Christensen Supports Flexibility in Fishing Regulations-Signs Bill That Amends Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Law

(Washington, DC – January 31, 2012) – Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen has signed onto the “Flexibility and Access in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2011” (HR 3061) which amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and extends the authorized time period for the rebuilding of certain overfished fisheries and  provides more flexibility in administering the regulations.

The law, which imposes new catch limits for all United States fisheries in an attempt to preserve and repopulate them, has drawn the ire of fishermen across the country, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The regulations went into effect this year. “While I support conservation efforts and promoting healthy fisheries, in these tough economic times, we need to ensure that we are not placing unnecessary burdens on our fishermen, who are an important part of our economy,” she said.

Congresswoman Christensen has brought Virgin Islands fishermen to the nation’s capital to testify on catch limits and has testified on their behalf before the Caribbean Fishery Management Council on many occasions in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.