Policy News
UPDATE: The Pebble Limited Partnership has filed its permit application with the Corps of Engineers which has determined that it will conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to comply with its NEPA review of the project. The lengthy process requires that a comprehensive “alternatives assessment” be undertaken to consider a broad range of development alternatives... Read More
With the new year comes bittersweet news from AFS headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland: Tom Bigford is retiring as Director of Policy, with Drue Winters taking his place at the helm. “While Tom will continue to participate in AFS activities as a member of the Society, his invaluable expertise and persona will be greatly missed. Tom... Read More
AFS had plenty of reasons to stand up for fish and aquatic resources in 2017. From the Trump Administration’s proposed budget cuts to conservation funding to the repeal of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS), the Society has been working to ensure that Congress and federal agencies consider the best available science when... Read More
The National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) is an 11-year-old effort to shift attention, effort, and limited resources to state, federal, and private sectors with interests in fish habitats. Their mission is to protect, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish and aquatic communities through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation and improve the quality of life... Read More
The National Ocean Policy, launched by President Barack Obama in 2010, is facing congressional scrutiny regarding its scope and cost after seven years of slow but steady progress on the effort. In early December, the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard convened a hearing entitled “National Ocean Policy: Stakeholder Perspectives.”... Read More
UPDATE 12/19/2017 – The House has passed KARO and the bill now moves on to the Senate. Thank you for your support! The House Natural Resources Committee will consider H.R. 3979, the Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act, on November 29 and 30th in a full committee mark-up. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.),... Read More
In mid-December, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in the House, a major step forward in securing $1.3 billion annually for state fish and wildlife agencies to undertake significant, proactive conservation efforts for imperiled species. If enacted, fisheries biologists and other resource professionals will be able... Read More
By Tom Bigford, AFS Policy Director This is my 51st and final column for Fisheries magazine, which is cause for celebration and angst. I will be retiring shortly after this column is published, leaving my policy director post at AFS. Other than tasks associated with my continuing role as past-president of the AFS Fish Habitat Section, my... Read More
By Steve McMullin, AFS President President Barack Obama once famously said, “Elections have consequences.” The first year of the Trump Administration clearly demonstrates the truth of that statement, and the consequences for fisheries and the environment are potentially “huge.” The Trump Administration’s approach to science and the environment during its first year in office included... Read More
Tuesday, December 12 The House Committee on Natural Resources has scheduled a markup on 15 bills including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act beginning on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. in 1324 Longworth House Office Building. The committee will convene for opening statements only and will reconvene the following day. Tuesday, December 12... Read More
