Forage fish need our help

Posted on: May 19, 2016

 

Contact: David Sikorski, Chairman- Government Relations Committee, davidsikorski@www.ccamd.org

We have an incredible opportunity in front of us.  Forage fish are the cornerstone of a healthy fishery.  There are many species that are currently unmanaged.  That means that either fisheries exist or could open up with no scientific data to support the removal of the fish.  The amendment detailed below would prohibit the development of new and expansion of existing directed commercial fisheries for unmanaged forage species.  It gives the Mid-Atlantic Council the opportunity to asses the fishery prior to commercial harvest.
CCA Positions and Justifications
Mid-Atlantic Council Unmanaged Forage Fish Omnibus Amendment
Public comment ending 6/17/ 2016
Background and Timing:
The public comment period for the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (MAFMC)
Unmanaged Forage Fish Omnibus Amendment is under way.
The Goal of the amendment is: “To prohibit the development of new and expansion of
existing directed commercial fisheries on unmanaged forage species in Mid-Atlantic
Federal waters until the Council has had an adequate opportunity to both assess the
scientific information relating to any new or expanded directed fisheries and consider
potential impacts to existing fisheries, fishing communities, and the marine
ecosystem.”
In August 2016, the MAFMC will review public comment on the alternatives they have
developed. This action should protect the marine food web in Mid-Atlantic waters, and ensure
the conservation of many forage species.

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