What is the Sustainable Fisheries Act?
In 1996, the MSFCMA was reauthorized by Congress as the Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA), with the addition of new, specific standards to which FMPs must conform. The most recent reauthorization of the MSFCMA in 2007 includes standards that significantly impact red snapper management: Standard 1: Conservation and management measures shall prevent overfishing while achieving, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from each fishery for the United States fishing industry. Standard 2: Conservation and management measures must be based upon the best scientific information available. Standard 3: To the extent practicable, Individual stocks must be managed as a unit throughout their range to the extent practicable; interrelated stocks must be managed as a unit or in close coordination. Standard 4: Conservation and management measures shall not discriminate between residents of different States. If it becomes necessary to allocate or assign fishing privileges among various United States fish
