Congressmen Carter, Ezell Introduce the Mississippi River Basin Fisheries Commission Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS) introduced the Mississippi River Basin Fisheries Commission Act of 2025 to establish the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at protecting and enhancing one of America’s most vital waterways by enhancing interagency coordination along the river. This commission will ensure the long-term health of fisheries, habitats, water quality, and the economic livelihoods that depend on them.

“Louisianians know that the Mississippi River Basin is vital to our communities, our fishermen, and our environment,” said Rep. Carter. “This bill is a critical step in securing the future of this iconic waterway. By bringing together federal, state, and local partners, we can tackle the challenges of invasive species, habitat degradation, and water quality to ensure a healthy, sustainable fishery for generations to come. This commission will help preserve the extraordinary biodiversity of the basin and protect the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on these waters for their work and way of life. I’m proud of this bipartisan effort to strengthen our economy, protect our natural resources, and ensure a thriving Mississippi River Basin for generations.”

The Mississippi River Basin spans 31 states and is home to an extraordinary diversity of fish and wildlife. However, invasive species, habitat degradation, and water quality concerns threaten its ecosystems. The Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission will serve as a collaborative, science-driven body, working with federal agencies, state governments, and local stakeholders to tackle these challenges head-on.

“The Mississippi River Basin is not just a geographical feature—it’s the backbone of our economy, a provider of jobs, and a sanctuary for our nation’s anglers and wildlife,” said Rep. Ezell. “This commission will ensure we’re taking a proactive approach to conservation, management, and sustainability, securing this resource for generations to come. Healthy fisheries mean a stronger economy and better opportunities for those who depend on the river for their livelihoods. This is about securing our natural resources while supporting hardworking families.”

“This legislation is the culmination of decades of hard work by many fisheries management biologists, professionals, and organizations who are passionate about the rivers, streams, and bodies of water throughout the 31 states in the Mississippi River Basin and the people who love to go fishing and recreate on those waterways," said Ashlee Smith, Mississippi Wildlife Federation. "States and their conservation partners will now have the resources they need to fight invasive species such as carp, harmful vegetation, and zebra mussels that are degrading the watershed, and the tools to increase the health and viability of our native aquatic species such as paddlefish, sturgeon and sportfish.”

"For decades, states have struggled to find dedicated resources to adequately manage large river species that cross many state, federal, and tribal jurisdictions during their lifetimes," said Ben Batten, Deputy Director of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Chair of the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association. "This legislation provides the structure and resources to help the basin states and their partners manage these complicated animals along with their habitats. The future for aquatic resources will be bright in the Basin if this becomes law.”

“Anglers from Minnesota to Louisiana can attest to the challenges facing the fisheries of the Mississippi River Basin, including habitat degradation and aquatic invasive species,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). “ASA thanks Representatives Ezell and Carter for their leadership of the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act, which will provide crucial, coordinated support to the state fish and wildlife agencies managing and restoring the Basin’s recreational fisheries, enhancing fishing opportunities for millions of anglers.”

"By uniting efforts across the Mississippi River Basin, this commission will play a vital role in protecting fishery resources, managing invasive species, and supporting sustainable fishing opportunities that benefit both our anglers and local communities,” said Jerry Brown, MDWFP Director of Fisheries.

"The Mississippi River Basin and its tributaries are critical for the millions of people and the wildlife that rely on the river. The Mississippi River Fisheries Commission Act will improve collaboration amongst states, promote an integrated science and research program, increase the efficiency of decision-making and allocation of federal resources to address fishery management and combat aquatic invasive species, like invasive carp,” said Marc Smith, policy director for the National Wildlife Federation. "We applaud Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Troy Carter (D-LA) for leading the effort to protect these world-class fisheries, support the outdoor economy, and enhance quality of life in the region."

Background:

The Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025 will:

• Establish the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission as a federally funded entity.
• Provide grants and resources for habitat restoration, fishery research, and invasive species mitigation.
• Strengthen partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies for coordinated fishery management.
• Support commercial and recreational fishing industries by promoting sustainable practices and economic growth.

The legislation has bipartisan support and endorsements from dozens of conservation groups, fisheries organizations, and local leaders who recognize the importance of preserving the Mississippi River Basin’s ecological and economic future.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

###