Washington, D.C. – The following statement was issued by Chris Dorsett, Vice President, Conservation Policy and Programs of Ocean Conservancy, welcoming the appointment of Chris Oliver as the Assistant Administrator to lead Fisheries at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

“Ocean Conservancy applauds the appointment of Chris Oliver as the Assistant Administrator of NOAA Fisheries. Oliver has extensive experience with fishermen, scientists and conservation groups, and knows firsthand about the importance of healthy fisheries to all Americans and especially the coastal communities around the country.  As Executive Director of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council for many years, Oliver brings a profound understanding of the practices and importance of science and ecosystem based management to the federal fisheries arena.

“At a time when the basic tenets of the world-renowned Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act—the primary law which governs how fisheries are managed in federal waters—are under attack, we urge Oliver to stand firm in his commitment to the highly regarded ‘Alaska model’ of science-based catch limits – critical to fishermen’s livelihoods and the health of our ocean.

“Ocean Conservancy welcomes opportunities to continue to work with Oliver in his new role. With sound management and diverse partnerships, we can ensure American fisheries, communities, coastal economies, and all those who depend on the ocean’s bounty for sustenance and livelihood continue to prosper.”

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Chris Dorsett is available for interviews upon request.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR:

• The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) is the primary law that governs how fish are managed in federal waters (typically between 3 and 200 nautical miles offshore). The MSA requires that managers restrict catch below science-based annual limits that are set at levels to prevent overfishing of the resource.
• Healthy ocean fisheries provide an important source of food and culture for communities throughout the US, especially American Indian and Alaska Native tribes.
• Healthy ocean fisheries are an economic engine for our nation. In 2015, U.S. commercial fishermen caught more than 9.7 billion pounds of fish and shellfish, earning $5.2 billion for their catch. The U.S. seafood industry supported nearly 1.2 million jobs that year.  Additionally, there are approximately 8.9 million saltwater anglers in the U.S., forming a robust recreational fishing industry that supported 439,000 jobs and generated $63 billion in sales in 2015 alone. As the demand for sustainable seafood is steadily increasing, the MSA plays a crucial role in providing more sustainable U.S. seafood product to meet that demand.