SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS INTRODUCES PAIR OF BILLS TO SAFEGUARD MAINE’S COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) has introduced a pair of bills that, together, aim to improve the lives of Maine's fishermen. One bill makes much needed improvements in the science and regulatory standards used in fisheries management in an attempt to stem the numerous lawsuits involving fisheries management plans. The other gives tax incentives to fisherman to encourage them to purchase life-saving safety equipment.

"The release of the book and subsequent movie ‘The Perfect Storm' provided millions of Americans with a glimpse of the challenges and dangers associated with earning a living in the fishing industry," said Senator Susan Collins. "While based on a true story, the movie merely scratches the surface in exploring the struggles of modern-day fishermen. Every day, members of our fishing communities struggle to cope with the pressures of running a small business, complying with extensive regulations, and maintaining their vessels and equipment. Added to these challenges, are the dangers associated with fishing. My bills aim to ease some of these pressures."

Collins's "Fisheries Science and Management Improvement Act" seeks to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Act, injecting consistency and common-sense standards into the fisheries management process. Her legislation requires scientific data, including all stock assessments, to be peer-reviewed and to include the consideration of anecdotal information gathered from fishermen. It also will ensure that the process of rebuilding stocks is based on rational and comprehensive science. For instance, it redefines the concept of ‘overfishing' to take into account natural fluctuations in the marine environment. In addition, the Collins proposal treats the fishing industry as a legitimate interest in fisheries management by acknowledging the important role that commercial fishing plays in food security. Finally, it would reduce the litigation burden by requiring that fisheries management plans are pre-determined to be compliant with the law. "The nation's fisheries management system, as it is currently designed, is broken. If anyone doubts this is the case, I want to point out that more than 100 lawsuits are currently pending against the Department of Commerce involving fisheries management plans."

In addition, Collins is pushing the "Commercial Fishermen Safety Act," that provides a tax credit equal to 75 percent of the amount paid by fishermen to purchase or maintain safety equipment. The tax credit is capped at $1500.

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