H.R. 2304 addresses a timely issue that must be addressed before the end of this year, to prevent uninformed fishery management decisions.

H.R. 2304, introduced by Representative Wittman, is a good start, but it fails to help all fishermen.

Mr. Wittman's proposed bill eases requirements that will provide more access to fisheries by recreational fishermen but does little to allow commercial fishermen similar access to their fisheries.

We need to pass this bill and we need to pass it urgently, as soon as possible.

I think our position has been pretty clear on that. We have been opposed to it from the beginning because we think the agency has the flexibility to do it.

I believe the basic premise of H.R. 2304 is on point but that we need to expand and refine some provisions before moving forward if we are to make this bill helpful to the entire regulated community.

What I just heard from Mr. Shelley and what I heard from the Charterboat Association was we don't think you ought to amend the Magnuson Act.

You know, as I look at how these annual catch limits are set, I know there are a number of other elements there--the overfishing limit, which corresponds to maximum sustainable yields--so I am going to kind of dive into a few fishery science terms here, and the acceptable biological catch.

I think we all hear concerns from time to time about the validity and the robustness of the data used to make these very difficult decisions.

I too support the concept of adding SSC oversight.

I appreciate you taking the opportunity to schedule this important hearing on amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.