WASHINGTON – The following statement was issued by Meredith Moore, director of Ocean Conservancy’s Fish Conservation program, in reaction to the Senate passage of S. 1520, the “Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017” which amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act:

“When first introduced, we had real concerns that this bill would hamstring efforts to sustainably manage fisheries, including the recreational fisheries it intended to help. Thanks to the leadership of a bipartisan group of Senators willing to work cooperatively across the aisle, these harmful provisions have been removed from S. 1520. We look forward to working with these Senators next year to ensure we have healthy fisheries that can support fishing businesses, our ocean ecosystems, and access to our natural resources for future generations.

1520, the Modern Fish Act, amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for their consideration. Should the House take up this bill, we encourage them to not make any additional changes that would pose harm to our nation’s fisheries.”

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Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create science-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 or Instagram.