Lawmakers ask NOAA to aid against illegal red snapper harvesting

Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith announced that they are among a group of lawmakers encouraging a crack down on illegal fishing in U.S. waters.

They signed a letter urging NOAA to step in and help stop Mexican fishing vessels from illegally harvesting red snapper in U.S. waters.

The effort is aimed at protecting gulf fishermen and cutting off a major funding source for organized crime.

They went on to say in the letter that these operations are not small isolated fishing trips. They say the vessels are increasingly linked to organized cartel networks, with illegally caught fish making their way into U.S. markets.

They say stronger enforcement would protect local fishermen and preserve Gulf fish stocks.