Dingell, Mast Reintroduce Bipartisan Forage Fish Conservation Act to Protect Marine Ecosystem and Fishing Economy

Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Brian Mast (R-FL) today introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen key protections for fisheries and promote responsible management of forage fish. The Forage Fish Conservation Act improves protections for forage fish - including herring and shad - that support marine ecosystems as well as other recreationally and commercially important species such as tuna, salmon, and cod. These populations have experienced substantial decline because of human activity, which threatens the viability of marine ecosystems as well as opportunities for recreational fisherman. Currently, there are few management measures in place to address this decline.

"Safeguarding fish stocks from further decline is critical to protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening coastal economies," said Dingell. "This legislation's science-based conservation framework for forage fish will both help promote sustainable fisheries and preserve marine wildlife for the enjoyment of future generations."

"On the Treasure Coast we know firsthand how irresponsible management of our marine ecosystem devastating ripple effects on our environment can have, food supply, fishing industry and overall economy," Mast said. "This is important and bipartisan sustainability legislation that will help protect our coastal health, environment and economy."

The bill is endorsed by the National Audubon Society and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

"Forage fish are essential for seabirds, larger fish, marine life, and our economy," said Romaric Moncrieffe, marine conservation policy manager for the National Audubon Society. "This legislation builds on nearly 50 years of successful fisheries management to protect these small but important fish."

"The Forage Fish Conservation Act seeks to strengthen the Magnuson-Stevens Act by prioritizing the protection of forage fish, which are crucial for sustaining recreationally important fish populations, and ensuring that fisheries management supports vibrant fishing communities and a healthy marine ecosystem," says Joel Pedersen, President and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. "We thank Representative Dingell and Representative Mast for their commitment to bolstering our coastal economies and ecosystems."

The Forage Fish Conservation Act builds upon the successes of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the primary federal law governing marine fisheries management. To improve the conservation of forage fish and strengthen the marine ecosystem, the legislation:

1. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop a science-based definition for forage fish in federal waters with advice from the fisheries councils;
2. Assesses the impact a new commercial forage fish fishery could have on existing fisheries, fishing communities, and the marine ecosystem prior to the fishery being authorized;
3. Account for predator needs in existing management plans for forage fish;
4. Specifies that managers consider forage fish when establishing research priorities;
5. Ensures scientific advice sought by fishery managers includes recommendations for forage fish;
6. Conserves and manages river herring and shad in the ocean; and
7. Preserves state management of forage fish fisheries that occur within their jurisdiction.