STATEMENT ON PRESIDENTIAL OCEAN ACTION PLAN
December 20, 2004
For More Information, Contact Rod Moore, Executive Director

WEST COAST SEAFOOD INDUSTRY APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BUSH ON OCEAN ACTION

The West Coast Seafood Processors Association issued the following statement congratulating President George W. Bush for elevating the importance of ocean policy in his administration by creating a cabinet-level Committee on Ocean Policy.

"No President, Republican or Democrat, has ever before recognized the importance of having a strong, coordinated, ocean policy. President Bush has made clear that he considers our oceans important and that they deserve the high-level attention of his cabinet. This is a major win for our coastal communities.

"For years, the seafood industry has gotten caught up in 'turf wars' between federal agencies. When the bureaucrats spend all their time fighting each other, they don't pay attention to the important job of managing our resources, providing jobs, and making nutritious food available to consumers. Now, the President has stepped in and said 'we are going to work together for the good of our citizens and the ocean resources they value.' We think that is positive.

"The President made clear that he wanted the Committee to seek input from affected users and State and local officials. He also reinforced the need to take voluntary regional approaches to dealing with ocean issues. As supporters of the regional fishery management council system, we think he is taking the right approach.

"We look forward to working with the Committee as we all work to address ocean policy issues during the next four years."

The West Coast Seafood Processors Association represents shore-based seafood processors and associated businesses in Washington, Oregon, and California. Collectively, the members of WCSPA handle the majority of Pacific groundfish, Dungeness crab, and pink shrimp landed in those states. For a list of members, see http://www.wcspa.com

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