The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative has released its annual U.S. Ocean Policy Report Card, highlighting ''notable progress'' in state and regional efforts in ocean policy reform and in efforts to ratify the Law of the Sea Convention.
According to the commission, as a result of 2007’s fisheries management efforts, “fewer stocks [were] overfished or experiencing overfishing.”
“It is our industry’s goal to provide American families with healthy seafood now, while at the same time conserving plenty for future generations,” Connelly said. “The bottom line is that if a fish is in the store or on the menu today, then there is enough stock to meet consumer demand. This is more evidence of our commitment to sustainability.”
Also noted in the report card was its assessment of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Commission suggests that NOAA is underfunded and 'behind schedule' in its work developing fisheries regulations. However, the Commission goes on in the report to encourage the creation of a new federal marine management entity as part of the Ocean Conservation, Education and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act (OCEANS 21).
“NFI remains convinced that the road to progress is not paved with unnecessary federal bureaucracy,” Connelly said. “We believe it is important that NOAA and the National Marines Fisheries Service are fully funded so they can most effectively carry out their management and sustainability mission.”
