Adding a Dash of SALT

The members of Congress who led the charge to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act in 2006 included key policies that will make a difference for recreational saltwater anglers. These policies, recommended by the Angling 4 Oceans campaign's SALT Principles, will ensure that Science is used for fisheries decisions, Allocation for recreational fishing is equitable, Licensed anglers will improve data and funding, and Tackle is less destructive.

Click here to see how the final bill incorporated the SALT Principles

Science must be used in marine fisheries conservation.

• Establish appropriate guidelines for Marine Protected Areas that require a scientific basis for designation, a transparent process, periodic review, and include clear criteria for their creation.
• Guarantee that an adequate environmental review process is in place when developing fishery management plans and protecting essential fish habitat.
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Allocate fisheries resources more equitably to recreational fishermen.

• Improve allocation of fish stocks so that the economic impact of all sectors — including commercial, recreational, and charter fishing — and not just the historical catch is considered in determining harvests limits for each fishery. Also, our leaders must ensure science-based rebuilding of stocks that have been commercially over-fished.
• Reduce commercial fleets in overcapitalized fisheries through buy-out programs that have the dedicated funding sources to make them successful and fair to fishermen remaining in the industry, as well as allowing for continuation of recreational fisheries.
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License saltwater anglers to improve data collection and increase funding.

• Implement a uniform, state-based saltwater fishing license that will: (1) determine the number of saltwater anglers in federal and state waters; (2) provide for uniform collection of standardized data on catch levels; (3) utilize and build upon the existing network of state fishing licensing systems for efficiency and ease of availability to the angling public, and (4) provide for federal access to such data to improve recreational harvest statistics.
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Tackle used by fishermen should reduce bycatch and not damage habitat.

• Require that commercial harvesting gear is evaluated and certified as appropriate in each fishery to reduce the use of gear that is destructive to habitat and non-target marine life and encourage the research and use of new technologies.
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