|
|
|
|
Senators Rick Scott and Katie Britt sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, thanking him and the Trump administration for their commitment to protecting American jobs and ensuring fair, competitive markets, while encouraging immediate action against the growing threat of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In the letter, the Senators warned that Communist China, the world’s largest exporter of seafood to America, has turned IUU fishing into a weapon to undermine U.S. workers, threaten America’s national security, devastate the U.S. environment, and perpetuate gross human rights abuses – including the use of forced and child labor, human trafficking, and dangerous working conditions that claim over 100,000 lives annually in the commercial fishing industry. Senators Scott and Britt also called for full enforcement of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and a total ban on seafood imports from nations that engage in or support these abuses.
Read more HERE. Read the full letter HERE or below.
— |
|
|
Senator Rick Scott announced the reintroduction of the Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act to provide more flexibility for American farmers to continue their sturgeon operations and protect their livelihoods while also adhering to the original purpose of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to ensure the longevity of the species across the globe. This bill makes an important clarification between the captive-bred population of sturgeon, which is abundant and thriving in the United States with the support of fish farms and aquariums, and wild population of the same species.
Senator Rick Scott said, “For years, I have heard from Florida farmers about how the Biden’s reckless decision to classify non-native and hybrid sturgeon as endangered species created chaos. Farmers raising certain sturgeons’ species are being forced to care for thousands of fish that can live to 100 years – unable to sell, harvest, or relocate them without facing jail time or ridiculous fines. The Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act fixes that by exempting captive-bred sturgeon species in the U.S. which have thriving populations, and wild populations of the same species so we can continue our preservation efforts while preventing an unnecessary burden on our farmers. I look forward to getting this bill passed in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, led by my friend, Congressman Randy Fine, and signed into law by President Trump – who understands that we can work to both protect our environment and support the success of American businesses.”
Read more HERE.
— |
|
|
Senator Rick Scott and Senator Brian Schatz announced the introduction of the bipartisan Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act to establish a federal task force dedicated to addressing the rising issue of shark depredation, which happens when sharks partially or fully remove fish from anglers’ lines before retrieval. The SHARKED Act aims to bring together federal agencies, regional fisheries councils, scientists, and stakeholders to research, manage, and mitigate shark interactions that are affecting commercial and recreational fisheries and can disrupt the ecosystem.
Companion legislation led by Congressman Rob Wittman has passed the House of Representatives in January 2025.
The SHARKED Act has been endorsed by the American Sportfishing Association, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, American Fisheries Society, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, BoatUS, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Center for Sportfishing Policy, Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Guy Harvey Foundation, International Game Fish Association, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Professional Anglers Association, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The growing number of encounters between sharks and Florida anglers is disrupting our fishing industry, harming local economies, and putting Floridians at risk. I’m proud to lead the SHARKED Act in the Senate, which brings together experts and stakeholders to find commonsense solutions to address the rising issue of shark depredation to support our fishing industries and protect both humans and sharks from danger.”
Read more HERE.
— |
|
|
Senator Rick Scott introduced the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act to designate the Sarasota County portion of the Myakka River as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to preserve the river’s free-flowing condition and ecological value and build on Florida’s decades-long efforts to protect this unique waterway.
Senator Rick Scott said: “Florida’s natural beauty is one of our greatest blessings, and the Myakka River is a shining example. This bill honors the strong local, state, and community support for protecting the river’s pristine waters, rich ecosystems, and recreational values, while ensuring future generations have the opportunity to experience Myakka as it is today.”
Read more HERE.
— |
|
|
Senator Rick Scott joined Representative John Rutherford and bipartisan members of Florida’s Congressional delegation in a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick thanking him for his work with President Trump to represent Americans’ best interests and ask that the administration grant Florida and other states’ authority for Red Snapper management. In their letter, the members note that state management will help improve accuracy of data collection and benefit Florida’s fishing industry and coastal economy while protecting conservation efforts.
Earlier this year, Senator Scott and Representative Rutherford led the bipartisan, bicameral Red Snapper Act to stop the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from unilaterally closing the Red Snapper fishery in the South Atlantic until a full South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is complete.
Read more HERE. Read the full letter HERE or below.
— |
TALLAHASSEE
111 N. Adams Street, Suite 208
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 942-8415 |
WEST PALM BEACH
415 Clematis Street, Suite 201
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 514-0189 |
TAMPA
801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 421
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 225-7040 |
KISSIMMEE
1 Courthouse Square, Suite 300
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: (407) 586-7879 |
PENSACOLA
221 Palafox Place, Suite 420
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 760-5151 |
MIAMI
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 505
Miami, FL 33134
Phone: (786) 501-7141 |
NAPLES
3299 Tamiami Trail East, #106
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 231-7890 |
JACKSONVILLE
400 West Bay Street, Suite 289
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 479-7227 |
ORLANDO
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 872-7161 |
| |
WASHINGTON, D.C.
110 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5274 |
|
| |
Fax: (202) 228-4535 |
|
|
|
