Brian Rothschild Testifies at the Boston Listening Hearing and Identifies 9 Discussion Issues Relevant to the Reauthorization of the Magnuson Stevens Act

November 5, 2013 — The following was released by the Center for Sustainable Fisheries:

Yesterday, November 4, Brian Rothschild testified in front of several federal, state, and local government leaders at the Boston Listening Hearing, hosted by Senator Warren, Senator Markey, and Senator Begich of Alaska, on the Reauthorization of the Magnuson Stevens Act. In his testimony, Dr. Rothschild identified nine discussion issues relevant to the reauthorization:

1) Performance measures need to be adopted and delivered in real time;

2) National Standard 1 needs to be modified in language and practice to take into account Optimum Yield;

3) National Standard 2 needs to be amended to have real force and effect;

4) Scientific leadership and innovation within the agency needs to be rewarded;

5) National Standard 1 needs a detailed review;

6) National Standard 8 needs to have greater force and effect;

7) National Institutes should be developed to give adequate attention to developing new and innovative approaches to fisheries management;

8) Revision of data collection is needed; and,

9) Accountability for the management process is needed.