Press Release

PRESS RELEASE: GARDEN STATE SEAFOOD ASSOCIATION
NOVEMBER 7, 2007

FISHERMEN SUPPORT ‘‘Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2007’’
INTRODUCED TODAY BY NC CONGRESSMAN WALTER JONES

Congressman Walter Jones of North Carolina (NC-3) today introduced legislation that would extend, where necessary, the rebuilding requirements of the Magnuson – Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This legislation will aid commercial and recreational fishermen and the businesses that depend on them that are now threatened by rigid time frames and rebuilding parameters that are impossible to achieve. It will provide for healthy and well-managed fisheries based on the actual biological condition of the fish populations rather than on arbitrary schedules established with no regard to natural conditions in the oceans or economic realities ashore.

The Garden State Seafood Association (GSSA) was fully supportive of similar efforts during the recent Magnuson Act reauthorization discussions. The concept of offering appropriate flexibility to fishery managers was actively opposed by a group of well-funded environmental organizations and some Members of Congress and was ultimately not incorporated into the final Magnuson Act reauthorization.

We continue to support this approach and believe NC Congressman Walter Jones’ legislation provides a responsible process whereby we can ensure long-term viability of fishing-dependent communities and still make it possible to provide the American consumer with quality U.S seafood harvested from rebuilding/rebuilt fish stocks.

We are convinced that our coastal Senators and Congressmen will look upon H.R. 4087 as an opportunity to achieve all of those goals. GSSA members look forward to the support of H.R. 4087 from all commercial and recreational fishing groups that rely upon healthy fisheries and healthy fishing communities.

Garden State Seafood Association is a statewide organization of commercial fishermen and fishing companies, related businesses and individuals working in common cause to promote the interests of the commercial fishing industry and seafood consumers in New Jersey.

Our primary goal is to assure that our marine resources are managed responsibly and that all of the people in New Jersey, whether as anglers or as seafood consumers, will be able to enjoy the bounty of New Jersey’s rich coastal and offshore waters for generations.

Greg DiDomenico, Executive Director, GSSA
Email: gregdi@voicenet.com
Phone: 609-675-0202