Bordallo Praises House Passage of Ocean Conservation Bills
Filed under: Action,News & Resources,Policy
Measures would strengthen illegal fishing enforcement; protect coral reef ecosystems
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today advanced two important ocean-related conservation measures, introduced and guided by Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU), who is the Chairwoman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.
The first bill, the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 1080), would help address the growing threat posed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated – or IUU – fishing by strengthening the enforcement authorities of existing U.S. fisheries laws and assisting other countries in combating the problem. IUU fishing depletes fish stocks, and negatively impacts the economies of other world nations and the livelihoods of those citizens who depend on sustainable fishing. It also undermines the United States’ leadership in its conservation-focused approach to fisheries management.
Annual global economic losses due to IUU fishing are estimated around $9 billion. IUU fishing can be particularly severe in places such as Guam, where patrolling of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is difficult.
“IUU fishermen are ‘free riders’ who benefit unfairly from the sacrifices made by U.S. fishermen and others for the sake of proper fisheries conservation and management. Today’s action on this legislation levels the playing field for our fishermen and allows the United States to continue in its role as a leader in fisheries management,” Bordallo said.
The second bill, the Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009 (H.R. 860), would bolster America’s coral reef conservation efforts by promoting international cooperation to protect coral reefs and codifying the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. Coral reefs, particularly those around Guam, provide many ecosystem services, including protection from storm waves, habitat for fisheries, and opportunities for marine tourism. However, various pressures on the world’s coral reefs have jeopardized these important ecosystems.
“Coral reefs are truly the ‘rainforests of the sea.’ The House of Representatives’ proactive action on the Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009, we are taking important steps today to protect these unique and valuable ecosystems for the future,” Bordallo said.
H.R. 1080 has been co-sponsored by 15 Members of Congress, including Subcommittee Ranking Member Henry Brown (R-SC). The legislation has also been endorsed by the Obama Administration, the U.S. fishing industry, and marine conservation interests. H.R. 860 has received the support of a bipartisan group of 19 Members of Congress, and has also been endorsed by the Administration; the Governors of Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and marine conservation interests.
