WASHINGTON, D.C.– Meredith Moore, director of Ocean Conservancy’s Fish Conservation program, issued the following statement in reaction to the introduction of the Climate-Ready Fisheries Act of 2019 today:

“The Climate-Ready Fisheries Act will help ensure our fisheries and fishing communities are prepared to deal with climate change by positioning Congress to address barriers and develop solutions to these growing challenges. Ocean Conservancy applauds Congressman Cunningham’s leadership on this important issue.

“We already know that climate change is taking a toll on our fisheries. The big question we now face is what we can do to secure healthy fish populations and fishing communities for generations to come, despite a changing ocean.

“In order for Congress to effectively ensure our fisheries are resilient in the face of climate change, we first need to better understand where we currently stand. Fishery managers across the country are starting to tackle the complex challenges facing our fisheries –  including shifting fish populations and declines in productivity – that are a result of factors like warming waters, low oxygen levels, ocean acidification, and sea level rise.

“This legislation will help Congress assess what actions have already been taken, determine whether any knowledge gaps exist that are hindering action, and identify how we can enhance our nation’s science and management systems to better address climate impacts. The future of sustainable fisheries depends on ensuring that fishery managers have access to the tools and information they need to make our fisheries are climate-ready.”

####

Meredith Moore is available for interviews upon request.