Bill 118 s 3672, also known as the "Healthy Fisheries Act," aims to support the sustainability of fisheries in the United States by addressing the challenges posed by changing ocean conditions. The bill recognizes the importance of maintaining healthy fish populations for both environmental and economic reasons.
The key provisions of the bill include:
1. Establishing a task force to study the impact of climate change on fisheries and develop strategies to mitigate these effects. This task force will be composed of experts from various fields, including marine biology, environmental science, and economics.
2. Providing funding for research and monitoring programs to track changes in fish populations and ocean conditions. This will help scientists and policymakers better understand the factors influencing fish stocks and make informed decisions about fisheries management.
3. Promoting sustainable fishing practices by incentivizing fishermen to adopt environmentally friendly methods, such as using selective gear and avoiding overfishing. The bill also includes measures to reduce bycatch and protect endangered species.
4. Enhancing collaboration between federal, state, and tribal governments, as well as stakeholders in the fishing industry, to develop comprehensive management plans for fisheries. This will ensure that decisions about fishing quotas and regulations are based on the best available science.
Overall, the Healthy Fisheries Act seeks to promote the long-term health and productivity of US fisheries in the face of changing ocean conditions. By taking a proactive approach to fisheries management, the bill aims to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of sustainable seafood harvests.