The Magnuson-Stevens Act

First signed in 1976 and reauthorized twice, the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) is the landmark law that guides the long-term sustainable use of our ocean fish resources.

While the Magnuson-Stevens Act is one of the most important tools for conserving U.S. fisheries, it was last updated 16 years ago, and it does not currently mention climate change. The Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act, spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California), would take significant steps to ensure fisheries and coastal communities are resilient in the face of the climate crisis.

Three key objectives guide Magnuson: 

  • It supports fishing businesses and fishing opportunities

  • It paves the way to ending overfishing in our waters by using annual catch limits

  • It oversees the rebuilding of U.S. fisheries that are in poor health

The Magnuson-Stevens Act works by establishing science-based management principles that are guided by the 10 National Standards Regional stakeholders develop plans based on these principles that are designed to meet regional needs and NOAA Fisheries implements these plans to meet conservation and management goals. 

REGIONAL FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCILS

The Magnuson-Stevens Act established a unique management structure with eight regional fishery management councils that are charged with developing fishery management plans and measures of health for fisheries in their jurisdictions. The councils are comprised of regional fishermen, tribal and industry representatives, federal and state managers, scientists, and NGOs. Some of these council members are nominated by the governor of their state and are appointed by the secretary of commerce. To manage effectively, councils are advised by several auxiliary groups, including advisory panels, management teams, and Science and Statistical Committees, which are made up of expert scientists. Management decisions made by the councils go to the secretary of commerce and NOAA Fisheries for approval (or disapproval) and implementation.

Each year, these regional fishery management councils work with their science advisors to determine the sustainable amount of fish that can be caught and killed. This limit, the annual catch limit (ACL), is the fundamental conservation tool in the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Fishing is regulated to avoid exceeding that limit, as exceeding the ACL could result in overfishing. Overfishing harms the long-term health of the stock and leads to more restrictive management measures and less stability for fishermen over time. 

Since 2000, 47 fish stocks have been rebuilt back to healthy levels

Today, the Magnuson-Stevens Act is considered a global gold standard of federal fishery management systems. The strong conservation framework of the law works because it requires management decisions to be driven by science and ensures that all fishermen – whether they are casual anglers or commercial fishermen – be accountable for staying within allotted catch limits. As a result, the U.S. has been methodically recovering federal fisheries from coast to coast. Despite this progress, there are still challenges, and many fisheries are still in need of improvement.

Conservation and Economic Benefits Go Hand in Hand 

The economic stability of many coastal communities depends in large part on healthy ocean ecosystems that provide a steady, healthy supply of fish. 

The economic impact of fishing extends far beyond just recreational and commercial fishermen. For example, fish processors and packagers rely on commercial fishing. In many coastal areas, recreational fishing is a major driver of tourism revenues for local dining and lodging establishments. Subsistence fishermen depend on healthy fish as a primary source of food and culture. The impact of fishing also carries inland. Restaurants across the country serve sustainable, wild-caught U.S. seafood. And fishing gear and boat manufacturers nationwide provide consumer goods to coastal fishermen. 

Conservation and economic benefits go hand in hand. Our strong science-based fishery management system supports the commercial and recreational fishing industries and the wider economic activity they generate. 

The Magnuson-Stevens Act continues to guide us on the path to healthy fisheries

The Magnuson-Stevens Act has always been about balance: between conservation and resource development, between local needs and national principles, and among the diverse stakeholders that rely on and enjoy fishing and fish. Over time, Congress has improved the law to create a management system that works for our ocean resources and the numerous communities that depend on them. 

Managing fisheries is a big and complex task, and challenges remain. Our fisheries continue to face long-standing management issues as well as new pressures, such as shifting stocks and ecological changes due to climate and habitat stressors. The Magnuson-Stevens Act continues to guide us on the path to healthy fisheries.