NMFS Proposes Lifting Commercial Fishing Restrictions in Pacific Islands
What happened
The National Marine Fisheries Service proposed lifting long-standing commercial fishing restrictions in portions of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument Expansion. The proposed rule would allow commercial fishing in waters between 50 and 200 nautical miles surrounding Johnston Atoll, Wake Island, and Jarvis Island. This action conforms regulations with presidential directives and follows a federal court order.
From postcourier.com.pg
Why it matters
The proposal opens approximately 408,000 square miles of ocean, which was previously protected from industrial fishing, to American commercial fishing. The move restores management under existing federal fisheries laws, including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
From postcourier.com.pg
Who's involved
- National Marine Fisheries ServiceProposing the rule to lift commercial fishing restrictions.
- Jarvis IslandLocation where fishing restrictions are being lifted.
- Wake IslandLocation where fishing restrictions are being lifted.
- Johnston AtollLocation where fishing restrictions are being lifted.
- Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management CouncilRegional Fishery Management Council whose scope is materially altered by the proposal.
- EarthjusticeOrganization that may challenge the new fishing rule.
- Center for Biological DiversityOrganization that may challenge the new fishing rule.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Johnston AtollSpeculative
Commercial fishing access might increase the supply of marine resources in the area.
- Wake IslandSpeculative
Commercial fishing access might increase the supply of marine resources in the area.
- Jarvis IslandSpeculative
Commercial fishing access might increase the supply of marine resources in the area.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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National Marine Fisheries Service
an office of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Nothing else this week.
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Wake Island
coral atoll in the North Pacific Ocean administered by the US and also claimed by the Marshall Islands
Nothing else this week.