MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2006 -- (House of Representatives - December 08, 2006)

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Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5946, a bill to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This bill will improve the management of our nation's fishery resources, and help ensure that we have a sustainable supply of seafood for Americans. Importantly, the new bill would permit regional fishery councils to implement market-based management programs for fisheries that will improve the economics of fishing and enhance the safety of our fishing fleets.

I am also pleased that the new legislation would not disrupt the ongoing efforts by the Pacific Fishery Management Council to improve the management of its groundfish fisheries. The Pacific Council is working diligently to develop a rationalization program for its groundfish fisheries. This process has been underway for more than 3 years, and is nearing completion. While the bill requires the Pacific Council to implement an appropriate groundfish management program within 24 months from the date of enactment, and to meet other requirements in the new law, it does not require the Pacific Council to begin anew in developing that program.

I would like to thank Chairman POMBO and Ranking Member RAHALL for their efforts on this bill, and for their willingness to work with us on issues of importance to our Pacific Northwest fisheries.

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