WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and additional lawmakers in introducing H.R. 1584, The Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2009. The bill, which is similar to a bill (H.R. 4087) Jones first introduced in 2007, would amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to allow the 10-year time period for rebuilding fisheries to be extended under certain common-sense circumstances. In allowing such flexibility, the bill would provide for timely restoration of healthy fisheries while also ensuring that fishermen are not put out of business because of the rigid timelines contained in Magnuson.

“The Magnuson Act's arbitrary rebuilding schedules are proving harmful to America’s commercial and recreational fishermen and the families, businesses and communities they support,” Congressman Jones said. “In North Carolina, fishermen’s access to two important fisheries – summer flounder and snapper-grouper – are at great risk due to the current rebuilding mandates, but proper flexibility language can provide much needed relief while still rebuilding fish stocks.”

“I do not understand why this government would require rebuilding of a fish stock in 10 years even when that causes widespread economic dislocation, when if given a few more years, the fish stock could be rebuilt with minimal economic hardship to fishermen. The lack of common sense here is stunning, and my constituents should not have to bear the burden,” Jones said.

H.R. 1584 would allow fisheries managers to extend the 10-year rebuilding timeline if, among other things:

- the biology of the stock of fish, other environmental conditions, or management measures under an international agreement in which the United States participates dictates otherwise;

- the cause of the fishery decline is outside the jurisdiction of the Council or the rebuilding program cannot be effective only by limiting fishing activities;

- a substantial change is made to the biomass rebuilding target for the stock of fish concerned after the rebuilding plan has taken effect; or

- it is necessary to provide for the sustained participation of fishing communities or to minimize economic impacts on such communities, provided there is evidence that the stock of fish is on a positive rebuilding trend.