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Statement from Lee Crockett, director, Federal Fisheries Policy, Pew Environment Group

on the Bush administration finalizing the National Marine Fisheries Service's annual catch limit rule

January 15, 2009

WASHINGTON — Lee Crockett, director of Federal Fisheries Policy at the Pew Environment Group, today issued the following statement in response to the National Marine Fisheries Service finalizing its annual catch limit rule

"This is an important step toward ending overfishing. This rule establishes a good framework for creating annual catch limits based on sound science to end overfishing and help rebuild struggling fish populations. It also requires that fishery managers thoroughly explain how they have accounted for scientific uncertainty.

"This rule clearly strengthens the role of science in fisheries management. But, it is only as good as its implementation and enforcement. It will be incumbent upon the National Marine Fisheries Service and the new administration to ensure that the regional fishery managers do the right thing and faithfully protect our nation's fish populations."

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