FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2025
CONTACT: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org

MFCN Partners Voice Support for Federal Agency’s Role in Healthy Fisheries and Thriving Economies

Arlington, VA – The Department of Government Efficiency over several weeks has been significantly downsizing the federal government, including an initial round of layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on February 27. In response, the Marine Fish Conservation Network (MFCN) and its partners have voiced concern for eliminating jobs and resources within NOAA, the agency that plays a crucial role in the daily lives of fishermen and fishing and seafood-related businesses around the country. MFCN and its partners released the following statements:

“The importance of NOAA’s role in the safety and success of the fishing and seafood industries is indisputable. From recreational and small-boat commercial fishermen to seafood purveyors and chefs, people depend on science-based management of our fisheries and oceans to ensure they can keep their businesses and local economies going and deliver healthy, domestic seafood to the tables of millions of Americans. U.S. fisheries generate approximately 2.3 million jobs and more than $470 billion to our economy. We need the fisheries experts and resources at NOAA to do the hard work of keeping our oceans healthy and our fisheries productive so that we can all benefit from them.” – Robert Vandermark, Executive Director, Marine Fish Conservation Network

“The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association stands in strong support of NOAA/NMFS’s mission and commitment to sound science. Our fishermen rely on timely and accurate weather data for safety and trip planning; we rely on comprehensive resource surveys and sound science as the basis for fisheries management. Likewise, the work of Alaska’s Forest Service employees supports thriving fisheries through research, genetic sampling, and salmon habitat protection and restoration. Above all, Alaska’s federal employees are committed professionals and our neighbors; we recognize that all are facing uncertainty and many are dealing with complete life disruption.” – Linda Behnken, Executive Director, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association

“From safe seas to abundant stocks of fish, NOAA’s contribution to our sport and commercial fishermen is unparalleled. Stock assessments enable access to abundant fish, while protecting declining populations. NOAA’s weather forecasts enable access to our fishery resources when seas are safe. Without the good work of this federal agency, fishermen’s safety will be compromised and critical science will be stifled to the detriment of rural communities that depend on these natural resources.”
– Bob Rees, Executive Director, Northwest Guides and Anglers Association

“NOAA Fisheries plays an often invisible, but highly crucial role supporting New England’s ocean, economy, and coastal communities. A dismantled NOAA means efforts to protect fish populations, manage federal fisheries, and safeguard ecologically important habitat would grind to a halt—putting marine ecosystems and livelihoods at risk. New Englanders overwhelmingly support a thriving ocean, and we need NOAA to ensure a sustainable future for our waters and our communities.” – Erica Fuller, Senior Counsel, Conservation Law Foundation

“It is undeniable that without NOAA’s efforts, we would face far more significant challenges in maintaining the health of our fisheries. Through stock assessments and well established management systems, NOAA is a part of the delicately balanced framework necessary for sustainable fishing, directly impacting thousands of Alaskans’ livelihoods. As we navigate the complexities of a changing environment and evolving market demands, NOAA’s work supports our economy.” – Michelle Stratton, Executive Director, Alaska Marine Conservation Council

“Healthy fish populations are foundational to a healthy ocean and economy, and they depend on a strong NOAA. Moves to slash and dismantle NOAA will harm our fishing communities, put ocean ecosystems at further risk, and undermine our readiness as a nation in the face of natural disasters.”
– Molly Masterton, Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council

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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.