[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           REGARDING THE MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT REAUTHORIZATION

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Capitol 
Hill Ocean Week to highlight the importance of oceans to our country 
and to my state of California.
  Important industries in California rely on a healthy ocean ecosystem. 
In California alone, more than 145,000 jobs are supported by the 
commercial and recreational fishing industry, which generate more than 
$25 billion in sales annually.
  Proper management is critical to ensuring the survival and success of 
these industries, and the Magnuson-Stevens Act plays an important role 
in conserving and managing our fishery resources.
  Unfortunately, the current legislation to reauthorize the Magnuson-
Stevens Act, H.R. 4742, rolls back key conservation provisions that 
have been working to increase fish populations and improve our coastal 
communities. Further, this bill does nothing to address the emerging 
challenges facing our fisheries.
  I join my colleagues in urging the House to pursue a reauthorization 
of the Magnuson-Stevens Act that is based on the best available 
science, builds on the progress that we have already made, and will 
preserve the health of our oceans and fisheries for years to come.

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