MS HC82

Supports revisions to the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) to improve fisheries management in the southeastern United States, specifically the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act and the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017.

Acknowledges that the MSA has successfully ended overfishing for many species and rebuilt fisheries like black sea bass, red porgy, king and Spanish mackerel, gag and red groupers in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

Identifies that the 2007 MSA reauthorization created challenges by applying inflexible annual catch limits that have hindered recreational fisheries management in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, eroding public confidence in the system.

Calls for MSA revisions to provide flexibility in rebuilding plans, alternative management strategies, increased public involvement in scientific data development, and greater use of state agency and nongovernmental data sources.

Requests repeal of Section 407 of the MSA to authorize the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to use alternative management measures for recreational fisheries.