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to the states in an effort to continue to conserve the red snapper resource , ensure fair and equitable access to the red snapper fishery , and preserve the economy and culture of Louisiana ’ s coast .
“ This is a very positive step in our continuing struggle for equity and better management ,” said CCA Louisiana Executive Director David Cresson . “ Clearly , the federal system has failed , and will continue to do so . It is creating a situation where more than 70 % of the Gulf red snapper resource will be privately owned by a select few . Meanwhile , millions of anglers are left to fend for the scraps .”
Beginning in 2009 , Louisiana emerged as a Gulf-wide leader on red snapper . Since being appointed in January , Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Charlie Melancon and members of his executive staff have expressed intentions to continue those efforts towards state management . Passage of the resolution Thursday adds the Commission ’ s voice reaffirming the position of the State of Louisiana .
The resolution noted Louisiana ’ s long history of successful commercial and recreational fisheries management , the superiority of the LACREEL program in comparison to the flawed federal data collection program ( MRIP ), and the ability for Louisiana to manage the fisheries with flexibility , and tailor that management to our specific needs .
“ Louisiana ’ s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has a proven record of successful fisheries management for all sectors ,” said Cresson . “ Having managed some of the nation ’ s most important recreational and commercial fisheries well for years , we have every confidence that this department would bring that same level of success to the red snapper fishery .”
Gulf red snapper remains one of the most contentious fisheries in the nation , and has been complicated by federal management policies that have awarded private ownership privileges to commercial operators and left recreational anglers with extremely limited opportunities . CCA is supporting federal legislation ( HR 3094 ) that would shift management of the entire red snapper fishery to the
Gulf states . Environmental Protection Agency ’ s Gulf of Mexico Program has also been secured to support this work through the next few several years . Reid said the landowners with whom he ’ s partnered have already seen the numerous benefits of restoring this rare and unique native grassland .
The landowners are interested for several reasons ,’’ Reid said . “ They are genuinely sympathetic to prairie conservation and care about the land . The practices we ’ ve employed improve the condition of the range , in addition to benefiting grassland plants and wildlife . Prescribed burning and brush control improves forage quantity and quality . The regrowth of grasses following prescribed burning provides excellent forage quality for cattle .’’
Since winter 2014 , Reid ’ s coastal prairie SWG project accomplished prescribed burning on more than 2,000 acres , an impressive total considering the very limited remaining acreage of coastal prairie in the state .
“ This project was only possible through the dedication of Chris and the support of Louisiana private landowners ,’’ said Amity Bass , a biologist director for LDWF . Coastal prairie also serves as a refuge for pollinators , primarily native bees , butterflies , and other insects . “ Pollinator conservation is an important issue on today ’ s landscape ,’’ Reid said . “ Prairie provides very high plant diversity and therefore abundant nectar and pollen resources for pollinators to sustain pollinator populations , as well as nesting habitat .’’ Reid said he ’ s driven to conserve Louisiana ’ s coastal prairie because it is a rich part of the natural heritage of Louisiana .
“ The coastal prairie is an ancient grassland , and is part of our natural heritage just as historical buildings , cemeteries , battlefields , and American Indian sites are part of our cultural heritage ,’’ Reid said . “ So when we enhance these remnants , we ’ re really bringing out the true nature of Louisiana . It ’ s a reminder of what the real Louisiana is like . It really is magical , if given the opportunity to express itself .’’
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May 2016 www . marshandbayou . com