We've covered fish closures a lot here on GoFISHn. And, unfortunately, most of those fish closures have caused a lot of debate because of the lack of information that has lead to shutting down these fishing seasons.
Well, the first step has been taken to solve that problem.
Today, the Fisheries Science Improvement Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Virginia Representative Rob Wittman. The FSIA would amend the much debated Magnuson-Stevens Act to make sure the proper research and scientific measures are taken before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association shuts a fishery down or sets a catch limit.
Basically, if this bill makes it into law, NOAA would not be able to initiate a closure or set an Annual Catch Limit, unless they have an up-to-date stock assessment completed within the last five years. Currently, MSA requires NOAA to set annual catch limits by the end of the year.
It would also allow NOAA three years to create management strategies with their regional councils, and gives them more leeway to manage stocks they don't know enough about as "ecosystem components."
If this bill isn't passed, NOAA is forced to make catch limit decisions on more than 400 different fish species that they don't have adequate assessments on. They only have 110 assessments completed.
All the big names in conservation are in support of this bill. The American Sportfishing Association, The Coastal Conservation Association, the International Game Fish Association, and more.
Sounds like this bill could be the best thing to happen to fisheries management in a long time.
–Brian McClintock
For more on the good parts of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, check out this information on the Marine Recreational Information Program.
