Western Pacific Fisheries in Spotlight at Latest Magnuson-Stevens Listening Session

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 21, 2020
CONTACT: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org

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) and Representative Ed Case (D-HI) held today in Honolulu, HI. This event is part of a nationwide series of public discussions with diverse stakeholders about the management of federal fisheries and oceans.

“The unique marine ecosystems and fisheries in Hawaiian and the Western Pacific waters are a driving force behind island tourism, recreational angling opportunities, commercial fishing and local seafood delicacies. At the latest listening session about the future of our nation’s fisheries management, small boat commercial and recreational fishermen in Hawaii shared with Chairman Huffman and Rep. Case the importance of keeping Western Pacific fisheries healthy and productive for the future of their businesses and for the long-term enjoyment of all.

“The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act has supported U.S. fisheries around the nation with a science-based and conservation management approach for the last two decades. The law has been successful in maintaining healthy marine habitats, rebuilding overfished stocks and preventing overfishing. Congress will now have an opportunity to build upon the Magnuson-Stevens Act’s success when it reauthorizes the law. We will continue to work with Congress to ensure the law’s conservation and science-based measures remain strong and serve the needs of both the fish and the people in the Western Pacific and throughout the U.S.”

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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.