Scott Announces Apalachicola Declared Fisheries Failure

Back in September 2012, Gov. Rick Scott requested the federal government to declare Apalachicola Bay as a commercial fisheries failure with the continued poor oyster harvests. Late on Monday, Scott announced the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) approved the request.

The federal government did the right thing in approving this commercial fisheries failure declaration, Scott said on Monday. Now we need the support of Congress to provide the dollars necessary to support this regions recovery. Congress should move with a sense of urgency to provide much-needed support for families in the region, so they can get back on their feet and continue providing our nation with the worlds best oysters.

Scott should be getting some support from the Florida delegation and he will be touring the region on Tuesday with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. Rubio joined Scott, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., U.S. Rep. Rich Nugent, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., in sending the request to the Department of Commerce last year.

I am pleased that the commerce department has confirmed what the people of Franklin County have long known, said Southerland on Monday. Apalachicola Bays oyster industry has been decimated by a lethal combination of decreased water flows, drought, and increased water salinity, leaving this treasured community struggling to survive. Lives and livelihoods are on the line as we take the first step in helping these hard-working North Florida families receive the relief they so desperately need. I am committed to ensuring that the Apalachicola Bay fishery is healthy and the continued source of the best oysters in the world.