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| Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr |
JUST IN: DeSantis Responds to Trump Tariffs Concerns for Florida's Fishing Industry
TALLAHASSEE, FL — At a press briefing on Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was asked directly about the potential effects of former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on the state's robust fishing industry. While DeSantis downplayed a direct connection to recreational fishing, he took the opportunity to spotlight a more pressing issue: federal overregulation and outdated data harming Florida’s anglers.
“In terms of recreational fishing, I’m not sure that [tariffs] are necessarily going to be as direct,” said DeSantis. “The bigger issue is that the federal government continues to restrict the ability of our anglers to access resources in the Atlantic and Gulf.”
DeSantis: State Management of Red Snapper Season a Game-Changer
DeSantis pointed to Florida’s success in managing Gulf red snapper seasons after the federal government ceded some control to the state. Under state oversight, Florida anglers have enjoyed the longest red snapper season ever recorded in the Gulf — a move he described as “a huge win” for the boating and fishing community.
“There are fish in the sea — they’re there,” DeSantis said. “And we were able to show that under state management, we could make decisions based on real data, not outdated federal estimates.”
Atlantic Fishing Industry Still Struggling Under Federal Control
While celebrating the Gulf's progress, DeSantis said Atlantic coast anglers continue to suffer due to federal mismanagement, especially regarding Atlantic red snapper.
“If they gave us the ability to manage the Atlantic red snapper season, that would be the biggest boon to Florida’s fishing industry right now,” he stated. “Federal restrictions are choking off opportunities more than anything else.”
He criticized the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and federal bureaucracy for using “outdated data” and pursuing ideological agendas rather than relying on evidence-based science.
DeSantis Calls for More State Control, Pushes for Change
DeSantis emphasized that restoring full management authority to the state of Florida over its fisheries would be a “home run.” He confirmed that he has raised the issue with both President Trump and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, urging them to prioritize the matter.
“This issue has long predated the current administration,” he noted. “But we’ve proven it can be done in the Gulf, and now we’re going to prove it can be done in the Atlantic.”
Key Takeaways:
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DeSantis says Trump’s tariffs likely won’t directly impact recreational fishing, but federal restrictions remain the industry’s biggest obstacle.
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Florida has had record success managing Gulf red snapper seasons under state control.
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DeSantis wants the same control over the Atlantic red snapper fishery, which he says is currently mismanaged by federal agencies.
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He has personally discussed the issue with both Trump and Commerce officials, calling for a shift toward state-led fisheries management.
FAQs
Q: Will Trump’s tariffs impact Florida’s fishing industry?
A: According to DeSantis, not directly—especially for recreational fishing. The larger issue is federal overregulation.
Q: What change is DeSantis advocating for?
A: He wants full state control over the Atlantic red snapper season, similar to the Gulf, which Florida already manages.
Q: Why is state management better, according to DeSantis?
A: He claims it uses real-time data and prioritizes evidence-based decisions, unlike federal agencies relying on outdated models.
Q: Has DeSantis discussed this with Trump?
A: Yes, he has mentioned the issue to President Trump and the Secretary of Commerce, urging them to act.
Conclusion:
While President Trump’s tariffs may be dominating national headlines, Gov. Ron DeSantis is shifting the conversation to what he sees as the true threat to Florida's fishing industry — federal overreach. With proven success managing the Gulf, DeSantis is pushing for a bold expansion of state fisheries management into the Atlantic, hoping to reel in a better deal for Florida’s anglers.
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