EDF Action Launches Ads to Thank House Members for Leadership on Fisheries
Digital ads will thank Representatives for standing up against attacks on Magnuson-Stevens Act
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(WASHINGTON – July 23, 2018) EDF Action today announced the start of an ad campaign to thank members of the U.S. House of Representatives who stood strong against attacks on our nation’s foundational fisheries law, the Magnuson-Stevens Act. On July 11, 2018 the U.S. House of Representatives voted to advance H.R. 200, but only by a narrow margin in a vote that revealed bipartisan opposition: 15 House Republicans joined the overwhelming majority of Democrats in voting against the bill. H.R. 200 puts the future of our nation’s fisheries at risk and was opposed by leading fishing organizations, seafood industry leaders, chefs, scientists, and other conservation groups.
Digital ads will run in Washington, D.C. and across the country to reach constituents of Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN), Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL), Rep. Val Demings (D-FL), Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), Rep. Alfred Lawson (D-FL), Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), and Rep. Filemon Vela (D-TX).
The following is a statement from Matt Tinning, Associate Vice President for Oceans, EDF Action.
“By voting against H.R. 200, these lawmakers sent the message that this attack on our nation’s fisheries and the future of fishing will not stand. The Magnuson-Stevens Act is a remarkable bipartisan success story that has fueled the recovery of America’s fisheries over the last decade.
“H.R. 200 undercuts science-based decision-making and conservation tools that have fueled the full recovery of 44 depleted stocks around the country and reduced overfishing rates to historic lows. Rather than spur innovation in recreational fisheries management, it usurps the authority of regional fishery councils and stifles the very innovations that are helping regions like the Gulf of Mexico test new approaches to recreational management.
“It is shocking that lawmakers in the House would ignore the concerns of fishermen, chefs, scientists, and conservationists by advancing this dangerous bill. We hope that the no votes of 193 Democratic and Republican House Members send a clear message to the Senate that H.R. 200 should never become law.”
