In response to rampant overfishing, excessive bycatch (the incidental capture of non-target fish and other marine life), loss of habitat and other threats to our fisheries, Congress passed the Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA) in 1996. This landmark legislation amended the Fishery Conservation and Management Act with strict new mandates to prevent and stop overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, minimize bycatch and protect essential fish habitat.