MORE FEES, BUREAUCRACY, WON'T HELP OUR FISHERIES
July 19, 2001
For More Information, Contact Rod Moore,
Executive Director
The West Coast Seafood Processors Association (WCSPA) issued the following statement in regard to Congressman Sam Farr (D.-CA) introducing the Fisheries Recovery Act of 2001:
"While we appreciate Congressman Farr taking an interest in our nation's fisheries, we wish he had spent more time looking at the real world of fisheries science, management, and economics. His bill, if passed as written, would only increase the problems already faced by economically stressed commercial and recreational fisheries and overburdened fisheries managers.
"Among other things, the bill imposes sweeping requirements to reduce the accidental catch of everything in the ocean, including seaweed; requires American fishermen to meet higher standards on the high seas than foreign fishermen catching the same fish; develops new requirements that will further reduce harvest of fish stocks, even when those stocks are judged to be prospering; forces fisheries scientists and managers to spend their scarce time and money writing reports and plans for which little or no data exists; and imposes new fees on commercial and recreational fishermen and seafood processors.
"The bill claims that it will reduce the level of these new fees by re-directing tariff revenue. Unfortunately, for over a decade, the House Appropriations Committee - of which Congressman Farr is a member - has already directed this revenue to other purposes. While we appreciate the thought, where has the Congressman been for the last 10 years? And why will things be different in the future?
"Last year, WCSPA joined with a coalition of commercial and recreational fisheries groups from around the nation in proposing changes to the law designed to bring better science to fisheries conservation and management. We continue to believe that what will solve problems in our fisheries is more and better science, not more fees and bureaucracy.
"Almost weekly, researchers report on the benefits gained from eating seafood. Over 50% of our seafood is imported. This bill will only drive that figure higher and consumers looking to improve their health will wind up sending their money overseas while more U.S. fish plants close and more American fishing boats remain tied to the dock."
WCSPA represents seafood processors and associated businesses in Washington, Oregon, and California. WCSPA members handle the majority of Pacific groundfish, pink shrimp, and Dungeness crab landed in those states, along with substantial amounts of salmon, squid, and sardines. Several member companies also have significant involvement in Alaskan fisheries.