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Briefing: New England Fishery Management Council Supports Failed Status Quo System
Local fisheries have not improved for at least 10 years
At a meeting on June 21st, the New England Fishery Management Council decided to continue its failed method of managing days at sea despite a new congressional mandate to end overfishing. This move coincides with NOAA Fisheries releasing its latest report showing that New England fish populations have not improved since the late 1990s.
In an audio briefing, regional fishery and national policy experts provided an overview of New England fish populations and an analysis of the latest report from NOAA Fisheries. They also discussed why the agency must take responsibility to end overfishing and develop strong, clear guidelines to avoid further mismanagement in New England waters.
The "Status of U.S. Fisheries," a yearly report that NOAA sends to Congress, is the only mandated accountability mechanism assessing how federal regulators are managing the nation's fisheries. This year's report draws attention to the ineffectiveness of the regional fishery management councils.
Participants:
- Roger Fleming — project attorney, Earthjustice
- Peter Shelley — vice president and director, Massachusetts Advocacy Center, Conservation Law Foundation
- Matt Rand — director, marine fisheries campaign, National Environmental Trust (moderator)
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