II 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3045 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 25, 2010 Mr. Nelson of Florida introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To direct the Secretary of Commerce to study the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery and to limit the authority of the Secretary to promulgate any interim rules for the fishery, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Fishery Protection Act.

2.

Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery

(a)

Stock assessment

(1)

Requirement

The Secretary of Commerce shall conduct a benchmark stock assessment of the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery. (2)

Report to Congress

The Secretary of Commerce shall submit to Congress a report on the findings of the assessment required by paragraph (1). (b)

Limitation on rules To shorten fishing season

(1)

In general

The Secretary of Commerce may not promulgate any interim rule under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1855(c)) or any final rule that decreases the number of fishing days in the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery to less than the number of such days in 2009— (A)prior to the date the Secretary submits to Congress the report required by subsection (a)(2); and (B)unless such report demonstrates the need for any such an interim or final rule. (2)

Existing interim rules

Any interim rule promulgated under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1855(c)) that decreases the number of fishing days in the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery to less than the number of such days in 2009 that was promulgated prior to the date of the enactment of this Act shall have no force or effect.