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WASHINGTON, D.C. – A smaller selection of fish may be available in local supermarkets and on fishing lines in U.S. waters if Congress doesn’t act to ensure that science guides the management of our Nation’s fisheries for the benefit of all Americans, says U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), the Ranking Democrat on the House Resources Committee.
Rahall today introduced the Fisheries Science and Management Enhancement Act of 2005 (FSMEA). The legislation implements the recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP) concerning the makeup of the councils that regulate our fisheries and the weight given to science in the decision-making process to slow the decline of fish populations.
"The purpose of my legislation is to put science and transparency back into the management of our fisheries to benefit all Americans, including the small fishermen businesses that represent the American dream and my constituents in West Virginia who enjoy fishing opportunities along our coasts," said Rahall.
Currently, fisheries management decisions are made by regional fishery management councils, overwhelmingly comprised of individuals with a vested economic interest in the fishery. Too often, short-term economic considerations outweigh the long-term resources sustainability in management decisions.
"The trend is disturbing, and it threatens to affect the American way of life on many fronts. Imagine families sitting down to "fishless Friday" dinners, or a father and son on a trip to the fishing hole, waiting for that tug that never comes – all due to depleted fisheries," said Rahall.
Rahall ’s legislation creates Science and Statistical Committees composed of qualified Federal, State, academic, or independent scientists to determine catch levels. The management councils will then base their decisions on catch allocation based on these scientifically based recommendations.
Ray Pringle, President of the Florida Fishermen’s Federation, said, “Our culture is dwindling and is dying off, and that alarms me. It shows in our fish stocks and our waters are not what they used to be.”
The legislation also establishes a new cooperative research and data collection program to ensure that management decisions are made with the best information available. In addition, the bill provides for training to better educate new council members in fisheries science, basic ecology, social science, and fisheries economics.
"The Administration’s Commission on Ocean Policy recommended these changes for overseeing our Nation’s fisheries. The time is now to address these needs, before it is too late for future generations to enjoy a day dangling a fishing pole on the docks, or a lunch of the catch of the day," concluded Rahall. |
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![[New for the Democrats - Committee on Resources - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, Ranking Democrat - 1329 Longworth HOB - Washington, DC 20015]](news_banner.gif)
