Bill Overview
Title: Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2022
Description: Sustaining America's Fisheries for the Future Act of 202 This bill sets forth and revises various provisions relating to fisheries conservation and management, including to increase the adaptive capacity of fishery management to the impacts of climate change, implement working waterfront plans, establish an innovation prize for data collection technology used in fisheries management, and establish a national standardized reporting program for bycatch.
Sponsors: Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals involved or employed in the global fishing industry and related activities
Estimated Size: 1500000
- The fishing industry involves millions of people worldwide, including fishers, fish processors, and those involved in the supply chain.
- Fisheries management affects not just those directly involved in fishing, but also environmental groups, scientists, and policy makers.
- Climate change impact minimization efforts in fisheries is a global concern affecting many coastal and island nations' economies significantly dependent on fisheries.
- Standardization of reporting and innovations in data collection will impact those involved in fisheries research and technology development.
- Bycatch management is a process affecting and involving environmental and conservation communities globally.
Reasoning
- The fishing industry, while not a large employer directly within the United States, is crucial for certain communities, especially in states like Alaska and Maine.
- This policy will mainly impact those directly involved in fisheries, such as fishers, policy advocates, and scientists.
- By including a mix of people from directly within the fishing industry and those on its periphery, such as conservationists and policymakers, we reflect a realistic range of impacts on wellbeing.
- The policy is focused on adaptation to climate change, which might bring long-term improvements but less immediate effects.
- The development of technological innovations and the standardized reporting system are likely to benefit researchers and policymakers.
- The policy changes will have varying levels of impact based on geographical location (coastal vs inland) and occupation (directly vs indirectly involved in fisheries).
Simulated Interviews
Commercial Fisherman (Kodiak, Alaska)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might help in adapting to changes in fish populations due to climate change.
- The idea of better data collection is good if it helps us fish more sustainably.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
Marine Biologist (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction for sustainable fisheries management.
- I'm excited about the national standardized reporting program for bycatch.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Fish Processor (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about future job security if fish supplies are impacted by policies.
- Standardization could make my job easier if it leads to better management.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Conservation Advocate (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better management plans can definitely help with conservation efforts.
- The innovation prize seems like a good incentive for technological solutions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Data Scientist (Miami, Florida)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The focus on data collection presents exciting opportunities for tech development.
- I hope to be involved in projects related to the innovation prize.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Policy Maker (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced reporting will help create more effective policies.
- The act gives us a better framework to deal with climate impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Seafood Restaurant Manager (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could stabilize fish supplies, which is good for business.
- Concerns remain about how quickly implementation happens.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Climate Scientist (Durham, North Carolina)
Age: 49 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The adaptation efforts align with scientific recommendations.
- I anticipate better collaboration opportunities with fisheries data improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Fish Retailer (Portland, Maine)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better management may help secure local fish supplies.
- The transition period worries me, as changes can disrupt business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Fisheries Technologist (San Diego, California)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The innovation prize is a great motivator for improving data collection technology.
- I look forward to contributing new technology solutions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $22000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $32000000)
Year 3: $23000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $34000000)
Year 5: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $36000000)
Year 10: $27000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $39000000)
Year 100: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $45000000)
Key Considerations
- Environmental regulations can have significant transition costs but aim for long-term sustainability benefits.
- Engagement with diverse stakeholders is crucial for successful implementation.
- Technological advancements may lead to unanticipated cost savings or efficiencies.