What is the Magnuson-Stevens Act?
The principle law governing both commercial and recreational fisheries in federal waters is the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) of 1976. The original intent of the MSFCMA was to establish authority over the EEZ to eliminate harvesting by foreign fishing fleets. While conservation of fish stocks was another goal, the MSFCMA also provided for significant expansion of U.S. offshore fishing capability. The result was, within 10 years, an over-harvest by the domestic fleet of certain fish species equal to that previously produced by the foreign fleets.
