Press Release

Statement From Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez on the Magnuson-Stevens Bill

President Bush has provided clear direction and called for improved tools to end overfishing and rebuild our nation's fish stocks. I congratulate Chairman Stevens and Co-Chairman Inouye on introducing a bipartisan bill that substantially embraces the legislation that the Administration transmitted to Congress. In crafting their bill, the Senators conducted a lengthy process of consultation and found significant common ground with the full range of affected interests. NOAA fisheries' staff were instrumental contributors to this process and we look forward to working further with the Senate Commerce Committee to secure passage of legislation important to advancing our goal of sustainable recreational and commercial fisheries.