SRC-TJG S.C.R. 41 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.C.R. 41
78R10530 CLE-DBy: Armbrister
Natural Resources
5/5/2003
As Filed


DIGEST 

Texas is blessed with a wealth of saltwater and freshwater fishing
opportunities, and recreational fishing is one of the most popular outdoor
sporting activities in the state.  Generating millions of dollars and
enjoyed by people of all ages, recreational fishing makes a substantial
contribution to local and state economies as well as to the quality of
life in Texas.  High-quality fishing can be found in the state's bays and
estuaries and other coastal waters, where the availability of fish has
never been better, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
(TPWD).  Rod and reel anglers strongly support TPWD's fisheries management
regulations, including minimum size requirements, bag limits, and gear
restrictions, and these conservation efforts have been successful.  The
support of rod and reel anglers, who are committed to preserving and
enhancing water quality in oceans, bays, and estuaries, is also important
to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).  TPWD and TCEQ
have not found it necessary to restrict recreational fishing in marine
waters because there has never been a clear indication that fishing was
the cause of a specific conservation problem.  Some state agencies may
base regulations on studies that do not consider the economic impact of
recommendations; in the case of proposed fishing or boating restrictions,
the economic impact to coastal communities could be severe. Ongoing
studies of bays and estuaries are under the auspices of TPWD, TCEQ, and
the Texas Water Development Board, which  shares jurisdiction over
freshwater inflows into bays and estuaries with TPWD. 

PURPOSE

Provides that the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby directs
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to
exclude consideration or promotion of any study or plan that recommends
restrictions on recreational fishing areas.  Provides that the 78th
Legislature also direct the three agencies to require bay and estuary
studies to include the economic impact to coastal communities with any
proposal to restrict fishing or boating in those areas.  Provides that the
secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the
executive directors of the TPWD and TCEQ and to the executive
administrator of TWDB.