New Gretna, NJ - One cabinet appointment under the Trump Administration that was being closely watched by fishermen and the marine industry was confirmed yesterday by the US Senate. By a vote of 72-27, the Senate approved Wilbur Ross as the Secretary of Commerce.
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) is known primarily for its promotion of domestic economic development and international trade policy. Closer to the dock and of greater importance to fishermen, the DOC oversees the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the two federal agencies that hold primary authority to implement and enforce federal fisheries laws such as the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). The Secretary of Commerce also makes appointments to the regional fishery management councils. The recreational fishing industry expects that policies put forward by Secretary Ross will have profound impacts on recreational fishermen and the marine industry.
"We congratulate Secretary Ross and look forward to an administration at NOAA that is committed to protecting American jobs as well as our marine resources," stated Nick Cicero, Sales Manager for Folsom Corporation and member of the Recreational Fishing Alliance Board of Directors.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance believes Mr. Ross's strong business background will bring a positive tone to the DOC thereby spurring growth in our sector. RFA is also looking forward to Secretary Ross bringing an end to agenda driven management policies that have plagued DOC for the past 8 years. Much of this positive change within DOC will require a purging of failing policies, ideology and political appointments of the previous administration.
"A great place to start draining some of that swamp is down in Maryland at Silver Spring," said RFA executive director Jim Donofrio, referencing the headquarters of NOAA Fisheries. "The ideological appointments of our last president, flooding NOAA Fisheries for eight years with anti-fishing policies, were bad for fishing and shows the need for a major housecleaning operation this spring."
Secretary Ross comes into office at a time when recreational anglers are facing unwarranted restrictions in many important fisheries and are threatened by emotion driven policies such as catch shares and marine sanctuaries. Many in the recreational fishing community are looking to Secretary Ross to review these policies and return the department to a responsible, science-based management approach with respect to the marine resources. DOC will also play a key role in identified the shortcomings of the Magnuson Act as a reauthorization bill moves through the House and Senate this session of Congress.
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About Recreational Fishing Alliance
The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues.
The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 888-JOIN-RFA or visit www.joinrfa.org.
Recreational Fishing Alliance
Contact: Jim Donofrio / 888-564-6732
