WASHINGTON – Frustrated Gulf Coast lawmakers are pushing a bill to give their states more power to manage the economically important red snapper population, a move aimed at opening up the rebounding stock to more recreational fishing.

The Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Conservation Act essentially would transfer authority over the fishery from a federally created regional council comprised of various stakeholders to a commission run by the five Gulf Coast states: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Led by chief sponsor and Republican Rep. Jeff Miller, who represents the western Florida Panhandle, supporters of the change say the council and the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration — NOAA — have ignored what many local fishermen say is abundant proof the overfished red snapper stock has fully recovered.

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