The House Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Doc Hastings (R-Wash), bill’s aim is to provide flexibility for fishery managers and stability for fishermen, and for other purposes. Photo: House of Representative
by Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink
The House Natural Resources Committee proposal on updating laws governing fisheries management in the United States has been released. The ‘‘Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act’’ improves and strengthens many provisions of the current Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
The House Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Doc Hastings (R-Wash), bill’s aim is to provide flexibility for fishery managers and stability for fishermen, while still maintaining key sustainability programs.
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act was a bipartisan effort praised by both the fishing industry and environmental groups. Last updated in 2006, it requires resource managers to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks within 10 years and base decisions on recommendations from scientific advisers.
Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), the committee’s ranking member, expressed dismay that the Republican proposal was not made available to Democrats on the committee. Photo: House of Representative
The Gulf Red Snapper fishery has been one of the most publicized success stories resulting from the 1970s-era law. This year the fishery has been taken off the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch “Avoid” list and placed on the “Good Alternative” list.
Hasting said “the committee will start working toward the draft’s passage when it returns to Washington, D.C.”
Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), the committee’s ranking member, expressed dismay that the Republican proposal was not made available to Democrats on the committee. “I’d like it if you could share” the plan, he said.
The draft legislation allows fishery management councils to consider changes in an ecosystem and the economic needs of the fishing communities when establishing annual catch limits.
The House act also calls for scientific and statistical committees to develop scientific advice in a transparent manner, allowing for public involvement in the process.
The bill also amends the catch share program process in a way that allows more input from fishermen prior to establishing such a program in regions where this concept has been controversial.
The House act also calls for scientific and statistical committees to develop scientific advice in a transparent manner, allowing for public involvement in the process.
Mississippi Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council designee and Gulf Seafood Institute (GS) board member Corky Perret said, “Dedicating money for data should be a priority for us all.”
The bill also amends the catch share program process in a way that allows more input from fishermen prior to establishing such a program in regions where this concept has been controversial.
Addressing the hotly contested Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper issue, the bill empowers the Secretary of Commerce, in conjunction with the States, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and the charter and recreational fishing sectors, to develop and implement a real-time reporting and data collection program for the Gulf fishery. Of further significance to the Gulf of Mexico seafood community is language that provides a schedule for obtaining better fishery independent data, especially for data poor fisheries.
“GSI is pleased to see the House Natural Resource Committee release a draft Reauthorization to the Magnuson Stevens Act governing fisheries in the U.S,” said GSI Florida board member Robert Gill. Photo: GSI
The Gulf Seafood Institute has been advocating for increased data collection programs. The group’s acting Chairman Harlon Pearce has testified before House Resourcesin recent months on the need for stronger data streams from the Gulf.
“GSI is pleased to see the House Natural Resource Committee release a draft Reauthorization to the Magnuson Stevens Act governing fisheries in the U.S,” said GSI Florida board member Robert Gill. “We are particularly pleased this action initiates a broad public discussion of the many issues involved. We look forward to vigorously participating in the consideration of changes to the MSA.”
In order to better understand concerns from stakeholders across the country, both the House Resources and Senate Commerce Committees have held multiple hearings during which government officials, environmentalists and industry representatives, including the Gulf Seafood Institute, have testified regarding various concerns. The new fisheries proposal will be open for public comment.
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