Page 26 - IB June July 2024

marine species, they inadvertently impact U.S. mandates that fishery management councils
fisheries in the region. Despite good intentions, consider the best available scientific informa­
these regulations have sometimes proven un­ tion and engage in a public process to develop
neces sary and have limited local fishing activ­ fishing regulations, conservation initiatives
ities. Additionally, U.S. fishermen face tough like National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine
competition from less regulated high seas National Monuments do not necessarily follow
fisheries, which may have lower standards for the same framework. While it’s indisputable
human rights and seafood safety. As a result, that safeguarding areas from the effects of
imported seafood is becoming more preva­ climate change and direct impacts is essential,
lent in local markets, overshadowing fresh, decisions regarding fishing impacts should
domestic options. Moreover, the designation ideally be grounded in science. However, U.S.
of Marine National Monuments in the West­ fishermen have encountered a growing tenden­
ern Pacific has restricted commercial fishing, cy to bar them from accessing the U.S. EEZ,
pushing U.S. fishermen to less with exclusions often based on sentiments
U.S. fishermen favorable areas where they and conjecture rather than solid scientific
compete against subsidized evidence. Sustainable fishing practices, when
simply seek the foreign fleets. Cur rent pro­ properly managed, can contribute positively
posals to establish National to conservation efforts by providing valuable
right to pursue Marine Sanctuaries could data on fish populations and habitats, as well
as assisting in enforcement activities through
further limit fishing opportu­
their livelihoods nities in the region. active observation on­the­water. Conservation
measures need not impede fishing activities,
by fishing in These challenges highlight but can rather complement existing efforts.
the need for balanced ap­

U.S. waters. proaches that support both Collaborative initiatives are underway in inter­
national fisheries across the Pacific, often with
conservation efforts and the
livelihoods of local fisher­ the United States taking a leading role by
men. Such approaches were established with pro viding money and help to other nations.
the passage of the Fishery Conservation and However, this works against U.S. fishermen
Management Act of 1976 (now known as the facing penalties for catching the same species
Published in MSA). Congress had the foresight to employ and competing against foreign fisheries that
the Spring 2024 a concept that continues to be too rare in the receive financial support. U.S. fishermen sim­
issue of Pacific federal government, where management for ply seek the right to pursue their livelihoods by
Islands Fishery
News by the the people is conducted by the people. This fishing in U.S. waters. While other countries
Western Pacific bottoms­up approach through the regional look to the United States for hand­outs, fisher­
Regional fishery management councils was an exper­ men at home are looking for a hand­up. With
Fishery iment in democracy that succeeded. In the an estimated 54.5 million fishermen in the
Management Western Pacific, this system has eliminated United States, achieving equity for all could be
Council. bottom­trawling and other gears that impact attained without any additional costs.
habitat, while still allowing ample room for
https://www. growth in the fisheries. So much so, that part As fishermen across the United States commit
wpcouncil.org/ of the region has been cited as an example of to responsible management of our fisheries, an
wp-content/ opportunity emerges for the nation to demon­
uploads/2024/ a pristine ecosystem, and non­fishing groups strate its commitment to its people. Instead of
06/PIFN- have petitioned for additional protections. That
Spring-2024- protection, however, has come at the cost of placing emphasis on safeguarding distant coral
inserts_web.pdf U.S. fishing. reefs from less immediate threats, presidents
should prioritize leaving legacies that demon­
The decisions aimed at conserving areas and strate support for their citizens and the nation.
restricting access to resources in the Western By doing so, the United States can remain
Pacific have presented challenges for fisheries indivisible and truly provide justice for all.
throughout the 21st century. While the MSA
Sponsored Content