The sustainability of the American fisheries sector is at risk following the signing of a new executive order issued by President Trump to reduce regulations on catch levels, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has said.
The EDF was commenting following the signing of an executive order entitled Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, which claims that ‘unfair trade practices have put [US] seafood markets at a competitive disadvantage’, adding that the sector has been ‘crushed under the pressure of unnecessary regulations and unfavourable policies’.
Communities at risk
“Many American fishing communities and seafood businesses are in need of support, but this executive order puts those communities and businesses at risk by ordering the reduction of safeguards that keep fishing sustainable,” commented Sarah Poon, AVP, Fishery Solutions Center, Environmental Defense Fund.
“Removing these protections undermines fishery sustainability and will harm the millions of Americans whose livelihoods rely on fisheries and the consumers who enjoy nutritious seafood.”
Poon added that federal law currently prevents overfishing in the United States, as well as supporting maximum sustainable production from the country’s fisheries.
“Science-based catch limits have brought many of our fisheries back from the brink of collapse, while ensuring profitability for commercial fishermen and access for recreational anglers,” she said. “Insinuating that American fisheries would be better off by removing these safeguards is at odds with science and the experience of fishermen on the water.”
Meaningful change
The order does, however, include actions that the EDF and others within the fishing industry have supported, such as the modernisation of data systems, effective use of technology, and the need for cooperative research.
“However, these improvements cannot generate lasting, meaningful change without proper support and resources,” Poon added. “To make US seafood businesses more competitive, the Trump administration should reinstate the NOAA scientists and fishing experts who support America’s commercial fishermen and propose budget increases to match the real challenges facing fishermen on the water.” Read more here.
