New Report Highlights Continued Comeback of U.S. Fisheries
Congress must safeguard this bipartisan success story
(WASHINGTON – May 17, 2018) Today’s annual Status of U.S. Fisheries report from the National Marine Fisheries Service is yet another reminder that the bipartisan Magnuson-Stevens Act has underpinned a transformation of U.S. fisheries that has made them a global model of success. Over the last year, three more stocks returned to health, bringing the total to 44 stocks declared “rebuilt” since 2000. According to the report, the number of overfished stocks continues to decline and 91 percent of fish populations are no longer subject to overfishing.
The three newly rebuilt stocks highlighted in this report are part of the West Coast Groundfish fishery, where fishermen were able to increase their catch by 50% last year thanks to the comeback of these and other once depleted species.
The following is a statement from Matt Tinning, Associate Vice President for Environmental Defense Fund’s Oceans program:
“This report shows what is possible when fishermen, conservationists and managers work together. Through smarter management, the United States has demonstrated that you can bring fisheries back sustainably and profitably. This idea is the hallmark of the bipartisan Magnuson-Stevens Act and exactly why we must keep it strong.
“Congress should take note of these successes as it considers proposed legislation that could undermine our progress. While there is still work to do so that all fishing communities are benefiting from sustainable and effective management, today’s report is yet another reminder that we have the federal fisheries law we need to succeed.”
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Media Contact
Latest press releases
-
GOP House Appropriators Are on the Wrong Track
July 26, 2024 -
Energy Permitting Reform Must Advance Climate Progress and Community Safeguards
July 26, 2024 -
EDF Heads to Court to Defend EPA Action to Identify Climate Pollution, Including Methane from Landfills
July 24, 2024 -
New DOE Transmission Grants Will Deliver Reliable Power, Lower Costs and Jobs to Communities
July 24, 2024 -
New analysis: If Duke Energy’s gas plant ambitions are approved, the average residential customer could pay nearly $2,100 more on power bills through 2038
July 23, 2024 -
President Biden’s Vital Climate Leadership “Delivered Real, Positive Benefits for Everyone”
July 21, 2024