Several New England lawmakers are raising serious concerns about the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s debating on whether or not to list Atlantic bluefin tuna under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Senator Snowe notes, “A decision to list bluefin under ESA would serve to punish U.S. fishermen, would reduce the U.S.’s leverage at the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICAAT), and may also have a negative impact on the conservation status of this highly mobile resource.”
Also, a letter has been sent to NOAA Assistant Administrator Eric Schwaab about a proposed rule that would deduct 160 metric tons from the total allowable catch (TAC) of the Atlantic Bluefin tuna fishery. The letter was signed by Senators John F. Kerry, Jeanne Shaheen, Scott P. Brown, Kelly Ayotte, and Representatives Edward J. Markey, Barney Frank, John F. Tierney, Stephen F. Lynch, William R. Keating, Michael H. Michaud, Chellie Pingree and Frank Guinta.
Read Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s letter, Senator Kerry’s letter, Senator Brown’s letter, and Senator Snowe’s letter advising against reclassifying Bluefin Tuna as an endangered species.
Read the lawmakers' letter to Eric Schwaab and Senator Snowe’s letter to NMFS’ Sarah McLaughlin about Bluefin TAC.