Statement of Concerned Scientists on the Reauthorization of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act

摘要

The statement by 39 concerned scientists points out weaknesses in and steps that should be taken to improve the content and implementation of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. It recommends that the Magnuson Act be revised to (1) promote a total ecosystem perspective in managing the Nation's fish stocks, taking into account the protection of essential habitat, including the habitats essential to early life histories, and consideration of marine species neither harvested nor consumed; (2) ensure that the conservation ethic of wise use prevails in meeting the Act's goal of providing the greatest overall benefit to the Nation, that the paramount concern of management be the continuing health and abundance of the public's resources, and that management faced with uncertainty shall favor the long term through a statutorily defined burden of proof that is consistent with proposed levels of fishing effort.