Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act

# Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill would establish a new federal commission dedicated to managing and protecting fisheries in the Mississippi River Basin. The commission would serve as an advisory body to coordinate fishing policies, conservation efforts, and research across the multiple states that rely on or border the Mississippi River and its tributaries. By creating a unified organization, the bill aims to address fishery challenges that cross state lines and require coordinated management. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly impacts the 13+ states in the Mississippi River Basin region (including Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and others listed), as well as commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental groups, and the Department of the Interior.

Fishermen, fish populations, and communities dependent on river resources would be affected by any policies the commission develops. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 1078) is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. It was sponsored by Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi. The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process and would need committee approval and broader congressional support to move forward.