This evening, the U.S. House of Representatives passed 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 resource management in offshore federal waters. The legislation passed by a bipartisan vote of 225-152.  

“This Magnuson-Stevens reauthorization is a win for the consumer, a win for the industry that puts food on our tables and restaurants, a win for the recreational fisherman, a win for better and more transparent science and the environment, and a win for the American taxpayers,” stated Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT). “The legislation would make a good law even better and it deserves more than blind opposition and empty political rhetoric from the White House.  I commend Congressman Young and other Members for their leadership and dedication on this issue. Tonight we took a strong step forward in the effort to improve our federal fisheries laws and strengthen local economies across the country.” 

“Flexibility is a cornerstone of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which promotes regional flexibility recognizing differing ocean conditions, variations in regional fisheries, different harvesting methods and management techniques, and distinct community impacts,” stated Rep. Don Young (R-AK). “H.R. 1335, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act, will provide a number of modest but necessary updates to the MSA, including efforts to improve fisheries management flexibility and transparency, provide for improved data collection, create jobs, and what I believe is very important – provide predictability and certainty to the coastal communities that depend on stable fishing activities. These commonsense reforms are truly a win-win for our fish, our coastal communities, and the nation.”

“The economic importance of commercial and recreational fishing is undeniable,” stated Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA). “However, our marine resources must be properly managed in order to promote robust domestic seafood and recreational fishing industries while also conserving healthy and sustainable fisheries. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, I believe H.R. 1335 makes great strides by promoting better science and requiring the consideration of more data in managing fisheries. By increasing transparency and ensuring the use of good science and data, this bill can help our resources remain sustainable and facilitate the continued growth of our fishing heritage.”

"Contributing billions to our state's economy and creating thousands of jobs, our commercial and recreational fishing industries are a critical part of our coastal communities in New Jersey,” stated Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ). “This great bill meets the needs of those industries and more importantly, it does so in a way that will give our nation's fishermen the flexibility and tools they need to manage their own livelihood with regulations based on sound science, not knee-jerk government interference."