The future of US marine fisheries - vision 2020

Tor-Eddie Fossbakk As part of this task, MAFAC has been asked to recommend what US fisheries stewardship policies should be undertaken over the next 15 years to prepare for this future. The Committee has researched and discussed many drivers and factors influencing the future of US fisheries and has summarized their major findings into four theme areas: commercial fisheries, recreational fisheries, fisheries management, and aquaculture. MAFAC members represent a diverse constituency and have a wide range of expertise, and will be taking recommendations back to their respective organizations and associations to inform them of the findings and to help validate and refine the product. In addition, they will seek additional stakeholder perspective on the issues identified. The Committee’s recommendations for aquaculture: Growth of an environmentally sound domestic aquaculture industry should be supported and facilitated by providing a coordinated and efficient regulatory process and additional government investments and funding. The National Offshore Aquaculture Bill should be passed by Congress and implemented immediately. The domestic aquaculture industry should receive similar financial and technical support to that available to the American agricultural industry. Efficient regulatory practices and comprehensive monitoring are needed to safeguard wild stocks and limit environmental impacts of facilities. To read more about the Committee’s report and to view a working draft of “Vision 2020: The Future of US Marine Fisheries”, go to: http://www.fish2020.org/