Pew Comments on the Development of Island-Based Fishery Management Plans in the U.S. Caribbean

The Pew Charitable Trusts presented the following public comment to NOAA Fisheries Service regarding the Council's consideration of island-based fishery management plans.

The development of three island-specific fishery management plans represents a major shift in how resources are managed by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council and a unique opportunity to pursue an ecosystem-based approach that could improve the sustainability of these multi-species fisheries. Broadly speaking, the goal of such an approach should be to manage the fisheries to maintain healthy ecosystems and preserve the natural diversity of populations, species, and biological communities so as not to jeopardize a wide range of goods and services provided by the ecosystem, including food, revenue, and recreation for humans.

Download the full comment in PDF format.