Steve Southerland: “It is very clear that these catch shares in the bodies of water that I made reference to are an effort by a select group…”

“It is very clear that these catch shares in the bodies of water that I made reference to are an effort by a select group to take away the individual fishing rights of individual citizens and to implement a cap-and-trade system where fish are traded like a commodity. The only problem, the American people own this natural resource. This is not like a crop where a farmer has planted this in a field. And so I want to be very clear that this does not affect any existing programs. It just says that no dollars may be used for new-- new--programs. I would like to submit for the Record this extensive list of organizations and associations that represent tens of thousands of fishermen, commercial, boats for hire as well as individuals. I yield back the balance of my time. THE LIST BELOW REPRESENTS THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE WORKING AND RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN OF THE GULF OF MEXICO National associations National Association of Charterboat Operators, Recreational Fishing Alliance, Food and Water Watch. Regional associations Southeastern Fisheries Association, Southern Offshore Fishing Association, Fishing Rights Alliance, America Alliance of Fishermen and Communities. State associations Florida: Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen's Association, Florida Guides Association, Organized Fishermen of Florida. Alabama: Alabama Seafood Association. Louisiana: Louisiana Shrimp Association. Texas: Recreational Fishing Alliance, Texas Chapter; Texas Shrimp Association.…”