Ranking Member Huffman, Reps. Moylan, Case Reintroduce Bipartisan Magnuson-Stevens Update to Safeguard America’s Fisheries
Washington, D.C. – To kick off World Ocean Month, House Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam), and Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) have reintroduced the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act. This bipartisan legislation would update and reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA)—the cornerstone law guiding federal fisheries management and conservation that has helped make the U.S. a global leader in sustainable fisheries.
Bill Text | One-Pager | Section-by-Section
The reintroduction of this legislation reflects the culmination of a years-long, nationwide stakeholder engagement effort led by Ranking Member Huffman. From listening sessions across coastal communities to the release of a discussion draft for public comment, this inclusive process centered science, transparency, and real-world input from those most connected to America’s oceans and fisheries.
“The ocean is the beating heart of our planet: it feeds us, regulates our climate, and supports coastal economies across the country,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “But our oceans and fisheries are under mounting pressure from climate change, habitat degradation, and shortsighted management. We need to ensure our laws reflect the urgency and complexity of this moment. While some are focused on rolling back environmental protections and ignoring climate science, we’re doing the hard work to safeguard our oceans. That means using the best available science, listening to those on the frontlines, and making sure our policies work on the ground for the people and ecosystems that depend on healthy, sustainable fisheries.”
“I am proud to once again co-lead the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act. As an island community, Guam recognizes the vital role that fisheries play in sustaining our people and culture. This bill is an extraordinary chance for Guam to ensure that issues facing our Pacific fisheries are heard loud and clear,” stated Delegate Moylan. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that America’s fisheries are set up for success and the U.S. remains a global leader in fisheries management.”
“Our world’s oceans and fisheries are under accelerating stress, and it is more critical than ever that any extractive practices focus on sustaining and conserving not only specific species but the entire marine ecosystem”, said Representative Ed Case (HI-01). “MSA has been and will continue to be our main authority for establishing and administering responsible approaches and is overdue for updating to assure it continues to work into the next generations. This is especially important in our Pacific given increasing competition for the ocean’s resources and the corresponding danger that absent sound national and international policies will do irreparable harm unless we do an update to the MSA.”
The Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act includes key updates to better incorporate climate science, protect critical habitats, promote equitable access, and strengthen fisheries data collection and oversight.
In an effort to include as many opinions and viewpoints as possible, Ranking Member Huffman and Rep. Case held eight listening sessions across seven management regions during their nationwide fisheries listening tour. They heard from 80 different experts and stakeholders, in addition to public comments from dozens of members of the public, both in person and online.
Many of the issues raised during the listening tour are reflected in the bill, including:
- Addressing climate change and shifting fish stocks
- Improving science, using new technologies, and modernizing fisheries data systems
- Supporting fishing communities by creating a working waterfront program, increasing seafood marketing, and encouraging cooperation between industry and managers
- Ensuring management doesn’t backslide on progress made in rebuilding fish stocks and reducing overfishing
- Strengthening essential fish habitat consultation and removing loopholes in bycatch management
- Increasing accountability, transparency, and stakeholder participation in fisheries management
The bill also includes several bipartisan pieces of legislation and provisions that were part of previous Magnuson-Stevens Act legislation.
This comprehensive and inclusive effort remains an iterative process. Rep. Huffman and the bill’s co-leads are committed to maintaining a transparent, deliberative, and science-based approach that continues to prioritize stakeholder input and respond to evolving needs.
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