Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, S. 2878 will reauthorize the U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Fishery Research Program to continue essential research that informs fishery management decisions across the Great Lakes Basin.

Effective fishery management starts and ends with accurate data, which is why the information provided by this program is the foundation for the decisions taken by State and Tribal fishery managers.

The Great Lakes region supports nearly a $5 billion sport and commercial fishing industry that relies on sound scientific research to protect and manage its aquatic ecosystems.

This program supports research to identify and combat invasive species like the sea lamprey and the Asian carp, conduct surveys for sport fish management, and monitor impacts of harmful algal blooms on fisheries. The Great Lakes Science Center also brings in more than 300,000 visitors annually and supports thousands of jobs.

Healthy fish populations benefit both the environment and the businesses that depend on them. The bill would provide $15 million annually through fiscal year 2030 to continue research that protects native species, monitors invasive species, and assesses the impacts of habitat degradation and climate change on the Great Lakes.

I commend Representative Quigley, Senator Peters, and the bipartisan Great Lakes delegation for their work on this important legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
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Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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