Key fisheries bill heading to House floor

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An bill sponsored by Rep. Don Young to strengthen both Alaska fisheries and communities will be voted on in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday.

H.R. 200, dubbed the Modern Fish Act, revamps the Magnuson Stevens Act that governs how the federal government manages fisheries.

Young says the bill updates and improves law that guide federal fisheries regulators.

“Reauthorizing the MSA will ensure a proper balance between the biological needs of fish stocks and the economic needs of fishermen and coastal communities,” Young said. He has been working this bill since long before the House Natural Resources Committee approved it in December. “The Magnuson Stevens Act has not been reauthorized since 2006. It is long past time for this Congress to act and support our nation’s fisheries.”

“Just as we did in 2006 – the most recent MSA reauthorization – Congress must work to ensure this law keeps pace with changes in our industry and that the Act is being implemented as intended by Congress. After more than four years of reviewing the MSA, I am honored to once again be leading this fight,” he said.

Sport-fishing groups favor the bill because it gives flexibility to states and regional boards in the management decisions about fisheries affecting their coasts.

1 COMMENT

  1. Always love your stuff Suzanne, but I wish there were specifics that demonstrated how the new language in the bill would improve the MSA

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