Robert Torricelli: “our oceans are one of America's most precious and valuable resources. For hundreds of millions of people, our coastal…”

“our oceans are one of America's most precious and valuable resources. For hundreds of millions of people, our coastal waters are a place of relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation. The oceans are also a tremendous supply of fish and other seafood, many caught by commercial fishers and others by recreational sportsmen and hobbyists. There is a growing concern, however, about protecting ocean habitat from the damaging effects of some types of commercial fishing gear. The manner in which these concerns are presently being handled by the National Marine Fishery Service has led to a great deal of confusion and litigation. Therefore, in an effort to protect important ocean substrates that are recognized as critical areas of marine habitat, I, with my colleague, Senator Max Cleland of Georgia, am introducing a bill today that takes a much more direct approach. I have received many letters from constituents in my home State of New Jersey who are concerned about the use of 'rock hopper' nets in the New York Bight area and elsewhere. They have chronicled the negative effects of this gear and the damage they see occurring as a result of its use. In response to their concerns I feel compelled to introduce in the Senate companion legislation to Congressman Joel Hefley's Sea Bed Protection Act of 2002, which he introduced recently in the House. This bill will amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act by reining in the use of this damaging fishing gear.”