Senate passes Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization

Pombo, Frank, Young encourage House to move quickly on H.R. 5018

Washington - The U.S. Senate today passed S. 2012 to reauthorizes the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the nation's premier law governing its fisheries. The corresponding House bill - H.R. 5018, the American Fisheries Management and Marine Life Protection Act, sponsored by Chairman Richard W. Pombo (R-Calif.), Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) - passed the House Resources Committee last month and is awaiting a floor vote.

"I'm pleased to see the Senate passed its bill to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act today and applaud Sens. Ted Stevens and Daniel Inouye for their strong leadership on this issue," Chairman Pombo said. "Time is of the essence; if we do not send a completed bill to President Bush this year, we'll have to start the process all over again. Our nation's fisheries and fishermen need and deserve quick action and I will work with my colleagues in the House to pass H.R. 5018. Both bills share the same goals and are on the same track. I'm confident the House will be able to complete its work quickly and cooperate with the Senate in order to finish the process this year."

"I am pleased that the vital effort to pass a major rewrite of the Magnuson Act continues to move forward," Rep. Frank said. "I will be working with my colleagues in pushing for the best possible House bill, and look forward to final passage of a balanced, flexible Magnuson reauthorization bill this year."

"This is a good day for Alaska fisheries. I am pleased with the efforts of Senator Stevens and the other body in getting this important legislation passed," Rep. Young said. "This bill offers a sustainable yield concept with the understanding of the ecosystems of Alaska waters. This legislation will provide an economic base for the fishing communities in Alaska and for those that fish in the most dangerous waters in the United States. I am happy for Senator Stevens right now and I look forward to the finalization of this bill."

H.R. 5018 represents compromise legislation from all involved parties, including ideas from earlier bills, recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and many suggestions received by the Resources Committee during public hearings. It is   modeled after the management framework of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which is widely cited as the best in the nation.

For more information on H.R. 5018, please click here.