Marine Conservation
Recreational saltwater fishing is growing in popularity at the same time the game fish that the anglers pursue are experiencing increased pressure. But thanks to the dedication of key members of Congress, positive new steps are now in place to address these concerns. On January 12, 2007, President Bush signed into law the first reauthorization of the federal law that governs the management of marine fisheries in the federal waters of the United States in over a decade.The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 took the biggest steps forward for the interests of sportfishermen that we’ve seen in recent decades. Recreational anglers played a pivotal role in the reauthorization of the bill.An unprecedented number of recreational fishing and conservation groups stood shoulder-to-shoulder in support of improved fisheries management and our ultimate success can be traced to their unity. Organized within the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership’s Angling 4 Oceans coalition, a core group of recreational fishing and conservation organizations supported four key principles — our SALT principles.The bill addressed each of these key concerns expressed by recreational saltwater anglers and helped us to Tackle Magnuson.It is a landmark victory for saltwater anglers and all Americans who care about conservation of our marine resources.
For more information on Marine Conservation, please contact Tim Zink. For marine conservation issues in the Pacific Coastal Region please contact Joe LaTourrette. Click here to visit the Angling 4 Oceans Campaign website. |