Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management: The Present and Future for United States Fisheries
Open AccessOver the last decade, fishery managers have made a push to change from a compartmentalized single species approach to a more holistic ecosystem-based approach. Such a change is integral to creating sustainable and economically viable fisheries. Fortunately, the shift to Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management can largely take place under the current regime provided by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Unfortunately, there exist several legislative complications that if not addressed will frustrate fishery rebuilding efforts and harm present and future fishing communities.This thesis argues that while EBFM is the most effective management regime available to federal fishery managers today, legislative changes must be made in order to mitigate the unintended issues associated with its implementation. Specifically, small adjustments made to the current arbitrary rebuilding timeline required by the MSA, as well as the population requirements in both the MSA and the Marine Mammal Protection Act should ensure a more balanced ecosystem, alleviating pressure to fish stocks, while also providing much needed relief to struggling fishing communities.
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