House Committee Approves Bill to Keep Anglers Fishing!

May 18, 2006

(Washington, D.C.) - The House Resources Committee passed the American Fisheries Management and Marine Life Enhancement Act (HR 5018). This legislation will protect anglers and the jobs that depend on them. The House of Representatives will consider voting on this bill over the summer.  The changes to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the nation's primary fisheries law, will promote conservation and recreational fishing.

On May 3rd, Jim Donofrio, Executive Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), testified before the House Resources Committee and made recommendations which would help to keep anglers fishing. The RFA was pleased that the House Committee accepted a number of RFA recommendations that will benefit the recreational fishing sector, including amendments which will: prohibit new fees from being imposed on anglers and boaters; recognize, for the first time, the recreational fishing industry as part of the “fishing community” as defined under the Act; and require the federal government to specifically consider the economic impact of regulations on the recreational industry.

“We are pleased that Chairman Pombo and other Members of the Committee recognize the importance of the recreational fishing industry and its contribution to our nation’s economy.  I applaud the efforts of the Committee for finally including us under this important legislation,” said Bob Healey, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Recreational Fishing Alliance.

“This bill allows for flexibility in management and relief to recreational anglers who have made considerable sacrifices to help rebuild certain species.  The balance of conservation and flexibility allows for far more responsive and adaptive fishery management,” said Raymond Bogan, General Counsel for the Recreational Fishing Alliance.

In addition, RFA was pleased to see language in the bill that will:

• Require catch levels to be set at or below the level recommended by established science and statistical committees.
• Provide flexibility to rebuild fisheries.
• Streamline overlapping environmental laws.
• Increase the role of peer review in conservation-based decisions.
• Establish a cooperative research program to improve information flow between fishermen, scientists, and fisheries managers.

The RFA commends Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (R-CA) for promoting conservation and protecting anglers.  The RFA is also appreciative of the efforts of other members of the Committee, including Congressman Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) and Congressman Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD).