FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2020
CONTACT: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org

Chefs, fishermen, ocean advocates, scientists, and government officials weigh in

Arlington, VA – Robert C. Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network, released the following statement about the latest round table listening session hosted by House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Chairman Jared Huffman (D-CA) held today New Orleans, LA. This event is part of a nationwide series of public discussions with diverse stakeholders about the management of federal fisheries and oceans.

“With the start of the new year, we applaud Chairman Huffman’s continuing efforts to listen to Americans across the country who rely on abundant and healthy fisheries.

“Commercial and recreational fishing and local Gulf seafood are essential to the region’s economy and culture. As climate change and other new challenges arise, we will continue to depend on science-based management to sustain the livelihoods of those who rely on productive fisheries and healthy ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Today, Gulf residents, business people and other stakeholders shared vital knowledge and perspectives that can help lawmakers expand our fisheries management successes and create even better opportunities for future generations working and living in our coastal communities.

“We look forward to working with Congress to make sure reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act continues to support fishermen, anglers, chefs, seafood purveyors and all those in the Gulf and around the country who depend on healthy oceans and productive fisheries.”

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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.