Stop Rollbacks on Ocean Protections
Our oceans are in serious decline. Over-fishing, marine habitat destruction, coastal development, and pollution are pushing our ocean systems to the brink of collapse.
Over-fishing and other harmful effects from poorly managed fisheries have been increasing at an untenable rate. Only 13 percent of the nation's ocean fish populations can be considered healthy, yet some members of Congress want to rollback longstanding safeguards, which would increase serious environmental threats to ocean fish and marine ecosystems.
If these safeguards are lost, fisheries managers will be allowed to over-fish for a longer period of time before they are forced to clean up their act. As a result, the fish populations and ecosystems they impact could collapse, devastating both our marine environment and coastal economies.
Tell Congress you care about the health of our oceans. Sign the petition asking your Senators to oppose efforts to weaken protections for our ocean fish.
Dear Senator:
I am deeply concerned about the state of our oceans and ask that you oppose any efforts to weaken protections for America's ocean fish. Despite the fact that many of our ocean fish populations are severely depleted, some in Congress are trying to undercut important conservation measures in current law. If their efforts are successful, the number of severely depleted fish populations could increase and the recovery of already dangerously diminished fish populations may be recklessly delayed or prevented.
[your comment here]
Weakening existing requirements to stop overfishing and restore depleted fish populations would delay and jeopardize the recovery of vulnerable fish populations. This would harm ocean ecosystems, and the fishing communities who depend on healthy fish populations for their economic survival. Furthermore, waiving essential requirements for public participation in fishery management decisions would eliminate important opportunities for local communities to have a say in federal actions affecting their lives and livelihoods.
America needs and deserves strong fishery management policies that ensure the long-term health and sustainability of all our ocean fish populations. I urge you to oppose any attempts to weaken ocean fish conservation measures in current law. It is equally important that you oppose efforts to eliminate the requirement that fishery managers assess the environmental impacts of fishery management decisions and give the public a say in these decisions.
Thank you for considering these comments. The health of our oceans and coastal communities depends on your leadership.
Sincerely,
[your name]
[your address]
