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Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Brian Mast (R-FL) today reintroduced 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 fishermen. Currently, there are few management measures in place to address this decline. The House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries is holding an oversight hearing today on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, where Rep. Dingell will highlight the important provisions in this bill.

“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 how critical it is to protect our coastal health, environment, and economy,” said Mast. “We’ve seen how irresponsible management of our marine ecosystem can have devastating ripple effects on our environment, food supply, fishing industry, and overall economy. This important sustainable legislation is a step towards promoting our fisheries and preserving our wildlife for generations.”

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:

• Requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop a science-based definition for forage fish in federal waters with advice from the fisheries councils;
• 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;
• Account for predator needs in existing management plans for forage fish;
• Specifies that managers consider forage fish when establishing research priorities;
• Ensures scientific advice sought by fishery managers includes recommendations for forage fish;
• Conserves and manages river herring and shad in the ocean; and
• Preserves state management of forage fish fisheries that occur within their jurisdiction.

The bill is endorsed by the National Audubon Society, American Sportfishing Association, National Wildlife Federation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.

"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 American Sportfishing Association (ASA) supports the Forage Fish Conservation Act, a critical step toward ensuring the long-term health of our marine ecosystems and the recreational fishing opportunities they support,” said Mike Leonard, ASA’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “Forage fish are critical to the ocean food web, and conserving their populations is essential to sustaining healthy sportfish populations. We are especially grateful to Reps. Dingell and Mast for their continued leadership and commitment to science-based fisheries management that benefits anglers and the marine ecosystem.”

"From whales to seabirds to salmon, healthy marine food webs rely on forage fish,” said Lindsay Gardner, director of marine conservation at the National Wildlife Federation. “With forage fish experiencing significant declines, the Forage Fish Conservation Act strengthens management measures that help ensure abundant forage fish populations for healthy marine fisheries, wildlife, and people. We thank Representatives Dingell and Mast for championing increased protections for fish and wildlife, and ensuring a future where our marine ecosystems and coastal communities can thrive.”

"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."

“Robust forage fish populations are critical for sustainable fisheries, including migrating tarpon,” said Jim McDuffie, president and CEO of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. “BTT is grateful to Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Brian Mast (R-FL) for reintroducing the Forage Fish Conservation Act and ensuring effective management of these little but extremely important fish.”