Jerry Moran: “These programs put together by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are designed to replenish diminishing…”

“These programs put together by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are designed to replenish diminishing fish stocks. They assign shares to individuals, cooperatives, other fishing communities, because what we have seen that has resulted in depleted fish stocks and overfishing is a race to fish where the concern is that the stock is being depleted. And so they run out to get what's left. NOAA is trying to intervene and equitably divide up what's left, what we scientifically understand is left, and try to cooperate. Now, I can understand there are many fishing communities that don't want NOAA's intervention. But NOAA has been successful in ensuring sustainable fisheries and preventing overfishing and creating more stable and lucrative fishing jobs in communities from Alaska to Florida. And they bring a lot of economic and biological benefits. They eliminate what many think are dangerous races to fish, or what are called 'derby' conditions, and they improve safety for fishermen. NOAA seems to know what they're doing. Where they've done it, it's been successful. I think we should look to the experts and understand that we've got to have greater sustainability of our fishing stock.”