Supporting Healthy Fisheries: Integrating Climate Change into Fishery Management
This Act mandates the inclusion of climate change impacts, such as shifts in fish distribution and abundance, when setting fishing quotas and developing fishery management plans. This aims to better protect marine resources and ensure stable fish supplies, indirectly affecting seafood prices and availability for consumers. Furthermore, it streamlines the process for managing fisheries that span multiple regional jurisdictions, ensuring more consistent and effective regulations for fishermen.
Key points
Climate Change Must Be Considered: Authorities must now use the best available science on climate change impacts when establishing or revising fishing quotas and management plans.
Improved Interstate Fishery Management: Clear procedures are established for regional councils to collaborate or for the Secretary to designate a single council to manage fisheries extending beyond one council's geographical area.
New Rules for New Fisheries and Gear: New fishing gear or fisheries can only be added after a thorough analysis confirms minimal adverse effects on essential fish habitats, existing fisheries, and fishing communities.
Expired
Citizen Poll