[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 96 (Friday, July 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF THE FISHING QUOTA STANDARDS ACT OF 2005

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                          HON. THOMAS H. ALLEN

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2005

  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with my colleagues, 
Representatives Simmons and Delahunt, to introduce the Fishing Quota 
Standards Act of 2005. This bipartisan bill would amend the fishing 
quota programs section of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act to ensure that national standards are in place during 
the development and implementation of individual fishing quota systems.
  Poorly designed and regulated quota systems often degrade fishing 
communities, create monopolies, and lead to overexploitation of fishery 
resources. If individual fishing quotas are to be an effective 
management tool, strong national standards must be in place to ensure a 
healthy future for small businesses in the fishing industry.
  The intent of this legislation is to guarantee that any fishery quota 
established by a regional management council fairly allocates the 
resource among fishermen of all gear types, prevents excessive industry 
consolidation and protects the sustainability of the fishery.
  The bill retains current law stating that individual fishing quotas 
are not compensable property rights and are revocable. This principle 
is strengthened by limiting fishing quota systems and shares to a 
period not to exceed 7 years, after which time they will be renewed if 
they are meeting defined criteria.
  Well designed Individual Fishing Quota systems can increase seafood 
quality and value, foster resource conservation, and promote safety-at-
sea, but Individual Fishing Quota systems, in and of themselves, do not 
guarantee that a fishery will be sustainably managed or result in 
appropriate socio-economic benefits. It is my hope that this bill will 
give the entire fishing industry a voice in the debate over the future 
of their industry.

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