July 11, 2018 -By Jo Knight for the Marine Fish Conservation Network
Arlington, VA – The House of Representatives today passed HR. 200, “Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act of 2017.” Robert C. Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network, released the following statement in response to today’s House floor vote.
By passing H.R. 200, the House put the future of coastal communities and working waterfronts at risk.
“Today, the House of Representatives voted to put short-term economic gains above the long-term health of U.S. fisheries that commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, seafood consumers, businesses, and coastal communities across the U.S. depend upon. The House passed partisan legislation undermining the Magnuson-Stevens Act’s science-based conservation principles that keep our oceans and fisheries healthy and productive. By passing H.R. 200, the House put the future of coastal communities and working waterfronts at risk.
“In order to achieve the lasting health of our marine resources, Magnuson-Stevens reauthorization must prioritize and promote community-based recreational and commercial fishing interests, ensure healthy ocean ecosystems and environments, support and strengthen catch accounting and data management, and manage recreational and commercial fisheries for abundance. Congress must take these steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of our nation’s fisheries for the benefit of this and future generations of recreational and commercial fishermen and the communities they support.
