October 09, 2009

Gillibrand Urges Feds To Oppose Global Listing That Would Crush Long Island's Commercial Fishing Exports

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today urged the federal government to oppose a global listing that would crush Long Island's commercial fishing exports. An upcoming international meeting will include discussions on classifying the spiny dogfish as an endangered species due to trade. However, the U.S. has operated its fishing industry with catch caps that have prevented the spiny dogfish depletion seen in other countries. Senator Gillibrand expressed opposition to listing spiny dogfish has endangered, which could have grave consequences for Long Island's fresh dogfish export market.

In her letter to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, Senator Gillibrand wrote, "The United States has operated an efficient and profitable industry surrounding spiny dogfish exports. We have done so while still maintaining strict cap systems that have contributed to the rebuilding of the stock. Such a listing would be harmful for those markets that export the spiny dogfish in New York State."

For nearly a decade, the domestic dogfish industry along the East Coast has been operating under a restrictive catch cap, with the directed fishery closed. As a result of this catch cap, the stocks have dramatically rebounded in this area. Unfortunately, other countries have not shown the same level of discipline in managing their spiny dogfish stocks. This has led to depleted stocks of the same species in other waters.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species listing is reserved for greatly threatened or endangered species that have been depleted from excessive trade. Senator Gillibrand called on the U.S. government to not take a position in the upcoming negotiations to restrict the domestic industry.

The Atlantic coastal states, acting through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, officially opposed this listing.  Likewise, an unusual and broad coalition of recreational and charter groups, commercial fishery organizations, processors, exporters, and buyers have all come together to pass along the same message.