Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a markup on 13  bills including H.R. 3070, “EEZ Transit Zone Clarification and Access Act,” introduced by Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY).

“The senseless boundaries between state and federal waters around the Block Island Sound have created confusion for local fishermen,“ Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) said. “I thank Congressman Zeldin for his leadership on this bill. He invited the Committee to his district to hear firsthand the impacts of the regulatory confusion for local fisherman. Ultimately, Congressman Zeldin improved upon prior efforts and worked with both sides of the aisle to advance it through the Committee without objection.”  

“One of the most pressing issues faced by fishermen in my district is the urgent need to clarify the federal regulations regarding striped bass fishing in the small area of federally controlled waters between Montauk Point and Block Island. Long Island striped bass fishermen have lost 60% of their traditional fishing grounds due to federal restrictions that this bill intends to reform. After working closely with Chairman Bishop and the committee on H.R. 3070, I am proud to see this bill pass out of committee and I look forward to it passing the House,” Rep. Zeldin stated.

Click here to learn more about the bill above and others that advanced today in Full Committee.