What's New
Congress approved the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act (HR. 5946) this past December. The bill mandates an end to overfishing, the first important step toward rebuilding our own depleted fisheries. The bill also mandates that decisions by regional fishery management councils be based on the findings of their science advisors, rather than on the self-interest of members of the councils. These are major steps forward built on a decent framework that has been in place since 1996.
Brief Summary
Ocean ecosystems are vital, awe-inspiring and fragile. These tightly-knit, interdependent environments are vulnerable to over-fishing and habitat destruction from bottom trawling. Overfishing throws ecosystems out of balance and threatens the long term viability of people and communities that depend on fishing to survive. That’s why Environment Washington opposes powerful fishing interests who want to continue overfishing or use destructive bottom trawling gear.
Unfortunately, such reckless practices have already placed many fish species at the brink of survival. A recent report by the Marine Fish Conservation Network showed that only 13% of the hundreds of species that the federal government manages are known to be at healthy levels. Moreover, at least one-third of fish populations are now at less than 20 percent of their natural level. Equipped with miles-long fishing nets and bottom-trawls that scrape the ocean floor of aquatic life, the worldwide fishing industry has caused some fish populations to virtually disappear in just a few years after fishing starts.
Environment Washington is working to save our oceans from overfishing. We need to eliminate bottom-trawling, expand existing marine sanctuaries, and make sure fishing limits set by scientists, not boards stacked with fishing industry reps.
Our oceans comprise more than three-quarters of the earth’s surface. With the proper stewardship, we can restore vitality to these vast, treasured ecosystems. We’re working hard to make sure Congress acts decisively before it’s too late.
