 NMMA STATEMENT ON H.R. 5425, THE FLEXIBILITY IN
REBUILDING AMERICAN
FISHERIES ACT OF 2008
(This Bill was re-introduced in June of 2009 as H.R. 1584) May 1, 2008
“The National Marine
Manufacturers Association (NMMA) strongly supports fisheries management policies that conserve, protect and enhance important
recreational fisheries while maintaining public access to sport fishing. Unfortunately, it is becoming apparent that
current federal fisheries laws will become increasingly restrictive for recreational anglers even as many managed stocks are
at high—and, in some cases, historically high—abundance and are in positive rebuilding periods. Consequently,
in many cases current law may have undue negative economic impacts for sport anglers and their support industries.
“Healthy, abundant fish stocks are the essential element of a positive fishing experience. It
is therefore imperative that the nation’s overfished fisheries rebuild and achieve sustainable abundance in a timely
way. National fisheries policy must be based on sound science and fisheries managers should be empowered to pursue management
strategies that work toward robust and effective conservation while at the same time minimizing, where possible, adverse social
and economic impacts on the regulated community. NMMA believes H.R. 5425, sponsored by U.S. Representative Frank Pallone
of New Jersey, strikes this important balance.
“NMMA maintains its strong desire to work cooperatively
with all major recreational fishing organizations to achieve a solution to this problem and looks forward to continuing dialogue
with all organizations in the recreational fishing community. NMMA respects and values all the major recreational fishing
organizations and the work they do. Recognizing that multiple approaches may be necessary to resolve this issue, NMMA
hopes that all stakeholders can work toward a common solution that everyone in recreational boating and fishing can support.”
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