WASHINGTON — Today, the Supreme Court of the United States published its opinion in Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce (combined with Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo). Meredith Moore, Director of Ocean Conservancy’s Fish Conservation Program, issued the following statement: 

“Today, the Supreme Court clearly showed that this case was never just about fish. Instead, New England’s Atlantic herring fishery was used as a Trojan Horse to attack the foundations of the public agencies that serve the American public and conserve our natural resources. The protections that keep our air and water clean, our homes and workplaces safe, and our communities, our children and ourselves healthy rely on the knowledge and experience of scientists and experts, and all that is now at risk. 

“Decades ago, American fisheries were on the brink of collapse, and what made recovery possible –  what kept fishing communities in business and seafood on American dining room tables – was strong science-based management decisions rooted in data. This case jeopardizes our access to critical information about America’s fisheries, which is the exact opposite of what we need to handle the fast-growing impacts of climate change.

“The Supreme Court’s decision opens the floodgates to litigation that will erode critical protections for people and the environment.” 

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Notes for Reporters

View Ocean Conservancy’s previous statement HERE.

View Ms. Moore’s earlier appearances on ABC News and Scripps News on this topic.

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Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthier ocean protected by a more just world. Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter (X) or Instagram.