Winter Newsletter

As we head into the holiday season, I’d like to thank you for supporting the successful launch of the Seafood Harvesters of America. Over the last several months, we have been a leading voice for accountable and thriving fisheries all across our country.We have great news to share with you: thousands of seafood harvesters can breathe a sigh of relief because our champions in Congress worked together to avert a dangerous fish cliff of burdensome red-tape and costly fines by extending our existing exemption from vessel discharge permits. Which Congressional members made it happen? – click here for our Winter NewsletterAs we head into the new year, with a new Congress, one of the biggest issues impacting the Harvesters will be the re-authorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. I was fortunate enough to take part in a panel at the Pacific Marine Expo, where we discussed taking the time needed to get it right since the current provisions are already working well. How could this impact you? – click here for our Winter NewsletterWhile in Seattle, we also wrapped up our planning session. We especially appreciate Sam Rauch, Deputy Asst. Administrator of NOAA Fisheries (NMFS), coming to discuss important topics like electronic monitoring, data collection and accountability. NOAA's recent announcement of a new data collection plan for recreational fishermen revealed flaws in the reporting data, which is critical to maintaining accountability. The Harvesters praised NOAA Fisheries in finding solutions. Want to find out? – click here for our Winter NewsletterWe’re also pleased to welcome a new member to the Harvesters. To find out about our new member, check out Seattle photos and get the dates for upcoming events – one more time – click here for our Winter Newsletter.I'd like to send a special thank you to all of our member organizations and associate members for your time, energy and input this year to the Harvesters.We wish you and your family a very happy holiday and look forward to an even more exciting new year for all of us who make it our way of life to ensure a lasting supply of American seafood for millions of Americans.In unity for accountable and thriving fisheries,Brett VeerhusenExecutive Directorwww.SeafoodHarvesters.org