The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), initially passed in 1976 and most recently reauthorized in 2006, was created to promote the conservation and management of U.S. fishery resources and ensure sustainable domestic fisheries in federal waters. Under the law, eight Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) are charged with managing fisheries in federal waters along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf Coasts. H.R. 200, introduced by Rep. Young (R-AK), reauthorizes MSA. The legislation tailors federal fishery management actions in order to give Councils the proper tools and flexibility needed to effectively manage their fisheries, and will support a more robust domestic seafood industry and greater job creation in regions across the country. To read the bill in full, click here. 

H.R. 200 is endorsed by recreational and commercial fishing groups, along with hundreds of other national associations and outside entities. Below are letters of support from the larger national associations, foundations, and partnerships.

National Associations:
National Restaurant Association (NRA)
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)

National Seafood Industry Supply Chain: 
National Fisheries Institute (NFI)

National Recreational Groups: 
Recreational Fishing Alliance
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA)

National Foundations and Partnerships:
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
Coastal Conservation Association
Center for Coastal Conservation
Theodore Conservation Partnership
The Billfish Foundation
Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation

Commercial and Independent Vessel Owners:
Commercial and Independent Vessel Owners

To learn more, read a one page summary of the bill by clicking here or follow this helpful flowchart: