FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 22, 2019
CONTACT: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org

Seattle Event Provides Opportunity to Hear from Pacific and North Pacific Industry Representatives

Arlington, VA – Robert C. Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network, released the following statement about the latest round table listening session held today in Seattle, WA by House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Chairman Jared Huffman (D-CA). This event, which is part of a nationwide series of public discussions with diverse stakeholders about the management of federal fisheries and oceans, was held in conjunction with the Pacific Marine Expo, which is the largest commercial marine trade show on the West Coast.

“By crisscrossing the country, Chairman Huffman is showing his true commitment to listening to all points-of-view about our nation’s valuable ocean resources. This fourth listening session, as with the previous three in California and Maryland, produced a thoughtful and well-rounded discussion on the future of federal fisheries policy with the people who have day-to-day investments in healthy and abundant fish populations. Participants have been consistently delivering the message that the Magnuson-Stevens Act is providing long-term opportunities and financial security for people who depend on catching fish.

“We continue to support Chairman Huffman’s efforts to spend time outside the DC beltway listening to the experience and knowledge of those in our coastal communities and working waterfronts. Building Magnuson-Stevens legislation from the dockside up is the best way to ensure our ocean resources support the people, businesses and communities that need healthy oceans and productive fisheries to prosper for generations to come. We look forward to more listening sessions in the New Year and to working with Congress on the next iteration of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.”

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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.