As World Ocean Month concludes, it is fitting that we turn our attention to legislation that promises to protect one of our most vital natural resources: our oceans. Representatives Jared Huffman, James Moylan, Ed Case, and Mary Peltola's reintroduction of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the Future Act marks a crucial step toward ensuring the sustainability of America’s fisheries and the health of our marine ecosystems.
This bipartisan effort seeks to update and reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), a landmark law that has positioned the United States as a global leader in sustainable fisheries management. For decades, the MSA has played a pivotal role in conserving fish stocks, promoting responsible fishing practices, and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. However, in the face of new challenges such as climate change, technological advancements, and increasing ocean use, it is clear that the MSA must evolve.
Representative Huffman, a champion of sustainable fisheries, has led a transparent and inclusive process to gather input from a diverse array of stakeholders. Through a nationwide listening tour and the release of a discussion draft for feedback, Huffman and his colleagues have crafted legislation that addresses the pressing issues facing our fisheries today. This science-based approach underscores their commitment to creating an effective and equitable law.
The importance of this legislation cannot be overstated. Healthy oceans and fisheries are essential to our way of life, whether it’s the seafood we consume, the recreational opportunities we enjoy, or the economic benefits that working waterfronts provide. The Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act introduces critical updates to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It integrates climate change considerations, promotes accountability and transparency within fisheries management councils, and ensures that our fish stocks remain robust for future generations.
As Delegate Moylan aptly noted, this legislation offers an extraordinary opportunity for territorial delegates to ensure that the unique issues facing Pacific fisheries are addressed. The inclusion of diverse voices in the legislative process is a testament to the comprehensive nature of this bill. It supports fishing communities, modernizes fisheries data systems, and fosters cooperation between industry and managers.
Representative Case emphasized the long-overdue reforms that this reauthorization brings, particularly in enhancing public trust and representation in fisheries management councils. These councils play a critical role in stewarding our fisheries, and it is imperative that their operations are transparent and accountable to the public.
Alaskans, who have long understood the importance of maintaining healthy fish stocks, will find much to support in this legislation. Representative Peltola’s endorsement highlights the bill’s relevance to those who depend on fisheries for their livelihoods and cultural heritage. She anticipates that the robust discussion will only strengthen the bill and ensure that it meets the needs of all stakeholders.
What are supporters saying about the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act?
Lucas Bissett, Executive Director, American Fly Fishing Trade Association:
“Congressman Huffman's focus on stakeholder engagement through this process makes me feel confident that this Magnuson-Stevens Act Reauthorization will continue the tradition of being a bi-partisan process. In fact, I was part of that stakeholder engagement when I sat in on a listening session held in New Orleans, LA. I witnessed first-hand representatives from all sectors getting an opportunity to weigh in during these meetings. As the Executive Director of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, I commend Congressman Huffman's focus on keeping our federal fisheries sustainable and adaptable because our industries' small businesses rely on them to feed their families and help stimulate our economy.”
Robert Vandermark, Executive Director, Marine Fish Conservation Network:
"Representative Huffman's bill further advances fisheries management to benefit our oceans, coastal communities, fisheries-dependent businesses, and local and national economies for a more secure and prosperous future. With this bill, Congress would address the growing impacts of climate change and its physical, social, and economic effects on working waterfronts and coastal communities and improve catch data collection and support for community-based fishing. The Marine Fish Conservation Network thanks Representatives Jared Huffman, Ed Case, and Mary Sattler Peltola for supporting the women and men whose livelihoods depend on prosperous working waterfronts and healthy oceans and fisheries now and in the future.”
Tony Friedrich, Policy Director, American Saltwater Guides Association:
“The Magnuson-Stevens Act set the standard for Federal Fisheries management across the globe and has established a strong baseline for responsible oversight of our commercial and recreational fishing practices. Using MSA as its foundation, the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2024 provides an opportunity to strengthen management tools by utilizing the best available science to address factors resulting from rapidly evolving fishery patterns and environmental conditions. This bill recognizes that with new technologies, we can enhance data collection by NOAA and other regulatory bodies to better understand our impact on critical stocks and regions. We applaud Congressman Huffman for his continued efforts to reauthorize MSA with an important added focus on essential fish habitat consultation, bycatch reduction, increased accountability, improving rebuilding outcomes, and managing overfished populations. We look forward to working with him and other members of Congress on the continued evolution of our Federal Fishery policy.”
Meredith Moore, Director of Fish Conservation Program, Ocean Conservancy:
“The introduction of this ambitious legislation brings us closer to addressing the serious impacts of climate change on our ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal communities,” said Meredith Moore, Director of Ocean Conservancy’s Fish Conservation Program. “Our fisheries are facing growing threats as fish populations decline and climate change dramatically alters the ocean's health, and we must act now to increase the resilience of fish stocks and fishing communities. This bill modernizes our fishery management system to address these critical conservation issues and moves us towards a more just and equitable management system.”
Photo: Paul Moinester
The Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act is more than a legislative update; it is a commitment to preserving our oceans and the communities that rely on them. Representatives Huffman, Moylan, Case, and Peltola have set a new fisheries management standard by prioritizing science, transparency, and stakeholder input.
As we close out World Ocean Month, let us support this critical legislation and work together to safeguard our marine resources for future generations.
You can read much more about this important legislation HERE on Representative Huffman’s website.