Saving Seafood

Rep. Huffman reveals preview of federal fisheries management legislation

December 22, 2020 — North Coast Congressman Jared Huffman released a draft of legislation Friday that would reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which is the primary law governing federal fisheries management and conservation.

Rep. Huffman, chair of the Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee, and subcommittee member Ed Case of Honolulu, introduced a discussion draft to reauthorize the MSA. Huffman said the legislation has made the U.S. a global leader in sustainable fisheries.

The draft comes at the end of a year-long listening tour Huffman led. In a press release, he said the tour was part of his effort to promote a “uniquely transparent, inclusive, science-based approach to updating this important law governing fisheries in American waters.”

Read the full story at KRCR

Rep. Huffman Hears From Diverse Groups on Federal Fisheries Management

February 24, 2020 — The following was released by The Office of Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA):

In the span of one week, Representative Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), Chair of the Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee, received feedback on federal fisheries management policy from stakeholders in both the South Atlantic and Western Pacific regions during the latest stops on his nationwide listening tour.

During the listening sessions in Miami and Honolulu Representative Huffman heard from industry stakeholders, advocates, scientists, and members of the public, who gave feedback on the current state of fisheries management under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and what they hope to see in future federal fisheries policy. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), member of the Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee, moderated the Hawai’i discussion, with Chairman Huffman joining remotely.
 
“Throughout my listening tour, one thing has been clear: protecting the ocean’s resources and maintaining solid fisheries management is vital to coastal communities and economies. And what I’m hearing is that the Magnuson Stevens Act has been successful  Having the chance to hear from stakeholders across the country has proved invaluable in ensuring that any updates we make to the law are as strong as possible and grounded in addressing the challenges that stakeholders around the country are facing now and in the future,” said Rep. Huffman. 
 
Rep. Huffman’s goal for this listening tour is to assess whether improvements to the Magnuson-Stevens Act are needed and if so, what they should be. More information, a public comment page, and the full press release for this tour can be found on our website here.
 
Videos from the listening sessions can be accessed through Representative Huffman’s Facebook page here.

Roundtable tour leading up to Magnuson-Stevens re-authorization planned

July 16, 2019 — The Democratic lawmaker who will spearhead discussions regarding the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act announced last week he will meet with key stakeholders later this year to discuss what should be included in the bill.

U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-California) announced on Wednesday, 10 July, that he will hold a series of roundtable discussions across the country beginning in the fall. Huffman, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, serves as the chairman of its Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee.

Magnuson-Stevens serves as the nation’s primary fisheries management bill. Since its passage in 1976, it has helped address issues that have caused overfishing in U.S. fisheries. Over the last 19 years, the law has helped rebuild more than 45 stocks.

The last time a reauthorization bill was ratified happened in 2007.

The House of Representatives approved a reauthorization bill last year. However, the Senate did not take up the measure, forcing the reauthorization process to begin anew when the new Congress took effect in January.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Fisheries Hearing: Amata’s Amendment and a cosponsored bill passed by Committee

May 7, 2019 — Last week, Congresswoman Aumua Amata and the Natural Resources Committee conducted hearings and voted on a series of bills, including passage of an amendment by Rep. Amata, along with a bill affecting the Territories on which she was an original cosponsor.

The Water, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee held a hearing examining the condition of U.S. fisheries.

“Fishing is the backbone of our economy in American Samoa, and a part of life in the islands,” said Amata. “The health and longevity of our fisheries is an important topic, and I respect the testimony of the witnesses. I also appreciate the insight of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, which most directly affects American Samoa. It’s important for Congress in setting policy to understand the stewardship role of fishery management and the differences in oversight of U.S. and international vessels.”

In other action, the full Committee on Natural Resources voted on a series of bills that were introduced recently, including passage of the bipartisan H.R. 1809, on which Rep. Amata is an original cosponsor. This bill would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act, to provide parity for United States Territories, and is an effort to ensure equitable funding.

Read the full story at Samoa News