What's New

Congress approved the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (H.R. 5946) in late December 2006. The bill mandates an end to overfishing starting in 2010, the first important step toward rebuilding many of our depleted fish populations. Overfishing means catching fish faster than they can grow and reproduce. And if left unchecked, overfishing can deplete fish populations to below 10 or 20% of their historic size. The bill requires that decisions by regional fishery councils, which make decisions about how much fish can be caught, be based on the findings of their science advisors rather than on the self-interest of members of the councils. The bill also requires that fish management plans contain accountability measures so that there is some consequence if too many fish are caught.

The challenge now is to turn the general language of the new law into detailed rules that the fishery managers have to follow when setting annual catch limits for commercial and recreational fishermen. Making sure that the National Marine Fisheries Service formulates good rules despite pressure from industry and the regional fishery management councils will take vigilance from Environment Washington and citizens interested in the health of our oceans.

Brief Summary

Ocean ecosystems are vital, awe-inspiring and vulnerable places. When fish stocks fall, it has profound negative effects on the rest of the ocean’s animals like whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other fish. And when we deplete stocks past the point of recovery, we risk losing important fish species and the jobs that go with them. A report by the National Marine Fisheries Service to Congress shows that for all federally managed fish stocks for which there is adequate information, one in four are depleted to less than 20 percent of their historical populations. Some are at 5 to 10 percent of their historical levels.

Environment Washington is working to save our oceans from overfishing. We need to eliminate bottom-trawling, expand existing marine sanctuaries, and make sure fishing limits are set by scientists, not boards stacked with fishing industry reps.

Our oceans comprise more than three-quarters of the earth’s surface. With the proper stewardship, we can restore vitality to these vast, treasured ecosystems.  We’re working hard to make sure Congress acts decisively before it’s too late.