Congress Should Keep Magnuson-Stevens Act Strong
EDF Statement on U.S. Senate Hearing on Federal Fisheries Law
(WASHINGTON – February 23, 2016) Members of the oceans subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee held a hearing today to review progress under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the nation’s landmark fisheries law. The Honorable Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, offered testimony.
Below is a statement from Matt Tinning, Senior Director, U.S. Oceans Program:
“Today’s Senate hearing offered another reminder that the Magnuson-Stevens Act is a remarkable bipartisan success story. As a number of Senators noted, the MSA has made the United States a global model for sustainable fisheries management. It has led to strong and sustainable American fisheries that are set to benefit coastal small businesses, seafood lovers, and recreational anglers for generations to come.
“In some fisheries, improvements in management must be considered. But needed changes can be advanced within the existing legal framework, including through the stakeholder-driven regional council process that the MSA created.
“A complicated and protracted process of opening up the Magnuson-Stevens Act for reauthorization at this time is not only unnecessary but would be counter-productive. We urge Congress to keep what’s working.”
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
- September 23, 2024
-
Court Should Deny Shadow Docket Requests to Block Methane Pollution Limits
September 20, 2024 -
CFTC Guidance will Strengthen Voluntary Carbon Credits
September 20, 2024 -
Navajo Nation takes significant action to cut methane, assert tribal sovereignty
September 19, 2024 -
Houston-area High School Students Selected as Winners in Environmental Defense Fund Video Contest
September 16, 2024 -
New Bill Would Help Congress Better Understand Legislation’s Climate Impacts
September 12, 2024