Seafood Harvesters Respond to House Reauthorization of Magnuson-Stevens Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:CONTACT: (202) 455-0286DATE: June 1, 2015

Seafood Harvesters Respond to House Reauthorization of Magnuson-Stevens Act

Magnuson is working, significant changes unnecessary

On behalf of the Seafood Harvesters of America, Executive Director Brett Veerhusen issued the following statement on the House of Representative’s passage to reauthorize and amend the Magnuson-Stevens Act:“We greatly appreciate the strong champions of commercial fishermen in the House of Representatives, including Congressman Young. As we have continuously stated, it is imperative that the Magnuson-Stevens Act remains largely intact because it is a remarkably successful public policy that has restored the health and long-term viability of America’s fisheries. Overall, the Magnuson-Stevens Act is working and significant reforms are unnecessary.“We continue to be deeply concerned about provisions in the bill, including those that would force the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Regional Fishery Management Councils to review allocations based on arbitrary political deadlines. These requirements would create the prospect of perpetual review and economic uncertainty for commercial fishermen, reward unaccountability and overfishing, and deprive millions of Americans of access to American seafood.“Seafood Harvesters of America’s members strive to improve and maintain accountability in our fisheries. The Magnuson-Stevens Act sets strict Annual Catch Limits and rebuilding timelines, which have been essential to preventing overfishing. Catch shares are a proven tool in supporting accountability and the current law provides regional fishery management councils sufficient authority to implement them where they make sense.“We understand Congress’ desire to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act, but if the House bill is going to be enacted, the Harvesters believe that the bill will first require significant changes. The Magnuson-Stevens Act has proven, in its current form, to be sufficient in its ability to ensure America’s fisheries are harvested sustainably and responsibly.”Seafood Harvesters of America (“The Harvesters”), an umbrella association representing 16 commercial fishing organizations from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico north to New England. For more information, please visit seafoodharvesters.org or contact (202) 455-0286.###