Wave of Ocean Legislation Hits Congress

(March 30, 2006 – Washington, DC) Representative Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) introduced bipartisan legislation to update the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) today, which governs fishery management activities within the federal 200-mile limit through eight Regional Fishery Management Councils. Gilchrest’s bill – H.R. 5051 - is based largely on the Senate version that passed the Senate Commerce Committee in December led by Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Daniel Inouye (D-HI). Gilchrest’s bill contains several important conservation and economic reforms, including enhancing the role of science in decision-making, ending overfishing and strengthening the regional councils.

 

“Representative Gilchrest’s legislation will lead to healthier oceans, more viable fishing communities, better recreational opportunities and supplies of fresh seafood,” said Environmental Defense Ocean Policy Specialist Amanda Leland. “Environmental Defense commends Gilchrest’s leadership to craft a workable solution.”

 

Representative Richard Pombo (R-CA) also introduced a bill - H.R. 5018 - to reauthorize the MSA earlier this week. Pombo’s bill helps align economic incentives with conservation goals. It also authorizes cooperative research with fishermen and scientists, and creates a much needed funding mechanism for fisheries observers who collect data for conservation and management.  There are also measures in the bill that weaken current requirements for rebuilding overfished stocks to healthy levels and circumvent the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act.  

 

“Environmental Defense is encouraged by the wave of ocean legislation in Congress, which shows that our country is ready for a new era of ocean stewardship,” said Leland. “We look forward to working with the House to advance ocean conservation goals.”