WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today introduced a Senate Resolution against harmful foreign fishing subsidies.  The resolution is co-sponsored by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Trent Lott (R-Miss.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), John Sununu (R-N.H.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and John Kerry (D-Mass.).  This resolution condemns the subsidies that foreign governments direct to their fishing industries.  Stevens noted that the problems caused by these subsidies affect not only global fisheries resources, but also the coastal communities which depend on them. 

“Fisheries resources, especially large predatory species and other commercially valuable fish stocks, have been overexploited by foreign industrial fishing fleets for years,” said Senator Stevens.  “Many countries with subsidized industrial fishing fleets have sought to exploit not only their own waters, but also the high seas. Not surprisingly, those countries engaged in illegal, unregulated, and unreported or (IUU) fishing are often the same ones that use subsidies to expand their fleets.  These subsidies, and the IUU fishing associated with them, must end.”

“I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution opposing unfair fishing subsidies,” said Senator Cochran.  “Foreign fisheries are harming American fishing and aquaculture industries and action is needed to rectify this situation and end these inappropriate practices.”

The Magnuson-Stevens Act which was reauthorized in January of this year included amendments that continue to ensure that the United States’ fish harvests are guided by science-based catch limits.  Those controls prevent overfishing and provide managers with the tools needed to limit entry and prevent overcapitalization.  The United States, with the support of other countries opposed to subsidies, is now leading an international initiative against harmful fisheries subsidies. Last month, the United States Trade Representative presented a proposal to the World Trade Organization (W.T.O.) which would eliminate this type of subsidy among WTO members. This proposal, being negotiated in the Doha Development Round, holds great promise for ending those subsidies which distort trade, weaken economic conditions in fishing communities, and lead to IUU fishing and other unsustainable harvesting practices.

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