Support ending overfishing and rebuilding fish populations
- by: Ocean Conservancy
- recipient: Department of Commerce (Secretary Penny Pritzker and Under Secretary Dr. Kathryn Sullivan)
Fish might not be the cutest animals in the ocean, but healthy fish populations are critical for the health of our ocean and coastal communities. In the past four decades, we've made meaningful progress toward ending overfishing in U.S. waters and rebuilding fish populations. And we have a little known law with a long name to thank: the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).
The MSA has proven that it's an effective tool to rebuild fish populations. Please take action today and tell the Department of Commerce to ensure that this success story continues for generations to come. Without continued leadership, progress made over the past 40 years could be lost if the Department focuses on short-term economic gains that sacrifice long-term success.
Dear Secretary Pritzker and Under Secretary Sullivan,
Thank you for your leadership in advancing sustainable fisheries. As we approach the 40th Anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), we can celebrate the great strides made in restoring U.S. fisheries. Thirty-nine fish stocks are now rebuilt and overfishing is at an all time low, demonstrating the success of the law and the hard work of the regional councils, fishermen, seafood businesses, conservation organizations and fishing communities.
Whether rebuilding U.S. fish populations or ending overfishing, the 40-year-old Magnuson-Stevens Act leads to more fish and better fishing opportunities.
The livelihoods of local fishermen depend on healthy fish populations. In 2013, the U.S. seafood industry supported 1.35 million full- and part-time jobs and generated $142 billion in sales and $40 billion in income. Landings revenue in 2013 represented a year-over-year increase of 9% from 2012.
[Your comments]
Please continue to show strong leadership by keeping the MSA and its implementing guidelines strong.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
