H.R.3714 - Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3714, the Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2025, aims to improve the management of forage fish by amending the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to define 'forage fish,' incorporate scientific advice on forage fish into fishery management decisions, and protect unmanaged forage fish populations. It also mandates specific actions regarding river herring and shad populations.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to more stringent regulations on forage fish harvesting, potentially impacting existing fisheries while aiming to enhance marine ecosystem health. It will require the Secretary of Commerce and regional fishery councils to prioritize forage fish management and consider their role in the broader ecosystem when setting catch limits. This could result in changes to fishing practices and resource allocation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced marine ecosystem health through better forage fish management.
- Protection of predator species that rely on forage fish for sustenance.
- Improved scientific understanding of forage fish populations and their role in marine ecosystems.
- More sustainable fisheries management practices.
- Increased transparency and stakeholder involvement in fishery management decisions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential economic impacts on existing fisheries due to stricter regulations.
- Increased administrative burden and costs for the Secretary of Commerce and regional fishery councils.
- Possible conflicts between different stakeholder groups (e.g., commercial fishermen, conservationists).
- Uncertainty in the definition and management of 'forage fish'.
- Delayed implementation due to required studies and regulatory processes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, as it pertains to fisheries management in marine ecosystems, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause). The Act also charges the Secretary of Commerce with specific duties, which falls under the executive branch's responsibility to execute laws, as described in Article II. No specific constitutional conflicts are apparent.
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).