Lindsey Graham: “The State of Florida has been firmly committed to the conservation of the State's natural resources. In the past year…”

“The State of Florida has been firmly committed to the conservation of the State's natural resources. In the past year, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Regional Fishery Management Council had proposed giving authority to the State over certain fisheries, such as stone crab and spiny lobster, but could not do so because Federal courts have ruled that the States are preempted by the Magnuson Act from regulating in the EEZ. I am pleased, therefore, that the distinguished chairman has included in this reauthorization legislation, a provision which would allow a fishery management council to delegate jurisdiction over certain fisheries in the EEZ to a State, if the State has regulations consistent with the fishery management plan for that area.”