This is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), which turned 50 years old on April 13, 2026. The resolution doesn't create new laws or change existing ones—it's Congress formally recognizing the importance of this landmark 1976 law that governs fishing in U.S. ocean waters. The MSA is a big deal for America's fishing industry and coastal communities. It extended U.S. control over fishing waters 200 miles offshore, which kicked out unregulated foreign fishing fleets that were overfishing American waters. Today, the fishing industry generates over $319 billion in sales and supports 2.1 million jobs, while providing Americans with affordable seafood and supporting recreational fishing traditions. The resolution highlights that the MSA has successfully rebuilt 52 fish stocks, kept overfishing to just 4% of managed stocks, and created eight regional councils where fishermen, scientists, conservationists, and Indigenous communities work together to make fishing decisions. Congress is using this resolution to celebrate the people who work in fishing and to reaffirm its commitment to keeping the MSA strong as it faces modern challenges like climate change, ocean conditions, and illegal foreign fishing.

Huffman, Jared

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act on April 13, 2026, and recognizing its significant impact on the sustainable and profitable management of the Nation's fishery resources.