Jim Saxton: “H. Con. Res. 268 is a resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the imposition of sanctions on nations that…”

“H. Con. Res. 268 is a resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the imposition of sanctions on nations that are undermining the effectiveness of conservation and management members for Atlantic highly migratory species. The United States delegation must go into this meeting with a strong position that noncompliance by nations that are members of ICCAT is unacceptable. The U.S. has been a world leader in pushing for conservation measures at ICCAT. In addition, we have put restrictions on our fishermen, both recreational and commercial, to implement these international conservation measures. Again and again, the U.S. has restricted our fishermen and then had to watch as foreign nations allowed their fishermen to break the internationally agreed upon rules. Not only have our fishermen suffered as a result of noncompliance by other nations, but the fish themselves have suffered. Atlantic white marlin populations, in particular, are at approximately 12 percent of their historic levels. Blue marlin are at about 40 percent of their historic levels. This is totally unacceptable, and, I might add, unnecessary.”