U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation that would create a commission to support the long-term health of fisheries along the Mississippi River Basin, as well as their habitats, water quality, and the communities that rely on them.
“Louisianians know that the Mississippi River Basin is vital to our communities, our fishermen, and our environment,” U.S. Representative Troy Carter (D-Louisiana) said in a statement. “This bill is a critical step in securing the future of this iconic waterway. By bringing together federal, state, and local partners, we can tackle the challenges of invasive species, habitat degradation, and water quality to ensure a healthy, sustainable fishery for generations to come. This commission will help preserve the extraordinary biodiversity of the basin and protect the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on these waters for their work and way of life. I’m proud of this bipartisan effort to strengthen our economy, protect our natural resources, and ensure a thriving Mississippi River Basin for generations.”
The Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act would establish a commission to enhance interagency coordination among government bodies that have interest in the river basin, which spans 31 states.
“The Mississippi River Basin is not just a geographical feature – it’s the backbone of our economy, a provider of jobs, and a sanctuary for our nation’s anglers and wildlife,” U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) said in a statement. “This commission will ensure we’re taking a proactive approach to conservation, management, and sustainability, securing this resource for generations to come. Healthy fisheries mean a stronger economy and better opportunities for those who depend on the river for their livelihoods. This is about securing our natural resources while supporting hardworking families.”
The legislation is supported by the Mississippi Wildlife Federation, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), and the National Wildlife Federation.
“This legislation is the culmination of decades of hard work by many fisheries management biologists, professionals, and organizations who are passionate about the rivers, streams, and bodies of water throughout the 31 states in the Mississippi River Basin and the people who love to go fishing and recreate on those waterways," Mississippi Wildlife Federation Delegate Ashlee Smith said in a statement. "States and their conservation partners will now have the resources they need to fight invasive species such as carp, harmful vegetation, and zebra mussels that are degrading the watershed and the tools to increase the health and viability of our native aquatic species such as paddlefish, sturgeon, and sportfish.”
