"Moving straight to closures before we get the results from the South Atlantic Red Snapper Count defies common sense."
"I am going to stop you there because you just said exactly what this bill is all about, getting you more data, getting you good data, reliable data so that when you make these assumptions about biomas..."
"If closures are implemented, it is going to be very difficult in my district."
"Mr. Rutherford's legislation, H.R. 4587, prevents NOAA from implementing draconian fishing closures in the South Atlantic until the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count Study is completed."
"I fear that this program will not operate as successfully as it has in the past."
"I have been a champion on this effort for some time."
"NOAA closed our seasons because there weren't enough fish. Now, they are closing our season because there are too many fish being caught and discarded."
"I hope that he will consider marking up my legislation to reauthorize this program."
"Instead of punishing them with bottom closures, let's look at innovative management strategies."
"I believe if you have good data you can make better decisions."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you, Chairman Bentz and Ranking Member Huffman, for having this important hearing today."