Amata Co-introduces Bipartisan FISHES Act

Strengthens Fishery Disaster Relief

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is an original cosponsor upon introduction of the bipartisan FISHES Act, fully titled the Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation Act.

“Sadly, we know that disaster can strike quickly in the ocean with high winds, waves, and damages, and it’s important to local economies and the food supply chain to respond efficiently in restoring fisheries after emergencies,” said Congresswoman Amata.

This bipartisan bill in cooperation with more than a dozen cosponsors at introduction was led by Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) with Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa), and Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam), as well as Reps. Bilirakis (R-FL), Moskowitz (D-FL), Dunn (R-FL), Carter (D-LA), Nehls (R-TX), Rutherford (R-FL), Webster (R-FL), Luna (R-FL), Higgins (R-LA) and Mast (R-FL).  

The FISHES Act would improve the federal regulatory process associated with the allocation of fishery disaster relief, including within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The bill seeks to expedite the distribution of federal disaster relief following official fishery disaster declarations. It cuts red tape by enacting a 30-day decision requirement for OMB to deny/approve the State’s spending plan, which will ultimately expedite the federal fishery disaster relief funding process overall.

Rep. Byron Donalds said, “The devastation incurred by the U.S. seafood industry in Southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian was catastrophic, and the impact still persists. Our waterways are the lifeblood of our economy and the community, and it’s always been my commitment to advocate for water’s vitality—which ultimately benefits countless families, businesses, and the overall development of Florida’s 19th Congressional District. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan FISHES Act, and I thank every member supporting this effort.”

Organizations already endorsing the bill include National Audubon Society, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Captains for Clean Water, American Conservation Coalition Action, National Association of Charterboat Operators, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Marine Industries Association of SWFL and Tampa Bay, and Southern Offshore Fishing Association.

“Disasters like hurricanes and oil spills can seriously damage our coasts. This bill will help coastal communities get disaster assistance funding sooner to rebuild coastal habitats, so people and birds can recover more quickly after a disaster strikes.” – Remy Moncrieffe, Marine Conservation Policy Manager, National Audubon Society

"Burdensome federal regulations exist in so many areas of environmental and energy policy, from our onerous energy permitting process to states' ability to secure disaster relief funding. The American Conservation Coalition Action (ACC Action) applauds this bipartisan effort to cut red tape for a more prosperous, cleaner future." – Morgan Brummund, American Conservation Coalition Action 

For full bill text of the FISHES Act see HERE.

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