The Verdict is in -- U.S. Commission Calls for Ocean Reform

ARCHIVED 2002–2016: Originally distributed via the eWire press wire service. Preserved as historical record.

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE |

Corporate Responsibility

Science & Technology

Syndication Partners

**************************************************************************

E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE

**************************************************************************

The Verdict is in -- U.S. Commission Calls for Ocean Reform

Marine Fish Conservation Network Calls on Governors, President to Enact Strong Measures to Restore Ocean Health

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Apr. 20 -/E-Wire/-- The Marine Fish Conservation Network (Network) today called on America's governors to support key conservation and management recommendations issued in a preliminary report from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. The report finds overwhelming scientific evidence that marine ecosystems are in serious trouble and calls for reforming federal ocean management policies.

"We applaud the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy for putting our oceans' health before partisan politics. The Commission has recommended many new conservation measures and key reforms that that all sides can support," said Lee Crockett, executive director of the Network. The Network is the largest national coalition solely dedicated to promoting the long-term sustainability of marine fish.

"This report by the Bush-appointed Commission should erase all doubt that the science is conclusive," Crockett added. "Our oceans are in peril, and we must reform management if we want to save them."

Specifically, the Network lauds the report's call for moving toward ecosystem-based management, improving the science upon which management decisions are based, broadening representation on regional fisheries management councils to include the general public, and establishing national guidelines for fishing quota programs.

The Network also pointed out areas for improvement with the U.S. Commission recommendations. The Network would like to see specific recommendations from the Commission to promote ecosystem-based management, stronger guidelines to separate scientific recommendations from political and economic influences, a more thorough critique of dedicated access privileges (similar to individual fishing quota programs), specific policies to improve habitat protection, and a greater emphasis on the need for fisheries observers to collect data on the catching and killing of non-target ocean wildlife.

The draft report has been sent to governors and released to the public via the Internet for a 30-day review and comment period. The Commission will then incorporate their comments and will send its recommendations to the President and ultimately to Congress.

"It is crucial that governors come back to the Commission with a strong conservation message because healthy oceans are a vital and significant part of our national heritage," said Gerry Leape, vice president of marine conservation for National Environmental Trust and co-chair of the Network. "Not only do coastal communities depend on fishing and tourism dollars for their existence, but inland, seafood processors, retailers and shoppers, marine enthusiasts, and summer vacationers across the country all depend on our nation's oceans for recreation and sustenance."

Peter Huhtala, senior policy director of the Pacific Marine Conservation Council and co-chair of the Network, agreed. "Policymakers will face difficult decisions when crafting a new national ocean policy," he said. "But with strong conservation-minded leadership, we can come to workable solutions that allow Americans to sustainably use our oceans' natural resources while ensuring that ocean wildlife will be healthy and plentiful for years to come."

Marine Fish Conservation Network

[REDACTED-EMAIL]

**************************************************************************

To Transmit Your News Over E-Wire, visit http://www.ewire.com or

call 1-[REDACTED-PHONE]. E-Wire Is Broadcast To Millions Of Readers Worldwide

**************************************************************************