Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB9821

Introduced

9/25/24

Refer

9/25/24

Caption

Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2024

Impact

The enactment of this bill would lead to significant changes in fishing management plans, requiring them to incorporate assessment criteria for forage fish based on their life cycle stages. The legislation aims to maintain robust populations of forage fish, which are essential for the diets of many marine species and significant for preserving overall ecosystem balance. This targeted approach is intended to avert overfishing and uphold the viability of important fisheries.

Summary

House Bill 9821, titled the Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2024, seeks to enhance the management of forage fish species, which play a critical role in marine ecosystems as a key energy conduit between primary producers and higher trophic level predators. The bill mandates the Secretary of Commerce to define 'forage fish' and establish comprehensive guidelines, ensuring sufficient scientific input for effective fisheries management decisions that include considerations for ecological health and sustainability.

Contention

Discussions around the bill suggest some contention regarding the management and conservation measures to be implemented. Some stakeholders may argue that while the bill promotes conservation, it could impose additional restrictions that affect commercial fishing operations. Potential debate may center on the balance between necessary ecological protections and the economic realities faced by the fishing industry.

Latest HB9821 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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