    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 25 (Monday, June 26, 2006)]
    [Pages 1207-1208]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Senate Action on 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,

    [[Page 1208]]

    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.