The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act: Reauthorization Issues for the 107 th Congress

Publication Date: January 2001

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Type:

Abstract:

The authorization of appropriations for the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act expired at the end of FY1999, although the Act's requirements continue in force. At issue for the 107 th Congress are the terms and conditions of any provisions designed to reauthorize and amend the Act to address the concerns of various interest groups. CRS queried numerous interest groups to identify issues likely to arise in reauthorization debate. This document outlines a number of potential issues, including: individual quota management programs; regional council decisions; bycatch; marine protected areas; essential fish habitat; fishery management data collection; the definition of fishing community; the fishery management plan review process; highly migratory species; fees; and ecosystem health and long-term resource productivity. This report will be updated periodically as the reauthorization debate progresses to include and discuss legislative proposals and additional issues that arise. Information on legislation related to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in the 106 th Congress can be found in CRS Report IB10010, Fishery, Aquaculture, and Marine Mammal Legislation in the 106 th Congress.