Protecting our oceans, supporting our fishermen

Over the last decades, American fishermen have helped reform our fisheries and protect our oceans from overfishing — thanks in part to one transformative law. Find out more below.

The amazing comeback of U.S. fisheries

There was a time decades ago when American fisheries were overfished and unsustainable. But a little-known environmental law changed all this, leading to one of America’s greatest comeback stories.

There was a time decades ago when American fisheries were overfished and unsustainable. But a little-known environmental law changed all this, leading to one of America’s greatest comeback stories.

The Magnuson-Stevens Act is not exactly a household name. But over the past four decades, it has been responsible for a remarkable comeback in U.S. fisheries: from overfished federal disaster zones to some of the best managed natural resources in the world. Now, MSA serves as a legislative success that everyone should know about.

What is the biggest threat to our oceans?

Scientists know that overfishing is the single greatest threat to ocean health. Thanks to the MSA and the fishermen who embraced it, today half of the country’s once depleted fish populations have been rebuilt. And since 2000 alone, 45 stocks have gone from overfished to sustainable. Fishermen have benefited from higher catch volumes, increases in sales — and in many areas — increases in profits.

The ocean has benefited too. Under the MSA, 800 million acres of ocean have been designated as Essential Fish Habitat in order to reduce environmental impacts, protect biodiversity and save wildlife. MSA has helped save more than 65,000 turtles every year.

Infographic: A successful reform [PDF]

You can make a difference

Through the Magnuson-Stevens Act, U.S. fisheries, fishermen and ocean ecosystems are seeing major improvements deserving of appreciation. But more needs to be done, and you can help.

Check out Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch to find your best local, sustainable seafood choices.