AFFTA has undertaken a rigorous process to identify and better understand the primary threats to healthy marine fisheries and habitats, and to determine policy solutions capable of addressing these threats head-on. AFFTA worked with conservation partners to convene a Blue Ribbon panel, comprised of top scientists and managers in their respective fields, to identify the most critical threats to the sustainability of our marine fisheries. [Reference report] Priority actions include:
Reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Extend proven conservation requirements to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Eliminate subsidies to fisheries that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Ensure forage fish are managed in a way that acknowledges their role as a food source .
Improve the accuracy, timeliness, and compatibility of data collection in recreational fisheries. [by]….
As initial step to protect wild fish populations from industrial finfish aquaculture, establish a research and policy program that addresses the opportunities, challenges, and innovation in ocean aquaculture development U.S. coastal waters and its exclusive economic zone.
As leaders in the recreational fishing industry, we are ready to have the hard conversations needed with all corners of the industry to identify what steps we all need to take together to achieve these solutions.