FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2020
CONTACT: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org

Arlington, VA – On Wednesday, January 29, the House Natural Resources Committee marked up nine bills related to wildlife and habitat conservation, climate change, national heritage, and fishing traditions. Robert C. Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network, released the following statement:

“The Marine Fish Conservation Network is pleased to see the House Natural Resources Committee move so many conservation-related bills forward, and we’re particularly encouraged to see the ‘Young Fishermen’s Development Act’ (H.R. 1240) advance out of committee. This bill would enact a national grant program to support initiatives to educate, train, and mentor young and beginner fishermen around the country. With rising business costs and stiff competition from larger boats, programs such as this one can provide the support needed by small-boat fishermen early in their careers as they join the fleet and learn the ropes. Marine stewardship, sound business practices and sustainable fishing by small-boat fishermen is our future, and this legislation will help keep our waterfronts working and America’s fishing traditions alive.”

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The Marine Fish Conservation Network is a coalition of commercial and recreational fishing associations, regional and national conservation groups, aquaria, and marine science organizations committed to sustaining fish populations, healthy marine ecosystems, and robust fishing communities.