Contact: Gordon Helm                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                      10/22/98

A draft fishery management plan to address overfished North Atlantic swordfish, Western Atlantic bluefin tuna, and large coastal shark stocks is now available for public review from the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today. The Fisheries Service is seeking comment from fishermen, conservationists and other interested members of the public on the draft proposal to protect and rebuild these and other highly migratory species.

The draft fishery management plan for Atlantic swordfish, tunas and sharks was developed by the Fisheries Service to rebuild highly migratory species identified as overfished. The draft plan was completed with help from an advisory panel composed of fishermen, scientists, regional fishery management councils, state officials, and conservationists.

The draft plan is part of a number of new and modified stock rebuilding plans required for overfished stocks under the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act amended by Congress in 1996. It is the second proposal to be distributed for public comment. The draft fishery management plan provides a list of alternative actions.

"Atlantic swordfish, bluefin tuna and shark stock declines in recent years have caught the public's attention," said Terry Garcia, Commerce assistant secretary for oceans and atmosphere and deputy NOAA administrator. "The future of these fish stocks will be shaped by the final product developed through the fishery management process, which includes considerable public input."

"I have promised commercial and recreational fishermen a comprehensive package of alternatives to manage more effectively these highly prized species," said Rolland Schmitten, Fisheries Service director. "As U.S. commissioner to ICCAT, I believe that these rebuilding alternatives provide a strong foundation for international negotiations on management measures to rebuild these stocks."

The draft highly migratory species fishery management plan is the first comprehensive plan for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, and sharks. It replaces and updates separate plans that had been prepared for Atlantic swordfish and sharks. Under the draft, rebuilding plans are proposed for bigeye tuna, north Atlantic swordfish, and large coastal sharks. For Atlantic bluefin tuna, a preferred rebuilding alternative is not identified, due to the need to wait for the results of a new stock assessment and ICCAT management recommendations (available late November). The draft plan also addresses other important requirements under the Magnuson Stevens Act, including bycatch communities, essential fish habitat, and safety at sea.

The public is invited to comment on the draft proposal through Jan. 25, 1999. The draft proposal is available from and written comments can be sent to: Rebecca Lent, Chief, Highly Migratory Species Management Division, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Md. 20910.

(News editors: A fact sheet providing more detail on the draft proposal is available by fax from the public affairs office.