Mongabay · Climate & nature

US Fishing Deregulation May Harm Ecosystems, Experts Warn

NOAA Fisheries plans to loosen fishing restrictions, including near protected species and in marine monuments, sparking concerns about overfishing and ecosystem damage.

The agency's 34 priorities aim to reduce regulations on where, when, and how fishers operate, potentially weakening foundational national standards.

Conservationists warn these changes could lead to overfishing, with long-term negative impacts on fish stocks and ocean health.

The priorities also focus on updating monitoring technology and involving fishers in decision-making.

Proposed budget cuts to NOAA Fisheries could hinder conservation efforts and scientific research.

Changes may affect protections for species like North Atlantic right whales and marine mammals.

Attempts to remove fishing restrictions in marine national monuments are facing legal challenges.

Experts view altering national standards as a significant, potentially harmful shift, while some fishers seek better management over deregulation.

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