FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2019
CONTACT: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org

The Network Applauds Cunningham’s Leadership and Foresight

Arlington, VA – Today Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) introduced the “Climate-Ready Fisheries Act of 2019,” requiring the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to Congress a report examining efforts by the regional fishery management councils, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the National Marine Fisheries Service to prepare and adapt United States fishery management for the impacts of climate change.

Robert C. Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network, released the following statement:

“We applaud Rep. Cunningham’s leadership in addressing the impacts climate change will have on our nation”s fisheries and more importantly, determining how we must adapt to manage this public resource in the face of these challenges. Having a clear and up-to-date picture of existing government efforts to address climate change’s impacts on marine fisheries is a necessary step in understanding where future research and management efforts must be focused.

“The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change”s Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate points out, in dramatic fashion, the dangerous effects of climate change on our oceans, fisheries, and coastal communities. Coordinating government efforts to address climate impacts is critical to the future of our oceans and all who depend on them.”

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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.