Seafood Harvesters of America statement on markup of Magnuson Stevens Act Reauthorization bill

Seafood Harvesters of America statement on House Natural Resources markup of Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 29, 2022

 Media Contacts: Leigh Habegger, (703) 794-5114

Seafood Harvesters of America statement on House Natural Resources Committee markup of Sustaining America’s Fisheries Act

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the House Natural Resources Committee favorably reported Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Ed Case’s (D-HI) Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act (H.R. 4690), a bill to amend and reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). The MSA is the nation’s overarching federal fisheries law governing U.S. fisheries management in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“Harvesters appreciates the opportunity to engage in ongoing discussions with Representative Huffman and other members of the Committee regarding MSA reauthorization. We take seriously our role as both sustainable food producers as well as stewards of our fishery resources.  We recognize the importance of having both a healthy ocean and continued access to fishery resources. We also acknowledge the importance and necessity of continued efforts to improve the MSA, however, we continue to have concerns about provisions in this bill that could significantly hinder successful operation of our fisheries nationwide. We look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure updates to the law reflect the needs of all fisheries nationwide.” – Chris Brown, President

“Reps. Huffman and Case have shown a commitment to addressing climate change in fisheries through their work on this bill. Fishermen are proud partners in conservation efforts around the country. Our work is paramount in securing a healthy ocean for the future and continuing to provide access to sustainable, wild harvest seafood for Americans. We urge Congress to recognize the fishing industry’s role in current and future conservation work and to partner with our industry to build upon the enormous success we’ve enjoyed thus far since the MSA was first passed in 1976.” – Leigh Habegger, Executive Director

You can view a PDF of this statement here.