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For Immediate Release
01/30/07
Contact: Joe Brenckle - Republican Press Office 202-224-3991
Brian Eaton w/Stevens 202-224-0445
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Ocean Policy Report Card Praises Fisheries Conservation Efforts Led by Stevens and Inouye
Stevens’ Top Priority in New Congress to Fight Illegal Foreign Fishing Practices
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative today released its Ocean Policy Report Card, which praised legislative efforts to conserve the nation’s fisheries. Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) led these efforts in the 109th Congress. Specifically, the Commission commended Congress’ work to end overfishing; enhance the role of science in fishery management; provide tools to eliminate illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing on the high seas; and improve efforts to address the growing problem of marine debris.
 
“The marine resources in Alaska and throughout our nation represent a critical component of our economy,” said Senator Stevens. “While we have made great strides in protecting America’s fisheries, the Commission’s report makes it clear that the federal government has more to do, including the elimination of illegal fishing practices in international waters.”
 
Several marine measures sponsored by Senator Stevens and Senator Inouye were approved by the 109th Congress and signed into law by the President.  These bills include:
 
  • The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (H.R. 5946), which strengthens the role of science in Council decision-making and requires an end to overfishing. This measure also contains provisions to help improve international fishery management and conservation compliance, with an emphasis on strengthening controls on IUU fishing. The Act ensures other nations provide comparable protections to populations of living marine resources at risk from high seas fishing activities.
 
  • The Marine Debris Research and Reduction Act (S. 362), which establishes a Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and enhances the U.S. Coast Guard’s enforcement of laws designed to prevent ship-based pollution. This law also urges relevant federal agencies to collaborate with foreign governments to reduce marine debris.
 
  • The Tsunami Warning and Education Act (H.R. 1674), which expands and strengthens the nation’s tsunami detection and warning system. It also provides needed structure, authorities, and funding for the program, which would be operated and maintained by NOAA.
 
 
 
 
The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and Pew Oceans Commission. The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative’s goal is to construct meaningful ocean policy. The Initiative is made up of a 10-member task force, five from each Commission, and led by U.S. Ocean Commission Chairman Admiral James D. Watkins and Pew Commission Chairman Leon E. Panetta.  
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January 2007 Press Releases  « December | February »   « 2006 | 2008 » 
31st -  Christine Kurth to Become Republican Staff Director for Senate Commerce Committee
30th -  current Press Release
30th -  Stevens Applauds Announcement by FAA Administrator Blakey to Raise Commercial Pilot Retirement Age to 65
30th -  Statement of Sen. Inouye at Environment and Public Works Committee Members Hearing
30th -  Stevens Congratulates Sen. Smith on Appointment to Lead Republican High Tech Task Force
26th -  Committee to Examine Research Integrity and Public Safety Communications
24th -  Senate Commerce Annouces Subcommittees
24th -  Chairmen Inouye and Stevens Introduce Measure to Improve Emergency Communications
19th -  Commerce Committee to Address Travel Concerns in Upcoming Hearing
18th -  Stevens’ Call Home Legislation Enacted to Assist Military with Affordable Calls to Families
12th -  President Bush Signs Magnuson-Stevens Act into Law
11th -  Stevens Introduces Bill to Protect Consumer Phone Records
11th -  Stevens Introduces Legislation on Price Gouging
9th -  Commerce Committee Announces Airline Mergers, Industry Consolidation Hearing
8th -  Senate Commerce Announces Its First Hearings of the 110th Congress
4th -  Stevens Joins Inouye to Introduce Transportation Security Improvement Act
4th -  Senators Introduce Transportation Security Act
4th -  Stevens Introduces 911 Modernization Act
4th -  Stevens Introduces Legislation to Protect Rural Telephone Service
4th -  Stevens Introduces Legislation to Increase CAFE Standards
3rd -  Senator Stevens Signs Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Bill [ listen to Audio Clip ]
2nd -  Senate President Pro Tempore Stevens to Sign Enrolled Magnuson-Stevens Act during Ceremony on Wed. January 3rd
 
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