Wanted Budget-Accountability Measure

The article discussed the proposed budget recently released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The article contends that the proposed budget does not cover tremendous needs within the fishing community.

NOAA proposes to spend $50 million in taxpayer funds to implement catch shares. The NOAA budget offers no increases for stock assessments, surveys and basic research. The budget also reduces the funds available for cooperative research with the industry, which is problematic. The article highlights that funds are needed for stock assessments in this new era of annual catch limits and accountability measures. Secondly, the article supports the notion that the trust between fisherman and the National Marine Fisherman Service (NMFS) needs to be strengthened. In order to do so, it is suggested that the budget should include funds allocated towards cooperative research programs.