What is the difference between overfished and overfishing?
The MSFCMA of 2007 further established requirements that each FMP include a definition of overfishing (too much fishing mortality – excess harvest/removal) and a plan for rebuilding overfished stocks (too few individuals – insufficient biomass); overfishing must be stopped within two years and a plan must be developed to rebuild overfished fisheries within 10 years. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) of 2007 included new mandate that FMPs must establish a mechanism for setting annual catch limits that immediately prevent overfishing. Catch limits that prevent overfishing also must be in place by 2010 for every stock currently under federal management.
