New MSA Reauthorization bill gives Alaska’s fishing communities and fishermen tools they need

ANCHORAGE— SalmonState applauds the introduction of Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act, which reauthorizes the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) — the bill governing fishing in federal waters. Vitally, the act updates the MSA to include challenges like climate change adaptation and bycatch reduction, and to ensure community participation and Tribal representation. It was introduced by Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Representative Ed Case (D-HI). The MSA has not been updated since 2006.

“Alaska is on the front lines of climate change,” said SalmonState Executive Director Tim Bristol. “It’s essential Alaska’s fishermen and fishing communities have the tools they need to address the challenges ahead — and modernizing the Magnuson-Stevens Act is a much-needed part of that. We thank Representative Huffman for the years of listening and work he has put into this bill, and are looking forward to working with him, Representative Case and Alaska’s congressional delegation to achieve its passage in Congress and ensure our fisheries remain healthy for years to come.”

The Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act’s five key updates are for climate-ready fisheries; supporting fishing communities through an improved disaster relief program and other methods; improving transparency and public process; modernizing fisheries science and data; and sustaining fisheries through healthy ecosystems and improved management.