Summary
Starts a test program for the government to help buy blue catfish from fishermen in the Chesapeake Bay to help control the fish population.
What problem does this solve?
Too many blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay are hurting other fish and the local environment. This bill creates a test program to pay fishermen to catch these catfish, which helps control their numbers and supports the local economy.
Who does this affect?
- Fishermen in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
- Seafood processors in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
- Animal feed, pet food, and aquaculture feed manufacturers
What does this bill do?
Establishes a blue catfish pilot program
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to create a program where certain companies can get money to buy blue catfish from fishermen and seafood processors in the Chesapeake Bay.
Sets a minimum purchase price
Requires the Secretary to set a minimum price per pound for blue catfish. This ensures fishermen and processors get a fair price based on market conditions and other factors.
Tracks the blue catfish population
Requires an annual estimate of the number of blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. This helps measure how well the program is working to control the population.
Requires a final report to congress
Mandates a detailed report after the program ends. The report will cover the program's economic and environmental effects and suggest if it should be continued or expanded.
Defines program participants
Specifies that fishermen and seafood processors can sell fish to pet food, animal feed, and aquaculture feed companies who join the program.
Covers some transportation costs
Allows companies buying the catfish to use up to 15 percent of the program funds to help pay for transporting the fish to their facilities.
What is the real world impact?
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Provides economic support to local fishermen
Gives financial help to watermen and seafood processors in the Chesapeake Bay area by creating a new, guaranteed source of income from catching and selling blue catfish.
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Protects the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem
Aims to reduce the population of blue catfish, which are harming native species. This helps restore the natural balance of the bay's environment.
When does this start?
The two-year pilot program will begin after the government issues guidance and completes the first fish population estimate.
Data sharing agreement
Requires the Secretary to try to enter an agreement with partners to share data on blue catfish within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
Program guidance issued
Requires the Secretary to issue rules and guidance for the pilot program within one year of the bill becoming law.
First fish population estimate
Sets a deadline of September 30, 2027, for the first public estimate of the blue catfish population in the Chesapeake Bay.
Quarterly briefings to congress
Mandates that the Secretary brief Congress on the program's status every three months, starting 90 days after the bill becomes law.
Final report to congress
Requires a final report on the program's results to be sent to Congress within 180 days after the program ends.