S. 747 — Introduced in Senate

II 113th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 747 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 17, 2013 Mr. Vitter introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To grant exclusive fishery management authority over the red snapper fish in the Gulf of Mexico to certain States. 1. Definitions In this Act: (1) Gulf State The term Gulf States means the States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce. 2. Fishery management rights (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall grant to the Gulf States exclusive fishery management authority over the red snapper fish (lutjanus campechanus) in the Gulf of Mexico in the area located between the coast line of each Gulf State and the point that is 200 miles seaward of the coast line of each Gulf State, consistent with the jurisdictional limit of the exclusive economic zone. (b) Agreement between Governors (1) In general The grant of authority under subsection (a) is contingent on the condition that not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary grants the authority, the Governors of each of the Gulf States— (A) agree on a fishery management plan governing management of the red snapper fish (lutjanus campechanus); and (B) certify in writing to the Secretary that the Governors have entered into that agreement. (2) Reversion If the Governors fail to enter into an agreement under paragraph (1), the authority granted to the Governors under subsection (a) shall revert to the Secretary.