It's the Law
he National Marine Fisheries Service hasn't shifted its focus to conservation issues simply because of pressure from interest groups. Laws passed over the past three decades have given the agency new environmental responsibilities:
Year
1972-73
Law
Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act
Effect
Gave NMFS authority to protect ocean species at risk of extinction.
Year
1976
Law
Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Effect
Basic NMFS management statute created regional fishery councils, authorized agency to manage fisheries and established 200-mile coastal zone.
Year
1996
Law
Sustainable Fisheries Act
Effect
Required NMFS to identify and protect essential fish habitat, cut the number of fish caught accidentally in nets set for other species and reduce overfishing.
NEXT STORY: Government Performance Project Report Card