WALSH COSPONSORS LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE FISHING STOCKS AND PROTECT WATERSHEDS

(Washington D.C.)- Congressman Walsh today announced he is co-sponsoring H.R. 5425: Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2008.  The legislation supplements the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Act of 2006 to improve native fishing stocks throughout the country.

“We are lucky to have abundant water sources througout Upstate New York. Protecting these watersheds improves our quality of life. This bill grants flexibility for fishermen, both charter and recreational, to protect and rebuild fish stock without hurting their own industry and maintain the strong protection principles within The Magnuson-Stevens Act,” said Walsh.

 Under Magnuson-Stevens, when a fishery is identified as overfished, the Regional Fishery Management Council has two years to implement a plan to end the overfishing and to rebuild fish stock within 10 years. H.R. 5425 would allow fisheries to extend the 10 year rebuilding period if certain conditions apply. This flexibility would allow the rebuilding process needed time so a responsible recovery of stock period can come to fruition, without hurting the fish. The bill would not change the two year mandate to stop overfishing.

H.R. 5425 would also strengthen the biomass stock assessments mandate in the Magnuson – Stevens Act. This provision allows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to review factors that may contribute to the overfished status of stock. Such factors can include commercial, residential and industrial development, as well as agricultural activity, and their impact on the marine environment.

The Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2008 is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Natural Resources.

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