Lee Zeldin: “I thank Mr. Hardy and Mr. Clay for their comments and for their support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in…”

“I thank Mr. Hardy and Mr. Clay for their comments and for their support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3070, the EEZ Transit Zone Clarification and Access Act, which would clarify the Federal laws that govern the management of the striped bass fishery in the exclusive economic zone, or the EEZ, between Montauk, New York, and Block Island, Rhode Island. One of the most pressing issues that is faced by Long Island fishermen is the urgent need to clarify the Federal regulations regarding striped bass fishing in the small area of federally controlled waters between Montauk Point and Block Island. Between New York State waters, which end 3 miles off of Montauk Point, and the Rhode Island boundary, which begins 3 miles off of Block Island, there is a small area of federally controlled water that is considered part of the EEZ. The EEZ, which extends up to 200 miles from the coast, are waters that are patrolled by the Coast Guard, where the United States has exclusive jurisdiction over fisheries and other natural resources. Since 1990, striped bass fishing has been banned in the EEZ even though fishermen can currently fish for striped bass in adjacent State waters. {time} 1745 Fishing is an industry in and around my district. It is getting more and more difficult to survive in this industry if you are a businessowner. Fishermen are desperately pleading for commonsense relief, and this is one way Congress can help.…”