[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT REAUTHORIZATION 
                              ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5946, a bill 
to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act. This bill is critically important as it will improve the 
management of our Nation's fisheries, providing a better future for 
tomorrow. Among other things, the bill ensures that the role of science 
in the fishery management decision-making process requires annual 
harvest limits at sustainable levels for virtually all U.S. fisheries 
and sets out a clear process for ending overfishing where it is 
occurring. These strict conservation measures are already in effect in 
the fisheries of the northwest--I am pleased that our management 
successes will now be replicated in all other regions.
  Another key advancement for our Nation's fisheries in this bill is 
Congress' clarification that certain processes going through the 
Council process currently will not be negatively affected by the 
positive changes in current law. Specifically, the cap and trade 
systems will improve the economics of fishing and enhance the safety of 
our fishing fleets. Our existing cap and trade programs for sulfur 
dioxide--which have cut down on acid rain--are being replicated within 
our fisheries management systems. These programs have helped in curbing 
some of the effects of global warming, they will now improve fisheries 
conservation.
  I am also pleased that the new legislation will not disrupt the 
ongoing efforts by the Pacific Fishery Management Council to enhance 
the management of its ground fish fisheries. The Pacific Council is 
working diligently to develop a cap and trade or ``rationalization'' 
program for its ground fish fisheries. This process has been underway 
for more than 3 years, and is nearing completion. While the bill 
requires the Pacific Council to implement an appropriate ground fish 
management program within 24 months from the date of enactment, and to 
meet other requirements in law, it does not require the Pacific Council 
to begin anew in developing that program.
  Yet another important provision included in this legislation will 
create a study on the effects of ocean acidification within the 
National Research Council. Research into the impacts of high 
concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the oceans is in 
its infancy and needs to be developed rapidly. This study is a first 
step in understanding the problems our oceans will face.
  The provisions included in this bill requiring the scientific and 
statistical committees to provide Councils with recommendations for 
allowable biological catch, preventing overfishing and achieving 
rebuilding targets are perhaps the most important. I will be closely 
following the performances of the regional fisheries councils, their 
decisions regarding harvest, and their operation and utilization of 
their respective scientific and statistical committees, as well as the 
council's use of their scientific and statistical committees' 
recommendations.
  The oceans are absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and this 
is causing chemical changes by making the oceans more acidic (that is, 
decreasing the pH of the oceans). In the past 200 years the oceans have 
absorbed approximately half of the CO2 produced by fossil 
fuel burning and cement production. Future generations will benefit 
greatly from the governments research into this subject.
  Reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act is a positive step on the road to the healthy management 
of our ocean systems. I look forward to working with the Resources 
Committee in the 110th Congress on other positive steps to ensure that 
our oceans are safe and healthy for future generations.

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