Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act of 2026; MAWS Act of 2026
Summary
The Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act of 2026 (MAWS Act) directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a pilot program for the sale of blue catfish caught within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This program aims to mitigate the impact of blue catfish, an invasive species, while supporting local watermen and seafood processors. The Act amends the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 to include the blue catfish pilot program.
Expected Effects
The MAWS Act will create a market for blue catfish, incentivizing their removal from the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This could lead to a reduction in the blue catfish population and potential benefits for the native ecosystem. The Act also provides financial support to watermen and seafood processors through cooperative agreements.
Potential Benefits
- Supports local watermen by creating a market for blue catfish.
- May help restore the ecological balance in the Chesapeake Bay by reducing the invasive blue catfish population.
- Could lead to new business opportunities in processing and manufacturing blue catfish products.
- Provides data and recommendations for future invasive species mitigation efforts.
- Offers a framework for similar programs in other watersheds.
Potential Disadvantages
- The program's success depends on the market demand for blue catfish.
- The 2-year duration of the pilot program may be insufficient to assess long-term ecological impacts.
- There is a risk that the program could inadvertently incentivize overfishing of blue catfish if not properly managed.
- The 15% cap on transportation cost offsets may be insufficient for some participants.
- The program's effectiveness relies on accurate data collection and reporting.
Constitutional Alignment
The MAWS Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the economic well-being of watermen and the ecological health of the Chesapeake Bay. Congress has the power to regulate commerce, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which supports the establishment of a pilot program involving the sale of fish. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).