Pallone Presses NOAA on Policies that Stifle Industry Job Creation
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. Tuesday in a Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs hearing questioned the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and expert witnesses on how a failure to collect sufficient scientific data compromises scientific management of fish stocks and forces reduced quotas as a result of the uncertainty. Lower quotas adversely affect the economic vitality of the recreational and commercial fishing industries and related coastal businesses.
“In order to provide for a sustainable future and ensure economic prosperity today we need to balance conservation with fishing opportunity in an informed and scientific way,” said Pallone. “My legislation, the Coastal Jobs Creation Act, puts the science back in fishery management and invests in successful programs that are targeted at aiding coastal communities and creating jobs.”
Pallone questioned Greg DiDomenico from the Garden State Seafood Association on his recommendations for improving current law and providing for flexibility in fisheries management to ensure fishermen have access to healthy fish stocks. Pallone further questioned DiDomenico on how adverse economic impacts on fishing communities from fisheries management are being evaluated and mitigated. Pallone also commended DiDomenico for his work ensuring fair treatment of the fishing industry’s economic viability and asked for his recommendations on evaluating and mitigating adverse impacts.
Summer flounder has been touted as an example of increased scientific data and information reducing uncertainty and allowing fisheries managers to increase quota levels. The science based data conducted by the Save The Summer Flounder Fishery Fund and Partnership for Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Science is vital to reliable quotas.
“Better science means there’s less uncertainty in fishing quotas and more certainty in fishermen’s livelihoods,” Pallone added.