Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB8788

Introduced
6/18/24  

Caption

Fisheries Improvement and Seafood Health Act of 2024

Impact

The bill mandates the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a Program Director who will lead efforts in conducting research, providing training, and developing decision-making tools for fisheries Councils. It also requires a comprehensive report from the Comptroller General on the competitiveness of domestic seafood producers in both local and global markets, highlighting the importance of understanding federal laws that affect domestic seafood production costs compared to other countries. This could influence regulatory frameworks affecting seafood trade and management.

Summary

House Bill 8788, also known as the Fisheries Improvement and Seafood Health Act of 2024, aims to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act by establishing the Fisheries and Ecological Resilience Program. This new program is designed to enhance ocean and ecosystem understanding, assess the impact of environmental changes on fish stocks, and develop tools to support sustainable fisheries management. The bill stresses the importance of engaging with fishing communities and stakeholders to ensure the health and resilience of marine ecosystems.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding how the bill will balance economic interests with ecological sustainability. Advocates of the bill argue that it is essential for adapting to climate change and other ecological stresses on fish stocks. However, there may be concerns about the operational impacts on fishing communities and the economic viability of traditional fishing practices. The emphasis on scientific management and potential regulatory changes to support the ecological resilience of fisheries may also lead to debates among stakeholders with differing views on resource use and conservation practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB688

FISH Act of 2025 Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025

US HB674

Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act of 2025

US HB3714

Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2025

US HB1514

Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025

US SB1968

Working Waterfronts Act of 2025

US HB644

Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025

US SB93

Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025

US HB1332

Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act of 2025

US HB207

Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue Act of 2025 or the SHARKED Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish a task force to address and report to Congress about critical needs with respect to shark depredation. (Shark depredation is the partial or complete removal of a hooked fish by a shark directly from a fishing line before the line is retrieved.) The duties of the task force are, among other responsibilities, to (1) develop ways to improve coordination and communication across the fisheries management and shark research communities; (2) identify research priorities and funding opportunities; (3) develop recommended management strategies to address shark depredation; and (4) coordinate the development and distribution of educational materials.The bill specifies that the task force must include representatives of each Regional Fishery Management Council, each Marine Fisheries Commission, the fish and wildlife agencies of coastal states, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The task force must also include researchers and others with relevant expertise.The task force must report its findings to Congress within two years after the bill's enactment and every two years thereafter until the task force is terminated. The task force sunsets within seven years after the date of its establishment.  

US HB2176

Saving NEMO Act of 2025 Saving Natural Ecosystems and Marine Organisms Act of 2025

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.