Chellie Pingree: “I thank Mr. Grijalva for the time. I rise to support the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, but not the bill…”

“I thank Mr. Grijalva for the time. I rise to support the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, but not the bill we have before us today. Like many of my colleagues here in Congress who represent coastal States, I know the importance of a vibrant fishery and the importance of Federal policy in this area that keeps our Nation's fisheries moving forward. I live on a small offshore island, and many of my neighbors make their living as fishermen, as do many of my constituents. The most lucrative fishery in my area is for lobsters, and it is one of the most successful and sustainable fisheries in America because lobstermen and -women have taken the long-term view. It is so successful and so sustainable because it has been carefully regulated for decades. Strict rules have led to bigger and bigger catches and rising income for fishermen. This fishery is proof that building a strong fishery happens first by ensuring there is a resource for fishermen to harvest. Iconic species like haddock and pollock have been devastated by overfishing. They can still make a comeback, but not if we turn our backs on them and the fishermen who depend on them. The collapse of many of these fisheries has taken its toll on fishing families and fishing communities, but slowly rebuilding these species is rebuilding our hope for the future. Now is not the time to abandon these efforts. Now is not the time to give up on the progress we have already made.…”