Public Law 118 – 229: Fishery Improvement to Streamline Untimely Regulatory Hurdles Post-Emergency Situation Act (FISHES Act)
Enacted Date: January 28, 2025
Sponsor: Senator John Doe (R-Alaska)
Co-Sponsors: Senators Jane Smith (D-Washington) and Mark Brown (R-Louisiana)
Purpose: To streamline the regulatory process for fishery management and streamline permitting for infrastructure projects that support the commercial fishing industry in the aftermath of natural disasters or other emergencies.
Background:
In the wake of natural disasters or other emergencies, the commercial fishing industry often faces significant delays and economic losses due to the slow and burdensome regulatory process. These delays can hinder the industry’s ability to recover and rebuild.
Key Provisions of the FISHES Act:
- Expedited Permitting for Emergency Infrastructure: Allows for expedited permitting for infrastructure projects that support the commercial fishing industry in areas affected by disasters or emergencies. These projects may include rebuilding or repairing docks, processing facilities, and other infrastructure necessary for fishing operations.
- Scientific Information Sharing: Directs federal agencies to share scientific information and data with state and local governments to facilitate timely decision-making in post-emergency situations. This will help decision-makers understand the impacts of the disaster on fishery resources and inform recovery efforts.
- Regulatory Relief for Emergency Response: Provides temporary regulatory relief for fishing vessels and processors that are engaged in emergency response activities. This will allow these businesses to focus on providing assistance without fear of regulatory violations.
- Coordination and Planning: Establishes a National Emergency Fishery Response Task Force to coordinate and plan for the fishery management response to natural disasters and other emergencies. The task force will include representatives from federal, state, and tribal agencies, as well as the fishing industry.
- Annual Reporting: Requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the FISHES Act. The report will include information on the number of permits issued, the economic impact of the act, and any recommendations for improvements.
Impact of the FISHES Act:
The FISHES Act is expected to have a significant positive impact on the commercial fishing industry by:
- Streamlining the permitting process and reducing regulatory burdens for infrastructure projects that support the industry.
- Facilitating access to scientific information to inform decision-making and recovery efforts.
- Providing temporary regulatory relief to businesses engaged in emergency response activities.
- Improving coordination and planning for fishery management response to emergencies.
The act is a bipartisan effort to support the commercial fishing industry and ensure its resilience in the face of natural disasters and other emergencies. It will help businesses rebuild quickly, protect fishery resources, and sustain the livelihoods of those who rely on the industry.
Public Law 118 – 229 – Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation Act” or the “FISHES Act
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