FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2019
CONTACT: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org

Arlington, VA – U.S. House Water, Oceans & Wildlife Subcommittee Chairman Jared Huffman announced yesterday a national listening tour to engage stakeholders and the public in the process of updating U.S. federal fisheries policy. Robert C. Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network, released the following statement in response.

“The Network applauds Chairman Huffman’s leadership in engaging the men and women who are most closely tied to our ocean resources in developing future marine policy to benefit all Americans.

“The Magnuson-Stevens Act is working by supporting healthier fisheries through science-based conservation measures that decrease overfishing and promote rebuilding fish stocks. The success of this law is due in large part to the public input during past reauthorizations from those who depend upon these marine resources to sustain their businesses and livelihoods. Chairman Huffman’s return to this approach is welcomed.

“We stand ready to work with Chairman Huffman and Congress in securing healthier oceans that sustain our fishing communities and our saltwater fisheries for years 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.