Anchorage – The following statement was issued by Becca Robbins Gisclair, Senior Director of Arctic Programs at Ocean Conservancy, in reaction to the adoption of the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) today:

“Ocean Conservancy applauds the North Pacific Fishery Management Council for adopting the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan.

“The Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan continues the council’s leadership in moving to sustainable, ecosystem-based fisheries management, which is critical in a region that is already being affected dramatically by climate change. It provides a path forward to improve understanding and to guide the management changes needed to ensure that fisheries management continues to be sustainable in the face of these changes.

“Sustainable fisheries are vital to Alaska’s economy, culture and way of life and the incredibly productive Bering Sea ecosystem produces more than half of Alaska’s seafood. It supports large- and small-scale fisheries, local, state, and national economies, and coastal and indigenous communities.

“Ocean Conservancy stands ready to support efforts to transition this new plan from paper into practice so that the Bering Sea will always celebrate thriving fisheries, a vibrant marine environment and resilient communities.”

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