GAO Releases Report on Federal Efforts to Address Climate Change on Federal Fisheries
September 28, 2016
The Government Accountability Office released its report on NOAA Fisheries’ efforts to address the effects of climate change on federally-managed fish stocks and fisheries. The report finds that climate-related changes could affect fisheries and that additional information on the magnitude and timing of climate-related effects is needed to reduce these risks. The report highlights NOAA Fisheries efforts to increase the production, delivery and use of climate-related information in fisheries management through the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy and associated Regional Action Plans.
To better manage climate-related risks, the report recommends (1) the development of guidance on how to incorporate climate information into the fisheries management process, and (2) finalizing Regional Action Plans for implementing the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy that incorporate performance measures for tracking achievement of the Strategy’s Objectives. NOAA Fisheries supports the recommendations outlined in the report and will address them as part of our overall efforts to implement the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy, to end and prevent overfishing, and to implement the recently released NOAA Fisheries Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management Policy here.
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State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience
the Federal Government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are dealing with the impacts of climate change by removing barriers to resilient investments, modernizing Federal grant and loan programs to better support local efforts, and developing the information and tools they need to
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National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy
Our climate is changing, and these changes are already impacting the nation’s valuable natural resources and the people, communities and economies that depend on them. Changes are expected to significantly increase over time, challenging our ability to manage and sustain these resources and the essential services they provide Americans every day. By taking steps now to help safeguard the nation’s natural resources against the impacts of climate change, we will be better able to limit future damages and their associated costs, and more effectively take advantage of beneficial opportunities. Read More
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National Ocean Policy Implementation plan
The ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes are among our most treasured resources. They are an integral
part of our national identity and our future. A healthy marine environment feeds our Nation, fuels our economy, supports our cultures, provides and creates jobs, gives mobility to our Armed Forces, enables safe movement of goods, and provides places for recreation. Healthy, productive, and resilient oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes contribute significantly to our quality of life. Read More.
