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Washington, April 26, 2010 - Today, Congressman Bill Posey hosted a roundtable forum between local fisherman, industry leaders and federal policy makers to discuss the proposed closure of the Southeast Atlantic to Red Snapper and Grouper commercial fishing activities. The fishery directly employs several thousand specialized workers with many locally based jobs and businesses that depend on this important fishing industry.

Posey arranged the meeting after hearing concerns from the fishing community that they did not believe that federal regulatory officials were hearing their concerns.

“It’s important to find ways that we can work together to create the right kind of balance,” said Congressman Posey. “Many in our community are struggling to keep their doors open, and it is important that any decisions that adversely affect jobs are made based on sound reasons.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) placed a temporary ban in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas because of concerns that the populations of Red Snapper and Grouper are declining.

Rep. Posey has cosponsored several pieces of legislation to address this concern, has called for Congressional hearings, and has written to federal regulatory officials on this issue. “It’s too important for Washington-based federal agencies to solve on their own without the input, knowledge, and expertise of the people who know the fisheries best and depend on healthy fisheries for their livelihood – the fishermen themselves,” added Posey.