disaster declaration concerning the state's commercial fishery, which has been threatened by the rapid spread of invasive fish, notably blue catfish, flathead catfish, and snakeheads. These species have been identified as detrimental to native fish populations, including commercially significant species like blue crabs and American eels, thereby affecting the livelihood of commercial watermen in Maryland and the broader economy reliant on fishing.

Contention

A point of contention surrounding this resolution arises from a prior rejection by the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding the state's request for a commercial fishery disaster declaration. The federal entity ruled that the economic impact of blue catfish did not warrant the designation necessary to qualify for disaster aid, igniting debates on the criteria used to assess the fishery's health and the overall effectiveness of existing regulatory frameworks. This decision may lead to varying opinions among stakeholders regarding the adequacy of state measures to protect fisheries and could further complicate efforts in requesting federal support, highlighting a tension between state and federal priorities in fishery management.