Ending Overfishing
In 2006, Ocean Champions played a significant role in reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (M-S Act). The M-S Act is the primary federal statute governing how we manage our Nation’s fisheries and, requires ending overfishing, rebuilding depleted fish populations and achieving sustainable fisheries management. The reauthorization specifically required that overfishing be ended once and for all by 2011. Ocean Champions believes this is a critical and achievable goal. We also feel that all fisheries policies should focus on the long-term goal of healthy ocean ecosystems and fully restored fisheries. Rebuilding our nations fisheries will provide great ecological and economic benefits.
It could be argued that traditional fisheries management has failed to protect fish or fishermen. Today there are more than 54 U.S. fisheries that are overfished and 45 currently experiencing overfishing. As a result, there are fisheries closures, job losses in the tens of thousands, and untold ecological harm. Clearly, the current state of affairs is unacceptable.
The overfishing deadlines are approaching fast, and with their threat of catch reductions or fishery closures, are causing high anxiety. Many recognize the consequences of ignoring science-based catch limits yet again, and insist that the law be followed. However, the looming threat of closure has spurred some fishing groups to push to weaken Magnuson by removing or delaying the overfishing deadlines. With the economy still fragile, Congressmen are being told not to eliminate further jobs by allowing fisheries to be closed. As you might imagine, this is a very effective threat.
Ocean Champions supports full implementation of M-S Act to enable threatened fisheries and fishing jobs to make a comeback. We recognize, however, that this must be done in a way that is consciencious of the on-the-ground realities of the commercial and recreational fishing communities. In this effort, we are helped by the Obama administration, which has indicated that it is serious about implementing the M-S Act, and is looking at innovative approaches for doing so. Specifically, NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco has championed catch shares as a tool for maximizing both conservation and economic objectives: “From Florida to Alaska, catch share programs help fishing communities provide good jobs while rebuilding and sustaining healthy fisheries and ocean ecosystems. Although this is a national policy, our emphasis is on local consideration and design of catch shares that take into consideration commercial and recreational fishing interests.”
In December, the Task Force released its recommendations, and the President’s budget included a significant increase in funding for Catch Shares programs.
Catch shares is not a new idea. In fact, they have been implemented in hundreds of fisheries around the world both large and small. Today there are over a dozen U.S. catch shares programs with many more under development (because fishermen and fishery managers want them). Catch shares may not be for all fisheries, but where they do make sense, they represent locally-designed market-based solutions that can prevent or reverse overfishing and enhance fishery economics.
From Ocean Champions’ perspective, catch shares are a powerful tool to help implement the M-S Act, and to have a reasonable shot at ending overfishing. The reasons are clear: First, the Obama administration supports catch shares, and is willing to invest the money necessary to implement them correctly. Second, there is support on Capitol Hill from a number of key Members. Third, fishermen want them – sometimes because catch shares may be a way to keep fisheries open that would otherwise be closed. Finally, so many of the elements of fishery management plans that are often absent – science-based catch limits, effective monitoring, data collection, and enforcement - are fundamental elements of a catch share programs.
The bottom line is that Ocean Champions wants overfishing to end, bycatch to be reduced, and critical fish habitat protected. We feel strongly that catch shares programs increase the likelihood of success in these areas, while also offering many benefits to fishermen. Thus, we are working to support the Obama Administration and Dr. Lubchenco in her campaign to improve fisheries management and implement practical solutions.
The End of the Line
The End of the Line is a powerful film about one of the world's most disturbing problems - overfishing.