Originally Posted by
captnemo
For Immediate Release March 18, 2009
Jim Hutchinson, Jr
Flexibility Bill A Win For Both Fish & Fishermen
"We Should Be Using Sound Biology &Science" Says Rep. Pallone
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ)has officially re-introduced legislation designed to promote both sustainable fisheries and healthy fishing communities. If approved in the House, The Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2009 would amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to include limited flexibility for fishery managers when setting annual limits on managed species including summer flounder, black sea bass, pacific rockfish, gag grouper and red snapper.
"This legislation is the best way to rebuild our fisheries without bankrupting tackle shops, party boats and commercial fishermen," Pallone said. "We should be using sound biology and science when deciding how best to rebuild fish stocks. Unfortunately, the current process of managing our nation's fisheries is based on arbitrary deadlines set by Congress, which has continued to negatively impact fishing communities."
"The recreational fishing community is very appreciative to Congressman Pallone and all of the original co-sponsors for reintroducing legislation on this incredibly important issue," stated Jim Donofrio, Executive Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA). "This amendment to MSA injects common sense into the fishery management process, and allows regulators to improve efficiency while managing our nation's fisheries, yet will not compromise rebuilding or conservation."
As the federal law that manages federal fisheries, MSA was reauthorized by act of Congress and signed into law in 2007 that included rigid rebuilding requirements which currently force fishery management professionals to set annual limits based on arbitrary timeframes as opposed to actual conservation goals. Many fisheries experts point out that the application of these rebuilding requirements has actually restricted recreational anglers from access to rebuilding fisheries, and has caused undue negative socioeconomic impacts on the recreational fishing industry.
Language contained in the new House Bill would give the Secretary of Commerce the discretion to adjust rebuilding timeframes only if specific criteria are present to ensure that the conservation of such stocks continues to advance. "Fishing is a treasured family tradition for many residents," said U.S. Rep. John Adler (D-NJ), while adding "for others, it is a source of their livelihood." A co-sponsor of the bill, Congressman Adler said "I am proud to support a bill that recognizes the needs of recreational and commercial fisherman and implements environmental practices that promote healthy fisheries."
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