Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Congressman Cleo Fields (D-LA) have introduced H.R. 4800, the Fisheries Modernization Act, in Washington, D.C. The proposed legislation aims to expand federal disaster relief programs to cover wild-caught crawfish fisheries.
Currently, the wild-caught crawfish industry does not qualify for disaster relief from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or for fishery disaster assistance under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The new bill would amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to include red swamp crawfish and white river crawfish as eligible species. This change would enable the Secretary of Commerce to declare a fishery disaster for these types of crawfish after natural or man-made disasters, infrastructure failures, or significant drops in stock and revenue.
“The 2023 drought led to heavy losses across the entire crawfish industry, and while we secured disaster relief through USDA and the Small Business Administration, there was no equivalent program for wild-caught crawfishermen under the Commerce Department,” said Congressman Higgins. “Our bill would add crawfish species in the Atchafalaya Basin to the Magnuson-Stevens Act to ensure those fisheries are eligible in future disasters. This is an important step to bring parity across the entire industry.”
“Louisiana’s crawfish harvesters are a vital part of our state’s economy and heritage. This legislation not only recognizes that legacy, but it also ensures that when future disasters hit, they won’t be left behind. Including wild-caught crawfish under the Magnuson-Stevens Act is a simple, yet practical way to give this industry the federal support it deserves,” said Congressman Fields.
Clay Higgins has represented Louisiana’s 3rd district in Congress since 2017 after replacing Charles Boustany. He previously served in the Louisiana House of Representatives and currently lives in Lafayette.
