HJR265 Summary

• Commends the Alabama Congressional Delegation and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, for securing state management of the red snapper fishery.

• Acknowledges the Marine Resources Division's creation of the largest artificial reef network in the United States, which generated over 2,500 jobs and a $315 million economic ripple effect.

• Credits Senator Richard Shelby's 2016 leadership in creating a pilot project opportunity for states to manage recreational fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico after the federal season was reduced to an all-time low.

• Recognizes the successful use of Alabama's "Snapper Check" program under Exempted Fishing Permits, which proved more reliable than the federal data program for managing the recreational red snapper season.

• Encourages the federal government to allow Alabama to manage all recreationally important species off the Alabama coastline for the benefit of anglers, businesses, and coastal communities.