Fisheries Management Overview
History and Issues for Debate
Fish and marine mammals are important resources in open ocean and nearshore coastal areas; many Federal laws and regulations guide their management. Bills to reauthorize and amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) were considered in the 109th Congress. History Historically, coastal States managed marine sport and commercial fisheries in nearshore waters, where most seafood was caught. However, as fishing techniques improved, fishermen ventured farther offshore. Before the 1950s, the Federal Government assumed limited responsibility for marine fisheries, responding primarily to international fishery concerns and treaties (by enacting implementing legislation for treaties, e.g., the Northern Pacific Halibut Act…
