by Ed Lallo/Gulf Seafood News
Legislation is currently being formulated in both houses of Congress that will contain substantive changes to the primary law governing marine fisheries management in the United States.
The Gulf Seafood Institute (GSI), the Center for Sustainable Fisheries (CFS) and National Fisherman will hold a public workshop at the Embassy Suites on reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Act to coincide with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s meeting in Baton Rouge.
“Magnuson-Stevens reauthorization is coming. Our goal is to gather the voices of the industry to promote changes to the act that will improve fishery management for the better of the industry, the country and the consumer,” stated Jessica Hathaway, editor of National Fisherman Magazine.
The Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 2006 (MSA) was named after Warren G. Magnuson, former U.S. senator from Washington state, and Ted Stevens, the former senator from Alaska.
“Not long ago there was a general feeling that the existing law would be changed very little,” said Bob Gill, a GSI board member from Florida. “However things have changed. It appears that Congress may be contemplating substantive changes.” Photo: GSI
Earlier this year the House Natural Resources Committee introduced the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. According to the committee, “its aim is to provide flexibility for fishery managers and stability for fishermen, while still maintaining key sustainability programs.”
At present the Senate has not introduced their version of the bill, but at a recent event in Boston Eileen Sobeck, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries, said she expected to see a version by the end of March.
“Not long ago there was a general feeling that the existing law would be changed very little,” said Bob Gill, a GSI board member from Florida. “However things have changed. It appears that Congress may be contemplating substantive changes.”
According to Gill, the meeting will discuss possible changes to the current Magnuson, as well as open the floor for public discussion.
“We hope to hear from as many fishery stakeholders as possible,” said Dr. Brian Rothschild, Montgomery Charter Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts School for Marine Science and Technology and president of CFS. “Can we change the federal mandate so that it truly promotes healthy and sustainable fisheries? I believe we can, but only if we commit to standing together. So let’s find our common ground.”
Gill sees needed changes as strengthening the economic component of fisheries management, giving more flexibility to councils, and facilitating better “science.” Other ideas for the revised law provide for institutional changes such as National Institutes for Fisheries Research and a National Fisheries Management Board that reports to Congress and provides checks and balances for the fisheries management process.
The House draft changes the term “overfished” to “depleted” and replaces the “ten year rebuilding period” for overfished stocks with a biological basis. Discussion will include a need to replace the present National Standards with wording that facilitates scientific interpretation and achieves balance among biological and economic objectives rather than the current implementation that focuses primarily on “overfishing” while holding the other National Standards in abeyance.
“There is a lot going on and it is happening at various intensities around the nation,” said Gill about the meeting that is open to the public. “Some believe that extensive change is necessary whereas others believe minor or no changes are necessary. This means that whatever your position, whether you are for change or not for change, it is time to put your oar in the water. The Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization is too important to not become involved.”
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Meeting Location and Time:
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
5:30 p.m. (or immediately after Gulf Council meeting adjourns)
Embassy Suites, Baton Rouge
4914 Constitution Ave; Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Act Now! Modifying the Magnuson-Stevens Act
The Center for Sustainable Fisheries and National Fisherman magazine are co-sponsoring a series of nationwide public workshops at which we will discuss revisions to the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Can we rewrite the act in order to strengthen the economic component of fisheries management, give more flexibility to the councils and facilitate better science? Join us in the discussion, coming to a workshop near you this spring.
Seattle workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014
12:30 p.m.
Seattle’s Renaissance Hotel
515 Madison Street (on the corner of Madison and 6th Ave.)
On-site parking is available for $33 a day for self-park or $40 a day for valet
Boston workshop
Monday, March 17, 2014
8 – 10 a.m.
Seafood Expo North America
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
Room 254B
Valet and self-parking available
Baton Rouge workshop
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
5:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites, 4914 Constitution Ave.
Free self-parking is available
For more information
Center for Sustainable Fisheries
115 Orchard Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
info@centerforsustainablefisheries.org
(508) 992-1170
Thomas, don’t forget the Gulf Seafood Institute!
This is a good opportunity to see how many groups and individuals are supportive of accountability for all fisheries and how many support current stock assessments based on empirical data for better management of our marine resources. Everyone who can attend and speak should be there.
I guess ANYONE who attends this workshop can claim they are “partnering up” with The Center for Sustainable Fisheries and National Fisherman magazine. Hey, I may be “partnering up” with them as well!