The House Committee on Natural Resources gave initial approval to H.R. 1335, or the “Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act” on April 30th. Introduced by Congressman Don Young (R-AK), the measure incorporates key provisions of the Morris-Deal Commission Report on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management. Congressman Young commented on the measure, stating “H.R. 1335 reflects more than 4 years of work with fisheries, managers, and stakeholders across the nation. Through a number of modest but necessary reforms, this legislation ensures the needs of our fisheries resources are balanced with the needs of our fishermen and coastal communities. By reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Act, we allow for this important law to more closely reflect the current science, management techniques and knowledge of our fishermen and regional management councils. I look forward to building upon the many successes of the MSA, which has always recognized our nation’s different ocean conditions, harvesting methods, management techniques, and distinct community impacts.”
http://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398477
