White House pledge to veto fishing bill fuels dispute

A White House vow to veto suggested changes to federal fishing laws has set the fishermen at odds over whether the rule changes should be saved or discarded. U.S. Representative Don Young (R-Alaska), has proposed a bill to modify the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The act will provide fishery managers with more versatility in rebuilding fish stocks. The new bill will include a provision that fishery regulators should be able to consider when it comes to setting annual catch limits. According to the White House, the administration “strongly opposes” the changes and President Barack Obama’s senior advisers would recommend a veto if the bill to approve them passes. The condemnation has sparked heated dialogue among fishermen, some of whom are convinced that the bill would give regional management councils more flexibility when they set the rules and regulations for fishermen. Others praised the veto promise and said they worry that Young’s bill would undo years of hard work to rebuild fish stocks under the current Magnuson-Stevens Act. The House of Representatives is presumed to debate and possibly vote on the bill as early as next week. Young has made an iron-clad case for his proposal, which he said would “streamline the management process” and sustain the rebuilding of depleted fish stocks. He added that his bill still could be altered, and the veto warning is premature.