This fact sheet provides a more detailed analysis of the new Fisheries Service NEPA proposal in comparison to the Center for Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations that other federal agencies are required to follow.
On May 14, 2008, NMFS proposed a new environmental review process for MSA activities that is full of loopholes and
exclusions that would significantly limit the scope of the environmental review and the public's right to participate.
This fact sheet outlines our main concerns with the proposed NEPA rulemaking.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is an important marine conservation tool which has made it possible to protect thousands of square miles of coral formations, reduce mortality of endangered sea turtles and begin the rebuilding of depleted populations of commercially valuable fish.
President Bush has several significant ocean conservation accomplishments, from protecting the largest marine reserve in the world to signing a new federal fisheries law to end overfishing. During its final year, his Administration must ensure that the Bush ocean legacy is enhanced by strong regulations for ending overfishing and promoting thorough environmental reviews.
In January 2007, President Bush joined Congress reauthorized our nation’s fishing law with a bold new requirement to end to overfishing in U.S. waters by 2011. To achieve this critical goal, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) must create new rules that make significant changes in the way our fish are managed.
The President, the Congress and the public have all done their part to protect ocean fish. Now, it is time for the regional fishery management councils, often led by individuals with financial conflicts of interest, to end decades of mismanagement and do their part to create a legacy of ending overfishing and safeguarding our oceans for long-term health.
A new booklet providing background information about the state of U.S. and global fisheries, and the upcoming NMFS rulemakings on overfishing and environmental review.
