Seafood Harvesters Applauds Senate Action In Support of America’s Commercial Fishing Fleet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Thursday, July 24, 2014

Seafood Harvesters Applauds Senate Action In Support of America’s Commercial Fishing Fleet

Senate Agreement Could Avert Massive Fish Cliff for Economically-Critical Industry

Washington, DC – The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation favorably reported S. 2094 (the “Vessel Incidental Discharge Act,” or VIDA), introduced by Senator Begich and 30 co-sponsors, to deal with discharges incidental to the normal operation of a commercial fishing vessel on Wednesday. Seafood Harvesters of America President Chris Brown applauds the Senate for taking action on the measure, which has earned wide bi-partisan support:“Harvesters urge the full Senate to consider S. 2094 on the floor as soon as possible, which will level the fishing field by extending an existing discharge exemption granted for recreational vessels to commercial vessels. If Congress fails to get this legislation signed into law before the end of the session, when the moratorium expires, it could push our economically-critical industry to the edge of a massive ‘fish cliff’.“Congress must ensure that US commercial fishermen can continue to sustainably harvest our seafood resources for the benefit of American consumers, coastal communities, and the thousands of small business around the country that depend on continued access to US seafood. By advancing this important legislation the Committee has demonstrated its commitment to protecting not only the aquatic environment, but also the commercial fishing industry throughout the United States that depends on clean water for its livelihood.”

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Background:• Congress.gov: S.2094 - Vessel Incidental Discharge Act -- https://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/2094/textSeafood Harvesters of America (“Harvesters”), an umbrella association representing 14 commercial fishing organizations from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico north to New England. For more information, please visit seafoodharvesters.org, or contact (202) 888-6296.