Congress Passes Nearly $2.8 Billion in Ocean Fisheries-Related Support
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2022
CONTACT: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org
Arlington, VA – Congress today passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which contained $2.6 billion to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for coastal and marine habitat conservation. It also included $150 million to NOAA for constructing new facilities, piers, marine operations facilities, and fisheries laboratories, and another $50 million for facility construction to support the National Marine Sanctuary System. Robert C. Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network, released the following statement.
“U.S. ocean fisheries support American fishing and seafood industries that have been important drivers to our nation’s economy for generations. Our fisheries sustain local businesses and jobs in coastal communities and provide food security and nutritious seafood options to families across the country. Designating resources to conserve ocean ecosystems and support community-based commercial and recreational fishing will significantly help all Americans weather this current financial storm.
“The Marine Fish Conservation Network applauds Congress for designating funding for the conservation of coastal and marine habitat upon which fish populations depend and providing critical resources for upgrading infrastructure needed to ensure America’s working waterfronts continue to prosper and provide seafood products and fishing opportunities to all of us. Congress’ actions will help American families stand on stronger financial ground and help community-based fishing and seafood businesses and industries thrive for generations to come.”
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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.
