WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing today titled Implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Witness List:

Panel I

Mr. Eric C. Schwaab, Assistant Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Dr. Douglas DeMaster, Acting Director of Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor, NMFS

Panel II 

Mr. William R. Bird, Attorney at Law and Private Angler 

Mr. Vito Giacalone, Policy Director, Northeast Seafood Coalition 

Dr. William C. Hogarth, Interim Director, Florida Institute of Oceanography, University of South Florida

Ms. Stephanie Madsen, Executive Director, At-sea Processors Association 

Key Quotations from Today’s Hearing: 

“If future generations are to continue to enjoy the bounty of the sea, we must think beyond next month or next year—we must think about the next decade and the next century. The problem of overfishing did not happen overnight; its solution will not come tomorrow. It will take time, and we might have to make some adjustments along the way. That is why everyone must have a seat at the table. The only way we can solve this problem is together.”

Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV 

“It’s tough to overstate the importance of fisheries in Alaska and I am proud to be the new chairman of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard. If today’s hearing is any indication of what’s to come, we can expect continuing and productive discussions on these critical elements of our economy and the future of our oceans. I regularly boast that Alaska has the best managed fisheries in the world and today’s hearing is a reminder to us all that we must balance responsible stewardship of our fisheries for future generations with the needs of individuals businesses and communities who rely on them.”

Senator Mark Begich, Chairman, U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard

“The combined effects of implementing the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) will result in increases in allowable harvests in some fisheries over time, improved stability and predictability in most stocks, and more stable incomes and increased profitability in catch share fisheries. Achieving these benefits will not happen quickly or easily. We are now in a unique position to ensure that the Nation’s marine fisheries are both biologically and economically sustainable in the future. With continued support we will make substantial progress toward science-based, effectively managed, and economically viable commercial and recreational fisheries that will benefit coastal communities and the Nation as a whole.”

Mr. Eric C. Schwaab, Assistant Administrator, NMFS accompanied by Dr. Douglas DeMaster, Acting Director of Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor, NMFS 

“The passage of the 2006 reauthorization of the MSA ushered in important new provisions. As a recreational fisherman concerned about the health and abundance of our saltwater fisheries, I view these provisions as critical to improving federal fisheries management. However,…there is a management crisis facing many recreational fisheries with the current implementation of the 2006 reauthorization of MSA. It is critical that before annual catch limits are imposed on data-poor fisheries and fisheries that have had no assessments, Congress require program funds for more stock assessments and improved data collection.”

Mr. William R. Bird, Attorney at Law and Private Angler

“While most of my comments are critical, please understand that we fully recognize and greatly appreciate the efforts of this Committee and others in Congress to continually improve the MSA such as through the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act. It is natural for me to point out the problems and concerns with a hopeful eye towards another opportunity to make further improvements to this landmark statute.”

Mr. Vito Giacalone, Policy Director, Northeast Seafood Coalition

“The U.S. can be a leader again in fisheries and not rely on importing over 80% of our seafood and over 90% of our shrimp from foreign countries that do not have as stringent conservation standards as the U.S. Rebuilt stocks, effective seafood safety and marketing programs, and a robust aquaculture program will realize over $2 billion dollars in increased revenue for our coastal communities economy, increased jobs and increased fishing opportunities for our recreational fishermen.”

Dr. William C. Hogarth, Interim Director, Florida Institute of Oceanography, University of South Florida

“Good science and responsible, adaptive management pays off. If basic fisheries science funding levels are reduced, catch levels will be sacrificed as more precautionary catch limits will be imposed to account for increased scientific uncertainty about fish stock trends and abundance. We urge Congress to continue to invest in fisheries science as a cornerstone to maintaining a healthy commercial fishing industry. We also urge Congress to continue to support a council process that is transparent, inclusive, and participatory. Congress should continue to provide commercial fishing interests around the country with the same opportunities to improve their fisheries as those of us have on the west coast and in Alaska.”

Ms. Stephanie Madsen, Executive Director, At-sea Processors Association

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