    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [June 21, 2006]
    [Page 1199]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Passage of Fisheries Management Legislation
    June 21, 2006

        I applaud the Senate for passing a stronger Magnuson-Stevens Act by
    unanimous consent. By emphasizing the important role of ecosystem-based
    approaches to fisheries management and strengthening penalties for
    overfishing and other violations, this legislation will be vital to
    ensuring that we remain good stewards of our marine environment. I
    congratulate Chairman Stevens and
    Cochairman Inouye for their work on this
    important bipartisan bill that embraces my priorities of ending
    overfishing and rebuilding our Nation's fish stocks through more
    effective, market-based management methods.
        Since my administration released the Ocean Action Plan in 2004, we
    have been making great strides in our efforts to make our oceans,
    coasts, and lakes cleaner, healthier, and more productive. Last week, I
    established the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument,
    the largest single conservation area in the history of our country and
    the largest protected marine area in the world. Enactment of a stronger
    Magnuson-Stevens Act is one of the top priorities of the Ocean Action
    Plan, and Senate passage of this bill is an important milestone on the
    way to another significant bipartisan ocean policy achievement.
        I urge the House of Representatives to join the Senate in passing
    this important initiative.

    Note: The statement referred to S. 2012.