U.S. House Passes Harmful Fisheries Bill
Audubon urges Senate to reject bill that would have lasting impact on seabirds
Washington, D.C. (July 11, 2018)—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 200, which would undermine science-based management and reverse progress of fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation & Management Act, a decades old law that has helped over-fished areas recover. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
“This bill is damaging for seabirds who depend on fish for survival. There is no good reason to dismantle this important law, and undermine the common sense provisions that have worked to rebuild 44 fish populations over the last 40 years” said Sarah Greenberger, Senior Vice President, Conservation Policy, National Audubon Society. “This important law benefits seabirds, such as Atlantic Puffins, Bald Eagles and Roseate Terns as well as coastal economies and fishing industries. We urge the Senate to reject this bill. Congress should instead build on the Magnuson-Stevens Act’s decades of success by expanding protections for smaller forage fish that are vital to marine ecosystems, seabirds and other wildlife who are too often victims of destructive fishing practices.”
Passed with bipartisan support in 1976, the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation & Management Act has kept fish populations stable for decades and has helped the U.S. become a leader in sustainable fisheries management, benefitting coastal economies as well as seabirds and other wildlife that depend on fish.
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using, science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more how to help at www.audubon.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @audubonsociety.
Contact: Anne Singer, 202-271-4679, asinger@audubon.org