New Findings Confirm Many U.S. Ocean Fish Are at Risk of Extinction

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New Findings Confirm Many U.S. Ocean Fish Are at Risk of Extinction

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New Findings Confirm Many U.S. Ocean Fish Are at Risk of Extinction

Rep. Farr Introduces Bill Launching New Era of

Science-Based Ocean Resource Conservation

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WASHINGTON,, Jul. 13 -/E-Wire/-- Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA) introduces the Fisheries Recovery Act of 2001, a bill that will launch a new era of science-based U.S. fish management. For the first time, fishing regulations will be developed with the goal of conserving ocean resources, not just narrowly managing individual species of fish.

Specifically, the Act will strengthen federal law to:

-Avoid killing of "non-target" fish and other species such as turtles and birds.

-Protect coral reefs, wetlands and other habitats where fish feed, breed and find protection.

-Fund the development and introduction of less damaging fishing practices.

In support of the bill and its new commonsense approach, the Marine Fish Conservation Network* will release a new analysis showing 29 U.S.-managed fish species at risk of extinction. This disturbing revelation – combined with the Commerce Department's recent report that nearly half of all U.S.-managed and assessed fish populations are in jeopardy – is among the mounting evidence that supports the effective forward-thinking measures to conserve America's ocean resources proposed in Farr's legislation.

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Thursday July 19, 2001

WHERE: U.S. Capitol, House Triangle on the southeast lawn, Washington, D.C.

WHO: Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), House Appropriations Committee, introducing the bill Dr. Jack Musick, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and lead author of the American Fisheries Society study, "Marine Fish Stocks at Risk of Extinction in North America" Lee Crockett, Executive Director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network* Barbara Stickel, California fisherman and member of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations The complete text of the bill and background documents will be posted at www.conservefish.org July 19. Contact Herb Ettel, MFCN at (202) 543-5509 or Andrea Kavanagh at (202) 887-8822. Find more on ocean fish at risk at www.fisheries.org and www.nmfs.noaa.gov.

*The Marine Fish Conservation Network is a nationwide coalition of 109 environmental organizations, commercial and recreational fishing associations, aquariums and marine science groups, dedicated to promoting the long-term sustainability of marine fish, representing five million people.

Marine Fish Conservation Network

http://www.conservefish.org

http://www.fisheries.org

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