Rhode Island Fishermen’s Fairness Act of 2023

HR 3187, the Rhode Island Fishermen’s Fairness Act of 2023, amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to add Rhode Island as a voting member state on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. This procedural change increases the total number of voting states from 21 to 23 and raises the council’s voting membership from 13 to 14 seats. The bill directly affects Rhode Island’s ability to participate in federal fisheries management decisions for the Mid-Atlantic region. It does not alter fishing regulations or funding but ensures Rhode Island has a formal seat at the table for council discussions.