Stop the Stevens Rider from Destroying Our Oceans
- by: Oceana
- recipient: Your Senator
Our ocean ecosystems are in a severe collapse. Yet, one United States Senator is threatening them with further attacks that could potentially kill off pristine coral forests and increase fishing in endangered Steller sea lion critical habitat. Senator Ted Stevens is attempting to attach riders to the Appropriations Bill that will enrich a few powerful fishing corporations and destroy thousands of square miles of important undersea habitat.
In addition to threatening animals and habitats long known to be suffering from ocean degradation, his rider seeks to open sea lion refuges to commercial fishing and likely further harm endangered Steller sea lions in Alaska. It would also remove protection for essential fish habitat and recently discovered deep sea corals in the North Pacific. Finally, the rider would set specific rules for the pollock and rockfish fisheries that would make it more difficult to reduce bycatch.
Stevens, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has a history of abusing his position to benefit his campaign contributors and friends in Alaska.
Help us stop him! Currently the vote is on hold in the Senate, and key Senators and Representatives are working to cut a deal on the appropriations bill. Contact your Representative TODAY!
I am writing you out of a deep concern for the health and future of our
nation's ocean ecosystems. Specifically, I urge you to oppose a rider
added to the Commerce Department Appropriations Bill as Title IX by
Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska and support all efforts to remove the
rider.
Senator Stevens' fish rider would remove protection for habitat that is
essential to fish in the North Pacific, and for recently discovered deep
sea corals. Also, the rider would set specific rules for the pollock
and rockfish fisheries that would make it more difficult to reduce
bycatch and protect endangered Steller sea lions.
The Stevens Fish Rider does this and more by bypassing the lawful and
public fishery management system established by Congress under the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. If this rider
prevails, it sets a dangerous precedent for the protection of other
important U.S. ocean ecosystems.
This appropriations bill has gone to conference, one of the final stages
in the process. I urge you to do all you can to protect our oceans by
publicly opposing the Stevens Fish Rider and by making your opinion
known to key House members.
Thank you for considering my views and please let me know your actions
on this important issue.
Sign PetitionSign Petitionnation's ocean ecosystems. Specifically, I urge you to oppose a rider
added to the Commerce Department Appropriations Bill as Title IX by
Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska and support all efforts to remove the
rider.
Senator Stevens' fish rider would remove protection for habitat that is
essential to fish in the North Pacific, and for recently discovered deep
sea corals. Also, the rider would set specific rules for the pollock
and rockfish fisheries that would make it more difficult to reduce
bycatch and protect endangered Steller sea lions.
The Stevens Fish Rider does this and more by bypassing the lawful and
public fishery management system established by Congress under the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. If this rider
prevails, it sets a dangerous precedent for the protection of other
important U.S. ocean ecosystems.
This appropriations bill has gone to conference, one of the final stages
in the process. I urge you to do all you can to protect our oceans by
publicly opposing the Stevens Fish Rider and by making your opinion
known to key House members.
Thank you for considering my views and please let me know your actions
on this important issue.
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