[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  INTRODUCTION OF THE 1994 ETHICS AMENDMENTS TO THE MAGNUSON FISHERY 
                    CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT

                                 ______


                          HON. MARIA CANTWELL

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 1994

  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join Congresswoman Jolene 
Unsoeld in the introduction of the 1994 ethics amendments to the 
Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This legislation will 
improve the ability of Regional Fishery Management Councils to manage 
America's fisheries effectively and restore public confidence in the 
role of council members as stewards of that resource.
  Since the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act was 
enacted in 1976, two of its primary goals have been accomplished:
  First, foreign fishing interests have been displaced in the U.S. 
Exclusive Economic Zone, which the Magnuson Act established; and
  Second, the United States has developed a commercial fishing industry 
that contributes more than $1 billion to the economy of the Pacific 
Northwest and billions more to other regions of the country.
  As Americanization of the industry took place, however, the role of 
the Regional Fishery Management Councils changed, and so did public 
perception of their effectiveness and integrity.
  Growing competition among U.S. fishers has increased the demand on 
America's fisheries--and intensified the pressure on council members to 
make impartial harvest decisions. The Magnuson Act requires council 
members to be knowledgeable and experienced in the industry. Often, 
however, the people who meet those criteria also have the most to gain 
or lose financially from the regulatory and allocation decisions of the 
council.
  Potential conflicts of interest for industry representatives who 
serve on Regional Fishery Management Councils have been a problem for 
years, because council members are charged with making resource 
management decisions that directly affect their personal income. At the 
same time, members of these councils are the only Federal advisers not 
subject to official Government standards of disclosure and ethical 
conduct. The intensity of the controversy over potential conflicts of 
interest has increased as America's fish stocks have declined.
  The goal of this legislation is to remove the potential for abuse and 
self-serving decisions. We must ensure that the Regional Fishery 
Management Councils are fully accountable, capable of responsible 
stewardship and empowered to maker trustworthy decisions about one of 
this Nation's most valuable, and most vulnerable, natural resources.
  I urge my colleagues to pass this amendment to ensure the integrity 
and accountability of America's Regional Fishery Management Councils. 
Fisheries is one of our Nation's most valuable economic and 
environmental resources. The management of that resource is something 
that must be conducted in an open process and under full public 
scrutiny.

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