U.S. commercial fishing associations create new 'super group'

From www.intrafish.com, June 6, 2014Seafood Harvesters of America says it will keep US lawmakers accountable on national fisheries policies.IntraFish MediaPublished: 06.06.2014 10:07More than a dozen commercial fishing associations from across the country are working together as the only national organization of its kind representing the interests of US fishermen.The new group, Seafood Harvesters of
America (SHA), are hoping to ensure a
plentiful and lasting industry stretching from
New England, the Gulf of Mexico, and to the Bering Sea in Alaska.Built on the principal of "accountability," the group intends to make its voice heard on regulatory issues, budget priorities, conservation goals and the economic potential of America’s fisheries, according to its president Chris Brown."Through Harvesters, America's commercial fishermen will be at the table when important decisions are made," he said. "That's key, because in Washington, D.C., if you aren't at the table, you're on the menu."Next week, Brown, along with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) assistant administrator Eileen Sobeck, and National Geographic fellow and restaurateur Barton Seaver, will serve on a panel during Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) titled "The Future of American Fisheries," on Thursday, June 12."Every fishery in our country, commercial or sport, must demonstrate accountability and transparency in order to continue sustainably harvesting a public resource," said John Schmidt, who serves as the organization’s vice president.The new organization’s five-member board includes Brown, of the Rhode Island Commercial Fishermen’s Association; John Schmidt, of the Gulf Fishermen’s Association; Jack Cox of the South Atlantic Fishermen’s Association; Brent Paine of the United Catcher Boats Association; and Mark Gleason of the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers.Gleason, the secretary-treasurer for SHA, said although US fisheries are very diverse and many of its organizations have "critical needs at the regional level," the group has identified a set of common interests and positions it hopes to communicate to federal policy makers.Among the issues likely to be discussed at CHOW is the re-authorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), which is the nation’s primary law governing US fisheries. Both chambers of Congress are now circulating draft MSA bills, and one of SHA's top priorities will be to ensure that the law maintains strict catch limits and does not erode any of the progress commercial fishermen have made with rebuilding fish stocks, according to the group.Brett Veerhusen, the new executive director of the organization said now, more than ever, it's vital for these fishery regions to come together as a unified voice."Our members strive for strict accountability and science-based decision making to ensure healthy stocks for generations," he said.So far, 14 organizations have already thrown their support behind the new group.