Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources completed the markup of H.R. 1335, the “Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act,” legislation reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the primary law governing fisheries resources management in the United States.  Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) released the following statement upon passage of the legislation through markup. 

“Our nation’s fisheries are vital economic drivers and job creators for coastal states and beyond. These reforms to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act secure the vitality of these communities by increasing the flexibility for councils and local stakeholders to manage their fisheries, strengthening the science in data collection, and enhance transparency for our fishing industries and the communities they support. I look forward to working with Rep. Young and colleagues on both sides of the aisle and from all regions of the country to advance this important legislation,” Bishop said. 

Rep. Don Young (R-AK), who introduced the legislation, commented: “H.R. 1335 reflects more than 4 years of work with fisheries, managers, and stakeholders across the nation. Through a number of modest but necessary reforms, this legislation ensures the needs of our fisheries resources are balanced with the needs of our fishermen and coastal communities. By reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Act, we allow for this important law to more closely reflect the current science, management techniques and knowledge of our fishermen and regional management councils.  I look forward to building upon the many successes of the MSA, which has always recognized our nation’s different ocean conditions, harvesting methods, management techniques, and distinct community impacts.”

More details on the markup can be found here.