7-30-2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — Fishermen and environmentalists are at odds over a suite of changes to American fishing laws approved by the U.S. House, and questions remain about whether it will pass the Senate before mid-term elections.

The House passed changes to the Magnuson-Stevens Act, a 42-year-old set of rules designed to protect American fisheries from overharvest, affecting every fishery from Washington salmon to Maine lobster.

Environmental groups derided the changes as antithetical to the purpose of the act, which many fishermen and conservationists credit with saving American seafood stocks.

Supporters say the changes merely provide managers with flexibility, refocus the act on sound science and modernize the industry.

NOAA announced this year that the number of American fish stocks described as overfished has hit an all-time low due to the act.

It's been over a decade since Congress has reauthorized #MSA. Today, the House passed my bill #HR200 which will strengthen fishing communities and increase flexibility in fisheries management which is crucial for this industry and sustainability.https://t.co/AQDEau95dF pic.twitter.com/mD8sLzfhne

— Rep. Don Young (@repdonyoung) July 11, 2018